Anticipation, Expectations Build in Run Up to Delegates Arrival for Summit

Part Two of a Six-Part Series

By Cliff Dunn

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote gay-owned businesses in Broward County, the Rainbow Business Coalition (RBC) of Greater Fort Lauderdale is partnering with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) to welcome the delegates for the latter organization’s 28th Annual International Convention – dubbed “Lauderdale Unleashed” – which kicks off on Tuesday, May 10, and continues through Sunday, May 15.

The RBC has planned several activities and events for the delegates, along with a Welcome Guide, which includes maps of Broward County and Greater Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, information and facts about South Florida’s “gay history,” a directory of RBC members and a personalized ID card which doubles as a luggage tag. Several days of educational seminars and classes will culminate in a Friday evening Consumer Expo and Trade Show in Wilton Manors (and a post-expo concert featuring entertainer Christine W headlining and some other performers, to be announced).

Organizers believe a key to the success of the week’s events will be interaction between the local gay community and the delegates from more than 80 countries who will be in attendance. Greg Hardy, Vice President at Solutions Insurance Services in Oakland Park and an RBC board member, says that after all is planned and made ready, getting locals – individuals and businesses alike – excited and involved will be job one.

“Our number one goal,” says Hardy, “is for the IGLTA delegates to feel welcomed to our great city.”

On the business side, “we’d like to see the local tourism businesses register for the convention to network with our global attendees,” notes John Tanzella, President and CEO of the IGLTA. “We hope that [the community-at-large] will extend a warm welcome.” He says that the Friday night Consumer Expo and Trade Show, which starts at 6 p.m., “was specifically created to support and interact with the local community, and the RBC has been instrumental in building a wonderful evening of free entertainment.”

Business and community leaders alike know that these activities will provide the framework for what they hope will be a community-wide effort to make the delegates feel at home.

“In the long term, the delegates’ opinions and reactions to our destination and our people will surely determine our future,” offers Jennifer Morales, who serves as the RBC’s secretary and is also the Director of Marketing for Sidelines Sports Bar, which is co-owned by her partner, Laurie Whittaker. “Whether it’s a year from now, five years or even ten years from today, these delegates have the power to ensure that our city flourishes and grows to be the number one LGBT tourism destination,” she adds.

Tanzella says that IGLTA is grateful for the opportunity to meet, socialize, and play under the sunny South Florida skies. He notes, too, that his organization makes an effort to reciprocate to its host cities.

“We always give back to a local charity,” says Tanzella. “This year we’re presenting a donation to Father Bill Collins and The Poverello Center at our gala dinner and party on May 14.” The gala is another way for locals to mix with the visitors, with tickets available for purchase by non-attendees.

Of the convention and its effects, Chris Dunham, President of Fort Lauderdale-based Dunham Insurance Services, has his eye on the long view.

“This is like dropping a pebble into the water,” Dunham offers. “What’s under that stone feels only the first impact. Those ripples go on even beyond your ability to see them.

One conventioneer this year comes back with three friends next year, and buys a house off the beach the following year, that’s money in the bank for all kinds of businesses for years come.”

“Let’s not screw this up,” he adds sagely.