New Coalition Formed to End Sexual Harassment in the Events Industry
May 15, 2018
In the wake of movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, every industry must act to end sexual harassment and create positive, lasting change.
The exhibitions and meetings industries are no exception.
A new coalition recently was formed to eradicate sexual harassment in the events industry and workplace; a task force that will identify tools and develop new resources to assist in educating individuals and the events industry about sexual harassment.
Comprising leaders and executives from organizations including the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); Association for Women in Events (AWE); the Events Industry Council (EIC); the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE); IMEX; JMIC; Meeting Planners International (MPI); Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA); and SITE, the group was formed after each group determined that this issue required policies that span beyond the confines of each individual organization.
“All the organizations came together because the ethical concerns and human rights would be better served working together, so we can stop sexual harassment from occurring in the industry,” said John H. Graham, IV, president and CEO of ASAE.
Industry leaders who have joined this task force include:
- John H. Graham, President and CEO, ASAE
- Susan Robertson, Executive Vice President, ASAE and ASAE Foundation President
- Bob Skelton, Chief Administration Officer, ASAE
- Kiki J. Fox, President and Co-Founder, AWE
- Carrie Abernathy, Past-President & Co-Founder, AWE
- Johnnie White, Treasurer, AWE
- Julie Sullivan, Vice President, AWE
- Nicole Unger, Secretary, AWE
- Karen Kotowski, CEO, EIC
- Cathy Breden, COO, IAEE
- Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX
- Rod Cameron, Executive Director, JMIC
- Amanda Armstrong, Chair, MPI
- Sherrif Karamat, President and CEO, PCMA
- Rhonda Brewer, Immediate Past President, SITE
While Abernathy and Fox gathered these industry leaders together for regular meetings and discussed the direction of the coalition, Fox has been charged with organizing action items and driving the initiative.
The group’s next step is to release a webinar introducing experts on the subject matter.
“It’s imperative that our organizations present a united front against sexual harassment in the industry,” Fox said. “Together, we are declaring zero tolerance for behavior that harasses or discriminates.”
All nine organizations involved will be posting more details about upcoming education and initiatives around this subject to their respective website homepages, while the coalition encourages the events industry to follow along and participate.
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Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
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Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
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Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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