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3 B M & T ••• May/June 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com CONTENTS B L A C K M E E T I N G S & T O U R I S M COVER STORY 20 20 17 17 14 14 VOLUME 22, ISSUE 5, MAY/JUNE 2015 FEATURES A R E A G U I D E S DEPARTMENTS The South has a wealth of great cultural and recreation- al attractions. Meeting groups will find state-of-the-art facil- ities and lodging catering to a wide range of needs. One of the region's biggest selling points is a mild climate that makes outdoor activity and events available most of the year. The African-American Guide to Meeting, Incentives & Traveling in the South offers a selection of destinations that are beckoning visitors with their Southern charm. By Rufus McKinney 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 Newsmakers 7 Caribbean Corner 8 In The News 10 Hotel Happenings 12 TPOC News Briefs 13 Museum Notes 36 Cruise News 37 From Motherland 38 Travel Data 40 Southern California 42 British Virgin Islands 43 Denver 44 Fort Worth 46 Atlantic City 48 Milwaukee Across industries, organizations, and among individuals, the idea of "diversity" is defined many ways. In The Evolution of 'Diversity' in Hospitality & Tourism, Greg DeShields offers the perspecitve of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), which he says would not be com- plete without the essence of "inclusion" and the realization that diversity is a vital asset which must be embraced. By Greg DeShields 19 19 Friends and family are mourning the loss of Lu Vason, president and producer of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and creator of numerous unique national and local enter- tainment events. Producer, Rodeo Impresario Lu Vason Dies at 76 is a short tribute to the life and accom- plishments of this tourism industry legend. Louisville Slugger Museum, Louisville, Ky Photo Credit: James Moses As the 9th IT&CM China Opened to Business, Shanghai Opened its Doors reports on this year's lead- ing international MICE event that drew over 3,000 industry professionals to three days of networking, educational and business sessions. By Matt Thomas