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LGBT Meeting Professionals Association

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Alexandria, VA
LGBT Meeting Professionals Association

Creating a Global Events Community Where All are Equal, Included and Welcome.

The LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (LGBT MPA) is an inclusive nonprofit organization that supports members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Posts that contain language that goes against our principles of, "All are equal, included, and welcome" will be hidden, deleted, and/or reported to Facebook for further action.

08/20/2026

NEXT WEEK! 🌈 Your CONNECT Marketplace after-hours plans are calling!

Don’t let the networking end when the show floor closes. Join LGBT MPA at Harpoon Harry’s for an evening of drinks, light bites, conversation, and connection with the LGBTQ+ meetings & events community. 🍹

📅 Tuesday, August 25
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM ET
📍 Harpoon Harry’s | Tampa

Whether you’re reconnecting with friends or meeting someone new, come hang with us and keep the CONNECT Marketplace conversations going. 💗🌴

🔗 Register Here: https://buff.ly/WyyVAAa

08/18/2026

☀️ Take us back to three days of collaboration under the Palm Springs sun! ☀️

In July, the LGBT MPA Board of Directors came together at Parker Palm Springs for our 2026 Summer Board Retreat. It was a chance to step away from our day-to-day work, think strategically, and continue building the future of our association.

Through thoughtful conversations, collaborative planning, and time spent connecting as a board, we strengthened our shared vision and identified new opportunities to better serve our members and the LGBTQ+ meetings and events community.

🌴✨ A special thank you to Parker Palm Springs for graciously hosting our retreat and providing accommodations, meeting space, meals, and exceptional hospitality throughout our stay. Set across 13 acres of lush gardens and known for its whimsical mid-century design, the Parker provided an inspiring backdrop for our time together. One of the highlights was gathering for lunch and dinner in the historic Gene Autry House, once the private residence of the legendary entertainer and a truly unforgettable setting for meaningful conversation.

And of course, we had to take some time to explore this iconic property! Swipe through for a few glimpses of the Parker and the spaces that made our retreat so memorable.

We're also incredibly grateful to Visit Greater Palm Springs for their generous support and for showcasing the destination’s vibrant personality and welcoming spirit. From our unique Drag & Fly Tour to an evening together at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, the experience was a wonderful reminder of why Greater Palm Springs is such a special destination for the LGBTQ+ meetings and events community.

We’re energized by what’s ahead and excited to turn these conversations into action! 🚨

08/13/2026

Meet in a place where every attendee can feel welcomed, inspired, and connected. 💙

We're proud to spotlight Visit Boulder and their commitment to creating inclusive, accessible meeting experiences.

From breathtaking mountain views and unique venues to award-winning restaurants and unforgettable outdoor experiences, Boulder offers the perfect backdrop for meetings that leave a lasting impression.

Visit Boulder is also leading the way in creating more welcoming experiences by offering an award-winning Welcoming & Belonging Certified Business program for hospitality partners. As well as, partnering with Wheel the World to certify accessible hotels and experiences, making it easier for planners to create events that are welcoming for all attendees.

Discover how Visit Boulder, Colorado can help bring your next meeting to life.

Read the full article on Visit Boulder here! 🔗https://buff.ly/bDYHIS1

08/12/2026

Could you be our next Board member?

We are accepting nominations for our Board of Directors! If you’re passionate about our community, the meetings and events industry, and creating a more inclusive future, this could be your opportunity to get involved and make an impact. As a Board member, you’ll help shape LGBT MPA’s strategic direction, strengthen our community, support advocacy and education, and bring your perspective to the table. 🌎✨

Who can apply? Active LGBT MPA Planner, Supplier, and Partner members are eligible to be nominated. Not an active member yet? Join or renew your LGBT MPA membership and get involved! 🌈

📅 Nominations are due September 11, 2026

Interested? Complete the nomination survey here:
🔗 https://buff.ly/9CXStOR

08/11/2026

🌈 If you’re heading to CONNECT Marketplace in Tampa, we have plans for Tuesday night!

Join LGBT MPA for our Networking Reception at Harpoon Harry’s on August 25 from 5:30–7:30 PM ET.

Come grab a drink, enjoy some light bites, meet fellow LGBTQ+ professionals and allies, reconnect with friends, and make some new connections along the way. Whether you’re a planner, supplier, venue rep, industry newcomer, or just looking for a fun place to connect—we’d love to have you!

📍 Harpoon Harry’s
225 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
🗓️ Tuesday, August 25, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM ET

Come for the networking, stay for the community. Who will we see there? 👋
👉 Register here: https://buff.ly/GPKf7Zt

All proceeds support LGBT MPA.

08/06/2026

Another great Hosted Buyer opportunity! Join LGBT MPA at IMEX America October 12 - 15 in Las Vegas, NV! 🌆

As a Hosted Buyer you will receive:
Travel cost reimbursed by IMEX, up to your reimbursement limit, complimentary accommodations organized by IMEX matched to your hosted buyer
group program dates, and networking opportunities: connect with 15,000 participants including around 5,700 other buyer. 🤝

It's also a chance to have access to the latest learning (and opportunities to gain CE (continuing education) credits as well as meet 3,500 exhibiting companies from 150-plus countries. 🌎️

To register, sign in to your IMEX account and use the LGBT MPA invitation codes - International: x8xykq | USA: xtw9nb.

If you’re new to IMEX, create your account first, then register using the code. For more information, contact: [email protected]!

08/05/2026

Board Member Spotlight ✨

Meet Gary Sanchez, a new addition to the LGBT MPA Board and Senior Director of Impact and Public Affairs at Visit Dallas with 9 years in the events industry!

Why Gary serves: "The meetings and conventions industry is remarkable, and creating more inclusive places and events can only make this industry better." 🩷

An Important Convo to Have: "Creating empathy, and also leveraging intersectionality to build better sessions and content." 👨‍🏫

The future of LGBT MPA: "Growing our membership and influence." 🫂

Fun fact: "I secretly want to be a world famous DJ" 🎤

Advice: "Having a diverse background of professional experience." 💡

Feeling Connected: "Serving on Destinations International Advocacy Committee and Social Impact Committee." 🌈

A Challenge Gary Faces: "Making meetings/conventions accessible given the rising costs of registrations, travel expenses." 🛫

Thank you, Gary, for your leadership and dedication to building a more connected, inclusive meetings industry! We are so excited to welcome you to the board! 🌟

07/30/2026

Looking for a Hosted Buyer Opportunity? Join LGBT MPA at CONNECT Marketplace this August 24 - 26 in Tampa, FL! 🌴

What's included:
✈️ Flights and hotel accommodations covered by Connect
🤝 Pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings with suppliers to source your event needs
🥂 Opening reception hosted by Visit Tampa Bay
🎓 18 hours of educational content + CMP credits
🎁 Tradeshow floor and gifting suite access
🎶 Closing reception performance by Two Friends (think throwbacks, current hits, the songs you forgot you loved, and the ones you never skip)

Use code LGBT1 for 75% off the refundable registration fee!
🔗 Register Here: https://buff.ly/1nsjb0i

07/22/2026

Board Member Spotlight ✨

Meet Gary Murakami, LGBT MPA Immediate Past Chair and Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations at Teneo Hospitality Group with 20+ years in the events industry!

Why Gary serves: "Having served on the board and as the Chair, I have personally seen that in the meetings and events industry, inclusion doesn’t happen by default—it must be intentionally designed into the experiences we create and the environments we lead. I serve on the LGBT MPA Board to help ensure our industry moves beyond performative gestures toward meaningful, measurable impact—where LGBTQIA2+ professionals are not only represented, but empowered to shape the spaces, strategies, and experiences that define how people connect, meet, and engage around the world." 🌈

An important convo to Gary: "An important conversation for our industry is how we evolve from inclusion to truly designing for belonging with our meetings & events. Whether a meeting professional who plans and designs events to industry partners who provide product and services, It requires a more intentional approach to how meetings are structured, experienced, and led. That shift has the potential to fundamentally elevate the impact and influence of our work along with its outcomes." 🎓️

Looking at the future: "I am excited about LGBT MPA’s growing role in influencing how the meetings and events industry defines and delivers inclusive experiences. As our industry continues to evolve, we have an opportunity to set the standard for what true belonging looks like—from the design of events to leadership representation. I look forward to expanding our impact through thought leadership, industry partnerships, and development of the next generation of talent who will shape more intentional, inclusive, and globally relevant experiences." 🫂

Fun fact: "Winnie-the-Pooh is my FAVORITE! Love all things Pooh!" 🍯 🧸

A big win: "A key win this year was helping elevate more strategic, forward-looking conversations around authenticity and the evolving role of events. Creating space for candid dialogue among industry leaders has been instrumental in shaping how we think about the future of not only our work and also our industry. These conversations are critical to influence where our industry is heading." 💬

Learn from Gary: "Our industry is fundamentally built on relationships, and that foundation remains one of its greatest strengths. The ability to build trust and foster meaningful connections often drives the most successful and meaningful outcomes. It’s a dynamic that continues to shape both individual careers and our industry at large." 💚

Thank you, Gary, for your leadership and dedication to building a more connected, inclusive meetings industry!

06/29/2026

Board Member Spotlight ✨

We’re proud to highlight EJ Corporan, LGBT MPA Board Member and Director of Growth and Research at Ansera!

Why EJ serves on the LGBT MPA Board:
“I believe our industry is stronger when everyone feels they belong. Throughout my career, I've been passionate about building communities, creating opportunities for connection, and helping people bring their full selves to the table. Serving on the LGBT MPA Board allows me to combine my love for the events industry with my commitment to advancing LGBTQIA2+ inclusion, advocacy, and representation. I'm excited to help shape a future where every meeting professional feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed." 🌈

The future of LGBT MPA:
“We have an incredible opportunity to expand our reach, strengthen our advocacy efforts, create meaningful professional development opportunities, and demonstrate the business value of belonging. Most of all, I'm excited about helping build a community where people don't have to wonder if they fit in."

I think an important conversation that all meeting professionals should participate in is...:
"We've spent years talking about diversity and inclusion, which are incredibly important, but belonging is where the real impact happens. People can be invited into a room and still not feel like they belong there. As event professionals, we have a unique opportunity to create experiences where people feel seen, valued, and connected."

Fun fact:
"I am a proud member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts. Who wants to ride a coaster with me AY!?" 🎢

Learn from EJ:
"Relationships matter more than anything. As technology, trends, and platforms continue to evolve, the ability to build trust, listen deeply, and create meaningful connections will always be valuable. I'd also encourage future professionals to stay curious. Some of the most impactful opportunities in my career came from stepping outside my comfort zone, saying yes to challenges I wasn't fully prepared for, and not being afraid to 'be a beginner'".

An industry experience that made EJ feel a sense of belonging:
"Serving with LGBT MPA has been one of the clearest examples of belonging in my professional life. It's a community where people show up authentically, support one another, and genuinely want to see each other succeed. And I genuinely have grown to love and appreciate each of my peers on the board. Their friendship is something I will carry with me for a long time. "

Thank you, EJ, for your leadership and for helping strengthen the LGBT MPA community! We’re proud to celebrate your impact in our industry. 💜

Address

201 N Union Street Suite 110
Alexandria, VA
22314

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15715601734

Website

http://thelgbtmpa.org/

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