LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. In the U.S., the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as "Gay Pride Day," but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation, the "day" soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ+ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

The first Pride march in New York City was held on June 28, 1970, on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. 

By all estimates, there were three to five thousand marchers at the inaugural Pride in New York City, and today marchers in New York City number in the millions. Since 1970, LGBTQ+ people have continued to gather together in June to march with Pride and demonstrate for equal rights.

Watch documentary footage of the first Pride march, "Gay and Proud," a documentary by activist Lilli Vincenz: https://www.loc.gov/item/mbrs01991430/? 

This June, the focus of the conversation around LGBTQIA+ rights is on “Rainbow washing.” Defined as “The act of using or adding rainbow colors and/or imagery to advertising, apparel, accessories, landmarks… in order to indicate progressive support for LGBTQ equality (and earn consumer credibility)—but with a minimum of effort or pragmatic result.” It can be hard to differentiate between genuine support and “Corporate Pride.” To find out more about how to discern, consider this article for more information: https://www.theurbanlist.com/a-list/rainbow-washing 

You can also reference the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for a reference tool on corporate policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees: https://www.hrc.org/resources/corporate-equality-index

June 2023 Pride Events:

Chicago Pride Fest - June 17 & 18, 2023
Organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance, the annual two-day pride festival takes over Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood every June. Each year, nearly 60,000 revelers flock to the historic gay neighborhood to take part in the celebration that includes three music stages featuring popular music headliners, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, DJs, dancing, and much more. ($15 suggested donation at the gate.)

Pride in the Park Chicago -  June 23 & 24, 2023
Pride in the Park Chicago, one of the largest LGBTQ+ outdoor music festivals in the nation, celebrates equity, diversity, and good times in Grant Park each June. Previous years lineups have included Chaka Kahn, Tiesto, Steve Aoki, Betty Who, and more.

The premiering headliners for 2023 are Grammy-winner DJ, Zedd; Grammy-nominated rap star, Saweetie; queer icon, Years & Years; internationally acclaimed singer, Zara Larsson.

Tickets are required, more information at prideintheparkchi.com.  

Chicago Pride Parade -  June 25, 2023
The 52nd annual Chicago Pride Parade, organized by PRIDEChicago, is one of the oldest and largest parades in the country. The parade traditionally concludes the city’s month-long pride celebrations.

Again this year, the parade starts at Noon from Broadway and Montrose, proceeds south on Broadway; then south on Halsted; then east on Belmont; then south on Broadway; then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive. The four-mile parade route travels through the Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods.

And many more here: https://chicagopride.gopride.com/events.cfm

 Designing Experiences as a Champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

MPI-CAC is thrilled to welcome Zoe Moore, a leading Certified Diversity Practitioner by the National Diversity Council, as our workshop facilitator. Demonstrable inclusion and embracing diversity can create belonging — boosting engagement, value, and outcomes. Designing inclusive event experiences has many benefits; the more attentive we become to others, the more everyone wins.

Diversity, inclusion, and belonging also boost creativity by encouraging different perspectives and experiences to come together in one space. For events, this could translate into increased engagement, new ideas, and opportunities for enhanced learning and innovation by limiting groupthink. By adopting creative approaches to events, event professionals upskill and differentiate themselves.

Most importantly, inclusive events can lead to more people feeling heard, understood, and cared for — an outcome many rank as high value in the workplace. Two of the most prevalent generations in the workforce — Millennials and Gen Z — say diversity and inclusion are vital. Event professionals can expect these values to spill over into business events by extension. For these groups, respect and belonging are everything. As a result, performative measures are no longer satisfactory.

When people feel they belong, they feel they have a voice. This experience, in turn, could help build communities where attendees become ambassadors for brands and event communities because they feel included.

Click here for more information and be sure to Register Here by July 7, 2023 11:45 PM

Where urban appeal blends with outdoor adventure for events to remember.

Energize your meeting attendees with a one-of-a-kind event experience in vibrant, downtown Boise. This compact, walkable city boasts plentiful dining, hotels, breweries, shops, cultural attractions, and tons of nearby outdoor activities. 

With abundant charm and nonstop air service to 26 destinations, Boise is quickly becoming a hot spot for meetings of all sizes. Primed for corporate meetings and conventions, Boise Centre is Idaho’s premier convention center in the middle of downtown. This unique venue offers beautiful views of the Boise Foothills, modern amenities, and personalized service for unforgettable events. 

Plan Events with Ease

Breathe easy and enjoy the convenience of meeting at Boise Centre, where one point of contact will coordinate all services and details for your event. Delicious and inspired menus featuring locally sourced ingredients are expertly prepared by our in-house caterer. A complete line of audio visual equipment and event production services are available in-house to meet your technical and design needs. With 31 versatile meeting rooms and event spaces, Boise Centre suits groups of up to 2,000 attendees. 

Surrounding Boise Centre are hotels, the city’s 8th Street restaurant, and patio district with local breweries, coffee shops, and boutiques. Adjacent to the Centre is the Grove Plaza, a local landmark and civic plaza ideal for special events. A weekly farmer’s market and free concerts are held here in the summer. 

Urban City Meets Outdoor Fun 

Nature and fresh air are never far away in Boise. Just four blocks from downtown is a 25-mile riverfront Greenbelt for walking and cycling that leads to the Boise Whitewater Park, wine-tasting rooms, and breweries. 

The nearby Boise Foothills offer hiking and mountain biking trails for all abilities. From white-water rafting and golfing to stand-up paddle boarding and skiing, Boise has fun activities for everyone in your group.

It’s time to discover Boise’s lively downtown, modern convention center and urban adventure that awaits. 

Learn More About Boise and Boise Centre