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3 B M & T ••• May/June 2016 ••• 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 23 23 12 12 VOLUME 23, ISSUE 3, 2016 FEATURES It's a fact! The South is well known for its deeply rooted African-American heritage, civil rights history and influen- tial culinary and musical traditions. Think of Birmingham's Civil Rights District, Atlanta's Sweet Auburn neighbor- hood, Mississippi Delta blues, New Orleans jazz, Memphis barbecue joints and South Carolina Low Country cook- ing. Along with their interest in the cultural roo ts of the South, many visitors to the region are drawn to the land itself, in search of outdoor sightseeing and adventure. Florida's Everglades, Arkansas' hot springs and Virginia's Shenandoah forest are just a few of the outstanding fea- tures of the Southern landscape. The African- American Guide to Meeting, Incentives and Traveling in the South tells the whole story. By Rufus McKinney 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 Newsmakers 8 Hotel Happenings 10 In The News 14 Religious Review 16 Caribbean Corner 38 Travel Data 39 From Motherland 40 Cruise News 42 British Virgin Islands 43 Atlantic City 44 Denver 46 Missouri 48 Southern California 50 Chicago Baltimore: A Premier Destination For African-American Meetings explores why Baltimore has long been touted for its convenience, service and consistent ability to deliver a strong ROI, but also how it has become a premier destination for African-American meetings and conventions. 18 18 The goal of today's convention centers is to provide the same comforting, hospitable yet professional atten- tion that is offered in the hotel setting. Centers are achieving this by undergoing drastic upgrades and reno- vations such as larger and more stylish looking facilities, enhanced food and beverage services, updated cutting- edge technology for meetings and conferences as well as the addition of in-house meeting planners to help through the booking process, among others. Convention Center Roundup offers a few venue possibilities for planners to consider when organizing their next small or mega event. By Solomon Herbert A R E A G U I D E S D E P A R T M E N T S Copyright: Marchello74 Downtown Chicago skyline