Pride Is More Than a Party: Building Inclusive Events Year-Round

By: George Horemiotis (President, NACE Boston Chapter)

Pride Month is one of my favorite times of year. It’s vibrant, emotional, powerful, and full of joy. But if we’re being honest with ourselves as event professionals, we know that the LGBTQ+ community deserves more than just a colorful celebration in June.

Pride is not just a party. It’s a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to make our world, and our industry, more inclusive year-round.

So the big question is: are we creating events that truly welcome and reflect the LGBTQ+ community every day of the year?

As planners, caterers, designers, and creatives, we have so much influence over how people experience spaces. That influence can either reinforce exclusion or actively foster belonging. The good news is, it doesn’t take a complete overhaul. Small, intentional changes can make a big difference.

Start with language. Are you using inclusive terms on invitations and registration forms? Swap out “bride and groom” for “couple.” Make space for pronouns. Avoid gendered assumptions. These tweaks might feel small, but they send a powerful message that your event is a place where everyone is respected.

Next, think about representation. Who are you hiring? Who’s on stage? Who’s featured in your marketing? If your vendors, performers, or content creators are all from the same background, you’re missing a chance to show the diversity of your audience. Actively seek out LGBTQ+-owned businesses and collaborators. Build those relationships long before Pride Month comes around.

Visual cues matter too. From signage to stage design to branding, ensure that your visuals reflect a wide range of identities and experiences. Don’t just default to rainbow flags in June. Think bigger. Think deeper.

One of the most impactful things you can do is ask for feedback. Talk to LGBTQ+ colleagues and clients. Ask how your events made them feel. What worked? What didn’t? Listening is one of the most powerful tools in building more inclusive experiences.

The beauty of this work is that it creates better events for everyone. When people feel safe and seen, they engage more deeply. They remember the experience. They come back.

So yes, throw the Pride party. Celebrate loudly. But don’t pack up your allyship when June ends. Keep asking questions, keep showing up, and keep making choices that support inclusion all year long.

Because when we make our events truly inclusive, we’re not just planning parties. We’re shaping culture.

About the Author

George Horemiotis

Owner S.H. Videography

NACE Boston President

IG: @SHVideography 

Website: SHVideography.com