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My First 90 Days (Again) as President of Skål Philadelphia

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                                                                         Skål International Philadelphia 2026 Induction Stepping back into the role of President of Skål International Philadelphia in 2026 has been both familiar and completely new. Since 1954, our mission at Skål Philadelphia has been to be a Trusted Voice in the Travel & Tourism Industry for the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond. Skål International is the world’s largest organization of travel and tourism professionals, with members spanning every sector of the industry. Skål USA connects American leaders with this global network through local chapters, events, and initiatives that drive collaboration and growth. When I previously served in 2019 as Skal Philadelphia President and was voted Club of the Year, I gained a clear per...
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Bridging Academia and Industry: Preparing for the Next Generation of Meeting Professionals

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  By Greg DeShields, Founder, Executive Director, Greg DeShields Consulting, and  Shawn Andre Murray, MA, MST, MSL, PHR, Associate Professor Tourism & Hospitality Management Montgomery County Community College YouTube Video  https://youtu.be/OIyCgX_0O_4 Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC) is excited to collaborate with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) for their 42 nd Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon. Themed Empower. Innovate. Act , this year's conference highlighted the innovative educational initiative, "Bridging Academia and Industry." GDC is a boutique consulting firm specializing in hospitality industry strategy, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, and the integration of academic and industry practices.   Led by Jason E. Dunn Sr. Chief Executive Officer the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) is a U.S.-based professional association dedicated to advancing the interests and opportunities...
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AN EDUCATOR'S JOURNEY: SUPPORTING LEARNERS AT EVERY STAGE

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  As an educator, I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring students from a wide range of backgrounds, adults in workforce development programs , college students eager to enter the professional world, and now, young minds in elementary, middle, and high schools. Each experience has shaped my journey and taught me that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it is also about adapting to the unique needs of each learner. Working with Adult Workforce Learners - My teaching journey began in adult workforce development at the Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC) Opportunities Inn , where I helped individuals gain valuable skills in preparation for careers in hospitality and tourism. Collaborating with adult learners , many of whom were returning to education after years away, was incredibly rewarding. These students were motivated by a desire to improve their lives, and I was fortunate to guide them through that transformation. At that time, I foc...
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The Evolution Continues: Reflections from the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders

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  The 29th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit & Trade Show, hosted by the  National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD) , once again brought together industry leaders, investors, developers, and aspiring professionals for an energizing week of connection, insight, and transformation. Held in vibrant Miami, this year's summit was centered around the theme "The Evolution Continues," with a special emphasis on mentorship, generational progress, and the educational pathways shaping the future of hospitality. The 2025 NABHOOD Student Delegates were warmly welcomed as rising leaders in the hospitality industry. At the heart of this year's summit was the NABHOOD Student Program, a hallmark initiative that invests in the next generation of hospitality professionals and potential hotel owners. This year's student cohort comprising 40 delegates from a diverse mix of colleges and universities ...
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