LGBT MPA Unveils New Strategic Priorities at IMEX America to Empower and Advocate for the Global LGBTQ+ Events Community

Published on October 8, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

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The LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (LGBT MPA), the premier global organization representing planners, suppliers, educators, and students within the LGBTQ+ events community, has announced a new set of strategic priorities to guide its future direction and growth. These priorities are designed to align the organization’s goals with its mission of advocating for the LGBTQ+ global events community, educating diverse audiences, enhancing partnerships, and growing membership engagement.

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As the association continues to foster inclusivity and diversity within the meetings and events industry, LGBT MPA has committed to creating a platform where LGBTQ+ voices are heard, and equality is championed. By implementing these new strategies, LGBT MPA aims to influence the global events industry and ensure that it becomes more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

The Four Strategic Priorities

Under the leadership of Kyle F. Jordan, CAE, CEM-AP, CMP, DES (he/him/his), Chair of LGBT MPA, and Gary Murakami, GTP, GLP, CMP-Fellow, CMM, DES (he/him/his), Chair Elect, the association has outlined four key strategic priorities that will guide its work in the coming years:

1. Advocating for the LGBTQ+ Global Events Community
2. Educating Diverse Audiences
3. Enhancing Partner Relations
4. Growing and Engaging Membership

These strategic priorities were developed based on extensive member feedback, as well as input from annual partners, nonmembers, and key stakeholders. The priorities are designed to support the evolving needs of the global LGBTQ+ community within the events industry and reflect LGBT MPA’s commitment to advancing its mission and vision.

According to Jordan, the decision to establish these priorities “stems from our commitment to connecting, empowering, and advancing the events community through LGBTQ+ advocacy, education, and research. By aligning our work with our mission and vision, we’re ensuring that the voices of our community continue to influence and shape the global events industry where all are accepted, equal, and belong.”

Priority 1: Advocating for the LGBTQ+ Global Events Community

A central component of LGBT MPA’s new strategic plan is to position the association as the voice of the LGBTQ+ events community. This includes advocating for LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in all aspects of the meetings and events industry. The association will work to develop best practices and recommended guidelines that ensure LGBTQ+ event professionals and participants are treated with respect, fairness, and equality.

Additionally, LGBT MPA aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the industry and advocate for policies that address discrimination, bias, and inequality. Through advocacy efforts, the association hopes to foster an industry that celebrates diversity and intersectionality.

Priority 2: Educating Diverse Audiences

Education is a key pillar of LGBT MPA’s mission. The organization’s new strategic priorities include expanding its educational initiatives to reach diverse audiences within the global events community. This includes offering educational programs, webinars, and resources that focus on topics such as LGBTQ+ inclusion, allyship, cultural sensitivity, and gender diversity.

LGBT MPA will also work with event planners, corporate partners, and suppliers to provide tailored educational content that helps organizations better understand the importance of creating inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ professionals and participants. By enhancing knowledge and understanding, LGBT MPA hopes to promote a more inclusive meetings industry where individuals feel safe, respected, and supported.

Priority 3: Enhancing Partner Relations

To ensure the success of its initiatives, LGBT MPA is committed to enhancing relationships with its annual partners, sponsors, and key industry stakeholders. This includes collaborating with Champion partners and industry organizations to promote inclusive business practices and create business development opportunities for LGBTQ+ event professionals.

During a two-day retreat facilitated by LGBT MPA’s executive director, the Board of Directors, partners, and stakeholders came together to align the association’s strategic priorities with its membership opportunities, bylaws, and annual partnerships. This collaborative process resulted in a comprehensive plan that strengthens the organization’s long-term impact and influence within the events industry.

LGBT MPA will continue to nurture these relationships through ongoing dialogue, collaborative projects, and shared initiatives that support LGBTQ+ inclusion in the global events community. By working with partners, LGBT MPA can extend its reach and ensure that more organizations adopt inclusive practices in their events.

Priority 4: Growing and Engaging Membership

A key focus of LGBT MPA’s strategy is to grow and engage its membership base. The association aims to attract more members by highlighting the value of its educational programs, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts. By expanding its reach, LGBT MPA hopes to create a global network of LGBTQ+ event professionals who can support one another and collaborate on projects that advance inclusion in the industry.

To engage its members more effectively, LGBT MPA will offer exclusive benefits such as access to market insight tools, research opportunities, and experiential learning opportunities. These offerings will enable members to stay informed about the latest trends in the meetings and events industry while gaining valuable insights that can enhance their professional development.

Through its strategic priorities, LGBT MPA is focused on creating inclusive connection opportunities that allow members to share ideas, build relationships, and contribute to the future of the global events industry. As Cameron Curtis, CMM, CAE (she/her/hers), Executive Director of LGBT MPA, explained, “After the launch of our new mission and vision earlier this year, it was critical for LGBT MPA to develop a road map that will help us fulfill that mission and achieve our vision of a global events community where all are accepted, equal, and belong.”

Long-Term Impact: A More Inclusive and Equitable Events Industry

The long-term impact of LGBT MPA’s new strategic priorities is expected to be profound. By focusing on advocacy, education, partnership building, and membership engagement, the association is laying the groundwork for lasting change in the global events industry.

As LGBT MPA continues to grow its influence, it will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community is represented, heard, and empowered at every level of the meetings and events industry. The association’s focus on collecting data, conducting research, and developing best practices will provide valuable insights into the needs of LGBTQ+ professionals and help drive positive change within the industry.

Gary Murakami, Chair Elect, emphasized the importance of this strategic plan in ensuring the continued success of LGBT MPA’s mission: “Our strategic plan will not only guide our future growth but also solidify the lasting influence and impact of our efforts, ensuring that the LGBTQ+ voice continues to lead the way in ensuring a truly inclusive and equitable meeting and events industry.”

Conclusion: A Roadmap for Inclusion, Advocacy, and Growth

As LGBT MPA embarks on its new strategic journey, the organization is committed to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ professionals within the global events community. By focusing on advocacy, education, partnership development, and member engagement, LGBT MPA is well-positioned to lead the charge in advancing the industry toward a more inclusive future.

The association’s commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy and empowerment reflects a broader movement within the meetings and events industry to embrace diversity, inclusion, and equality. With its new strategic priorities in place, LGBT MPA is poised to drive lasting change and ensure that the voices of the LGBTQ+ community are central to the industry’s future.

Original article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/