Program
AT A Glance
Saturday, October 4th
SC African- American Tourism Conference 2025
- The SC African- American Tourism Conference serves as a think tank where stakeholders & industry leaders from around the state gather with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the African- American Tourism sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
- Learn about opportunities to tap into the $30 Million Dollar Tourism Industry. Meet the who’s who in the tourism industry and network about ideas, resources, and partnerships. Additional details will be announced soon including the awards show date, hosts, performers, presenters, and more. Follow us or sign up for email updates to be the first to know!
Date, Time, Location
9 am Wells Fargo Auditorium
Welcome: Kwadjo Campbell, Chair SC African- American Tourism Council
Opening Session – Product Development
The Labor of Storytelling: How Black Narratives Shape Public Policy and Economic Power
Description:
This session explores the power of storytelling as labor in shaping public perception, influencing policy, and driving economic empowerment for Black communities. Historically, Black labor has not just been physical but intellectual, creative, and strategic. Today, in an era where misinformation threatens historical accuracy, strategic storytelling is a form of labor that must be acknowledged and protected.
- How Black media professionals and public communicators labor to preserve historical truth.
- The intersection of storytelling and economic advancement for Black entrepreneurs and businesses.
- Navigating this conservative climate
- The impact of digital platforms in amplifying Black labor narratives.
Resource Development Track
Session 1:
10:00 am-11:00 am
Beatty 214
A-tax Grants: Funding For Your Tourism & Cultural Arts Programming
Brief Description: This session will feature local governments around the state as they discuss the qualifying criteria and other aspects of the program.
Featuring: Evelyn Del, ForeSight Communications
Session 2:
11:00 am- 12:00 am
Beatty 216
Business Development & Loan Programs:
Start or Expand Your Business
Description: This session will feature local business development and loan programs around the state as they discuss the qualifying criteria and other aspects of the program.
Featuring Keonta’ Ramsey, Climb Fund/ Brian Colclough, SC Community Loan Fund/ Wanda Davis, CommunityWorks Carolina
Session 3:
12:00am- 1:00pm
Wells Fargo Auditorium
CVBs & How they Help Your Black
Tourism Initiative
Description: CVBs discuss the benefits of becoming members such as direct marketing services, brochure display services, and Opportunities to advertise in CVB publications and websites.
Featuring: Marc Gibson(Charleston), Twila Jones (Columbia)
Marketing and Tourism Promotion Track
Special Session - Digital Media & Ads: (Tourism Promotion Track) 10:00am - 12:00pm Beatty 218 (AI Work for You) Beatty 220 (Deeper Dive)
Making AI Work for You (Rm TBD)
10:00 am – 11 am
Featuring: Donna Davis, D W Davis Consulting
Description: A practical, bring-your-laptop lab showing how AI can boost bookings, improve guest experience, and cut marketing time in half. Walk out with ready-to-use prompts, templates, and an implementation plan.
A Deeper Dive: Digital Marketing (Rm TBD) 11:00 am – 12 pm
Featuring: Victoria Rae Boyton Moore
Description: Creating a digital marketing strategy & plan is critical for success. We’ll cover: Size & importance of digital marketing, Future trends in digital marketing – growth and future opportunities, Steps to creating a digital marketing strategy, Building a strategy from the ground up, and Integrating digital marketing into existing marketing plans
1:00 pm Hasley Art Gallery
Closing Reception: Networking & Closing Remarks
Description: This event will feature Kwadjo Campbell giving the State of Black Tourism Report & Networking by Conference Participants. Food Catered by Hannibal’s Kitchen