Passport Health (www.passporthealthusa.com), the nation's largest private provider of travel medical services and immunizations, in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Africa Travel Association (www.africatravelassociation.org) (ATA), and Loyola University Maryland's Sellinger School of Business and Management (www.loyola.edu/Graduate/Sellinger) officially announced John McDonough, Secretary of State of MD as the keynote speaker for Rethink Africa (www.rethinkafrica.net).
“This pivotal event will allow guests to learn more about international partnerships and enriching cultural and travel opportunities in Africa.”
"We are honored that Secretary McDonough will be presenting the keynote address," announced Jorge Castillo, Corporate Director of Business Development and Marketing at Passport Health. "Africa is a beautiful destination and continues to attract leisure, volunteer and business travelers alike. Nevertheless, much of what people see or hear about Africa is negative. We want to showcase the good things Africa has to offer and the business opportunities which exist there." According to Mr. Castillo, Rethink Africa has 3 main goals:
1. Shift the paradigm and reshape the perception of Africa
2. Expose business leaders to economic development opportunities in the continent
3. Connect public and private sectors with business leaders and potential international travelers
Eddie Bergman, Executive Director for the ATA, stated that "Africa is often mistakenly perceived as a country—not a continent—and one plagued with disease, wars and famine. Our goal is to change this inaccurate perception of Africa. ATA International Headquarters encourages the Mid-Atlantic Chapter to engage the Baltimore and surrounding communities in the Rethink Africa event to promote Destination Africa."
Rethink Africa will take place at Loyola University Maryland (McGuire Hall) on October 12, 2010. "Lifelong learning and a global perspective are core elements of a Loyola education," said Karyl B. Leggio, Ph.D., dean of the Sellinger School of Business and Management "We understand the importance of serving as a resource to our students and to the greater community for opportunities that will open doors and transform perspectives," she continued. "This pivotal event will allow guests to learn more about international partnerships and enriching cultural and travel opportunities in Africa."
Rethink Africa will feature a special message from President Bill Clinton and Governor Martin O'Malley. Michael Unger, a senior associate at the Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard and associate professor of management and international business at Sellinger will also address the audience. Attendees will have an opportunity to network, enjoy African-themed hors d'oeuvres and be entertained by a grand musical production with African singers and dancers and a live band, conducted by Rethink Africa's music director, Jimothy Rogers.
"All proceeds are going to two charitable organizations: The Carson Scholars Fund and There Goes My Hero Foundation," added Mr. Castillo. "We are gearing up for a fantastic event and invite all to join us to rediscover the magic, reconnect with business opportunities and retrace our roots." Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Sponsors and exhibitors include Costco Travel, Travisa, Raptim Travel, the MD Governor's Commission on African Affairs and Sanofi Pasteur, among others.