CIAA is here , we lean into events and programming that underscore the cultural significance of the tournament . We host educational events and parties and we do college-themed merch to celebrate the HBCU tradition .
Q :
Tell us how you focused on increasing diversity and inclusion efforts at Hotel Revival . What new programs did you implement ?
During the pandemic , which was widely documented to have had a dramatically deeper impact on our more vulnerable communities , we fed over 1,000 people weekly with food donated by our food purveyors . Currently and throughout the pandemic , Revival has been a leader amongst all Hyatt properties with support of Black-owned businesses . At any given time , there are about 30 Blackowned businesses that are supported by Revival — everything from Black Acres Coffee to Lor Tush toilet paper . We also partnered with Lowes to renovate the kitchen and laundry spaces at Tench Tilghman Elementary and Middle School in East Baltimore . Most recently , we collaborated with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to bring our philosophy , Impact Hospitality , to their Fusion concert series — which included Black-owned spirits being added to the beverage program and a New Year ’ s Eve afterparty experience powered by Night Brunch .
Q :
How can event planners support inclusive practices in Baltimore ?
Event planners should look to diversify their supplier list . Uncle Nearest , Black Leaf Vodka , La Fete du Rose and tons of other brands can go toe-to-toe with the spirits that have thrived in beverage programs for decades . People will buy these incredible products . Baltimore has one of the most incredible young creative communities in the world . Planners should amplify those artists constantly , but especially when we can put them in front of guests from other areas . The city has put a focus on highlighting Black-owned businesses and restaurants in particular . That ’ s so much more meaningful when it ’ s supported by our guests .
JUAN WEBSTER
A Baltimore hospitality veteran , Juan Webster is the general manager at Sagamore Pendry . He oversees the daily operations of the luxury 128-room hotel situated on the waterfront in Fell ’ s Point , working tirelessly to connect the hotel ’ s workforce development efforts with the Baltimore community through partnerships and individual mentorship efforts . He also served as the keynote speaker for the Baltimore City Public Schools All Schools Graduation , which led to a life-changing individual mentorship opportunity through the “ WeRise ” program that culminated in a job offer for the student participant in March 2022 .
Q :
How are you working with
Visit Baltimore and its partners to incorporate DEI practices ?
We take every opportunity to partner with Visit Baltimore to engage , enhance and shine light on the doors ( opportunities ) that are being opened for People of Color and beyond . We host events , we travel collectively and we create joint messages and campaigns that showcase the work that we are doing to make Baltimore a role model city .
Q :
How do you increase diversity and inclusion efforts at Sagamore Pendry ?
My focus on DEI / B — Diversity , Equity , Inclusion and Belonging — at Sagamore
Pendry Baltimore is centered around being a voice for the dynamic talent that doesn ’ t have the platform that I have . My dual role as corporate director of social impact and general manager gives me unique access to pushing programs , awareness and being intentional about how we do business , who we do business with and how many more people we can help . What I enjoy most is that my role in the social impact space covers 14 properties , which really allows me to work with local Baltimore partners and have the work that we do serve .
In particular , Sagamore Pendry Baltimore hosts students from the Baltimore City Schools for the Distinguished Etiquette Luncheon series , a program that introduces the hospitality industry while helping them learn life-long skills .
Q :
How can visitors / event planners support inclusive practices in Baltimore ?
Visitors and event planners can support inclusive practices by partnering with local Black- and Brown-owned companies . Baltimore has an abundance of diverse local businesses that I would encourage everyone who is visiting Baltimore to frequent . We have ongoing partnerships with businesses like Earth Elements Soapworks , Cane Collective and Taharka Brothers Ice Cream . VB
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