Every small action can help event pros to ensure inclusivity at meetings, say leaders of the LGBT MPA Association.
Meeting pros know they are part of an industry that supports inclusivity. And yet, they’re faced with the threatening barrage of anti LGBTQ+ and DEI directives that quickly took effect when the new administration took office. What can they do? Prevue circled back to an MPI EVENTalks Podcast, moderated by MPI Managing Editor Michael Pinchera, with two leaders off the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (LGBT MPA): Chief Executive Officer Cameron Curit and Chair-Elect Charles Bello, to learn more. Here are some takeaways from their comments in the heartfelt podcast, Impact of Anti-LGBTQ+ Directives on Event Pros:
• The mission of LGBT MPA is to connect, empower and advance the event community through LGBT+ advocacy, education, research, idea exchange and networking. The vision is a global community where all are accepted, equal and belong. The belonging piece is just as important as being accepted. The guiding principle is not to advocate for, or boycott, certain destination but to provide the resources and information that enable attendees to feel safe and protected in any destination.
• The hospitality industry is in the business of connecting people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and has historically been a comfortable, safe place for the LGBTQ+ community. Event pros are drawn to the industry because it is a safe place for people to be their authentic selves.
• Now, every meeting and event attendee has to ask, first and foremost—is it safe to go? Can I get the duty of care that I have always been accustomed to getting as an American citizen? This is the huge question that every single attendee is asking, whether they identify as someone in the LGBTQ+ community or as an ally. It’s hard to not feel despair. But we, as an industry, need to come together and make sure the answer to that question is, ‘yes, I will be safe.’ Every attendee should have the resources and information at their disposal to help them feel comfortable and safe.
•There’s a wealth of information and networking for planners at LGBT MPA educational sessions and events at industry association conferences such as MPI WEC, PCMA, IMEX America and IMEX Frankfurt—with more coming down the pike. One of the most popular educational sessions is is called Beyond the Binary, which delves into the meaning of LGBTQ+.
• Individual planner memberships in LGBT MPA is impactful and deliberately not super expensive. Planners might not be aware, for example, that there are certain ride services for people who identify within the trans community. Individuals can make a huge difference in small, quiet ways by supporting LGBT MPA and similar organizations, who will stand up and take action on their behalf.
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