Image by Ihor for Adobe Stock
The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and the African American Mayors Association have created a partnership to help cities compete more effectively for conventions, tourism investment, major meetings and workforce opportunities tied to the growing visitor economy.
According to the organizations, their efforts come at a critical time, as municipalities face increasing pressure to compete for these opportunities amid shifting federal priorities and evolving economic conditions.
"This partnership represents a new model for how cities, industry leaders and association professionals can work together to drive measurable economic growth, expand workforce pipelines and create broader access to opportunity," said Jason Dunn, CEO of the NCBMP. "Through this collaboration with AAMA, we are ensuring more communities, professionals and businesses are positioned to participate in and benefit from that growth. This partnership is rooted in access, opportunity and economic competitiveness."
"America's cities are competing aggressively for investment, conventions, tourism dollars, talent and economic opportunity," said Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of the AAMA. "This partnership reflects a practical, results-oriented approach to ensuring our communities are positioned to compete and thrive in the future economy."
Tackling a broad spectrum
The partnership represents one of the first coordinated national efforts connecting municipal leadership directly with Black meeting professionals, destination organizations and hospitality industry stakeholders to drive long-term economic competitiveness. Through the agreement, the organizations will jointly develop and implement:
- National policy forums and executive gatherings focused on tourism growth, convention attraction and destination investment;
- Economic impact research, benchmarking and accountability reporting;
- Public-private partnership models connecting municipalities, destination organizations and industry stakeholders; and
- Workforce initiatives designed to expand participation across the visitor economy.
The partnership aims to serve as a national model for how municipal leadership, destination organizations and industry stakeholders can work collaboratively to drive inclusive economic growth through the meetings, tourism and hospitality sectors.