Agenda
AT A Glance
Friday, October 4th**
Kick-Off Event @ 6pm
(Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art)
Saturday, October 5th
Opening Session – 9 am
Opening Reception
Friday, October 4th
Cultural Connections: The SC African American Tourism Opening Reception
Step into an evening of culture, flavor, and connection at “Gullah Groove: The SC African American Tourism Opening Reception.” This dynamic event marks the beginning of the SC African American Tourism Conference and promises an immersive experience that celebrates the rich heritage of the African American community in South Carolina.Live Band Performance
Kick off the night with an electrifying live band performance. Enjoy a blend of soulful rhythms, jazz, and contemporary hits that honor the musical traditions of African American culture. The live band will create an energetic atmosphere, setting the stage for an evening of celebration and networking.Gullah Cuisine from Hannibal’s Kitchen
Experience the culinary magic of Gullah cuisine, expertly prepared by the iconic Hannibal’s Kitchen. Savor authentic dishes that capture the essence of Gullah traditions, offering a taste of South Carolina’s unique cultural heritage. Each bite is a journey into the flavors that have shaped the region’s history.Networking with Tourism Industry Stakeholders
Connect with a diverse group of tourism industry stakeholders, including professionals, advocates, and enthusiasts dedicated to promoting African American tourism in South Carolina. Engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and build lasting relationships that will drive the future of cultural tourism in the state.Saturday, October 5th Beatty Center
Date, Time, Location
9 am Wells Fargo Auditorium
Opening Session – Product Development
2024 South Carolina & African- American Tourism
This opening session will feature some of the new African- American Tourism product developments happening around the State of
South Carolina.
Resource Development Track
Sessions:
10:00 am-1:00 pm
A-tax Grants: Funding For Your Tourism & Cultural Arts Programming
(Rm TBD) 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Brief Description: This session will feature local governments around the state as they discuss the qualifying criteria and other aspects of the program. Business Development & Loan
Programs: Start or Expand Your
Business
(Rm TBD) 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Description: This session will feature local business development and loan programs around the state as they discuss the qualifying criteria and other aspects of the
program.
CVBs & How they Help Your Black
Tourism Initiative (Rm TBD)
Description: CVBs discuss the benefits of becoming members such as direct marketing services, brochure display services, and Opportunities to advertise in CVB publications and websites.
Marketing and Tourism Promotion Track
Special Session - Digital Media & Ads: (Tourism Promotion Track) 10:00am - 1:00pm
Creating Content (Rm TBD) 10am-11:30
Description:This session provides writers and non-writers alike with the fundamentals of creating compelling digital content that people love to read and share.Using AI in Marketing & Tourism Promotion Campaigns (Rm TBD)10am- 11:30am
Description: Join us for an enlightening session where we will explore the innovative ways artificial intelligence is revolutionizing destination marketing. Discover how AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data to target the right audience, personalize content, and optimize marketing strategies for maximum impact.A Deeper Dive: Digital Marketing (Rm TBD) 11:30- 1:00pm
Description: Creating a digital marketing strategy & plan is critical for success. We’ll cover: Size & importance of digital marketing, Future trends in digital marketing – growth and future opportunities, Steps to creating a digital marketing strategy, Building a strategy from the ground up, and Integrating digital marketing into existing marketing plans.1:00 pm Stern Center
Luncheon- Cultural Capital: The Role of Public Investment in African American Tourism
Program Description Join us for our luncheon, a distinguished event that marks the culmination of the SC African American Tourism Conference. This luncheon promises an enriching experience filled with insightful discourse, delightful cuisine, and the celebration of outstanding contributions to African American tourism. Keynote Speaker Our esteemed keynote speaker will provide a compelling address, sharing their ideas on the importance of local, state, and federal government investment into African- American Tourism. Their words will inspire and motivate us to continue our efforts in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of South Carolina. Awards Ceremony Celebrate excellence in African American tourism with our prestigious awards ceremony. We will honor the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the field.- The Harriet Tubman Trailblazers Award = This award honors a person or entity who has proven themselves to be pioneers in traversing uncharted territory in the realm of the tourism industry. These trailblazers pave new roads so that others may walk.
- The Robert Smalls Public Service Award = This award recognizes a public servant who has demonstrated a commitment to developing public policy that grows and develops African American tourism in South Carolina.
- The Denmark Vesey Organization Award = This award honors an organization that has been instrumental in the development and rowth of Cultural/African American Tourism in South Carolina.
