| NATIONAL: Destinations International and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals are collaborating to create a shared advocacy plan that provides data and actions on the disparities within the destination organization ecosystem. The two organizations strive to educate, uplift, and unite the hospitality industry in an equitable way. DETROIT: The Detroit Foundation Hotel, located in the former Detroit Fire Department headquarters, reopened its doors on Oct. 4 after temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotel's flagship restaurant, Apparatus Room, is also reopening with new menu additions by executive chef Thomas Lents. Temperature checks will be provided upon entering the hotel for both guests and employees, while contactless check-in will also be available. HONOLULU: Island Style Innovations, a Hawaii destination management company, is launching the Ka‘ana Collection. Ka'ana, meaning "to share," is a meeting and event experience that allows participants to connect with Hawaiian presenters, chefs, musicians, and cultural practitioners from anywhere in the world. The collection offers virtual visits to the islands in a customizable series of livestreamed sessions, as well as a selection of local gifts. NEW YORK: The Institute of Culinary Education has begun offering virtual cooking classes. Participants are instructed by a professional chef to create a menu of their choosing, including Tacos & Tequila, Paella Party, A Taste of Thailand, and more. Originally offered exclusively in-person at their New York City campus, online options are now available for cooks of all levels and locations. ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA: Samaritan Village, a faith-based safe home and therapeutic program for adult female survivors of sex trafficking, is hosting its first-ever virtual fundraiser on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. One Village will be livestreamed and focused on raising support for local sex trafficking survivors in an hourlong, docu-style presentation. Attendees will hear from survivors, local government officials, healthcare workers, and advocates on how human trafficking is affecting the Central Florida community. What's happening on the event scene in your city? Email us and share the news!
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