What do meetings and events have to do with abortion rights? “Nothing at all,” many planners would argue. If the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade and states enact their own abortion-related laws, 57 percent say it would have no bearing on their site-selection decisions, according to new research by Northstar Meetings Group.
It’s a divisive topic, but we can’t ignore the fact that 43 percent of the 281 planners who responded to Northstar’s Flash Survey in mid-May told us abortion-related legislation on the state level would be a factor in their site-selection decisions. Of those who would be influenced, more than 80 percent are more apt to choose — or will only choose — states that allow abortion. Eight percent will favor or limit their options to places where abortion is illegal.
If these laws come to pass and respondents follow through with their intentions, states that enact anti-abortion legislation stand to lose a significant volume of meetings business. This is precisely the kind of situation Destinations International wants to avoid. DI spoke out strongly against “the weaponization of travel” in 2019, when groups chose to avoid several states that were in favor of “bathroom bills” and other laws limiting the rights of gay and transgender individuals. The organization provided a toolkit for planners and another for member DMOs on how to deal with such situations without the threat of boycotts.
Meanwhile, a fast-growing number of meeting organizers are anticipating the need to take action. Twelve percent told us their contracts already allow for cancellation if any new legislation runs counter to the mission or beliefs of their organization or its members, and another 72 percent are considering adding such language.
Regardless of your beliefs or intentions or those of your organization, our industry needs to be prepared for what could be a seismic shift in how business is conducted if federal protection of abortion rights is overturned.
Meeting With Pride
Happy Pride Month! This monthlong celebration recognizes the history, culture and contributions of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) people, as well people who identify as intersex, nonbinary, pansexual, questioning or many other descriptors for gender or sexuality. At its heart, Pride is a joyful reminder that our differences enrich our communities and our lives.
For Pride Month — and every other month — here are 16 ways to make your events more welcoming for LGBTQ+ participants. These measures can be part of broader efforts to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as an organization. Download our free handbook, Taking Action on Diversity, sponsored by Visit Orlando, for guidance on establishing and measuring DEI initiatives as an organization.