Carrie Abernathy Is Driving Hard Conversations with New Talkcast on Diversity and Inclusion
June 23, 2020
As a meeting planner for more than 15 years and co-founder of the Association for Women in Events (AWE), Carrie Abernathy understands the importance of diversity and inclusion in the events industry. She is currently the lead meeting planner for Altria Group Distribution Company and has served in a variety of leadership roles in the industry.
Abernathy recently started a weekly half-hour “talkcast” with fellow planner and PCMA board member Derrick Johnson called “Events: From Black to White” — and launched a new website called A Woman With Drive. Here, she shares more about these projects and the impact she is hoping to make on the events industry.
Why did you decide to launch A Woman With Drive?
After COVID-19 struck, AWE moved from a 501(c)(3) membership organization to a free online community, so I decided to take some time to focus on personal projects. A Woman With Drive ties together my love of golf, travel and leadership in the events industry. I share how golf has been an incredible business resource as well as a personal development tool. Since my launch in May, I have been asked to speak to organizations (most recently at Untethered 2020) on leadership, happiness, travel, and how golf ties in to business and self-development.
How did “Events: From Black to White” come about?
After the death of George Floyd and the protests that erupted, my events industry colleague and friend Derrick Johnson and I decided that something immediate and sustainable needed to be available where event industry colleagues could have frank discussions on topics from inequality to engagement and everything in between.
What is the format?
“Events: From Black to White” is a 30-minute free “talkcast.” Essentially, it is an unscripted, fast-paced discussion where we share our viewpoints in a forum that allows for interaction [by participants] via a comment section. Held on Crowdcast, it kicks off each Monday at noon EDT but can also be viewed later on demand. Our aim is to have an authentic conversation on inequality in the meetings industry. [We have] covered the topic of allyship and what a white ally [is]. On June 22, we [looked] at inherent versus unconscious bias.
How have the discussions been received so far?
People find it refreshing that we are approaching potentially uncomfortable conversations head-on. We have had more than 50 registrants and 40 attendees and are hoping to grow. Many of the people who watched our first discussion and participated in the conversation immediately registered for our second event [anyone can sign up for future conversations here].
Where do you see the conversations going?
We plan on having subject matter experts on diversity and inclusiveness, and other topics related to equality join us in the near future. We can’t lose steam if we are to affect real change, so we will carry on as long as we have attendees. Inclusiveness and equality are life-long topics that need to be addressed, reformed, developed and built upon in our industry and beyond. If we can help one person or change one heart, we will have achieved our mission.
To view past sessions of “Events: From Black to White” or register for new events, click here. View Abernathy’s website here.
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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