San Diego Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
Kicks off Multi-Cultural Initiative
Clara Carter, President of MCCSN Selected as Chair

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 the San Diego Meeting Professionals International (SDMPI) held their 1st Multi-Cultural Initiative Tradeshow and Luncheon at the San Diego Convention Center.  Four regional organizations participated: Asian Business Association of San Diego, Barona Tribe of Mission Indians; San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Urban League of San Diego County. 
Also in attendance, Rudy Johnson, General Manager of the S.D. Convention Center; Christine Shimasaki, Executive Vice President of the S.D. Convention and Visitors Bureau; Gloria and Herbert Solomon, Executive Editors of the Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine, as well as community businesses, hospitality and tourism professionals.

Clara Carter, President, CEO of the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network (MCCSN), and member of SDMPI, was selected to chair the 1st Multi-cultural Initiative based on her connections to diverse business in the San Diego community, as well as, her vision to foresee the need to market and promote the city of San Diego to the multicultural convention planners and leisure travelers. MCCSN is the “link” between convention planners, hotels, services providers and attractions in San Diego. We are your resource to the multi-cultural community. Clara states that “relationship building is the key component to comprehending the cultural differences, connecting with key individuals and cultivating long-lasting business contacts.”

The keynote presenter, Roy Jay, President of the Oregon Convention and Visitors Service Network, had the audience sitting on the edge of their seats as he shared invaluable information for positioning San Diego to understand the value of the multicultural dollars.  Roy said, “Remember, there are a growing number of cities, convention bureaus, centers, hotels and others in the lodging, meeting and hospitality business that are “getting it”.  The ethnic convention and tourism market is like finding “gold coins” in your own back yard.   Are you ready to cash in on this opportunity?”

Attendee, Patrice Baker commented “Roy painted a picture of the model that I would hope, we would all aspire to emulate.  He and his team have truly raised the bar beyond anything we have seen in San Diego.  In addition to that, he provided a step-by-step process in which to follow.  It does not get any better than that!” 

Elliott Lawrence, Director of Sales, Radisson Harbor View Hotel said “MCCSN is the proactive organization who’s mission it is to give the San Diego tourism industry the direction and the expertise to service clients of color and specific need.  MCCSN is the expert in addressing the needs of the multicultural traveler, and directing that need to the San Diego multicultural community where authentic services can be provided.”

This event was SDMPI’s kick off in forming strategic alliances to include more professionals from San Diego’s diverse meetings and events industry. 

Clara Carter, president of MCCSN (Multi-Cultural Services Network), devotes part of her week educating people of color about the opportunities in the industry. She has developed curriculum for Mira Costa College and more recently for the Southeastern Economic Development Corporation. Internship programs are also part of what Carter focuses on, working with SDSU, international students and community outreach programs. “We need to excite young people about this business. There are many career opportunities in the hospitality sector outside of the entry-level service type. Parents talking to their kids, more media exposure, everything helps,” she said. “San Diego is one of the top five destinations that people like to travel to. In 2005, our tourist trade brought in $6.9 billion, a good portion of it in the multi-cultural sector. For instance, last August, we booked 1,500 attendees from Fortune500’s Black Enterprise at La Costa Resort. Read more...

Friday, February 23, 2007 -- Congressman Filner honors Clara Carter, the owner and founder of the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network, as his February “Citizen of the Month” for her commitment to increase San Diego’s share of the multi-cultural convention and tourism markets, while ensuring the inclusion of people of color in every aspect of the hospitality industry. Carter’s company is unlike most businesses in that it combines San Diego’s reputation as a premiere tourist destination with the unique philosophy that the San Diego region should be one of the most inclusive and diversified venues in the nation. She was successful in creating entrepreneurship opportunities for people of color and bringing jobs during the most recent NFL Super Bowl held in San Diego, numerous national tennis tournaments and business expositions—ensuring jobs that pay dignified wages for residents in the community. “Clara’s leadership is remarkable. She is a strong force in promoting diversity. Her commitment has created opportunities for many—and I am proud to recognize her contributions to our community,” said Congressman Filner.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 the San Diego Meeting Professionals International (SDMPI) held their 1st Multi-Cultural Initiative Tradeshow and Luncheon at the San Diego Convention Center.  Four regional organizations participated: Asian Business Association of San Diego, Barona Tribe of Mission Indians; San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Urban League of San Diego County. 
Also in attendance, Rudy Johnson, General Manager of the S.D. Convention Center; Christine Shimasaki, Executive Vice President of the S.D. Convention and Visitors Bureau; Gloria and Herbert Solomon, Executive Editors of the Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine, as well as community businesses, hospitality and tourism professionals. [Full Articles]

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