Last Night's Parties: It's Almost Thanksgiving Edition

What: Dining Traveler Hosts Women of Color Travel: Changing the Narrative in Travel Media Where: Park Hyatt Who was there: Norie Quintos, Mel Burgos, Jessica Van Dop de Jesus, Bethany Manimbo, Ashlee Tuck, Metanoya Webb, Robin Bennefield, Talia Salem, Tanvi Rastogi, Jummy Olabanji Other details: On November, 17th, 2015 a distinguished group of travel content creators, destination marketers, and influencers came together at the Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. to discuss the narrative of diversity in travel media. This event was conceived by Jessica van Dop DeJesus, travel writer and creator of the Dining Traveler website. Given the rise of diversity in the travel space and the rise of diversity in content creation, she had a vision to bring local influencers to discuss the topic. There is a new breed of women in travel media changing the narrative. Whether it is sharing Asian-American travelers, Latino, African American, or even multicultural family travel stories, there is a rise of quality content that can be shared by destinations, brands, and travel media outlets. The keynote speaker was Norie Quintos, editor at large at National Geographic Travel Media. Bren Herrera, travel writer and chef shared her travel experiences in a heartfelt speech on what travel meant to her. Instagram personality and blogger Mel Burgos shared her experiences in solo travel. Members of the panel included Bethany Manimbo of Visit Montgomery County, Ashlee Tuck of Will Drink for Travel, Metanoya Webb of Globetrotting Stiletto, Robin Bennefield Content Manager at Marriott Traveler, Talia Salem, Social Media Manager, Brand USA and Tanvi Rastogi from Tanvii. The panel was moderated by Jummy Olabanji of ABC 7 News. The event attracted 30 women from the Washington, D.C. area and beyond. Guests enjoyed cocktails and bites from Blue Duck Tavern and gift bags with items from Soul Amenities, Yuk-B-Gone travel antibacterial sprays, US Virgin Islands Tourism, Miami CVB, Roam Right Travel Insurance, Visit Maryland, Brand USA, and NatGeo Traveler Magazine. The Women of Color in Travel group will continue to have monthly Twitter chats on the 1st Wednesday of each month. To join the discussion, visit #womenofcolortravel. [Photos via Dining Traveler]