World Conference of Mayors' (WCOM) 1998 Convention in Bermuda this November.

The appointment marks the first time a grass roots organisation has sponsored the prestigious event, said lawyer Corin Smith whose office will represent and help facilitate the convention.

The Bermuda Forum, a private sector initiative which was established to promote business between Bermudians and persons of African descent from around the world, is the third of five title sponsors.

The group sent a delegation of business people to the National Conference of Black Mayors in New Orleans last month. There the agreement was reached with WCOM president David Hume and WCOM founder Johnny Ford.

It joins the Bermuda Industrial Union who was appointed as the first $55,000 co-sponsor of the WCOM on April 30 in recognition of the support it has provided to the 1998 convention.

In representing the interests of the WCOM and the African American Global Trade and Tourism Council in the development and planning of this year's convention, Mr. Smith's office will oversee on-Island marketing, promotions, sponsor opportunities and contractual relationships for the convention.

He will also be responsible for coordinating the participation of the local businesses in conjunction with the Bermuda Forum.

Meanwhile Randy Horton will coordinate and oversee the WCOM Celebrity Golf Classic during this year's convention and contracts have been finalised with the Southampton Princess and Elbow Beach hotels.

The conference, which may attract up to 1,500 people, will be held between November 15 and 20.

A variety of services are open for bid including graphic design services, printing, decorating and floral arrangements, translation services and equipment, full service travel agency, ground transportation, audio visual services, conference staffing agency, tour conductors and special event coordinators.

Event sponsors for concerts, dinners and receptions are also being sought and all bids can be submitted to Mr. Smith at the law firm of Milligan-Whyte & Smith.

CLUB CLB