Ascent: Inclusion & Diversity
There’s No Shortage of Black Speakers
Two resources — Black Speakers Collection and Black Executives Collection — continue to grow. Here’s an update to a story we published in December 2021 about the directories.
Recovering the Cuisine of Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous chefs are using restaurants and special events to tell the mostly unknown story about Native food in America.
New PCMA Board Chair Focuses on Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Development of Future Leaders
Desirée Knight, chair of PCMA’s 2023 Board of Directors and Trustees, talks about her goals during her term and the challenges facing the events industry.
Looking Inward at Our Biases
Inclusive leadership expert Melissa Majors’ three steps to follow to mindfully mitigate your own biases.
How Diversity in Design Collaborative is Working to Bring Equity to Design Industry
Black designers are coming together to address the lack of Black representation in the design industry, and the events industry is part of that effort.
Will New Salary Transparency Laws Help Solve Pay Inequity?
New legislation around the country requires employers to disclose compensation at various points in the hiring process, which is prompting employers to take bigger steps in what many say is a crucial strategy in achieving greater pay equity for all.
Creating an Equitable Event Experience for Attendees of All Abilities
What the Raleigh Convention Center learned hosting the 2022 LEAD Conference, an event for — and by — experts in arts and accessibility, and what planners can learn from it, too.
How This CVB Executive Is ‘100-percent Focused on Inclusion’
Hilina Ajakaiye draws on her experience as an immigrant — and conference organizer — to invite everyone to the table in the Boston hospitality and events industry.
DMOs Are Putting Accessibility on the Front Page
DMOs Visit Lauderdale and Experience Columbus have expanded their websites to make accessible restaurants, hotels, and attractions in their respective cities easier for visitors — and event organizers — to find.
Peggy Daidakis Reflects on a Long Career in Venue Management
Peggy Daidakis, executive director of the Baltimore Convention Center and the first woman to lead a U.S. convention center, will officially retire in September.
OVG360’s Shura Garnett on ‘Breaking Glass Ceilings’
The senior vice president of convention centers for OVG360 reflects on her career journey and challenges during the pandemic.
Overcoming Obstacles at Mexico City’s Centro Citibanamex
Toni Gamez, the executive director at one of the largest convention facilities in Latin America, talks about the talent shortage and offers her best piece of advice for those considering a career in the business events industry.