This is part of an ongoing series highlighting EIC Association and Corporate Members and the important work they are doing to serve our shared industry. This month, in honour of Pride Month around the world, we spotlight the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association.
LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (LGBT MPA)
- Website: www.thelgbtmpa.org
- Executive Director: Cameron Curtis, CMM, CAE
- EIC member since: 2023
- Headquarters: Alexandria, Virginia, USA
- Membership: 2,500 meeting professionals
- Mission: To connect, empower, and advance the events community through LGBT+ advocacy, education, research, idea exchange, and networking.
- Vision: A global events community where all are accepted, equal, and belong.
Founded in 2018, the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association is the first and only organisation solely committed to connecting, advancing, and empowering the LGBT+ meeting professional. While the LGBT community is well known for its inclusive and diverse culture, LGBT MPA provides the opportunity for our unique voices to be lifted up, representing and educating the industry on a broad range of topics pertaining to inclusion and diversity. Its research-driven data provides a more meaningful understanding of our community while sharing best practices for industry leadership.
As a community-based association, with an international membership, LGBT MPA provides exposure across all established meeting sectors and offers an opportunity for all meeting professionals to be a part of the larger goal of inclusion throughout the industry.
Key programs or initiatives for 2024
In February 2024, the LGBT MPA launched a new mission and vision that set the stage for our future. We are prioritising education on topics related to creating inclusive events at major industry conferences including IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America, PCMA Convening Leaders and Educon, MPI’s WEC, and CONNECT Marketplace.
LGBT MPA plans to unveil a new strategic plan in August 2024 that focuses on collaboration with industry organisations and partners, growing our membership, and creating a space where the LGBT community and allies feel accepted, equal, and belong.
“The LGBT Meeting Professionals Association is a vital part of the global events community because we foster an inclusive and supportive network and empower others to create safe and welcoming spaces for all. We are dedicated to creating and providing valuable resources, education, and a sense of community that drives progress and innovation in our industry.”
– Cameron Curtis, CMM, CAE, Executive Director LGBT MPA
“As a member of EIC’s leadership council we have a unique opportunity to engage with leaders from other industry organisations to create a future landscape that fosters inclusivity and supports the global events industry now and for generations to come.”
– Cameron Curtis, CMM, CAE, Executive Director LGBT MPA
