Inaugural "State Of Black Tourism" Address And Panel Discussion
African American travel and tourism is a $40 billion industry, relevant and politically conscience.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, September 17, 2015, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, the authority of black meeting professionals in the hospitality industry, will present its inaugural "State of Black Tourism Address" followed by a panel discussion of distinguished leaders. Chairwoman Ana Aponte -Curtis states, "I will address how the economic relevancy, social and political power of African American tourism can affect change in a city."
This relevant and timely discussion on Black America's role in the tourism industry, which coincides with the annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference, will be held at Washington's Carnegie Library, located at 801 K Street, NW. Networking will begin at 9:00 a.m.; followed by the Inaugural Address by Chairwoman, Ana Aponte Curtis at 9:45 a.m. and panel discussion at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 11:30 a.m. The groundbreaking event will feature leaders from key national African American organizations, hospitality industry thought leaders, and elected officials. The program's agenda will highlight the economic power of the African American community, address the correlation between African American tourism and America's economic development, and examine the potential for organizational and destination partnerships to maximize buying power. Ed Gordon, noted journalist and host of the BET network program Weekly, will moderate the panelist discussion.
Panelists to date include:
- Mayor, The City of Baltimore and President, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Hon. Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
- President, National Black MBA Association Inc., Mr. Jesse Tyson
- Executive Director/ SVP of Accreditation and Strategic Initiatives: Destination Marketing Association International; Ms. Valencia Bembry
- President/CEO, Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitor Bureau, Mr. Dan Lincoln
- Chairwoman, National Newspaper Publishers Association; Ms. Denise Rolark Barnes
- Editor-in-Chief, Black Meetings and Tourism, Mr. Solomon Herbert
This event is sponsored by NCBMP's partners, Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau, Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau and Destination DC.
African American travel and tourism is a $40 billion industry. The current buying power of African-Americans is $1 trillion and expected to increase to $1.3 trillion by 2017. These amazing but staggering numbers were shared in the recent the African-American Consumer Report completed by The Nielsen Company. Industry leaders will share their thoughts on the future and the need to leverage strategic partnerships to ensure that African American tourism's value is acknowledged and celebrated.
The National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (NCBMP), founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization dedicated primarily to the training needs of African American meeting planners. The organization is committed to the improvement of the meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and convocations they manage. Members of NCBMP include meeting planners from numerous business, civil rights, church and fraternal organizations. Associate membership is available to individuals who represent hotels, convention bureaus, city government officers, airlines and other suppliers who offer services to the meeting and convention community. Since its founding, NCBMP has made a significant impact in the hospitality community by identifying the sizable purchasing power and impact of the African American convention.
SOURCE National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners
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