On the morning of September 17, 2015, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, the authority of black meeting professionals in the hospitality industry, will host a presentation on "The State of Black Tourism." Please join us for a high energy, relevant, and timely discussion on Black America's role in the tourism industry. This groundbreaking event, which coincides with the annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference, will be held at Washington's Carnegie Library, located at 801 K Street, NW.

In my Inaugural "State of Black Tourism" Address, I will address the economic relevancy, social and political impact of African American Tourism followed by a panel discussion facilitated by national broadcaster Ed Gordon.  The event will feature leaders from key national African-American organizations, Industry thought leaders, and political 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. Confirmed panelists include: 

Hon. Stephanie Rawlings- Blake

Mayor of the City of Baltimore

President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors

Mr. Jesse Tyson, MBA

President

National Black MBA Association Inc.

Mr. Dan Lincoln

President  & CEO

The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mr. Solomon Herbert,

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Black Meetings and Tourism

African-American travel and tourism is a $40 billion industry.  The current buying power of the African-Americans is $1 trillion with a forecasted increase to $1.3 trillion by 2017. These staggering numbers were shared in the African-American Consumer Report completed by The Nielsen Company. African-American tourism has long fought to demonstrate its relevancy in the hospitality and tourism community. 

Join us on September 17th to hear industry leaders share their thoughts on the future and the need to leverage strategic partnerships to ensure that our value is not questioned but acknowledged and celebrated. The Carnegie Library doors will open at 8:30 am; the session will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 11:30 a.m.  For more information and complimentary registration, visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ebe5ccyh66dc8505&llr=o786ywsab.

Sincerely,

Ana Aponte-Curtis, Chairperson

National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners

Sheila R. Neal, CASE

Detroit Metro CVB, State of Black Tourism Co-Chair

Cincinnati USA CVB, State of Black Tourism Co-Chair