When a recent U.S. executive order labeled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts “immoral and illegal,” some organizations quietly swapped out the language — while others doubled down on their commitments. In this behind-the-scenes conversation, the Convene editorial team discusses our August cover story on how the events industry is responding to the backlash. 

Links:

·       DEI Done Differently: https://www.pcma.org/magazine-issue/august-2025/

·      Convene Series: How to Build a Career on Your Terms with Deanna Nwosu: Mentorship, Pivots, and Purpose-Driven Growth in Events: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ce746421

·      Denise Hamilton: Indivisible: https://denisehamilton.co/indivisible-book/

Get News Junkie: https://www.pcma.org/campaign/news-junkie/ 

Meet the Convene Editors: https://www.pcma.org/contact/ 

·      Michelle Russell, Editor in Chief

·      Barbara Palmer, Deputy Editor

·      Jennifer N. Dienst, Senior Editor

·      Kate Mulcrone, Managing Digital Editor

·      Magdalina Atanassova, Digital Media Editor

Follow Convene:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pcmaconvene 

Medium: https://medium.com/@convenemagazine 

X: https://x.com/pcmaconvene  

Contact Information: For any questions, reach out to Magdalina Atanassova, matanassova(at)pcma(dot)org.

Sponsorships and Partnerships: Reach 36,000 qualified meeting organizers with Convene, the multi-award-winning magazine for the business events industry. Contact our sales team: https://www.pcma.org/advertise-sponsorship/

Music: Inspirational Cinematic Piano with Orchestra