Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/799467
B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 10 Hello TPOC Members, Hope you all exercised your right to vote! And if you're like me, glad it's over. TPOC is constantly growing. Since the last news brief, we've wel- comed the following new members: Jacinda McDuffie of Columbia, South Caroline, Paula Beatty of Carmel, Indiana and Elizabeth Williams, of El Sobrante, California. We are also excited about the return of Carnival Cruise Lines, a long time Corporate member of TPOC. I am also pleased to announce, Carnival will be a sponsor of the 2017 confer- ence, presenting all the new adventures and items happening for the world's most popular cruise line. TPOC 15th Annual Conference and Trade Show – Our 15th anniver- sary conference will be held May 18-21, at the luxurious Reunion Golf and Spa Resort in Orlando, FL. The conference rate for 2017 is $149.00 for members; $199.00 for non-members and for travel partners, $249.00. The conference rate includes pre- conference cultural tour (May 17th), general sessions, educational workshops, trade show, wel- come reception, closing gala and meals. So, do not procrastinate, get your registration in early. Space is limited for the cultural tour, which is sponsored by the Kissimmee CVB, and available on a first come first served basis. Remember this tour will convene on Wednesday, May 17, starting between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. You do not want to miss out on this great event. Please check the web site often for updates concerning the conference. Make sure you reserve your hotel accommodation soon, there are limited rooms available at the conference rate. The nightly rate for a one- bedroom villa is $149.00; two-bedroom villa is $169.00 and three-bed- room villa $189.00. You can now reserve your hotel accommodation by calling (877) 856-2171 and give the group code: TPOC or reserve your accommodations online at www.reunionresort.com , click on reserva- tions then enter dates and online code: TPOC. Registration and reserva- tions can also be made through the TPOC web site. The board has researched transportation to and from the Orlando airport and the resort. It appears Mears Shuttle Service is offering the best deal of $37.00 round-trip. Remember the distance between the airport and resort is about 30 minutes. Each of you can pay with your individual credit card, all you need to do is go to www.mears.com and go to "book Orlando shuttle now." In the promo code box, type "web10" to get a 10% discount. If you do not want to pay online, you may also pay at the Mears counter at the airport. OPENING LUNCHEON SPECIAL GUEST– We are pleased to announce, the successful entrepreneur and impassioned philanthropist, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, Ms. Sheila C. Johnson will be our special guest speaker at the conference opening luncheon. The lunch- eon will convene on May 18th in the Grande Ballroom at Reunion Resorts. We will also have with us, during the luncheon, the renowned "Business Revivalist", author, speaker and coach, Mr. Keith Powell. We are looking forward to what these special individuals have to share with us. TPOC MIRACLE GLOBE – Through the TPOC Miracle Globe project, we give annual donations to organizations that provide for the care and education of children in the areas we visit. Since our confer- ence will be held at the only place you will find a collection of signa- ture courses designed by golf's greatest legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer, we decided to introduce our first Golf Tournament to raise fun ds for the Miracle Globe. The tournament has been schedule for Saturday morning, May 20th. The details for this event are being worked out and will be available soon. Keep checking the website for additional information. The 2017 recipient of the Miracle Globe donation will be "Give Kids the World." It is a 79-acre, nonprofit resort in central Florida that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to chil dren with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Check out the website for "Give Kids the World", you will be amazed at all they do. CLIA – Cruise Lines International Association – Established in 1975, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment and is dedicated to promoting the cruise travel experience. We have not had them with us for several years and we are pleased to announce their return. CLIA will be offering a few accredited classes at the 2017 conference. If you need CLIA credits, here is another reason you need to be in attendance. CTA Testing at 2017 CONFERENCE – You still have time to join the vast number of travel professionals with the CTA (Certified Travel Associate) designation. The CTA, focuses on those "nuts and bolts" skills that you use daily – selling skills, customer service skills, destination knowledge and communication skills. Don't delay in your decision to join the ranks of our CTA's. TPOC is offering a great savings the CTA materials and the t est itself. Testing will be offered during the 2017 con- ference. Contact Yvonne Brooks if you are interested, she can be reached at ybrooks821@gmail.com. T P O C N E W S B R I E F S BY BETTY JONES