Leading Organization in the Hospitality Industry Showcased National Thought Leaders, Like Rev. Al Sharpton, and Empowered Attendees to "Walk In Your Power"

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Nov. 23, 2021 - PRLog -- This month in Cincinnati, Ohio, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) held its 38th Annual Conference on November 10-13, 2021. Known as one of the preeminent organizations in the hospitality industry, NCBMP's annual convening was in-person at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Cincinnati and successfully hosted over 130 meeting planning professionals and suppliers in a Covid protected environment. This year's conference theme was "Walk In Your Power."

"Our 38th Annual Conference was the Coalition's first in-person event since 2019. We are thrilled that the event was so well presented and received by our Members and Guests," states Marlinda Henry, outgoing Chairwoman of NCBMP. "The City of Cincinnati was a gracious Host, and our Members truly left the conference "walking in their power!"

NCBMP's 38^th Annual Conference featured national and international thought leadership, like Keynote Speaker, Rev. Al Sharpton, along with Breakout Session speakers such as Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., Board Chairman, 100 Black Men of America Inc., Axel D. Adams, Manager of Supplier Diversity and Inclusion, Delta Air Lines, Odell Dickerson, Jr., Chief Operating Officer, New Psalmist Baptist Church, and Wendy R. McSweeney, EVP/Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Truist Financial Corporation. The conference sessions ranged from addressing current affairs and industry issues to professional development workshops. NCBMP Members also received a tour of the City of Cincinnati and visited such attractions as the 21C Hotel and The Freedom Center. At the Closing Night Gala hosted by celebrity pop-culture personality, Jawn Murray, NCBMP received a proclamation from the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and musical artist, Cece Peniston, performed.

"In 2020, the Black Traveler & Conference Report communicated that Black U.S. Leisure Travelers spent $109.4 billion dollars! Under my administration as Chairwoman of the Coalition, it was very important for me to get this and other undeniable stats about the power of the Black Traveler disseminated to all of our stakeholders," states Ms. Henry. "Our 38^th Annual Conference enabled me build upon this powerful information as well as end my administration on a wonderfully high note. I will continue to stay involved with the NCBMP and mentor the next generation of Hospitality professionals."

The 2021 Host Sponsor of the 38^th Annual Conference was Cincinnati USA. The Presenting Sponsors were Connect, Visit Detroit, Spectra, and MGM Resorts International. Visit Dallas and Prestige were the Gold Sponsors. The Silver Sponsor was Kentucky and the NCBMP Partners were Columbus, Values Partnerships, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Regmatch, Cincinnati Art Museum, and Northern Kentucky CVB.

For more information on the NCBMP, visit http://www.ncbmp.com/.

ABOUT NCBMP
The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the training needs of Black hospitality professionals, and those that support Black meetings and events. Since its founding, NCBMP has made a significant impact in the hospitality community by advocating for equity and helping members maximize their return on investment.