January 25, 2023

LGBT+ MPA NEWS

LGBT MPA at PCMA Convening Leaders 2023!

Last week, LGBT MPA had the pleasure of attending PCMA Convening Leaders in Columbus! LGBT MPA exhibited on the conference floor at PCMA CL and was able to share the mission and vision of LGBT MPA to the attendees!

We also held our newest education discussion, "Gender's Impact on the Business Events Industry". Speakers, Ashley T Brundage, Chase Brunson, Leslie Zeck, Claude Molinari and Fred Dixon, and Moderator, Glenn Stress, discussed and shared their experiences and insights into their professional experience.

Chase and Ashley also shared and discussed the current challenges and barriers that they and other members of the transgender community have personally faced when booking and attending events. Leslie provided insight on what protections and clauses you can work into planners' RFPs and contracts that protect gender-diverse attendees and Claude and Fred discussed what initiatives their destinations are enacting to provide a welcoming and safe place for gender attendees and shared strategies on what destinations can do to combat LGBTQ+ legislation within their own communities. If you missed this session, don't worry! We will be presenting it again at PCMA Power of Purpose at National Harbor in March!

Thanks to the amazing generosity of Experience Columbus, Meet AC, Meet England, and Visit St.Pete/Clearwater and their amazing teams, LGBT MPA also hosted a LGBT Meeting Professionals Networking Reception at the Lumin Skybar and Lounge at the AC Hotel Downtown Columbus! With live performances from local Columbus talent, Anisa Love, delicious food, and meaningful connections and opportunities, this event was a success! Thank you to all of our members who attended and connected with us! Catch some of the event on the Experience Columbus' recap of PCMA Convening Leaders!

LGBT+ NEWS

$1.5 Million in New Grants Will Support LGBTQ+-Owned and Allied Restaurants

"National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Teams Up with Grubhub For Another Year of Grants to Aid in Growth and Development”

Cision| January 25, 2023

READ HERE

LGBT+ INDUSTRY NEWS

Moving Events Forward in the Face of Social and Economic Challenges

"PCMA convened a roundtable in the American Geophysical Union’s boardroom in Washington, D.C., for the leaders of several associations, DMOs, and convention centers to discuss the impact of travel boycotts and how to navigate social and political challenges."

PCMA Convene| January 13, 2023

READ HERE

INDUSTRY NEWS

The Do’s and Don’ts of Hosting a FAM Trip for Event Planners

"As the saying goes, you have to see it to believe it. And when it comes to location scouting for destination events, planners need to get the full picture firsthand before selecting a spot. Enter familiarization trips, or what’s more commonly known as FAM trips. Usually hosted by venue operators, hotel properties, and destination organizations, these types of trips allow planners to experience a potential site—from the meeting spaces to the excursions—for consideration for upcoming events."

BizBash | January 18, 2023

READ HERE

PARTNER HIGHLIGHT

Creative Badge Ribbon Ideas for Events and Conventions

Everybody loves badge ribbons. Plus, they’re a lot of fun to wear! Improve attendee engagement with this list of creative badge ribbon ideas any event professional can use. Read on to find our list of badge ribbon ideas you can use to create a more unique and exciting social gathering.

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Winter in Wine Country: Wineries with Fireplaces

The air is crisp and clean, the skies are a cobalt blue and if it snows, the fields

and slopes are carpeted in ethereal white. When winter arrives, it's tempting to

just stay indoors, buried under blankets and watch TV from the couch.

Strange as it may seem, it’s actually a glorious time to visit a winery in

Loudoun, particularly since many tasting rooms have crackling fireplaces and

red wine to warm you up. And, with the wineries being only a short distance

from cozy bed and breakfasts - it’s the perfect excuse to winter in DC’s Wine

Country®.

Check out these wineries that will keep you warm this season.

Creek's Edge Winery

Creek’s Edge Winery in historic Taylorstown in Lovettsville has a spacious upper floor tasting room deck that’s popular on summer days but come winter, the lounge-style interior with crackling stone fireplace is the place to be. Open a bottle of the 2018 Creek Bed Red and throw another log on the fire. Travel along route 673 to the woodlands of Georges Mill B&B for an intimately quiet stay.

Williams Gap Vineyard

Nestled in the refined town of Round Hill, Williams Gap Vineyard embraces the intimate farmhouse style. Take a stroll inside and settle down in front of the gray stone fireplace set ablaze. Enjoy a glass of the award-winning 2021 Cabernet Franc, and if you feel like lingering, travel up the rolling hills to The Manor at Airmont for an overnight stay.

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards

Things don’t get much cozier than The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards just off Route 7. The tasting room is a restored 110-year-old stone and timber dairy barn with a vaulted upstairs decorated with antique chandeliers, handcrafted wood tables and a massive stone fireplace. Celebrated winemaker Michael Shaps specializes in Bordeaux-style blends. Cozy up with a bottle of his 2017 Meritage, winner of the Virginia Governor’s Cup. On route 7 you will be able to stop at the small village of Paeonian Springs to get a good night's rest at the Cottage at Twin Notch Farm nestled in the crevices of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Walsh Family Wine

In Purcellville, Walsh Family Wine reflects that of a family style rancher with its modern open plan and eclectic interior design. Green and leafy plants are dispersed around every corner and the grand stone-walled fireplace sits front and center. Before kicking back in front of the flames, crack a bottle of award-winning Russ Mountain Merlot, carefully made by 2022’s Loudoun Wine Awards Winegrower of the Year, Mike Newland. Continue onto Charlestown Pike to the Historic Farwell Cottage for a peaceful night cap.