On the Spot 6-1-2002

Meetings & Conventions: Short Cuts June 2002

June 2002

Short Cuts:
On the SpotHow important is addressing diversity at your conventions?

“We consider diversity starting with the planning of our international conference and make every effort to build a diverse program. A new twist for us this year: We'll accept convention program proposals in Spanish from our members for our 2003 Miami conference.”
Kathleen Benton
Director of Professional
Development Program
Society for College and University Planning
Ann Arbor, Mich.

“It is not important at all. Our focus is on leadership, and our membership is chiefly white and male. But we have just appointed to our board our first minority member and our first woman.”
Cynthia Buffington
Executive Director of Strategic Events Mechanical Contractors
Association of America
Rockville, Md.

“It is extremely important. As educators, we want to reach all people worldwide to promote literacy. So we really target diversity as a major issue.”
Melanie Hughes-Younger, CMP
Director of Professional Meetings & Conferences
International Reading Association
Newark, Del.