Roughly four years ago in the wake of the George Floyd murder, influential African-American leaders in the meetings and hospitality industry took a stand in the form of an open letter and an illuminating video to share their concerns and experience as Black people in the United States. Since then, many organizations in hospitality, government, education and beyond have made diversity, equity and inclusion a top priority. These efforts have recently faced pushback in a variety of ways, leading many to wonder if DEI is still on the front burner.

Four top African-American meetings industry leaders who were part of those unprecedented efforts four years ago will discuss this journey and where it is leading with Meetings Today’s Tyler Davidson in this free one-hour video roundtable discussion that welcomes input from participants. 

We will strive for an authentic, open conversation about the state of DEI, from challenges and successes to how we can all continue to value and offer inclusion for all in our meetings and events programs, while fueling the economic engine it provides for all communities.

Panelists include:
Jason Dunn, CEO, National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals
Julie Coker, CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority
Elliott L. Ferguson II, President & CEO of Destination DC; Past National Chair, U.S. Travel Association
Al Hutchinson, President & CEO, Visit Baltimore

By participating in this webinar, attendees will learn the following:
•    The state of DEI at major tourism and meetings organizations and in the industry in general
•    How incorporating DEI programs that emphasize supplier diversity can create more engaging events
•    Tips for making your meetings and events programs more inclusive to all
•    Resources for incorporating DEI elements in your meetings and events programs
 

Related content: Hear our Meetings Today Podcast on this topic with Jason Dunn: Black Meeting Profs CEO Jason Dunn on the State of DEIAB in the Meetings Industry