Schedule

African American Tourism Conference 2022

The African- American Tourism Conference serves as a think tank where stakeholders & industry leaders gather with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the African- American Tourism sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

This year our theme will align with that of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit. The theme for this Global Summit is REDISCOVERING TRAVEL – we, too, aim to bring together people from around the state who embrace the same empathy, values and ambitions in solving our many social, environmental and economic challenges.

Friday,  October 7th

 Time & Location

Program

10 AM-1:30 PM
Avery Research Center
Pre-Conference Session

Black and Brown Interpreters and Tour Guides Meeting

Description: 1) to introduce Black and Brown tourism professionals to certification with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) and 2) to encourage collaboration around consistency in narrative and telling our own stories regarding the African experience in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
6pm
Avery Research Center
Kick-Off Reception

w/ Special Guest Speaker

Live Music & Poetry
Recognition of Sponsors

Saturday,  October 8th

9 am
Tate Center
Opening Session 

SC Branding & Tourism Promotion Program

Description: Foresight Communications unveils the branding & tourism promotion campaign focusing on making the Gullah & Other SC Black Culture synonymous with South Carolina like Creole and Cajun is to Louisiana. Unveiling of the Branding Themes & Images both graphic & video, & the African- American Tourism Marketing & Business Toolkit. A Game Changer.
10:00 am-11:30am
Tate Center
Breakout Session 1A: A-tax Grants: Funding For Your Tourism & Cultural Arts Programming
Description: This session will feature Hilton Head A Tax Administrator, and Member of the A Tax Committee as they discuss criteria as determined by state law, and insight on what committees are looking for in making funding decisions.
Featuring: Anita Prather-Singleton,
& Hilton Head A- Tax Program 

Breakout Session 1B: Business Development & Loan Programs: Start or Expand Your Business
Description: This session will feature local governments around the state as they discuss the qualifying criteria and other aspects of the program.
Featuring: Climb Fund, SC Community Loan Fund, GCRA, SC Minority Affairs
11:30am- 1:00pm
Tate Center
Breakout Session 2A: SC Parks Recreation & Tourism Grants
Description: Staff from SCPRT as they discuss their grants and tourism promotion programs. Featuring: Becky Moore 

Breakout Session 2B:CVBs & How they Help Your Black Tourism Initiative
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. Featuring: Greenville CVB, Pee Dee Tourism, Hilton Head CVB, Charleston CVB
1:30 pm
Stern Center Gardens
Brunch & Business-
The Influencer Edition
Description: This event will recognize social media influencers in food, fashion, and the finer things in life! Join us in celebrating the influencer community, honoring those who positively impact our lives through their personalities, knowledge, and expertise.