Are you passionate about making a difference in the LGBTQIA2+ meetings and events industry? The LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (LGBT MPA) is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to join our committees and help shape the future of our organization. By volunteering, you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow industry professionals, contribute your unique skills and ideas, and play a vital role in advancing our mission of empowering LGBTQIA2+ meeting professionals.

We are currently looking for volunteers to chair and/or serve on the following committees:

• Member Engagement Committee
• Education Committee
• Advocacy Committee
• Events Committee

Qualifications:

• Paid planner, supplier, or partner membership.
• Demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy and inclusion within the global events community.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of board members, staff, and volunteers.
• Availability to attend committee meetings and participate in organizational events and activities.

Time Commitment:

The LGBT MPA is a young organization that needs volunteers capable of both strategic thinking and hands-on involvement to ensure tasks are completed effectively.

• Approximately 5-10 hours per month, including monthly virtual committee meetings and at least one in-person leadership retreat a year.
• Committee members are expected to cover all travel-related expenses for LGBT MPA in-person meetings and retreats. We do our best to have partners sponsor all activities during the in-person retreats, including hotel rooms.
• Additional time for events and fundraising activities as needed.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the LGBTQ+ global events community.
• Networking with industry professionals and leaders.
• Professional development and leadership experience.

By joining a committee, you will gain valuable leadership experience, expand your professional network, and make a lasting impact on LGBT MPA and the LGBTQIA2+ global events community. Apply now to join one of our committees and help us continue to build a more inclusive global events community where all are accepted, equal, and belong.

For more information or to apply, please contact submit this interest form below.

Member Engagement Committee

The Member Engagement Committee focuses on the member experience. Volunteers will have an understanding what our members need, what makes them feel connected, and how LGBT MPA can create a stronger sense of belonging within the LGBTQIA2+ events community. Volunteers bring their own experiences and perspectives as members and industry professionals while helping LGBT MPA listen to and better understand the broader membership. The committee may explore questions such as: What do our members value most? What makes someone feel like they belong at LGBT MPA? Where are these opportunities to strengthen connections between members? How can we make it easier for members to participate and find value in their membership?

Volunteers may help:

• Review member feedback, survey results, and other information about the member experience.
• Host virtual events to welcome, connect, and retain members. • Create social media and newsletter content that interests LGBT MPA members.
• Explore what belonging looks like for LGBTQIA2+ professionals in the events industry.
• Help turn organizational priorities into meaningful member experiences.

The goal: To make sure the member perspective is at the center of how LGBT MPA grows, connects, and serves its community.

Education Committee

The Education Committee helps LGBT MPA create relevant, timely, and valuable educational opportunities for the LGBTQIA2+ global events community. The committee supports the development of webinars, workshops, panels, conference sessions, and other learning opportunities, including programming connected to major industry gatherings such as CONNECT Marketplace, IMEX America, and more. The committee works closely with the Advocacy Committee to turn research, emerging issues, member needs, and organizational priorities into opportunities for education and dialogue.

Volunteers may help:

• Identify timely and relevant topics for the LGBTQIA2+ events community.
• Discuss webinars, workshops, panels, and other educational programming. In doing so, identify speakers, subject-matter experts, and community voices.
• Turn advocacy research and community findings into educational opportunities.
• Consider how LGBT MPA can help members better understand important issues affecting our community and industry.
• Evaluate educational programming and identify opportunities to improve future sessions.

The goal: To make LGBT MPA a trusted source of relevant education, conversation, and professional development for the LGBTQIA2+ events community.

Advocacy Committee

The Advocacy Committee serves as a research, awareness, and perspective-building resource for LGBT MPA. The committee explores emerging issues, trends, data, and community perspectives to identify topics that may affect the LGBTQIA2+ community and the global events industry and warrant greater attention from the organization. Its work may include community listening, research, awareness-building, and developing recommendations for education, engagement, or potential advocacy efforts. The committee brings its findings and recommendations to the Board, which determines LGBT MPA’s priorities, positions, and appropriate next steps. When the organization chooses to take action, the committee may help support and advance that work.

Volunteers may help:

• Research issues, trends, legislation, policies, and developments affecting the LGBTQIA2+ community and events industry.
• Explore issues related to belonging, inclusion, representation, and the experiences of LGBTQIA2+ professionals in the events industry.
• Help identify issues where LGBT MPA may have an opportunity or responsibility to use its voice.
• Help inform the development of organizational positions, resources, education, or initiatives when appropriate.
• Work with the Education Committee when advocacy research can become a webinar, panel, session, resource, or community conversation.
• Help LGBT MPA better understand when advocacy should lead to education, awareness, resources, organizational positioning, or direct action.

The goal: To help LGBT MPA understand what is happening in our community and industry so the organization can make informed decisions about where, when, and how to use its voice.

Events Committee

The Events Committee helps create meaningful experiences that bring the LGBT MPA community together. The committee supports networking opportunities, social gatherings, community experiences, and activations connected to major industry events. The Events Committee focuses on experience, connection, and community.

Volunteers may help:

• Plan and support LGBT MPA events and community experiences.
• Develop networking opportunities and social gatherings.
• Think creatively about how members and attendees can connect and build relationships.
• Support attendee experience and on-site event execution.
• Help coordinate volunteers and event support.
• Identify opportunities to make events more welcoming, inclusive, and engaging.
• Gather feedback and identify ways to improve future events.

The goal: To create experiences where LGBTQIA2+ professionals can connect, build relationships, feel welcomed, and strengthen their sense of community.