Resources for Diversity, Equality & Inclusion.
It Starts with Us.


If you are interested in contributing to the conversation by offering resources, feedback, concerns or testimonials, just click  here .  


 

There is no place in this world for racism, discrimination and hate. At MPI, we’re committed to embracing the diversity of the MPI community through intentional and strategic change. Meeting Professionals International has always valued inclusion. More than 20 years ago, we created the MPI Principles of Professionalism, which includes “respecting diversity”—a goal focused on fostering an inclusive business climate of respect for all people. Now we must do more.

This year, more than ever, we stand with the leaders of our industry who advocate on behalf of those facing inequities; we stand with MPI volunteers and leaders who have passionately given their time to the MPI Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Committee. Their efforts to raise awareness and create change does not go unrecognized; in support of our entire community, we’re continually evolving our approach towards sustainable change. 

Working together, our industry can and will be a powerful force for equity and inclusion. We have demonstrated what we can do collectively through our efforts to combat the horrors of human trafficking, improving on the Duty of Care of attendees, celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ community and lobbied governments to provide economic stimulus legislation to accelerate the recovery from COVID-19. By working together, we can make a difference in where we go from here, recalibrating systems of inequities across all social identities and within our workplaces to ensure accessibility, empowerment and representation. 

Our amazing industry reflects the diverse interests of countless associations, corporations and organizations. And while we can all try and speak louder than each other to get our issues addressed, real success and real change will come with collaboration. There is strength in a UNITED effort. It’s not always easy and it can get frustrating. But, as a community of meeting professionals, let us harness the power and influence of the live event industry as thought leaders committed to actionable diversity, equity & inclusion. 

Let’s connect, learn and engage in peace. We say, “When We Meet, We Change the World,” arm in arm, face to face and heart to heart.

 

Paul Van Deventer
MPI President & CEO

DEI

Resources for Making a Difference

Join our  Diversity, Equity & Inclusion forum.  

Join Our DE&I Community

 


#RealTalk Dialogue Series



DE&I Updates


A chat with Janet Sperstad, CMP (MPI Wisconsin Chapter), faculty director, event management business solutions at Madison College, about her IMEX Frankfurt session “The human nature of kindness: Explore the hard science behind the soft skill,” a part of the event’s inclusivity-focused AVoice4All education.
When inappropriate comments fall on deaf ears, who’s responsibility is it to change the narrative? It takes a certain type of person who understands that fear has no place when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion.
A chat with Sandra Serrant, CMP, PMP (MPI Greater New York Chapter), events manager at the Research Foundation of The City University of New York, a 25-plus-year industry veteran who is chair of the Black Meeting Professionals Community, to learn more about her hopes and desires for the group.
Minneapolis responds to a particularly challenging year that included a global pandemic and the societal consequences of the George Floyd murder.