Philadelphia, PA - October 2014 - The Multicultural Affairs Congress (PHLDiversity), a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, (PHLCVB) will honor Ana Aponte-Curtis, Vice President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's (NAACP) Events Planning Department, with the “Industry Appreciation Award” at the PHLDiversity 2014 Annual Luncheon. Aponte-Curtis will be recognized on Thursday, October 9 from 11:30am–1:30pm at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown for paving the way for multicultural tourism initiatives through partnerships with various segments of the hospitality industry.

Aponte-Curtis has helped lead the NAACP for 40 years, managing conferences, meetings, travel, and more. As staff liaison to the Board Convention Planning Committee, she works with the NAACP Office of Development to maintain contact with hotels, convention and visitors bureaus and convention centers to prepare for the NAACP Conferences, meetings, and functions. Thanks in part to Aponte-Curtis' efforts, Philadelphia will host the 2015 NAACP Conference, expected to generate an economic impact of $10.5 million.

Additionally, Aponte-Curtis serves as Chairman of the Board for the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (NCBMP). Founded in 1983, the NCBMP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the training needs of African American meeting planners. Since its founding, the NCBMP has made a significant impact in the hospitality community by identifying the sizable purchasing power and impact of the African American convention.“I am honored to receive the Industry Appreciation Award—it is particularly gratifying to be recognized by one's peers,” said Curtis. “The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau has always been a good partner with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).”

“When it came time to book the 2015 NAACP Conference, Ana recognized Philadelphia's commitment to diversity,” said Greg DeShields, Executive Director of PHLDiversity. “We now have the honor of celebrating her own longstanding support of minority businesses at the PHLDiversity Annual Luncheon.”

The Annual Luncheon is the city's only gathering of diverse hospitality professionals who are dedicated to increasing Philadelphia's recognition as a top multicultural tourism and convention city. The theme “The Business of Diversity,” will focus on positioning diversity as a driver in economic growth for our city and region, while elevating the visibility of PHLDiversity.

Additionally, the Luncheon will highlight the role of minority leaders and bookings to Philadelphia's meeting and convention industry, which is projected to generate more than $729 million in economic impact in 2014. The luncheon will serve as a platform to honor industry and community leaders for their contributions to this success, and accomplishments in support of PHLDiversity's mission.

In addition to honoring Curtis, PHLDiversity will also present:

• The Outstanding Recognition Award. This award will be presented to John Chin, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, for exhibiting personal dedication in both corporate and community service activities relating to the mission of PHLDiversity. A native of Chinatown, Chin is committed to the preservation and growth of the neighborhood for new immigrants.
• The Community Impact Award. This award will posthumously honor the late E. Steven Collins, former Director of Urban Marketing and External Relations at Radio One Inc., whose advocacy and community service resulted in a positive impact on our multicultural community while embodying the principles of PHLDiversity. In addition to a 30 year career in broadcasting, Collins had served as a dedicated board member of PHLDiversity since 2006.

For more information on PHLDiversity, visit: www.phldiversity.com.

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The Multicultural Affairs Congress (PHLDiversity), a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), was formed in 1987 as the first multicultural division of a Convention & Visitors Bureau in the nation. PHLDiversity maximizes opportunities for the region by promoting Philadelphia as an ethnically diverse visitor destination, encouraging multicultural business and social responsibility that contributes to and benefits from the varying multicultural communities that enhance our region's hospitality and tourism industry. For more information, log on to www.phldiversity.com

Media Contact:
Megan R. Smith
BrownstonePR
215.410.9879
megan@brownstonepr.com

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