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

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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