04/09/2026
Clarence Cox of African American Motorcoach Council to Address African American Travel Conference 2026 in Birmingham
Birmingham, AL – The African American Travel Conference (AATC) 2026, set for April 20-22 at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham will feature a timely keynote from Clarence E. Cox III, Chairman of the African American Motorcoach Council (AAMC) of the American Bus Association. Cox’s appearance was made possible through the proactive connection of Sara Hamlin of the Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, whose advocacy helped secure this high-profile speaker for the event’s focus on inclusive tourism and industry empowerment.
Cox, COO of Georgia Coach Lines in Fayetteville, Georgia, brings decades of leadership in the motorcoach sector. As the founding chair of the AAMC, established in 2021, he has championed greater representation for African American operators within the broader American Bus Association. His work includes lobbying for equitable access to contracts, workforce development, and expanded group travel opportunities that connect Black communities to cultural and economic destinations nationwide. Under his guidance, the council has grown into a vital voice for minority-owned motorcoach businesses navigating post-pandemic recovery and rising demand for culturally relevant travel experiences.
The AATC annual gathering, draws travel professionals, tour operators, destination marketers, and suppliers committed to elevating African American perspectives in the $100+ billion U.S. travel economy. This year’s host city Birmingham is renowned as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement and offers a symbolically powerful backdrop. Attendees will explore how historic sites like the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument pair with modern attractions to drive heritage tourism, while sessions address sustainable group travel, digital marketing, and supplier diversity.
In his address, Cox is expected to highlight the untapped potential of motorcoach travel for African American groups. “Motorcoaches remain the safest, most affordable, and most social way for families, churches, and organizations to experience America together,” Cox noted in a recent industry profile. “Our council is laser-focused on removing barriers so that Black-owned operators can thrive and deliver authentic journeys that celebrate our history and future.” He will share case studies from Georgia Coach Lines and outline strategies for partnering with convention bureaus to boost ridership on routes tied to Black history, music, and festivals.
Sara Hamlin, whose deep knowledge of Birmingham’s meeting and tourism landscape proved instrumental, emphasized the strategic fit. “Bringing Clarence Cox to AATC 2026 aligns perfectly with our city’s commitment to inclusive economic growth,” she said. “His expertise will inspire attendees to think bigger about group travel and its role in telling Birmingham’s story while creating lasting business opportunities.”
Conference organizers anticipate record attendance, with workshops, a marketplace, and networking events complementing Cox’s presentation. As the industry rebounds, his message of collaboration and advocacy underscores a core AATC theme: travel as both economic engine and cultural bridge.
