GRAND BALLROOM, CONCOURSE

Master of Ceremony: Jonathan Lovitz, Senior Vice President of National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Remarks by:

• Jeremy Jordan, Associate Dean of School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management

• Sheila Hess, City Representative, City of Philadelphia

• Due Quach, Author, Founder & CEO Calm Clarity

Invocation: Reverend Jessica Ingram, Ph.D, Episcopal Supervisor, First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Arm Chair Interviewer: Patricia Lee, Senior Vice President of Organizational Development and Chief CSR Officer, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Arm Chair Interviewee: Wade Davis, Former NFL Player, Corporate Inclusion Advisor & Educator

• Sponsored by:

10:15 - 11:10 a.m.

Supplier Diversity

PETITE BALLROOM, 2nd FLOOR

Moderated by: Gerald A. Fernandez, President & Founder of The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA)

Panel Introduction by: Bill Hooker, President, SourceOne Innovations, Inc.

Panelists:

• Gladys Lopez, Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity at Hilton

• Jeff Benjamin, Executive Vice President of Operations of The Fitler Club

• Jodi Sweed, Director of Contract Administration, Planning & Support, Avendra

• Omari Head, Associate, Paramount Lodging Advisor

This session will deliberate Supplier Diversity proactive business programs encouraging the use of minority, women veteran, LGBT, service disabled veteran owned, historically underutilized business, and SBA-defined small business vendors as suppliers. Supplier diversity programs recognize sourcing products and services helps to sustain and progressively transform a company’s supply chain.

Sponsored by:

10:15 - 11:10 a.m.

Diversity in Tech

THE EXCHANGE, LOBBY LEVEL

The Tech Sector has a Diversity Problem, an industry driven by innovation and finding solutions, why therefore is this still an issue in the 21st Century? Join us as we discuss the business case for diversity and inclusion, and how to implement strategies and achieve success.

Moderated by: Kiera Smalls, Executive Director of Philly Startup Leaders

Panel Introduction by: Tyrone Dixon, CEO and Founder, Let's Live Philly

Panelists:

• Sylvester Mobley, CEO, Coded by Kids

• Yasmine Mustafa, Co-Founder and CEO, ROAR for Good

• David Thomas, Principal of Content Strategy, Think Company

10:15 - 11:10 a.m.

Talent Pipeline

PLAZA BALLROOM, 3rd FLOOR

Moderated by: Jameel Rush, Philadelphia Chapter President of the Society for Human Resource Management

Panel Introduction by: Christopher E. Lopez, Sr., Diversity Contact Recruiter, National Association of African Americans in Human Resources

Panelists:

• Marlinda Henry, President of National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners

• Margaret Spence, Business Strategist, Author, Visionary, MargaretSpence.com

• Mumia Parham, Executive Director of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances, Eastern University

• Hernan Tagliani, Author, Business Speaker, National & International Contributing Writer, HernanTagliani.com

Organizations and educational institutions are partnering to align education and training with the jobs of today and tomorrow. But, how common is this practice? What works? And what are the plans for the future? In this Talent Pipeline session, we explore how companies are recruiting and can partner with universities to secure their talent pipelines.

Within this session we will also discuss how individuals with disabilities are fully included into a company structure. As experienced problem solvers with a proven ability to adapt and gain a competitive edge through innovative thinking, this is a critical dialogue within the diversity and inclusion realm. Join us as we explore this topic as well as other during the Talent Pipeline Session.

Sponsored by:

11:15 - 12:10 p.m.

Diversity in Healthcare

THE EXCHANGE, LOBBY LEVEL

Moderated by: John Clayton, Director of Diversity Inclusion & Workforce Initiatives of Independence Blue Cross

Panel Introduction by: Joseph Hill, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals 

Panelists:

• Millicent Gorham, Executive Director of National Black Nurses Association, Inc.

• Ky’a Jackson, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, AmeriHealth Caritas

• Dana Beckton, Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Christiana Care Health Systems

• Joseph Hill, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals

Today it is vital to eliminate inequities in the quality and availability of health care for ethnic, racial and economic minorities.  Join us as we discuss why Cultural competence is required by healthcare professional to provide optimal care and services to patients from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Sponsored By:

11:15 - 12:10 p.m.

Women Leadership & Board Governance

PETITE BALLROOM, 2nd FLOOR

Moderated by: Terri Easter, Principal of T.H. Easter Consulting Group LLC

Panel Introduction by: Teddie E. Malangwasira, Ph.D., Scholar, Leadership Speaker & Author; Malangwasira Leadership Consulting

Panelists:

• Cherise Wynne, Real Estate Agent, The Agent Lady

• Katie Kern, Partner and COO, Media Frenzy Global

• Ginny Palmieri, Founder of VOCE Consulting

Today’s business and social environment requires bold steps forward, especially for companies and organizations looking to change the paradigms of business. We need to overcome the barriers to creating organizational boards that better reflect the diversity of our society. The proportion of women and people of color represented is a disappointing missed opportunity for the organization to model how to operate in an awake, inclusive fashion.

Sponsored By:

11:15 - 12:10 p.m.

Benchmarking Best Practices: Diversity & Inclusion

PLAZA BALLROOM, 3rd FLOOR

Moderated by: Michael Days, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion of Philadelphia Inquirer

Panel Introduction by: Nolan N. Atkinson, Jr,  Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of the Office of Mayor Jim Kenney; City of Philadelphia

Panelists: 

• Edward Hubbard, President & CEO of Hubbard & Hubbard

• Kryss Shane, MS, MSW, LSW, LMSW, Professional Speaker, Educator, Consultant, Writer, and Dual Licensed Social Worker, ThisIsKryss.com

• Belinda Morris, CEO and Founder of Peoplescape

• Lex Miller, Senior Director of Business Operations for Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Regions, WeWork

This session will present “Benchmarking Best Practices” highlighting the process of comparing one’s business processes and performance metrics to industry bests or best practices from other companies.

Sponsored by:

Remarks: Kenny Johnson, Community Engagement Coordinator, Philadelphia Phillies

Sponsored by:

8-8:20 a.m.

Breakfast

GRAND BALLROOM, CONCOURSE

8:20-10 a.m.

General Session

GRAND BALLROOM, CONCOURSE

Master of Ceremony: Jonathan Lovitz, Senior Vice President of National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Sponsor Remarks: Stephanie Boyd, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Pennsylvania Convention Center

Welcome Remarks by: Nolan N. Atkinson, Jr,  Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of the Office of Mayor Jim Kenney; City of Philadelphia

D&I Research Study: Elizabeth Barber, PhD, CHE, Associate Professor & Executive Director of Business Development and Partnerships, School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management

Speaker Introduction: Andréa Richardson, Director of Multicultural & Diversity Engagement, Hilton

Opening Speaker: Justin G. Nelson, Co-Founder and President of National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

CEO Roundtable

GRAND BALLROOM, CONCOURSE

Rapidly shifting local and national demographics, as well as continued globalization, mean that organizations must embrace diversity and inclusion not only as a means to enhance business performance but also as an enabler of innovation and collaboration.

 Businesses must make diversity a priority in practice, not just a promise. While there has been significant progress, organizations must do more to ensure everyone is able to achieve their dreams and potential.

 Hear from national business leaders, from the private and public sectors, fostering a positive and productive workplace.  Although advancement has been achieved, as leaders it is imperative diversity and inclusion are more than goals to strive for – it’s smart business.

Moderator: Sophia Lee, Partner & Chief Officer of Diversity and Inclusion at Blank Rome

Panelists:

• Don Welsh, President and CEO, Destinations International

• Nina Vaca, Founder, CEO and Chairman, Pinnacle Group

• Angel Montesdeoca, Product Manager of AI Technology, IBM & Chairman of IBM's Generation Next

• Anu Saxena, Senior Vice President & Global Head, Hilton Supply Management

Sponsored by:

AFTERGLOW RECEPTION

ATTICO ROOFTOP BAR AND RESTAURANT

Join Us for the DIPhilly Afterglow---

Welcome to Philadelphia’s 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Conference, we hope you have enjoyed the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Philadelphia hospitality during the Reception and Dinner are motivated to “Make a Difference” in Diversity and Inclusion and have gained valuable insights from our knowledge experts.

Now it is time to unwind and relax, Elevate Your Experience at Philadelphia’s newest spot “Attico Rooftop” located only 2 blocks away from the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.  Attico means “attic” in Italian, several stories above the Cambria Hotel on Broad Street, soak up amazing views to the South and East of Philadelphia.

Sponsored By:

GRAND BALLROOM, CONCOURSE

During this year’s D&I Conference, Philadelphia, PA., a first time award will be presented by Lodging Magazine. The focus of this award is offered/given to a person or organization that delivers sincere and demonstrated leadership, in addition to being a clear difference maker in the area of Diversity & Inclusion domestically or globally. This inaugural award will set the national and international trend that focuses on the leaders that actually make a conscious decision to make change a reality in the Tourism & Hospitality Industry.

Entertainment: Jawanza Kobie, Kimmel Center for Performing Arts Jazz Residency

Master of Ceremony: Jonathan Lovitz, Senior Vice President of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Welcome Speakers:

• Bradley Pacana, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia

• Zabeth Teelucksingh, Executive Director of the Global Philadelphia Association

• Rob Buscher, Governor Tom Wolf's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs 

Remarks: Mayor James Kenney, Mayor of City of Philadelphia

Diversity & Inclusion Award Recipient: Norman K. Jenkins, Founder & President of Capstone Development

Armchair Interviewer: Julie Coker Graham, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau

Armchair Interviewee: David Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President and the Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation

Sponsored by:

In Kind Musical Performance Sponsorship by:

PETITE BALLROOM, 2nd FLOOR

Welcome Introduction: Richard Lee Snow, Chairman of the PHL Diversity Advisory Board

Remarks by:

• JoAnne A. Epps, Executive Vice President and Provost of Temple University

• Michael Newmuis, Director of Stakeholder Engagement & Community Affairs at Visit Philadelphia

• Julie Coker Graham, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Ed McNeill, President of Lodging Media

Sponsored By:

ACADEMIC THINK TANK

PLAZA BALLROOM, 3rd FLOOR

“Elevate the discussion of diversity & inclusion in higher education”

Developed by Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, the Academic Think Tank is specifically designed for deans, directors, faculty and Diversity & Inclusion practitioners to discuss ideas and best practices for incorporating diversity and inclusion on university campuses.

Our goal is to elevate the conversation around diversity and inclusion in higher education 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.

Greetings by: Debra Blair, Associate Professor, The School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management

Thought Leaders:

• Shantelle K. Jenkins, PhD, Instructor of Educational Leadership, Cabrini University

• Cecilia Isaacs-Blundin, Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Comcast

• Teddie E. Malangwasira, Ph.D., Scholar, Leadership Speaker & Author, Malangwasira Leadership

• Elizabeth Barber, PhD, CHE, Associate Professor & Executive Director of Business Development and Partnerships, School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management

• Kryss Shane, MS, MSW, LSW, LMSW, Professional Speaker, Educator, Consultant, Writer, and Dual Licensed Social Worker, ThisIsKryss.com

• Kevin Pearson, Manager of Training & Development, US Olympic Committee

• Tiffenia Archie, PhD, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Diversity, Temple University

• Nakia Troutman, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of The Institute of Diversity & Inclusion, LLC

Dialogue Team

• Belinda Morris, CEO and Founder of Peoplescape

• Margaret Spence, Business Strategist, Author, Visionary, MargaretSpence.com

• Edward Hubbard, President & CEO of Hubbard & Hubbard

• Hernan Tagliani, Author, Business Speaker, National & International Contributing Writer, HernanTagliani.com

During the Academic Think Tank, faculty and educators will:

Discuss Best Practices on how to incorporate diversity and inclusion content into academic programs that leverage the collaborative potential of academia and industry.

• The intent of this Discussion Group is to bring academicians and industry together to develop a Diversity & Inclusion content “blueprint” that meets the needs of industry and education in the preparation of future industry professionals.  Strategies will include everything from internships and externships to metrics and partnerships. 
  Outcome: Diversity & Inclusion Collaborative (Industry & Academic Work Teams)

Discover how to design educational programs through implementing diversity and inclusion content and case studies throughout curricula.

• The intent of this Discussion Group is to drill down to discuss specific diversity and inclusion content through the use of industry-relevant case studies.

Learn ways to enhance program strategies that focus on providing comprehensive quality student experiences for students of color.

• The intent of this Discussion Group will focus on the “student experience”.  Faculty and administrators will discuss the challenges and best approaches to recruiting and supporting students of color.

Discuss how diversity and inclusion programs can impact faculty recruitment and retention.

• The intent of this Discussion Group is to discuss current initiatives and brainstorm around new diversity and inclusion initiatives to cultivate, recruit and retain a strong pipeline of diverse faculty. 

Sponsored By:

Resources:

MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS LEADERS ROUNDTABLE

WILLIAM PENN ROOM, 4th FLOOR- INVITATION ONLY

This session is brought to you by Destinations International

Greetings by: Don Welsh, President and CEO, Destinations International

Moderated by: Tonya Ladipo, Founder and CEO of The Ladipo Group, LLC

Panelists:

• Roger Dow, President and CEO, U.S Travel

• Marsha Flanagan, Vice President of Learning Experiences at the International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)

• Paul Van Deventer, President and CEO of Meeting Planners International (MPI)

• John Graham, President and CEO of American Society of Association Executives

• Michelle Mason, President and CEO of Association Forum

• John Tanzella, President and CEO, International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association

• Al Kidd, President and CEO, National Association of Sports Commissions

• Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO, Destination DC

• Tina Wehmeir, Board Chair, Events Industry Council & Chief Executive Officer, AMC Institute

• Steve O’Malley, Chair of International Board of Directors, Meeting Professionals International

• Al Hutchinson, President & CEO,  Visit Baltimore

• John Percy, President & CEO, Destination Niagara USA

• Kellie Henderson, Senior Vice President, Searchwide Global

• Nan Marchand, Senior Vice President, Membership and Industry Relations; General Manager, ESTO, U.S Travel

• William Pate, President and CEO, Atlanta CVB, Board Chair, Destinations International

Diversity and Inclusion has become a fundamental strategy and requirement for successful meetings and conventions.

This Roundtable session will examine the current state of Diversity and Inclusion in the meeting and convention industry to create a collaborative approach for Diversity and Inclusion efforts underway by leading Destination Management Organizations.

CITY MAYORS ROUNDTABLE: 2:30PM - 4:00PM

PETITE BALLROOM, 2nd FLOOR

“Diverse and Welcoming Cities”

This session is brought to you by Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia

Greetings by: Varsovia Fernandez, Philadelphia Market Executive at Customers Bank and Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia

Moderated by: Harold Epps, Director of Commerce for City of Philadelphia

Panelists:

• Douglas Palmer, Former Mayor of Trenton, New Jersey

• Mayor Hardie Davis, Mayor of Augusta, Georgia

• Eugene N. Anderson, African American Mayors Association (AAMA) 

Join us as we engage in a provocative conversation by mayors from various cities articulating their current strategies.

Today, cities and municipalities in the United States are recognizing the economic and social benefits of becoming welcoming communities and fostering a welcoming culture. Cities are developing welcoming agendas that look to attract and retain a global workforce and maximize the local economic development and growth opportunities that newcomers bring.

MINORITY HOTEL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT’S ROUNDTABLE

THOMAS JEFFERSON BOARD ROOM, 8th FLOOR- INVITATION ONLY

This session is brought to you by Jackson Lewis

Greetings by: Malcolm J. Ingram, Attorney at Law at Jackson Lewis

Moderated by: Ed McNeill, President of Lodging Media'

Panelists:

• National Association of Black Hotel Owners Operators and Developers: Andy Ingraham, Founder & President/CEO

• National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners: Marlinda Henry, President

• Asian American Hotel Owners Association: Hitesh Patel, Chairman

• American Hotel and Lodging Association: Rosanna Maietta, Executive Vice President of Communications and Public Relations

• Latino Hotel Association: Lynette Montoya, President and CEO

Minority association management must deliver to it dues-paying members and govern their association through an elected board or other governing body, along with association committees, commissions, task forces, councils and other units.

DISCUSSION: Advocacy, Education, Communication

Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Association, a non-profit organization providing membership services to paid Association members (adult and youth). Administrating support and coordination of services and staff (volunteers and clerical support, as applicable) necessary to comply with bylaws, policies and performance standards. Managing and/or execution of all administrative/transactional activities required of the Association to maintain the Association significant contact with the public (i.e. members, proprietors, governing organizations, suppliers, and the media).

ATTENDING: American Hotel Lodging Association (AHLA); Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA); National Association of Black Hotel Owners Operators and Developers (NABHOOD); Latino Hotel Association (LHA); National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (NCBMP)