LGBTQ+ Forum

I. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS (11:00 – 11:30AM ET)
We will popcorn around the room for introductions (name, pronouns, title, company). We’ll take this time to hear from attendees on their 2023 inclusive marketing challenges. Engage your fellow committee members in open discussion around evolving issues and current challenges. Come prepared to share! This is your opportunity to ask questions!

II. COME OUT TO WORK AND THE PROJECT 47 PLEDGE (11:30AM – 12:00PM ET)
Come Out to Work is raising awareness in the advertising, marketing, and communications industry by encouraging leaders to create work cultures where LGBTQ+ talent feel comfortable being out in the workplace. Come Out to Work began as an Instagram social campaign, sharing user-generated “coming out at work” stories and now includes the Project 47 Pledge – a nationwide commitment by agency and brand leaders to mentor LGBTQ+ talent. Learn how Come Out to Work is making the advertising, marketing, and communications industry more safe, open, welcoming, and attractive to LGBTQ+ workers and how you can participate!

Speaker:
Alan Brown, Founder and Chair – DNA

III. PONYSAURUS BREWING: FUND FOR THE FABULOUS (12:00 – 12:30PM ET)
The N.C. Lt. Governor went on “an all-out assault” on the LGBTQ+ community. Ponysaurus Brewing Company and Baldwin& quickly worked with LGBTQ+ charities and influencers to create social posts, videos, and a website to launch the Lt. Governor’s 'Fund for the Fabulous.' For the remainder of his term, a portion of all profits from Ponysaurus’ 'Don’t Be Mean to People' beer go to support the LGBTQ+ community. This campaign was the LGBTQ+ category grand prize winner for the 2022 ANA Multicultural Excellence Awards.

Speakers:
Sarah Voran, Director of Marketing - Ponysaurus Brewing Company
Emily Watson, Group Creative Director - Baldwin&

IV. HRC: THE REALITY FLAG (12:30 – 1:00PM ET)
In 29 of 50 U.S. states, it's legal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ Americans. The Equality Act would change that, providing protections for every LGBTQ+ individual in every state. The HRC created “The Reality Flag,” an American flag with 29 stars stripped away — a stark symbol that exposes reality for LGBTQ+ Americans. Hear how this award-winning work came to be and lessons learned.

Speaker:
Kevin Walther, VP Strategy - BCW Global