Navigating LGBTQIA+ Inclusion: Event Pros Share Strategies for 2025’s Political Climate – Trade Show News Network

Report on Inclusivity and Sustainable Development Goals in the Business Events Industry

The business events industry has historically promoted connection, community, and culture. In recognition of Pride Month, industry professionals shared their perspectives on inclusivity and the collective responsibility to drive meaningful change. Their insights emphasize the importance of continuous action aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Impact of Policy Changes on LGBTQIA+ Protections and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Cameron Curtis, CMM, CAE – Executive Director, LGBT MPA Founder & Chief Innovator, C2 Association Strategies

1. Impact of Policy Rollbacks: The rollback of LGBTQIA+ protections and DEI initiatives affects travel decisions within the events industry. Organizations prioritize destinations that guarantee safe and inclusive experiences, reflecting SDG 10 and SDG 16 commitments. Even supportive destinations in regions with discriminatory laws are impacted.
2. Strengthening Industry Support: The industry must explicitly use terms such as “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging” to reinforce commitment to marginalized communities. Avoiding vague language ensures alignment with SDG 5 and SDG 10 by promoting clear and intentional inclusivity.
3. Role of Allies: Allyship requires active and consistent efforts. Allies should challenge harmful narratives, speak out against discrimination, and leverage influence to foster cultural change, supporting SDG 16’s focus on inclusive institutions.

Dean Armintrout – Senior Director, Marketing and Events for a Leading Technology Company

1. Event Destination Selection: Events are hosted in diverse and inclusive locations; however, restrictive policies may deter international attendance, impacting global collaboration aligned with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
2. Advocacy by Allies: Industry professionals are encouraged to oppose exclusionary policies and engage government leaders to prioritize DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) in business and tourism sectors, supporting SDG 16.
3. Pride Month Celebration: Participation in Pride parades and festivals fosters community engagement and visibility for LGBTQIA+ rights.

Kathryn Wells – Founder, The Wellsbridge Group

1. Consequences of Policy Changes: Anticipated reductions in funding and performative partnerships necessitate strategic and collective action to maintain inclusion efforts, reflecting SDG 17’s emphasis on partnerships and collaboration.
2. Embedding LGBTQIA+ Inclusion: Inclusion must transcend symbolic gestures by integrating LGBTQIA+ representation in business practices, supplier diversity, and leadership roles year-round, advancing SDG 5 and SDG 10.
3. Effective Allyship: Allies should advocate for inclusive policies, support LGBTQIA+ speakers and vendors proactively, and challenge traditional mindsets to ensure genuine inclusion beyond superficial measures.
4. Personal Background: Kathryn’s experience as a foster child informs her leadership in community initiatives, highlighting the importance of resilience and inclusive leadership.

Brecht Putman, CMP – Senior Association Relations Manager North America

1. Supporting LGBTQIA+ Professionals: Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) can drive change by collaborating with global advocacy groups and encouraging industry participation in LGBTQIA+ inclusion efforts, supporting SDG 17.
2. Advocacy by Industry Allies: Normalizing LGBTQIA+ representation on panels and prioritizing inclusive destinations ensures welcoming environments, aligning with SDG 10 and SDG 16.
3. Pride Month Activities: Volunteering with organizations supporting LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness and participating in global Pride events demonstrate commitment to social inclusion and SDG 1 (No Poverty).

Summary of Recommendations for the Business Events Industry

• Explicit Language: Use clear and direct terminology such as “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging” to strengthen commitments to marginalized communities.
• Destination Selection: Prioritize safe and inclusive locations to ensure equitable access and participation, supporting SDG 10 and SDG 16.
• Year-Round Inclusion: Embed LGBTQIA+ representation in business practices, leadership, and supplier diversity beyond symbolic events like Pride Month.
• Active Allyship: Encourage allies to take consistent, impactful actions including advocacy, challenging exclusionary policies, and sharing power and resources.
• Collaboration with Advocacy Groups: Engage with global organizations to promote inclusion and drive systemic change, in line with SDG 17.

Conclusion

The business events industry plays a critical role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering inclusivity, equity, and community. Addressing challenges posed by policy rollbacks and societal barriers requires intentional, collective, and sustained efforts. By prioritizing LGBTQIA+ inclusion and allyship, the industry can contribute significantly to achieving SDG 5, SDG 10, SDG 16, and SDG 17, ensuring that events remain spaces of safety, diversity, and empowerment for all participants.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article focuses on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging, which align with achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, including marginalized gender and sexual identities.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The discussion on combating discriminatory laws and promoting inclusion in the meetings and events industry relates directly to reducing inequalities within and among countries.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The emphasis on advocacy, pushing back against exclusionary policies, and engaging with government leaders to ensure inclusion reflects the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies and inclusive decision-making.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Embedding LGBTQIA+ inclusion in business practices, supplier diversity, and leadership representation supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth and productive employment.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere, extended here to include LGBTQIA+ individuals.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels, including marginalized gender identities.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws and policies.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including marginalized groups such as LGBTQIA+ professionals.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Proportion of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals in leadership positions and decision-making roles within the meetings and events industry (implied through calls for year-round visibility in leadership and speakers).
   • Existence and enforcement of anti-discrimination policies protecting LGBTQIA+ persons (implied by concerns over rollback of protections).
2. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Number of discriminatory laws or policies affecting LGBTQIA+ individuals (implied by discussion of discriminatory laws and travel restrictions).
   • Level of inclusion in events and business practices, such as supplier diversity and representation of LGBTQIA+ vendors and creatives.
3. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of inclusive policies adopted by industry associations and governments supporting LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
   • Participation rates of LGBTQIA+ individuals in advocacy and decision-making forums.
4. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Employment rates of LGBTQIA+ professionals in the meetings and events industry.
   • Proportion of contracts awarded to LGBTQIA+-owned businesses and vendors.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: tsnn.com