Statement to the Death of George Floyd and Subsequent Events
The recent tragic death of Mr. George Floyd and subsequent protests in Washington, D.C. and throughout the United States call on all of us to examine our role in fostering racial and social justice.
As an organization, SESMA strives to be an inclusive alliance and we unequivocally condemn racism and racists acts. We stand with the family of George Floyd and we grieve the loss of all victims.
We find ourselves in a most difficult time. We continue to battle a deadly pandemic and the resulting economic downturn, while coming face-to-face with the effects of social injustice. Watching thousands take to the streets in our city and cities around the nation to speak out is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
We are committed to upholding our values of promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity. We recognize the impact that systemic racism has in our community and the pain it has caused.
We do not have all the answers, but we must not leave the challenge of finding solutions to others. SESMA is committed to being an active part of the difficult discussions that are required for developing any meaningful solution.
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Contact Information:
SESMA
1629 K Street, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
Christin McGrath | 202.316.4867 | info@sesma.org
EnventU: Cultivating the Next Generation of Event Professionals
By Latoya Lewis, Founder & Executive Director, EnventU
How did you land your first job in the events industry? If you’re like me and many of my colleagues, you may have “fallen” into the profession. But how different might your career have been if you had access to a purposeful pathway to help you discover, explore and pursue your interests in events earlier — perhaps even in high school? EnventU, a non-profit workforce development initiative that I launched nearly four years ago, serves exactly that purpose.
EnventU provides opportunities where traditionally there have been few for both young people and event professionals.
Through EnventU, public high school students from underserved communities get an up close and hands-on look at the events industry. Business leaders and event professionals guide students as they produce a real event. Students learn about and make decisions regarding catering and decor, audio and visual needs, lighting, graphic design and more. Since the inaugural session in 2015, over 125 participating high school students have created and/or staffed corporate holiday events, trade shows and expos, professional conferences, and even a 3,500-attendee rock concert.
It has been said that the best way to cultivate leadership is to expose learners to great leaders. EnventU makes it easy for industry veterans to inspire the next generation of event professionals as guest speakers and mentors or as guides through the inner-workings of their businesses during vendor field trips. Some of the initiative’s partners have even created unique opportunities for learning for some of the most promising participants.
Last spring, EnventU partnered with audio/visual association, AVIXA ®, (formerly InfoComm) to provide students from Boys & Girls Club in SE, Washington, D.C. with hands-on in-classroom presentations, a virtual audiovisual learning opportunity and the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas, NV to attend the 2018 InfoComm Annual Convention June 5-8, 2018.
Fifteen students received a crash course on the A/V industry, its businesses, career opportunities, and innovative technologies. Two students who participated in the classroom presentations, completed the 10-hour, self-paced virtual course and wrote an essay to demonstrate their understanding of A/V’s critical role in creating a successful event were chosen to receive the all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas.
As we gear up for EnventU’s fourth spring season, we invite more event and meeting professionals, producers, site managers, and industry vendors to Let Your Event Do More™ and join us in providing enriching learning experiences for students who might not otherwise receive such opportunities.
For more information about EnventU, visit www.enventU.org or follow us on Twitter @EnventUOrg.
3rd Annual Après Ski Holiday Party – November 29th
Attention snow bunnies, and snow men!
Join DCNACE, ILEA, MPI Potomac and SESMA
for our 3rd Annual
Après Ski Holiday Party
When
Thursday, November 29, 2018 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where
MGM National Harbor
101 MGM National Avenue
Oxen Hill, Maryland 20745
Dress Code
Your Favorite Winter Attire
Registration Deadline
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Ask The Experts – Oct. 3rd – 6:00 PM
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Planting Seeds of Opportunity Campaign
- Campaign “Live” Dates May 18-May 24, 2018 (11-days only)
- Monthly Donor Levels at $10 – $15 – $20
- As a monthly donor your support will fund our recruitment efforts and help us create a pipeline to professions in the event industry.
For more information visit: www.enventu.org
President’s Message
Happy finally Spring to everyone! It sure took long enough. ….and just like waiting
for Spring, I am sure you were all waiting on news for what SESMA is up to as well!
We are in full planning mode for all programming coming this summer and
everything is lining up to be a can’t miss.
Please look for your invite for the Event Design Workshop we are hosting at Gensler
on May 24 th from 11:30pm to 1pm. Details and description for this educational
event will be arriving in your email box this week. A note on this event – it is a
brown bag, so if packing something very delicious – bring extra
We will be hosting an event each month through September and can’t wait to see
you all as we explore, create, and socialize!
If you ever have any questions about your SESMA Membership or if you are
interested in becoming a SESMA Member, please always feel free to reach out to me
– I would love to help!
Here is to warm weather and an outdoor cocktail!
Cheers,
Suz
