Almost exactly a year ago, the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce announced the formation of the Weddings & Events Coalition (WECo).

WECo is an entity of the Chamber that is working towards a vision of events without discrimination. With a mission of creating an open and affirming vendor community through education, connection, and influence, this coalition is the first of its kind in the Midwest, and possibly in the entire US.

The idea for WECo came out of photographer Morgan Miller’s observation of discrimination towards those in the LGBTQIA+ community firsthand, from both other vendors and through the laws at the time in her home state of Missouri. She wanted to have more opportunities to amplify and share LGBTQIA+ love stories, as well as create some sort of vendor list and expo that could be trusted resources to connect with open and affirming events vendors. As a Chamber member, Morgan saw the opportunity to create this community in partnership with the Chamber, instead of starting a separate, independent group.

WECo provides diversity, equity, and inclusion training for all of its members (a requirement of membership), opportunities for networking amongst members, a public vendor list of WECo members, and is in the process of organizing its first wedding expo on November 20th, called “Celebrate! A Wedding Show for All.” Future coalition plans include expanding to offer a separate corporate events focused show, developing further events specific DEI training, and growing WECo’s voice for political and social influence as a representative of its members.

To learn more about the coalition and its members, follow WECo on Instagram

https://instagram.com/weco.kc?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

or visit WECo’s membership directory

Weddings and Events Coalition (WECo) QuickLink Category | Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce