The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) commends the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s (NAACP) issuance of a Travel advisory for the State of Florida (NAACP Issues Travel Advisory in Florida | NAACP). We will educate and support our members who believe in the aligned mission points of both NCBMP and the NAACP which focus on equity, economics, empowerment, and advocacy. To be clear, the NAACP’s Travel Advisory is not a ban or a boycott of the State of Florida. It is an advisory that implores visitors to be aware of their surroundings and to be purposeful in how they engage while traveling. It is our belief that travel is a personal decision, rooted in hospitality, curated experiences, and a vast eco-system of dollars generated within a community. We also believe that it is wise for Black, Brown, and LGBTQ organizations to be aware of destinations that have advanced polices that are unwelcoming.

If you have a convention or meeting that is already contracted in the state of Florida, consider the following:

• Work with your prospective Destination Management Organizations (DMO) or hotel representatives to compile a list of Black or Brown local businesses that provide services for your meeting needs. If the list is not available, require that they develop one.
• Work with the local Black or Brown Chambers of Commerce to find local businesses to support when your meeting is in town.
• Advertise in Black and Brown media, as well as local and national media to make your presence known.
• Work with the DMO and hotels to create Black and Brown food islands via food trucks, pop-ups or restaurants.
• Plan a legacy project within the community that raises awareness of specific issues that align with your mission.

If you’re considering bringing a convention or meeting to the State of Florida, consider the following:

• Reference the list above, and add the below suggestions in your RFP:
  • Request the demographics of the DMO or hotels including C-Suite and Board of Directors (if applicable).
  • Ask for their current supplier diversity spend, specifically to Black and Brown businesses.
  • Ask if they are members of NCBMP.
  • Ask in what ways has their organization expressed interest in welcoming Black and Brown visitors.
  • Ask for the DMO’s full DE&I program overview.
  • Make an informed decision based off the satisfactory answers above.

   

If you are a DMO, Hotel or Convention Center in Florida consider the following:

• Create authentic relationships within your local community.
• Be prepared to thoroughly answer the questions suggested above and understand the importance of the request.
• Leverage your creativity positively in how you invest in organizations that were built on the principles of DE&I.
• Advertise in Black and Brown media.
• Become more present in industry organizations that reflect communities that have been impacted by the expressed policies of the Florida legislature.
• Speak up and maximize your platform while meeting with your stakeholders.

Why does NCBMP care?

The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals was founded February 23, 1983, on the principles of friendship, equity, and empowerment. Our Founders were all association executives, who chose to leverage their economic power to advance and recognize Black meeting planners and suppliers industry wide. Our very existence as an organization was created in the spirit of advocacy with the knowledge of our economic impact on a destination or hotel brand. As a result, NCBMP has directly or indirectly influenced the hiring, empowerment and training of many hospitality professionals today. Again, we commend the position of the NAACP as it elevates awareness and supports “Purpose Driven” travel or selecting where you travel and convene with intent. We understand the importance of standing for fundamental freedoms and supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from all levels and we will continue to push for positive change. We also understand the power and influence of tourism to any economy, especially destinations, communities, and partners that we consider friends, which is why our motto, and our guiding principle is…We do Business with our Friends.

Who are active DMO or hotel members of NCBMP in Florida?

• www.hilton.com
• www.marriott.com
• www.rosenhotels.com
• www.visitjacksonville.com
• www.miamiandbeaches.com
• www.thepalmbeaches.com
• www.visitstpeteclearwater.com
• www.visittampabay.com
• www.visitlauderdale.com
• www.floridashistoriccoast.com