Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/944430
B M & T ••• January/February 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 16 Atlantic City has to offer, incen- tive meetings are attracting more attention. Surplus of unique meeting space, headline entertainment, a foodie's delight and tax-free shop- ping. Atlantic City is located within a few hours' drive of nearly one-third of the nation's population, which plays a big role in attracting these type of meetings. Attending large and small African- American conferences; Diversity Marketplace, PCMA and NCBMP events. Using client testimonials, focusing on (4) African- American FAM's targeted to the African American Market. We offer incen- tives to attract new business to Atlantic City ERNEST WOODEN, PRESIDENT/CEO, LOS ANGELES TOURISM & CONVENTION BOARD While we recognize and support the need for safe and secure travel, there has never been a more impor- tant time to let our visitors from around the world know that we wel- come them, we value them and that Los Angeles, in particular, will contin- ue to roll out the red carpet for them. As Los Angeles is one of the most welcoming, diverse and inclusive des- tinations in the world, international visitation in 2017 grew 0.9% to a record. 7.1 million visitors outperform- ing both its projected forecast and inbound travel to the United States as a whole in 2017. We are now celebrat- ing our seventh year of record-break- ing tourism in L.A. and will continue to rally behind the message that "Everyone is Welcome" in Los Angeles. In April 2017, Los Angeles Tourism launched an initiative called 'Everyone is Welcome', which rein- forced the city's cultural diversity and inclusivity. It was the right message at the right time; it was a message of humanity while encouraging people around the globe to see the diversity of L.A.'s faces and places. Moving for- ward, we will extend and amplify our message of 'welcome' and intertwine a message of hospitality to truly empha- size Los Angeles embraces travelers from everywhere and all walks of life. Interest and desire for meeting in Los Angeles is at an all-time high, a fact largely attributable to our city's unrivaled intellectual capital, incredi- ble mix of 'only-in-L.A.' experiences and venues, and endless sunshine. Fantastic new hotels are opening their doors with frequency, diverse chefs are exploring creative territories, and noteworthy cultural institutions are choosing to call L.A. home. A truly irresistible magnet for collaboration, Los Angeles is the perfect destination right now for meeting professionals to connect individually and innovate col- lectively. Diversity is a natural asset of ours in Los Angeles as we continue to remain laser-focused on growing our affinity markets, whether it's the African-American segment, LGB- TQ, and beyond. For the African- American market in particular, which we value enormously, our robust mar- keting effort engage several consumer platforms including a dedicated microsite (discoverlosangeles- .com/africanamericanla) with up-to- date content; regularly promoting cul- tural guides, events and neighbor- hoods of interest, as well as securing important conventions and mega events such as the BET Experience & Awards held at L.A. LIVE.7 Furo Giami at furo.giami@celdng.org. April 14-17 ASTA Destination Expo, Athens, Greece. www.ASTA.org/ADE April 18-19 Connect Rockies, Omni Interlocken, Bloomfield, CO. https://connect- meetings.events/event.cfm?id=2996 April 21 Black Business Expo on Tour, Ontario Convention Airport Hotel, Ontario, CA. (866) 493-3394 or www.scbbe.com April 28 Dallas Knowledge is Power Business Conference, Dallas, TX. www.event- brite.com/e/knowledge-is-power-conference- blueprint-for-business-excellence-tickets- 42357078161 May 17-18 South Coast EDCON, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, CA. For more information contact Meeting Professionals International, Orange County & San Diego Chapters at info@mpioc.com. July 22 Black Business Expo on Tour, Ontario Convention Airport Hotel, Ontario, CA. (866) 493-3394 or www.scbbe.com July 25-27 22nd Annual International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit & Trade Show, presented by (NABHOOD), Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel, Miami, FL. www.NABHOOD.com July 27-29 5th Annual International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Summit & Trade Show, Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel, Miami, FL. www.MulticulturalTourism- Summit.com January 29-31 2019 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, Montego Bay Convention Centre, Montego Bay, Jamaica. For further information, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com. 2019 continue from page 16 Meeting and incentive planners can keep abreast of discount offers and pack- age deals being offered by visiting Black Meetings & Tourism's website – black- meetingsandtourism.com – and clicking on the "Meeting Planner Packages" link. Here you will find many cost saving and often time sensitive deals that can help you bring your meeting in on time and under budget. MEETING PLANNER PACKAGES FOR GREAT SAVINGS