EDUCATING THE INDUSTRY
In order to better commit ourselves to diversity, equity and inclusion in the meetings and convention space, our team looked at ways to educate ourselveas and learn from the experiences of others.
Our Customer Advisory Board was reinvented this past year. We welcomed a new facilitator, Brad Weaber of Weaber Consulting, and focused on DEI initiatives with our members. New subcommittees were formed around DEI and social justice, and those subcommittees developed new initiatives, including creating binding financial incentives for event organizers who commit to supporting specific Legacy Projects that align with Mayor Brandon Scott’ s strategic priorities.
Dr. Karsonya“ Kaye” Wise Whitehead was commissioned to facilitate a session at PCMA’ s Convening Leaders conference called“ Race, Equity and Actionable Steps to Increase Access and Opportunities for All.” The session included a ten-minute seminar from Dr. Whitehead and a panel discussion with Al Hutchinson and Kirsten Olean, PCMA chair, on actionable steps our industry can take to create opportunities for all.
Visit Baltimore also worked with local artists and storytelling experts to coach our team on the fundamentals of authentic storytelling to accurately represent Baltimore. Those experts included tour guide Chris Riehl and local writers and poets Kondwani Fidel and Mecca.
MECCA
CONVENTION SALES & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE 21