Today the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (LGBTMPA) announces its 2018 Executive Board members. Jim Clapes will serve as Board Chairman and James Delmar and Lexi Dinyovszky join Clapes as Executive Board Members. These experienced professionals are moving from positions on the LGBT MPA Advisory Board to the Executive Board.
In 2017, the LGBT MPA held its first workshops and three networking events at major conferences. Membership grew 500% and is now over 500. The new organization (founded in Fall of 2016) is now a 501c6 organization.
“When we began we expected more of an organic growth process and we are surprised and inspired by our rapid growth,” said David Jefferys, Executive Director and Founder of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association. “After every networking event, workshop and news article we had a significant membership boost. With our new executive board and 501c6 status we are ready to make important difference in 2018.”
LGTB MPA 2018 Executive Board
Jim Clapes, Chairman, Executive Board
Conference and Events Manager for the Drug Policy Alliance
Jim Clapes has thirteen years of experience in meeting and event management. As Conference & Events Manager at the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), Jim runs the International Drug Policy Reform Conference, staff retreats and other organizational meetings. Previously with U.S. Green Building Council, he spearheaded the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo. As Events Director for the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., Jim planned the organization’s two annual flagship events.
James Delmar, Member, Executive Board
National Accounts Manager, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
James Delmar has over 13 years of meeting planning from the vendor and CVB perspective. Currently the National Accounts Manager, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) he also heads PHCVB’s LGBTQ+ Groups and Meetings Affinity Market. Previously Delmar was the Senior Sales Manager at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia.
Lexi Dinyovszky, Executive Board Member
President of the Board of Directors for the Southern Comfort Conference Organization
In addition to her current position with the Southern Comfort Transgender Empowerment Conference, Dinyovszky consults with the CVB of Broward County on travel issues affecting the transgender community. With over 10 years of experience in event planning, she is currently Chairman of TGV Holidays, LLC; a booking agent for ocean cruises and travel. Dinyovszky is a transgender woman politically active in her home state of North Carolina.
About the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Meeting Professional’s Association (LGBT MPA)
The LGBT MPA (www.lgbtmpa.com) is the first and only organization solely committed to the professional advancement of LGBT meeting professionals. The LGBT MPA board of directors have years of experience and are devoted to networking, educating and mentoring to develop successful business leaders who continue the work of promoting the essential elements of inclusivity and diversity throughout the profession.
David Jefferys, President and CEO of the Altus Agency, a Philadelphia-based marketing enterprise firm specializing in LGBT travel, founded the LGBT MPA in August 2016. The LGBT MPA is a 501c6 organization based in Philadelphia, PA.
Membership for LGBT Meeting Professionals is free. To join the organization, visit our site www.lgbtmpa.com.