April 12th, 2023

LGBT Meeting Professionals Attends Global Meetings Industry Day

On March 31st, LGBT MPA attended Global Meetings Industry Day Philadelphia, hosted by the PCMA Greater Philadelphia Chapter. With a day filled with educational panels, moderated by LGBT MPA member, Scott Higgins of Valley Forge Tourism, GMID Philadelphia gave all attendees information about the trends that professionals are seeing in the meetings industry now and how to address the problems they might be facing.

Thank you again to the PCMA Greater Philadelphia Chapter for giving LGBT MPA the opportunity to attend and support the event as a Supporting Sponsor!

Calling All European Based Buyers: Join LGBT MPA's Hosted Buyer Group!

Attending IMEX in Frankfurt has never been more important, nor more valuable.

It’s vibrant and dynamic, that’s IMEX - the leading global show for business events. As a busy professional you need to make the best decisions on how to spend your time and energy – meeting the world and industry in one place, at one time, makes IMEX your best decision in 2023.

Here’s what other buyers are telling us:

“In a relationship-business success comes from who you know, not what. But people have moved on. IMEX is where I met all these new people.”

“I noticed IMEX is where champions of change hang out.”

“Sustainability is finally driving destination, supplier and venue decisions. I choose my business events carefully. IMEX is both zero-waste and carbon-conscious.”

“IMEX is where the future of events - the road ahead - is revealed.”

Unlike many other shows, IMEX’s hosted programme is both FREE AND totally flexible, and the friendly, professional IMEX team is there to help every step of the way.

• Simply book your chosen travel and claim a reimbursement (once your place is approved)
• Receive comp accommodation to fit your dates during the show
• Experience unrivaled service before, during and after IMEX, at NO cost to you or your company (no
• hidden fees or penalties)
• Choose from 100s of education sessions that qualify for CMP continuing education (CE) clock hours
• Join 3,000+ other buyers and 10,000+ show participants
• And finally, in return we simply ask you to commit to making appointments and bringing your business to our friendly, motivated exhibitors

There’s no catch! If you regularly plan OR contract events or meetings outside your home country, then you qualify for a hosted place.

The team at IMEX are already working hard behind the scenes with our partners and suppliers to make this even bigger and better than last year!

Use Code: tvaqz6

There's A New Group Helping Trans People Flee the US

A service that aims to help transgender people flee the U.S. officially launched two weeks ago—and it has already received 30 applications. 

“In July, people said I was crazy to even come up with this idea. That ‘it won't work,’ ‘it's not needed,’ ‘it's not necessary,” said TRANSport founder and trans activist Rynn Azerial Willgohs. “Here we are nine months later, and I feel like I was looking at a crystal ball.”

In light of all this, TRANSport is hoping to step in. The group aims to help trans people get documents with up-to-date gender markers, including valid IDs and passports, and ultimately help them make their way out of the U.S. VICE News first reported on TRANSport in January, before the site launched. It’s a “non-profit organization dedicated to transporting at-risk transgender individuals outside of the United States of America into a more accepting world,” according to the newly launched website. 

Companies are Failing Trans Employees

While many companies have made progress in creating more inclusive cultures for LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) employees, transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) employees routinely experience both subtle and blatant forms of aggression, insensitivity, rudeness, and discrimination at work. They have few role models and few places to turn for support. They’re wary of coming out to their HR departments and direct supervisors.

This alienation is indefensible — but fixable. BCG recently surveyed 2,230 TGNC employees in eight countries and conducted 34 interviews with TGNC employees. Primarily, we found that TGNC employees want respect in the workplace, which is both reasonable and achievable for organizations committed to DEI. CEOs, HR departments, and managers all have distinct roles to play in creating an inclusive workplace culture for TGNC employees.

Events Industry Fed Up by Business Impersonation Fraud

An estimated $2.6 billion in losses resulted from sophisticated business impersonation scams in 2022, and the event industry is fighting back.

A coalition of event companies and trade associations have joined together to urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to rule in favor of targeting government and business imposters, the most reported type of scam last year. Losses from these scams increased by 50 percent from 2021 to 2022, and the industry has had enough. 

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) is a powerful force behind this fight, helping gather 235 organizations to be part of a letter to the FTC to #StopFraud. The letter spotlights the issue before a May 4 FTC virtual hearing where CTA, Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), RIMS, the risk management society, and others will testify about the need for a new FTC rule to increase enforcement against these scammers.

See You in Sacramento: A Look at Sac's LGBTQ Business Community

Leaders from the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce tell us about their city’s welcoming culture and inclusive business environment.

How can you tell if a destination is right for an LGBTQ business meeting? The simplest and fastest way is to look at how that place treats its homegrown LGBTQ businesses. After all, if a city has a welcoming and supportive business ecosystem for queer locals, that’s a sure sign that every resource you need for a memorable LGBTQ meetup is already present and abundant.

Such is the case in Sacramento, as these two LGBTQ professionals will tell you. Samuel Jones and Fred Palmer respectively serve as Board Chair and Executive Director for the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce (SRCC). You heard that right—this economic engine is solely dedicated to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive business climate for LGBTQ and allied professionals.

Samuel and Fred took the time to share what makes the queer business community in Sacramento so special—and why they work so hard to ensure even more doors keep opening for LGBTQ businesspeople.

How has Sacramento’s business environment supported your own professional journey and endeavors?

Fred: I have served with SRCC in many capacities for over 18 years and have watched it grow into what it is today. As an owner of a small business, Outword Magazine, I have also been a member of the SRCC for 21 years. The support I have received from SRCC and the elevation of my small business has increased its exposure and prosperity greatly with new clientele, supporters, and advertisers. Without SRCC, my business’s prosperity and growth would have negatively been impacted and would have not flourished in the ways that it has since becoming a member. 

Samuel: As board chair, the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce aligns with many of my personal and professional goals. My passions and professional successes have consisted of supporting students by contributing annually to Sac State’s Advancement office to ensure students’ basic needs are met with scholarships, housing, and food. As a member of the SRCC, I can continue this passion through supporting the future LGBTQ entrepreneurs and business owners through our foundation’s scholarships and initiatives.

What’s your favorite aspect of LGBTQ life and community in Sacramento?

Fred:  I love the amount of diversity we have within our LGBTQ community and the partnerships we have that allow us to create such a strong community.

Samuel: Having lived in Los Angeles where the community is large and spread out, I find that Sacramento is a small community with a large heart. I get to meet people from all walks of life by attending special events throughout the year. Then I get to see those people repeatedly, which helps me start new friendships and truly get to know someone. I have lived here for 12 years and can say that I have friendships that last, and I get to collaborate and celebrate with others throughout the year.

What makes Sacramento an ideal meeting place for LGBTQ professionals?

Fred: As a Capitol city, we have a lot to offer folks to live and work in our region. I think Sacramento is ideal to attract and retain new talent while fostering continued growth. 

Samuel: It is an easy and reliable community to network. It is affordable and has easy access to San Francisco or Tahoe. You can experience many things both within and around Sacramento…from hiking and biking to wine-tasting and theater.

After business is done for the day, what destinations or activities would you recommend to LGBTQ professionals?

Fred: It really depends on what people like! We have an abundance of outdoor activities, nightlife, arts, and local LGBTQ sports leagues. Also, depending on the season, there are tons of LGBTQ events including Pride, Drag Events, Drag Bingo, etc. A little something for everyone.

Samuel: Get out and about and attend events, happy hours, and get to know the community. Get involved and volunteer to be part of what is happening in Sacramento.

There you have it: if you’ve been looking for a meeting place with abundant culture, a tight-knit community, and a progressive outlook…look no further than Sacramento. Of course, that’s not even mentioning the accommodations, venues, and destinations traveling LGBTQ professionals can expect in Sac, all of which you can read about in our ABCs of LGBTQ Meetings in Sacramento.

Plan Your Meeting in Loudoun!

Allow us to elevate your meetings and experience all the Loudoun County has to offer.

Loudoun County, Virginia, known as DC’s Wine Country, is a culinary and cultural destination just 25 miles (40km) from Washington, D.C, and home to Washington Dulles International Airport. Loudoun boasts award-winning wineries, breweries, distilleries, farm-to-table dining, historic sites, equestrian cultural experiences, outdoor adventures and more. Along the way, experience scenic vistas, rich American heritage and charming small towns. Loudoun also offers endless opportunities for your meeting attendees.

At Visit Loudoun we value your business, which is why we have a dedicated team to provide you with a variety of services that will help you deliver a successful and stress-free event. Let our staff work with you to resolve the unique challenges of your event. Our sales team will evaluate your needs to provide personalized service, allowing you to make the best selections for your organization.

Our team is here to provide you with sourcing assistance which includes:

• Destination information
• Site selection
• Meetings space specifications
• Itinerary suggestions
• Options for pre and post meeting activities and off-site events
• Ideas for innovative events
• Social media promotion assistance
• Local media contact coordination

We are here to help make your meetings memorable and your job easier at no charge. Loudoun County is a convenient location that offers value-for-money rates that can’t be topped. Explore our resources below and don't hesitate to contact us for more information.



We are here to answer your questions and ensure your meeting is a success!

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