PHL Diversity Programs

Updated: September 16, 2020

Below are just a few of the programs put on by PHL Diversity.

2020 Business Opportunity Luncheon

On February 24, 2020, business and hospitality leaders will gather for the annual Business Opportunity Luncheon, which provides an opportunity for minority business leaders in Philadelphia to connect with meeting and convention decision makers, establish business relationships and benefit economically by the increase in tourism activity around the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

PHL Diversity’s 2019 Business Opportunity Luncheon

View photos from the 2019 Business Opportunity Luncheon

On February 28, 2019 hundreds of business and hospitality leaders gathered for the annual Business Opportunity Luncheon, which provides an opportunity for minority business leaders in Philadelphia to connect with meetings and conventions, establish business relationships and benefit economically in the increase in tourism activity around the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Designed to ensure that diverse businesses have equal opportunity to benefit from the business that the PHLCVB brings to Philadelphia, the program has expanded to include an awards presentation to recognize Philadelphia-area businesses and leaders for outstanding contributions to hospitality and tourism in the city.

Highlights of this year’s event included:

• Loraine Ballard Morrill, Director of News and Community Affairs, Philadelphia region iHeart Media, was Mistress of Ceremonies.
• Cherri Gregg, Reporter, KYW Newsradio 1060, moderated a panel discussion with representatives from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and the National LGBT Bar Association. The panelists spoke about the national conventions they are bringing to Philadelphia.
• The “Bring It Home” Award was presented to Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent J. Hughes, Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, for his work to support PHL Diversity’s mission by working with the PHLCVB to bring multicultural conventions to Philadelphia.

Proceeds of the luncheon benefit the Philadelphia chapters of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) as well as the Jack P. Ferguson MPI Scholarship.

Philadelphia MEDWeek 2018 Workshop – “What I was not told”

On October 2, 2018, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia presented a workshop in conjunction with Philadelphia MEDWeek 2018.

Black women business owners discussed a variety of relevant issues currently affecting their businesses and shared career advice and insights. This session brought together inspiring business owners who illuminate the entrepreneur experience while reflecting on their own success and challenges.

The workshop was moderated by:
Chaundra Daniels, Business & Humor Consultant and Motivational Speaker, Monarch Productions

Our panelists included:

• Monique Greenwood, President & CEO, Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns
• Paulette Beale Harris, Owner, Paul Beale’s Florist
• Sara Lomax-Reese, President & CEO, WURD Radio

The Myth of Donor Diversity: Understanding and Engaging Diverse Donors

PHL Diversity collaborated with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Philadelphia Chapter to produce a program on the processes, barriers and success stories of diverse fundraising.

25th Annual PHL Diversity/Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association Hospitality Education Day

Thank you to all our sponsors, partners and colleagues who helped make 2018 Hospitality Education Day a success!

2018 People Power Summit

PHL Diversity partnered with The Center of Millennial Engagement, a millennial engagement company, and collaborated on the 2018 Annual People Power Summit.

Designed with millennials in mind, the summit brought professional leaders from health care, law, hospitality, tech, business and media together to accelerate their careers and gain practical strategies to support the growth and sustainability of their companies. Over 100 companies were represented.

Leaders sent to this exclusive one-day event left with a renewed sense of purpose, a clear plan of action and a network of support to achieve their goals in 2018.