“How to Support LGBTQ+ Employees, Coworkers and Event Attendees.” 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City. In 50 years, our society and industry have come a long way, but there is still room for improvement in creating truly diverse and inclusive working and meeting environments for everyone. LGBTQ+ individuals are attending your meetings and events. Any human who doesn't feel seen or welcome will not show up authentically, this leads to a gap in the greater creativity and leadership of an organization. Learning small items which make great impact to show acceptance will further your programming for all invested.

Charmaine Houck is a motivational speaker, author, body-positive advocate, and queer activist. Known for her hearty Midwest values with just a hint of rebellion, Charmaine provides audiences a safe place to tackle tough issues about diversity and inclusion. A self-proclaimed protector, she role-models acceptance and offers a patient ear to anyone struggling with conformity. As she likes to say, “I try to be the person I once needed.” Always looking for ways to help her neighbors thrive, she founded the Midwest Maidens Roller Derby, whose proceeds go to local charities,and Brookings PRIDE, the organization which produced the first LGBGQ+ event in the county. When she’s not on stage, practicing holistic healing modalities, or creating content for Strategic Meetings & Events, she teaches her daughter and other young girls self-acceptance as a Girl Scout mom.