PHL Diversity Programs

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

2019 Minority Enterprise Development Week

Join us to learn how to navigate the procurement process, discover the most needed products and services and develop supply diversity connections for upcoming meetings and conventions. The discussion will center around Philadelphia’s Hospitality, Tourism and Food Service Industries and how they offer great business opportunities for Philadelphia’s minority business.

Our panelists include:

• Ben Fileccia, Director of Operations & Strategy for Eastern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association
• Tanya Marant, Director of Finance, Sonesta Philadelphia.
• Erika L. White, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Stay tuned to learn more about this year’s programs and panelists!

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. Visit discoverphl.com/phldiversity/bol-2019/ for highlights from the 2019 Luncheon.

All proceeds of the luncheon benefit the Philadelphia chapters of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality and the Jack P. Ferguson Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Scholarship via the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau Foundation. Learn more at discoverPHL.com/foundation.

2020 Diversity and Inclusion Conference

On behalf of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, PHL Diversity, Temple University School of Sport Tourism and Hospitality Management and Lodging Media, we are thrilled to announce the Diversity and Inclusion Conference will return to Philadelphia in the Spring 2020 tackling diversity, inclusion and equity issues.

The 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Conference is a multi-industry and educational summit dedicated to the exchange of insights and concepts about Diversity & Inclusion best practices. “Where Diversity and Inclusion Intersects with Academic and Corporate Strategies” also, expanding sessions and examining current issues.

For a second year, proceeds from the Diversity & Inclusion Conference will benefit students at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM).

RECENT PROGRAMS

Hospitality Education Day

When: May 9th, 2019

Where: The Community College of Philadelphia, Winnet Building

PHL Diversity, a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), in partnership with Community College of Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, will host the 26th Annual Hospitality Education Day.

This free and invitation-only empowerment and opportunity event provides guidance to area students in designated hospitality programs.

Students will receive valuable information about hospitality industry career tracks, insider tips, education and training options, along with initial screenings for internships, scholarships and summer employment.

STUDENTS WILL:

• LEARN what hospitality positions are in demand and what skills are most valued by employers.
• HEAR success stories from those who have navigated their way within the hospitality industry.
• RECEIVE practical career planning information from current hospitality professionals.
  HAVE the option to apply for Community College of Philadelphia.

2019 Diversity & Inclusion Conference in Philadelphia

View photos from the 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Conference

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau PHL Diversity in partnership with Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management and Lodging Media produced the 2019 Diversity & Inclusion Conference March 25th & 26th at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Philadelphia 10 Avenue of The Arts.

The Diversity & Inclusion Conference is a multi-industry and education summit dedicated to the exchange of insights and concepts about Diversity & Inclusion best practices.

Our goal was to provide a learning forum to discuss strategies that can influence corporate social responsibility and broaden cross-cultural understanding, producing critical dialogue and exchange of information for effective tactics.

Unique to this conference was a Think Tank specifically designed for deans, directors, faculty and Diversity & Inclusion practitioners to discuss ideas and recommendations regarding latest Diversity & Inclusion thinking about educational design, barriers and disparities on university campuses, and research-based bench marking for academic Diversity & Inclusion programs.

The conversation around diversity and inclusion in higher education was elevated by discussing best practices for incorporating diversity and inclusion content into academic programs, program strategies to enhance the experience for a diverse population of students, and how diversity and inclusion impacts faculty recruitment and retention.

Questions? Visit our website at www.diphilly.com or contact Greg DeShields at greg@discoverPHL.com | 215-636-4433

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.