Our world is undoubtedly more conscious and aware of our surroundings due to the events over this past year. The PCMA Capital Chapter’s goal in serving the events industry and connecting our members is one that has been concurrent with the strategic goals pertaining to diversity and inclusion.

It is with this continued growth, and further expansion of our efforts that the task force’s name has been updated to include ‘equity’. This is with the understanding that equality and equity are not the same. While equality is understood to be “equal” and suggesting one obtaining their proper share—it does not result in the equity of opportunities or representation. The emphasis on equity is important as it focuses on the ways in which ‘fairness’ is applied to these thresholds. 

The now Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force will incorporate this core value into the Capital Chapter strategy and operations. With the addition of equity, we can ensure that our mission statement can be further carried out in the ways in which we conduct business, hire vendors, vet speakers, and appropriately reflect the members that make up industry. 

As a chapter, our efforts will remain ongoing to expand our thinking and knowledge of how we ensure that our spaces are safe and inclusive. 

Connie Samuels
Chair, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force