The event, organized by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County and Discover The Palm Beaches, is designed to provide tools and resources to local professionals in the cultural and tourism sectors

Lake Worth Beach, Fla. (July 28, 2021) – The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County (CCPBC) and Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB) are pleased to announce the first-ever Arts & Tourism Summit on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion on August 11 & 12, 2021 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

The organizations are hosting the two-day event as a professional development opportunity for the area’s business leaders working within hotels, attractions, cultural institutions, and other hospitality/arts organizations. The programming is geared toward professionals at the General Manager, C-Suite, Executive, senior manager and board levels who are looking to incorporate EDI strategies into their organization’s culture. The summit is free to attend, but space is limited.

“We’re committed to continually strengthening our community, and that includes the education that shapes how we think and work—with particular focus on viewing our organizations through the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said Dave Lawrence, president and CEO of CCPBC. “It’s important that we do the work, and ultimately, that we create workplace environments—and within our broader cultural community—where everyone feels they belong, is valued, and has the opportunity to advance.”

“I am a firm believer that travel fosters understanding and appreciation toward people and cultures,” said Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO of DTPB. “In The Palm Beaches we aim to provide a tourism experience that is reflective of our community and where all visitors always feel welcome. This summit is a great example of steps we’re taking to refine that experience.”

The summit features an impressive lineup of presentations, panels, and special performances. The keynote speakers are Elliot Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, and Donna Walker-Kuhne, author and president of Walker International Communications. Additional presentations will be given by West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James and other subject matter experts throughout the course of the two days, with some of the topics including “Brave Conversations: Implicit Bias,” “Top 10 Micro-Inequalities,” and “Being an Antiracism Ally and Making Connections.” Further, the program will feature performances by Afrique Ngozi Dance & Drum, the Chino Nuñez Group, and more.

The full schedule for the summit is listed here.