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