Growing the Multicultural Business Events Market
I continue to learn more about Pittsburgh’s diversity as I grow within my expanded market, and I’m excited to share this knowledge with my clients.
One of the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was the reshuffling of work-place assignments. MeetPITTSBURGH unfortunately was not immune, and by April 2020, the responsibilities of our once robust sales team suddenly fell on the shoulders of three individuals.
Now, after 16 years in the industry, I have the great privilege of working with our multicultural business events market. I am thoroughly enjoying learning more about this market, discovering established relationships and partnerships and also looking for ways to better position Pittsburgh’s diversity and amplify our region’s inclusivity.
Pittsburgh’s 90 unique neighborhoods are rich in culture and tradition. Our city’s makeup has set the tone for thriving minority-owned businesses and community growth which enhance Pittsburgh’s image as a welcoming destination.
As the tourism and hospitality communities works to evolve the way we plan and execute business events, we must prioritize diversity. Event organizers are tasked with not only selecting destinations but also event vendors, too, providing sales’ teams with the opportunity to present and showcase diverse options.
I continue to learn more about Pittsburgh’s diversity as I grow within my expanded market, and I’m excited to share this knowledge with my clients.
Below are just three of the reasons why I think groups within the multicultural business events market should consider Pittsburgh for their next meeting.
1. We are successful at it!
Pittsburgh has a history of hosting notable multicultural business events, such as:
- Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network, 2016 Annual Conference
- National Association of Black Accountants, 2016 Eastern Regional Conference
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 2016 Eastern Region Annual Meeting
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 2016 Eastern Regional Conference
- Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, 2016 Biennial Alpha Phi Omega National Convention
- National Black Law Student Association, 2017 Mid-Atlantic Region Meeting
- National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, National Resources and Related Sciences, 2017 Annual Career Fair & Training Conference
- National Society of Black Engineers, 2018 Annual National Convention
- Northeast Greek Leadership Association, 2018 Annual Conference
- Croatian Fraternal Union of America, 2019 Quadrennial Convention
2. Black-owned Businesses and Vendors.
MeetPITTSBURGH proudly supports and promotes the numerous Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh, and through collaboration with @BlackOwnedPGH, VisitPITTSBURGH has curated an amazingly LONG list to share with visitors. Categories include restaurants, retail, arts organizations, health and wellness and more.
Don’t overlook the event services category - this resource provides invaluable insight for any planner!
3. Community Engagement.
Visitors looking for an authentic Pittsburgh experience need look no further than the neighborhood of Homewood, a historically Black and culturally vibrant community bursting with culture, history, brilliant art and so much more. The Homewood Experience, presented by Soleil Branding Essentials and Pyramid Pgh LLC, in partnership with Neighborhood Allies and the Homewood Community Development Collaborative, brings the positivity and pride of Homewood to visitors while also catering to its current residents and community engagement. From the Artwalk, a curation of public art offerings, to the Homewood Walk of Fame and thriving small businesses, the Homewood neighborhood is a great itinerary builder for all visitors.
As I continue to grow within the multicultural business events market and discover ways to best support my clients’ needs, I look forward to sharing with you more reasons why Pittsburgh is the ideal destination for your next meeting or event.
Published February 23, 2021
