In the meetings and events industry, women make up the majority of our workforce—especially in service, planning, and hospitality roles. And yet, like many industries, we still see gaps in leadership, pay equity, and visibility. At ESPA, we believe equality in events starts with the people who create them.

This day offers us the perfect opportunity to examine how we design spaces where women, and all underrepresented voices, can thrive.
 
Here are a few ways we can bring the spirit of Women’s Equality Day to life through our work:

• Be intentional about inclusion. Representation on stage matters. Curate speaker lineups and panels that reflect the diversity of our industry, especially women of color, LGBTQ+ professionals, and emerging leaders.
• Create supportive environments. From offering nursing rooms and family-friendly spaces to ensuring accessible venues and equitable amenities, the details we plan directly impact who feels welcome.
• Mentor and sponsor the next generation. Encourage leadership development by pairing seasoned professionals with those rising in the field. A personal connection can unlock confidence, networks, and new career pathways.
• Use our platforms for good. Events bring people together, making them powerful spaces for advocacy and awareness. Whether it’s a DEIA session, a roundtable, or a CSR partnership, we can use our stages to move the conversation forward. 

In today’s climate, where women’s rights and workplace equity continue to face challenges, this work is more critical than ever. Let’s make this Women’s Equality Day more than a moment of celebration; let’s make it a catalyst for continued progress.
 
Because as event service professionals, we don’t just build experiences, we shape culture. We have the power to design a more inclusive, empowering future for all.

Each year on August 26, we commemorate Women’s Equality Day, honoring the certification of the 19th Amendment and the generations of women who fought for the right to vote. But the day is more than a history lesson, it is a chance to reflect on how we advance equity today

By Jenny L. Huffman, New Orleans Morial Convention Center

As we approach November and the busy holiday season, it’s easy to focus solely on our own customs and overlook the richness of diverse cultures. This time of year offers a fantastic chance to embrace different traditions and learn from one another so that we can form a deeper understanding of our varied backgrounds.

November brings several DEI-related events and observances. Engaging with the following organizations can equip event professionals with the insights and guidance needed to create a more inclusive and culturally sensitive experience.

Native American Heritage Month: Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) represents the American Indian and Alaskan Native populations. There are numerous resources available regarding American Indian and Alaska Native initiatives at both the government and local community levels. 

Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19): Founded in 1985, GLAAD focuses on the advocacy and cultural changes on the local and national level. GLAAD provides resources for transgender inclusion and best practices to highlight Transgender Awareness Week.

International Day for Tolerance (November 16): In 1995, UNESCO created a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and in 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 51-95 proclaiming November 16 the International Day for Tolerance.

World Kindness Day (November 13) : In 1998, the World Kindness Movement established World Kindness Day. While one may not think of kindness as a traditional DEI initiative, it helps emphasize the importance of implementing kindness to help produce an inclusive environment during events.

As event service professionals we need to think about how we can be more inclusive to diverse audiences and make DEI initiates a priority. Some ways that we can foster inclusivity of the above groups is by using small and emerging business, minority owned business, and LGBTQ owned businesses to source materials for our events. We can collaborate with local organizations that support minority and LGBTQ communities to help raise awareness.

This November, let us look beyond our own cultures, lifestyles, and beliefs. Let us expand our perspectives, explore diverse cultures, and others beliefs. When we raise our awareness of others, we cultivate a better understanding of inclusivity in both our personal and professional lives.

Nurturing Ourselves to Better Serve Others
By Brianna Conway, Destination Experience Manager, Conventions, Visit Indy

The hospitality industry is all about service and care. Every day, hospitality workers dedicate themselves to enhancing the experiences of others, often putting their needs second. This type of dedication can often lead to burnout if we continue to neglect our well-being. As a community, we have begun to embrace the many awareness months. Self-Care Awareness Month and Self-Improvement Month, both in September, are more vital than ever in our industry. These initiatives encourage us to pause, reflect, and take actionable steps toward bettering ourselves. But why are these topics so crucial, especially in the hospitality industry?

Self-Care Awareness Month reminds us that taking time for ourselves isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Prioritizing our mental, emotional, and physical health helps us maintain the energy and positivity needed to excel in our roles.

Here are some helpful tips to consider for Self-Care Awareness Month:

• Practice saying no
• Sleep well
• Eat healthy
• Exercise when possible

Self-Improvement Month offers an opportunity to reflect on our personal and professional growth. In hospitality, where trends and customer expectations constantly evolve, staying committed to self-improvement ensures we remain adaptable and innovative. Whether it’s learning new skills, setting personal goals, or embracing new perspectives, continuous growth is key to thriving in this dynamic field.

September marks the end of the summer season and the beginning of fall. Use this time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and identify which goals still need to be worked on.

As we move into September, let’s use these awareness months as a catalyst for change. By investing in ourselves, we not only enhance our own lives but also improve the quality of service we provide to others. After all, the heart of hospitality lies in caring—for others and for ourselves.

July is just around the corner, and ESPA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee is thrilled to bring awareness to the diverse cultures celebrated in our respective communities who embody successful events welcoming and accepting of all stakeholders to feel a sense of genuine inclusiveness.

Some members celebrate Independence Day, Canada Day and Bastille Day, to support and bring awareness of various diverse cultures. ESPA also highlights additional July observations such as French American Heritage Month and the beginning of South Asian Heritage Month from July 18^th – August 17^th. July is also Disability Pride Month commemorating the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and recognizes that disabilities are a part of human diversity.

In 1996, the National Committee on Pay Equity, an alliance comprised of labor unions, professional associations and civil rights organizations, officially acknowledged July as the symbolic commemoration known today as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to bring awareness to pay disparities and combat institutional racism as it relates to pay in the workforce.  In 2024, the date is July 27^th and ESPA encourages you to use your voice to influence business leaders regarding equal pay.

ESPA members are strong advocates for individuals who struggle with mental health issues specifically in the underrepresented communities of Black, Indigenous and People of Color and July is National Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month. ESPA is proud to encourage members to seek open dialogue to be community advocates for those with mental trauma and oppression. 

Highlighting ESPA member destinations in New Orleans, service professionals at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center along with New Orleans & Company are hosting the largest African American culture and music event in the United States.  The 30th Anniversary of the Essence Festival of Culture celebrating African-American culture, community and consciousness July 5^th -7^th , features four days of daytime seminars at the convention center and evening concerts at Caesars Superdome. The 2024 festival will highlight performances by musical superstars such as Janet Jackson, Usher and Janelle Monet to name a few. Along with amazing food vendors and empowerment seminars conducted by leading entrepreneurs, there will also be a market showcase of world-class art, jewelry and fashions. Started in 1994, Essence Festival has been held in New Orleans each following year except 2006 when it was held in Houston, TX. 

Once again, the DEI Committee salutes the efforts of ESPA member destination, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, as they consistently participate in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Conference 2024 hosted by the Triangle DEI Alliance seeking to lead the effort to make the Triangle region the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive business environment in the country. By recognizing the evolving regional demographic changes relating to growth and sustainability, this one-day conference is designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity among participating businesses.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Conference 2024

Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM EST

https://www.triangledei.org/2024-dei-conference

Additional July observances:

• July 2 – Thurgood Marshall’s Birthday: The day Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and civil rights activist Thurgood Marshall was born
• July 4 – Celebrated as the birth of American Independence
• July 6 – Omnisexual Visibility Day: The day brings awareness to the sexual identity and cultural struggles experienced around the world by omnisexual people.
• July 6 – Frida Kahlo’s Birthday: Well-known Mexican painter of the 20^th century
• July 14 - International Non-binary Peoples Day: The day highlights the rich diversity and sociocultural contributions of people who identify as non-binary
• July 15 - National Disability Professionals Day 
• July 17- Black Leaders Awareness Day (BLAD): The day focuses on educating society of the cultural impact of the world’s past and present black leaders via videos, speeches and famous quotes as a reminder that the valuable voices of diverse leaders should be heard.
• July 18 – Nelson Mandela’s Birthday: Nelson Mandela served as South Africa’s first black president and was a strong civil rights leader (check out 15 of his most famous quotes)
• July 25- National Schizophrenia Awareness Day: This day highlights day to day difficulties experienced by millions of people around the world living with the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
• July 26 – 30 - Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act: This law protects people with disabilities from being discriminated against

Event Service Professionals are encouraged to use the ESPA downloadable toolkit- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a Guide for Event Service Professionals as a resource for foundational practices to host successfully inclusive events focusing on the three pillars: education, inclusive marketing, and supplier diversity.  ESPs should be advocates for a safe and accepting hospitality environment creating an atmosphere to express authentically and respectfully gender affirming care in our interactions with team members, planners, vendors, and attendees while driving change in the events industry through cultural awareness. If the DEI Committee has overlooked additional cultural observances, please let us know so we can add them to our calendar.

Join us!

ESPA wants to hear what your destination is doing to recognize diverse cultures in the month of July. If your destination is not hosting a specific event that focuses on inclusion for July, you may consider featuring a relevant quote or related picture on social media.  Please share with us on these media outlets: @ESPAonline on Facebook, Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) on LinkedIn, and @ESPAonline on Instagram.   

Let’s keep discussions going as well as listen and learn to accept diverse cultures within our society for DEI to be recognized as critical threads in the fabric of the services industry.

As June approaches, the anticipation builds for two significant cultural celebrations in the United States: Caribbean American Heritage Month and Black Music Month. These observances not only honor the rich tapestry of Caribbean heritage and Black musical contributions but also spotlight the profound impact these communities have had on shaping American culture. For event services professionals, this presents a unique opportunity to craft experiences that pay homage to these legacies while celebrating the vibrant diversity they bring to our society.

The Rhythm of the Caribbean:

The Caribbean diaspora has gifted the world with a symphony of rhythms, melodies, and beats that have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of American music. From the reggae-infused sounds of Jamaica to the pulsating soca beats of Trinidad and Tobago, each island nation has contributed its own unique flavor to the musical landscape.

Caribbean nations, such as Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti, the Bahamas, and Barbados, have made significant contributions to American music, with genres like reggae, dancehall, calypso, soca, kompa, junkanoo, and Barbadian pop leaving their mark on the cultural landscape.

Celebrating Black Excellence in Music:

Black Music Month, established to recognize the immense contributions of Black musicians to American music, provides an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact of artists who have shaped our musical heritage. From the soulful sounds of Motown to the revolutionary beats of hip-hop, Black music has been at the forefront of innovation and expression, serving as a powerful catalyst for social change.

Intersectionality in Music:

What makes both Caribbean American Heritage Month and Black Music Month so significant is the intersectionality between these two cultural phenomena. Many Black Americans are descendants of Caribbean immigrants, and their music reflects a fusion of African, Caribbean, and American influences.

The rhythmic cadences of Afro-Caribbean percussion can be heard in everything from jazz to hip-hop, illustrating the interconnectedness of these musical traditions. Artists like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B, who proudly embrace their Caribbean heritage, serve as modern-day ambassadors of this cultural fusion, bridging the gap between continents and generations.

Icons like Grandmaster Flash, The Notorious B.I.G., and Doug E. Fresh brought elements of their Caribbean upbringing into hip-hop and rap. Rihanna, born and raised in Barbados, features island-inspired melodies, dancehall influences, and a fierce independence reflective of her Caribbean roots, captivating audiences worldwide. Caribbean artists like Harry Belafonte, Celia Cruz, Billy Ocean and Jimmy Cliff infused disco and funk with reggae rhythms and island vibes, creating infectious grooves that dominated the dance floors of the 1970s. Shaggy and Sean Paul elevated reggae and dancehall to international prominence, blending traditional Jamaican sounds with contemporary production techniques. Additionally, there are many iconic artists not mentioned that have infused their Caribbean roots into various genres, showcasing not only their breadth of influence but making significant social impact through different styles of music.

As event services professionals, we have the privilege of creating experiences that bring people together in celebration of culture, music, and community. This June, let us honor the legacies of Caribbean American Heritage Month and Black Music Month by crafting events that pay homage to the rich tapestry of Caribbean heritage and the enduring influence of Black music on American culture. Through music, we can celebrate diversity, promote unity, and inspire positive change in our communities and beyond.