Nicholas Wiggins- Chairman of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals

By Staff

What is your responsibility as chairman of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP)?

As Chairman, it is my honor to lead a board of directors composed of industry professionals from across the country. I have the opportunity to provide guidance and vision for the organization as we enter our 41st year of service. I work in partnership with the CEO to ensure the organization5 is operating efficiently and effectively.

Who can become a member? What are the benefits?

The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals is the premier organization for Black people in the meetings industry who are looking for professional development opportunities and expanding their overall network. Our annual conference includes sessions that count towards the Certified Meeting Planner program. Our organization is the ideal way for Black people in the industry to get to know and support each other.

Tell us about the NCBMP’s impact it has had on our community.

NCBMP has been an advocate for equitable hiring and promotion policies across the industry. Our membership is made up of meeting planners from corporations, associations, and independent firms, and suppliers who represent convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), hotel properties, audio visual companies, and other parts of the overall meetings and tourism landscape. From its inception, NCBMP has been a leading voice in the clarion call for the tourism industry to recognize the true value of Black spending power by ensuring we see people who look like us in various leadership and executive positions – whether that be the CEO of a CVB, a General Manager of a hotel, or a Chairperson of a convention center.

Under your leadership, what are some new experiences will you organize?

I am excited to lead the organization at a time when the concept of “meeting professional” continues to refine itself. We want to tap into the many iterations of those working in the meetings and events industry and offer them a safe space to connect with their colleagues. We also will continue to increase the resources we provide our members. NCBMP has a rich 40 year legacy; however, we have a unique opportunity in this moment to evolve, expand, and elevate the organization within the industry.

Events have changed dramatically since COVID. What advice do you have for organizations regarding hosting their conferences and events?

The pandemic reminded us health and safety of meeting attendees must be paramount in the planning process. It has also given us some amazing new tools to use to ensure that we are providing the maximum amount of safety at large gatherings and convenings. We have also learned that each potential attendee is coming out of the pandemic with their own level of comfort with large events. It is important that we survey attendees to assess their collective needs and plan accordingly.

What makes for a good event?

A great event provides an experience. I often share with my team that it is the small touchpoints that create a lasting memory for your attendee. From a DJ that was able to engage with the crowd to decor that truly brings a space to life – the details matter and are what your attendees will remember.

What does success look like for you?

I would consider my tenure successful if I am able to lead in this position without compromising my integrity. Success also means providing an opportunity for all voices, especially new ones to be heard and new talent in the industry to be seen and recognized. Finally, success means that I have prepared my successor to continue to build and move the organization forward.