12th Annual International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Summit & Trade Show
July 24-26, 2025
multiculturaltourismsummit.org
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The International Multicultural and Heritage Tourism Network (IMHTN), National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD) and Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine
Present...
A Tribute and Celebration of Individuals who have made Significant Contributions in their Particular Fields of Endeavor and have Positively Impacted Travel and Tourism thereby making a Difference in the Development of Inclusion and Diversity in Multicultural and Heritage Tourism.
2025 Keynote Speaker
Mercedes Miller President
Atlanta ATL Airport District
Conventions & Visitors Bureau
Saturday, July 26, 2025 | Regency Ballroom
Hyatt Regency Miami
12TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MULTICULTURAL & HERITAGE TOURISM
SUMMIT & TRADE SHOW LAYOUT WITH CORPORATE SUITES
CORPORATE SUITES
#1 - Choice Hotels - Orchid A
#2 - Marriott International - Orchid B
#3 - Hilton Hotels & Resorts - Orchid C
#4 - US Virgin Islands - Orchid D
#5 - The Bahamas - Gardenia B
#6 - Media Room/BM&T Magazine - Gardenia C
#7 - NABHOOD Lounge - Promenade Upper
#8 - Student Sessions - Hibiscus A
#9 -
#10 - Storage - Gardenia A
12th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MULTICULTURAL & HERITAGE TOURISM SUMMIT & TRADE SHOW
JULY 24-26, 2025
THURSDAY JULY 24
*Subject to Change Dress Code: Business
7:00am - 3:00pm Summit Registration Pre Function
PRESENTS
10:00am - 2:45pm
GREATER MIAMI CVB FAM TOUR FOR TRAVEL ADVISORS & MEETING PLANNERS
GMCVB to host Travel Advisors and Meeting Planners for Familiarization Trip site inspections. Site inspections to include properties and multicultural heritage atractions
Lunch provided by Greater Miami CVB Check in at the Host Hotel (atendee's responsibility)
Travel Advisors and Meeting Planners should arrive at the hotel no later than 9am to depart by 10am.
3:00pm - 3:40pm
Workshop Jasmine WOMEN CREATING THEIR OWN SPACE & TAKING A SEAT AT THE TABLE
Learn about the roles women are playing as they excel in changing the hospitality & lodging industry.
Moderator: DeShaun Wise Porter, VP, Strategic Pathways & Recognition, Hilton
Panelists: Rita D. McClenny, President/CEO, Virginia Tourism Corporation
Rosanna Maieta, President/CEO, AHLA
Blythe N Pierre-Louis, Senior VP Capital Markets, Gencom Group
Kristina Scot, Designer Director, Curve Hospitality Design Studios
8:00pm – 11:00pm Trade Show Set-up Regency Ballroom Pre Function
FRIDAY JULY 25
6:00am – 8:00am Trade Show Set-up Regency Ballroom Pre Function
7:00am - 3:00pm Registration Promenade Lower
7:00am – 8:30am Continental Breakfast Pre Function
Sponsor: PepsiCo / Hyatt Hotels
8:00am - 4:00pm Corporate Suites: Want to make a connection, meet or learn about new opportunities?
Meet with representatives in Corporate Suites & learn about investment & franchise opportunities
Choice Hotels Orchid A
Marriot International Orchid B
Hilton Orchid C
U.S. Virgin Islands Orchid D
The Bahamas Gardenia B
NABHOOD/BM&T Magazine Media Room Gardenia C
NABHOOD Sponsor Lounge Promenade Upper
Student Sessions Hibiscus A
10:25am - 11:15am PLENARY SESSION Regency Ballroom
GROWING THE CARIBBEAN HOSPITALITY MARKET-WORKING WITH INDUSTRY & GOVERNMENTS
Opportunities in the Caribbean & atracting Hospitality Investment and how working with the government can help make the part easier.
Moderator: Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Principal Partner, Bedford Baker Group
Panelists: Adam C Petrillo, Managing Partner, HC Partners/Concord Wilshire Bahamas
Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments, Bahamas Investment Authority, Office of The Prime Minister
Sanovnik Destang, President, Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association & Executive Director, Bay Gardens Resorts/Shareholder, St Lucia, WI
Hon. Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports & Tourism, Anguilla, BWI
11:15am – 4:00pm NABHOOD Trade Show Open Regency Ballroom Pre Function
11:15am – 11:55am Networking Break Pre Function
Sponsor: PepsiCo / InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
12:00pm – 12:45pm BREAKOUT SESSION
INCREASING MEDIA EXPOSURE FOR YOU, YOUR ORGANIZATION & BRAND
Hotel Executives and Vendors offer brands, products and services to hotels CVBs, Tourist Boards, Chambers of Commerce and Travel Associations offer membership opportunities to connect with local suppliers, operators and businesses. How does your brand stand out?
How are you increasing exposure to atract opportunities, sales and clients? How are you using the resources? How are you elevating your brand using partnerships?
Moderator: Inderia Saunders, Publisher of Up & Away Magazine, IndiMedia Consultants
Panelists: Denella Ri'chard, President, Traveling with Denella Ri’chard
Gloria Herbert, Editor-in-Chief, Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine
PJ Douglas Sands, President, Intl. Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Network / Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Strategist, The DS3 Group of Companies Specialist, ZNS Network Bahamas
1:00pm - 2:45pm
1:50pm - 2:45pm
roup
Welcome: Hazelle Rogers, Commissioner, Broward County Commission, FL
Greetings Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner, Department of Tourism, U.S. Virgin Islands
Greetings Hon. Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports & Tourism, Anguilla, BWI
Remarks: Douglas Palmer, Former Mayor, Trenton, NJ
Sponsor: Noah Silverman, Global Development Officer, USA & Canada, Marriot Intl ~ Lunch is Served ~
PERSPECTIVE & VISION: THE JOURNEY
A Discussion with Craig Livingston, Managing Partner, Exact Capital Group
Join Dr. Andy Ingraham, President/CEO of NABHOOD, and Craig Livingston Managing Partner of Exact Capital Group as they explore Craig's inspiring journey from Wall Street to Developing the upscale Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel, a public private partnership You will learn about his new venture of raising a fund for acquisition and development This insightful session will cover critical topics such as structuring deals, raising capital, public private partnership and how to find the right partners learn the inspirations that fueled Craig's remarkable rise in the hospitality industry.
PRESENTS
2:50pm - 3:25pm PLENARY SESSION Regency Ballroom
CARIBBEAN INVESTMENT & DEVELOPMENT FORUM – OPPORTUNITIES
What are the new opportunities for investments and development in the Caribbean and what are the factors that you need to consider for a successful deal
Moderator: Jerry Butler, Chairman, Butler Investment Group
Panelists: Wayne Biggs, CEO, U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority
Pablo Maturana, Director, Development Latin America & Caribbean, Hilton
Salik Garland Investment Services Executive Invest Turks and Caicos
3:30pm – 4:20pm OPENING SESSI
Welcome: Con
Regency Ballroom
Remarks: Solo ourism Magazine
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE - Regency Ballroom A VIEW FROM THE TOP
Thoughts & perspectives from industry leaders on tourism in general and why they are exploring some of the niche markets including Luxury Travel, Private Aviation, Cruises & the growing diverse Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Market, what are they doing to atract these growing segments.
Moderator: PJ Douglas Sands, President, Intl. Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Network / Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Strategist, The DS3 Group of Companies
Panelists: Hon. Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports & Tourism, Anguilla, BWI
Tanya Prat, Chairwoman of The Board, Bahamasair
Joseph B Boschulte, Commissioner, U S Virgin Islands Dept of Tourism
Hon Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries & the Environment, Turks & Caicos Islands
PRESENT
The 12th Annual Intl. Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Summit Joint Networking Reception
6:30pm – 8:30pm
An “Island Vibes” Sunset Tropical Caribbean Cruise Reception on The South Beach Lady
Sponsors
USVI Department of Tourism / South Beach Lady / PepsiCo/ NABHOOD
Boarding Time: 5:15pm Buses depart from the front of the Hyat Regency Miami for the South Beach Lady 1318 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood, FL. Please RSVP to atend the reception as space is limited.
All conference atendees Please RSVP in advance to www.multiculturaltourismsummit.com and select if you plan to atend.
SATURDAY JULY 26
8:00am - 12:00pm Registration Pre Function
8:00am - 9:30am Continental Breakfast Regency Ballroom Sponsor: PepsiCo / Bahamasair
9:00am - 9:05am OPENING REMARKS Regency Ballroom
Dr Andy Ingraham, Founder/President/CEO NABHOOD
9:05-9:10pm WELCOME
Goals For The International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Summit
PJ Douglas Sands, President, Intl Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Network / Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Strategist, The DS3 Group of Companies
9:15am – 9:45am MULTICULTURAL & HERITAGE TOURISM Regency Ballroom INDUSTRY UPDATE
A comprehensive review on the performance & growth of the Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Industry looking at all the data and where the market is going. Developing, Measuring and Growing Multicultural Tourism
Presenter: Laura J. Mandala, Managing Director, Mandala Research LLC
9:50am - 10:40am EXECUTIVE TOURISM FORUM - A DISCUSSION ON MARKETING Regency Ballroom TOURISM AND THE IMPACT TO THE DESTINATION (FB LIVE)
Leading destinations will provide updates on where the industry and organizations are heading for 2026 and beyond and what changes we can expect. Industry executives will share their insight on growth of the domestic and international tourism market and what impact trends are playing in changing the community & how to access the opportunities.
Moderator: Gregory DeShields, CHE, CDE, Tourism Diversity Maters
Panelists: Solomon Herbert, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine
Connie Kinnard, VP Multicultural Sales & Development, Greater Miami CVB
Jameel Rochester, Director of Tourism, Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB), Anguilla, BWI
Sheila Alexande PHL Diversity
10:45am – 11:00am Networking Break Pre Function
Sponsor: PepsiCo / Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
11:00am – 11:40am DESTINATIONS ATTRACTING MEETINGS, INCENTIVES, Regency Ballroom CONVENTIONS AND EVENTS (MICE)
How do Tourism Organizations partner with Travel Advisors, Meeting Planners,fraternal organizations & Tour Operators to atract MICE market, large scale events and multicultural groups to the destination? What key resources are available for Advisors and Planners to tap into?
Moderator: PJ Douglas Sands, President, Intl. Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Network & Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Strategist, The DS3 Group of Companies
Panelists: Bernard H Bronner, President, Bronner Brothers Hair Show/Publisher, UpScale Magazine
Kendra Bulluck, Executive Director Orange Blossom Classic Miami FL
Velton Showell, Chair, Wilfred Mullings, Dep Julia Bowleg-Gay, MIC Bahamas Min
11:00am – 11:40am BAHAMAS DIASPORA OPENIN BAHAMIANS INVESTING FROM
This powerful session explores how Baham back home through capital, donations, b knowledge and skills We will discuss rea stories that showcase how the Diaspora ca economic growth in The Bahamas Wheth ventures, or contribute intellectual capita impact.
Moderator: Dr Andy Ingraham, P
Panelists: Philip Simon, Presiden Phylicia Woods-Hanna Authority, Office of The Ian Ferguson, CEO/Ex The Bahamas
Hartley Thompson, III, HE Andrew Wilson, H of the Bahama
11:45am – 12:30p
International forum that connects Bahamians and persons e world with the aim to strengthen linkages as well as d development of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas on highlights the Bahamas Diaspora, which represents much Page 13 of 17 v7 of 7/26/2025 (MHT
more than our ability to produce successful Bahamians outside of The Bahamas; with our significantly untapped economic impact on entrepreneurship, development, generational wealth creation and the transfer of new and emerging skills, the Bahamas Diaspora can benefit The Bahamas if we create the linkages that can hold us together.
Moderator: Jerry C. Butler, Chairman, Butler Investment Group
Panelists: Philip McKenzie, LLB., Atorney, Davis & Co
HE Ambassador Dr. Gilbert Morris, Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs & President, Milo Group
Edison L. Sumner, Principal, Sumner Strategic Partners
Zhivargo S. Laing, Sr., Executive Director of Government and Public Policy Institute, University of Bahamas
11:45am-12:20pm GENERAL SESSION Regency Ballroom HOW CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE HER CAN DEVELOP EFFECTIVE MULTICULT ORKS TO HELP GROW THE SMALL & MINORITY B
Thoughts & perspectives from industry leaders l Tourism Networks can be in helping minority businesses become t
Moderator: Dr Andy Ingraham, Founde
Panelists: Petra Brennan, Director of Tourism Business Enhancement, Multicultural Tourism & Development, Greater Miami CVB
Shaheewa Jarret Gelin, Esq., President, Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce
Dr John E Harmon, President/CEO, African American Chamber Commerce of New Jersey
Maxine Jemison, Manager Multicultural Sales, Discover Palm Beach
MULTICULTURAL TOURISM APEX AWARDS LUNCHEON
APEX Awards for Distinguished Service
“A Tribute and Celebration of Individuals Who Have Made Significant Contributions in Their Fields of Endeavor & Have Positively Impacted Travel & Tourism Thereby Making A Difference in The Development of Inclusion & Diversity in Multicultural & Heritage Tourism.”
12:30pm - 1:45pm APEX AWARDS LUNCHEON Regency Ballroom
Sponsors: Black Meetings & Tourism Mag, Virginia Tourism Corp, Upscale Magazine
MC: PJ Douglas Sands, President, Intl. Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Network
Welcome: David Whitaker, President & CEO,, Greater Miami CVB
Remarks: Joseph B. Boschulte, Commissioner, U.S. Virgin Islands Dept. of Tourism
Remarks: Hon Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports & Tourism, Anguilla, BWI
Remarks: Hon Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries &
14 of 17
the Environment, Turks & Caicos Islands ~ Lunch is Served ~
Introduction: Dr Andy Ingraham, President/CEO, NABHOOD
SPEAKER
Mercedes Miller
President, Atlanta ATL Airport District Conventions & Visitors Bureau
APEX AWARDS PRESENTATION
Presenters: Solomon Herbert, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine
Gloria Herbert, Associate Publisher/ Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine Dr. Andy Ingraham, Founder/President/CEO, NABHOOD
1:45pm – 2:00pm DESTINATION PRESENTATION - LEARN ABOUT GREATER MIAMI
Hear about how Greater Miami CVB works with Travel Advisors, Meeting Planners, CVBs, Member Associations and Chambers of Commerce to sell the destination. How can you partner with Miami?
Presenter: Joe McCray, Greater Miami CVB
2:05pm – 2:20pm DESTINATION PRESENTATION - LEARN ABOUT TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
Hear about how Turks & Caicos Islands works with Travel Advisors, Meeting Planners, CVBs, Member Associations and Chambers of Commerce to sell the destination How can you partner with Turks & Caicos?
Presenter: Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries & the Environment, Turks & Caicos Islands
2:25pm – 2:45pm ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - USING CHATGPT FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE & MARKETING
How can Tourist Boards, CVBs, Chambers of Commerce as well as Travel Advisors and Meeting Planners can leverage AI to enhance their services, improve efficiency, and create personalized experiences for travelers Presenter: PJ Douglas Sands, President, Intl Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Network & Tourism/Hospitality Strategist, The DS3 Group of Companies
2:45pm – 5:30pm MIAMI’S MULTICULTURAL & HERITAGE TOUR (STUDENTS ONLY)
Students must be pre-registered for the tour. Pick up at the front side entrance of the hotel Sponsor: Greater Miami CVB Multicultural Tourism & Development Dept.
2:50pm – 3:10pm DESTINATION PRESENTATION - LEARN ABOUT THE BAHAMAS & BAHAMASAIR
Hear about how Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation together with Bahamasair work with Travel Advisors, Meeting Planners, CVBs, Member Associations and Chambers of Commerce to sell the destination. How can you partner with The Islands of The Bahamas and Bahamasair? Presen ster, General Manager, Global Sales, The Bahamas m, Investments & Aviation ty Director of Sales & Marketing, Bahamasair
3:15pm - 3:45pm TRAV VBs, DESTINATIONS, HOTELS, Regency Ballroom CRUIS LD BE USING WITH TRAVEL AGENTS AND M
Learn how to leverage cVent and Travefy as intuitive tools to highlight destinations, hotels, cruises for RFPs and group trip planning. Outstanding itinerary tools used by Travel Agents
Page 15 of 17 v7 of 7/26/2025 (MHT Summit Agenda Only)
and Meeting Planners to seal the deal with clients, highlight destinations and atract clients
These technology tools streamline operations, enhance client engagement, and boost sales
Presenter: PJ Douglas Sands, President, Intl. Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Network
3:50pm – 4:05pm DESTINATION PRESENTATION - LEARN ABOUT ANGUILLA
Hear about how Anguilla works with Travel Advisors, Meeting Planners, CVBs, Member Associations and Chambers of Commerce to sell the destination How can you partner with Anguilla?
Presenter: Hon Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports & Tourism, Anguilla, BWI
Jameel Rochester, Director of Tourism, Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB), Anguilla BWI
4:10pm – 4:25pm DESTINATION PRESENTATION - LEARN ABOUT THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS
Hear about how the US Virgin Islands works with Travel Advisors, Meeting Planners, CVBs, Member Associations and Chambers of Commerce to sell the destination How can you partner with the US Virgin Islands?
Presenter: Joseph B Boschulte, Commissioner, U S Virgin Islands Dept of Tourism
Special Thanks to the Student Hospitality Committee:
Gregory L DeShields, CHE, CDE, Executive Director of Tourism, Certified Hospitality Educator
Shawn Murray, Assistant Professor Tourism & Hospitality Management, Montgomery County Community College
Dr. Ruth Gardiner, Associate Professor, University of The Bahamas
Dr Graylyn Swilley Woods, Director, Black Hospitality & Tourism Initiative, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
Dr Narda Malcolm-Kingston, PhD, CHIA , Distance Education Coordinator, Virginia State University
PJ Douglas Sands, Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Strategist, The DS3 Group of Companies
Dr Andy Ingraham, Founder/President/CEO, NABHOOD
Shimado Ingraham, Vice President of Operations, NABHOOD
THE BAHAMAS DIASPORA ASSOCIATION INC & ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Present
The 4th ANNUAL BAHAMAS DIASPORA INDEPENDENCE AWARDS DINNER for Distinguished Service
6:00pm - 7:00pm Bahamas Cocktail Reception Regency Ballroom Foyer
7:00pm - 9:00pm Diaspora Independence Awards Dinner Regency Ballroom
MC: Jerry C. Butler, Chairman, Butler Investment Group
National The National Anthem of the United States of America
Anthems & The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Invocation: Fr Denrick E Rolle, Rector, The Historic St Agnes Episcopal Church, Miami, FL ~ Dinner is Served ~
Welcome: Dr. Andy Ingraham, President/CEO, Bahamas Diaspora Association
Sponsor: Philip Simon, President, Royal Caribbean Group Bahamas
Greetings: Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor, Miami-Dade County, Florida
Greetings: Hon Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports & Tourism, Anguilla, BWI
Greetings: Hon Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries & the Environment, Turks & Caicos Islands
Greetings: Hon. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, MP, Minister of State, Special Initiatives, Office of The President, Republic of Ghana
Introduction: Tyson K. McKenzie, Acting Consul-General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (Miami)
Introduction: Wendal K Jones, Ambassador, Bahamas Ambassador to The United States Musical Presentation
Remarks The Honourable Frederick A Mitchell, M P Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth of The Bahamas Speaker Introduction
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Honourable Philip E. (Brave) Davis, K.C., M.P. Prime Minister, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Presentation by Congresswomen Frederica Wilson United States House of Representatives
- DIASPORA AWARDS PRESENTATIONDancing The Night Away with the
July 16-18, 2026
