April 26th, 2023

Happy Lesbian Visibility Week!

Lesbian Visibility Week: 10 Trailblazing Queer Women to Celebrate

These groundbreaking queer women defied the cultural expectations of their time and occupy a special place in LGBTQ history.

Over the centuries, lesbians and other queer women have pushed the world forward, often challenging norms and defying the expectations of their times. From 1700s England to the contemporary shores of New York’s Fire Island, these women forged new paths and made a space for others to do the same.

Some of those on this list lived at a time when there was no language for queer identity as in the present time, and often could not come out due to societal restrictions and concerns for their own safety. Like much of LGBTQ history, identifying who someone was requires squinting through the haze of the past and reading between the lines of diaries, historical records and second-hand accounts.

What is certain, though, is that queer women have always been around, even if their circumstances forced them to obscure their full selves.

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!

Europe Based Buyers

Use Code: tvaqz6

Minnesota To Join At Least 4 Other States in Protecting Transgender Care This Year

This year, at least 12 states have passed legislation to limit or ban gender-affirming health care for young people, adding to several already on the books. In Missouri, restrictions announced last week by the state attorney general would apply to people of any age. With legislative sessions pressing on across the country, more restrictions could be on the way.

At the same time, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico and Minnesota have passed bills designed to shield transgender health care through legal protections, health care coverage and access. Friday, the Minnesota legislature passed protections for youth and parents who seek health care and for the providers that give it. Gov. Tim Walz, who championed the bill, says he will sign it.

"We are going to lead on this issue," said Walz, a second-term Democrat at an LGBTQ rights rally last week. "And I want to make note, not only do you belong here, you are needed here, you're part of the fabric that makes Minnesota the best place in the country to live."

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How To Make Events Inclusive for LGBTQIA+ Attendees

During Business Events Industry Week, held in March at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., PCMA’s Showcase hosted a panel on "Gender’s Impact on the Events Industry." Moderated by Kyle Jordan, director of meetings at Informs, the panel tackled how to make meetings more inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Panelists included Ashley Brundage, president and CEO of Empowering Differences; Dan Rios, director of LGBTQ marketing for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; Ned Blair, national sales director for Visit Charlotte; Tiffany Elum, former national account director and DEI leader of Destination D.C.; and Leslie Zeck, director of meetings at the International Association for Dental Research.

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How To Navigate a Successful Visit

As hoteliers and venue operators struggle to conduct quality post-pandemic site visits, planners are having to expend more time and effort to ensure successful site selection.

Site visits are one of the many familiar aspects of event planning that have gone askew as we continue to recover from the Covid pandemic. Many hoteliers and venue operators are out of practice. Factor in limited and novice staff, renovations, changes to organizational structure, and site visits are troublesome.

The causes may be obvious, but the solutions are not. So what can planners do to ensure their site visits are productive and help them secure the best venue for their meetings?

Read Here

DID YOU KNOW: This month is National Arab American Heritage Month!

During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, with just a handful of states recognizing the initiative. Each year, grass-roots network of over 250 Arab American volunteers in 26 states gathers hundreds of proclamations from their states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts.

LEARN MORE: The Arab world, formally the Arab homeland, also known as the Arab nation, the Arabsphere, or the Arab states, refers to a vast group of countries, mainly located in Western Asia and Northern Africa. A majority of people in these countries are ethnically Arab, followed by Berbers, Kurds, Turkmens, Assyrians and Armenians.

Arabic language, which is used as the lingua franca throughout the Arab world. The Arab world is at its minimum defined as the 18 states where Arabic is natively spoken. At its maximum it consists of the 22 members of the Arab League, an international organization, which on top of the 18 states also includes the Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia and the partially recognized state of Palestine. The region stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Arabian Sea in the east, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the Indian Ocean in the southeast. The eastern part of the Arab world is known as the Mashriq, and the western part as the Maghreb.

President of the United States Joe Biden Issues Historic Proclamation Recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month--April 2023

Arab and Arab American identity and culture

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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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