Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/722202
B M & T ••• May/June 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 12 As a meetings destination, Baltimore has long been touted for its convenience, service and consistent ability to deliver a strong ROI. More recently, Baltimore has become a premier destination for African- American meetings and conventions. Since January 2010, Baltimore has booked 48 African-American meetings, and counting. Many notable African- American meetings will be held Baltimore in coming years, including the 2017 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority North Atlantic Regional Conference and the NAACP 2017 Annual Convention. Baltimore is also the host city of the 2016 National Urban League Annual Convention – an event drawing more than 13,000 attendees. "There are few cities in the nation as diverse and dynamic as Baltimore," said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. "We chose to bring our 2016 conference to Baltimore in part because of its rich civil rights history, vibrant cultural offerings and unique charm. The committed leadership of Mayor Stephanie Rawlings- Blake and our own J. Howard Henderson of the Greater Baltimore Urban League also were powerful incentives to choose Baltimore. The people of Baltimore are committed to our mission of empowerment, and we look forward to our most successful and powerful conference yet." Aerial Skyline of Baltimore B A LT I M O R E : A P R E M I E R D E S T I N AT I O N F O R A F R I C A N - A