In this issue:
- The 2024 BIPOC Membership Scholarship Winner Is...
- Membership Drive Final Call!
- Star Awards Entry Deadline is February 9th
- The Neu Project: Creating Neuroinclusive Events
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The 2024 BIPOC Membership Scholarship Winner Is...
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ILEA-MSP is delighted to introduce the 2024 BIPOC Membership Scholarship Winner, Ephraim Eusebio, the Director of Modus Locus LLC! 🎉 Ephraim is excited to continue being part of ILEA to "network and share stories of trials and triumphs in a celebratory setting." In his role as Director of Modus Locus, he is proud of a recent solstice party that he organized. He built a group of community members who took on leadership roles, recruited volunteers, and shared skills and talents to produce a stellar event. He says, "Many talented and eager hands truly do make lighter, brilliant, and inspired work."
What keeps you excited about the events industry?
"To remember at the end of the day we are in the business of celebrating all that life has to offer. Through this lens, the work can be more about playfulness and the vulnerable moments of connection that we share."
If you could choose a "walk out" song, what would it be?
"One Day by Fishbone"
If you could plan any themed party, what theme would it be?
"In the middle of a large roller rink, there would be roller-skaters wearing shark fin hats skating around a party island inhabited by non-skating friends and revelers replete with sandy beaches, dance floor, DJ and great snacks and NA drinks. This is the isle where skaters and non-skaters can coexist and vibe. You would have to wait for the draw bridge to get over to the island in an area where there would be speed-friending activities and of course, a DJ."
This year's scholarship is sponsored by local wedding gurus, The Wedding Guys, "As a past ILEA-MSP president and a member of the event industry for more than two decades, my team and I recognize that empowering diverse voices only strengthens our community,” says Wedding Guy, Matthew Trettel. “We are honored to provide this year’s BIPOC Membership Scholarship expanding and excelling ILEA-MSP’s thriving membership.”
To learn more about our mission in offering the BIPOC Membership Scholarship and to see past winners, click the link below!
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Membership Drive Final Call!
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The 2024 Membership Drive is coming to a close on January 31st, so if you haven't officially become a member yet now is the time! This month only, we're giving away prizes like a $100 Amazon gift card or $100 Target gift card just for joining ILEA-MSP in January. This limited-time Membership Drive is the perfect opportunity to enhance your network of local professionals and help you grow professionally and personally. Why wait? Here are just a few of the reasons to make it official:
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Already a member? You can win, too! If you know someone who would be a great fit for ILEA, we invite you to share their information with us and you too will be entered to win some sweet prizes. Just fill out the link below and we'll do the rest! By doing so, you could score gift cards to D'Amico, Target, Amazon, and Starbucks!
BONUS: Renew your membership early and you'll get $50 off using the code "LOYAL24" through January 31st.
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Star Awards Entry Deadline is February 9th
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Entries for the 20th annual Minnesota Star Awards are well underway and the submission deadline is Friday, February 9th! Prices to submit are currently $125 per entry and will go up to $145 on February 6th so don't wait!
All entrants will also receive an exclusive discount for MN Star Awards tickets including early access!
On Friday, March 29, 2024, McNamara Alumni Center will be hosting event pros from across the industry for a night of nostalgic shenanigans. During the evening, we'll celebrate with an awards ceremony honoring the best work produced by local talent. Award submissions are NOW OPEN and we can't wait to hear about your best events from 2023. Check out new categories and find out how to enter below!
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The Neu Project: Creating Neuroinclusive Events
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Did you know? Neurodivergent people comprise an estimated 15 to 20 percent of the global population.
That's 1 in 5 folks likely attending your events who identify as having ADHD, Autism, OCD, Dyslexia, and Epilepsy among other differences. Hosting inclusive events is not just a buzzword, but something that should be top of mind for all event professionals. That's why "The Neu Project was created. According to their website, The Neu Project amplifies existing methods developed by neurodivergent communities, and encourages new practical tactics of inclusion, starting with event spaces and programming, while partnering on other domains of hospitality, workplaces and beyond."
One of their major goals is to educate event professionals on how they can proactively design events with neuroinclusivity in mind. We encourage you to download their Neuroinclusive Event Checklist and the Event Professional’s Guide to NeuroInclusion on their website at the link below so you too can create thoughtful events and environments that allow all people to thrive.
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Thank You to This Year's Strategic Sponsors
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