TACOMA, Wash. – Tacoma Venues & Events (TVE) continues its innovative SkillShops series with the upcoming workshop “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access in Events.” Scheduled for August 19 at 11 a.m., this session will offer invaluable insights and practical tools to foster more inclusive and equitable community events.
The SkillShop will feature a panel of experts, including:
- Council Member Olgy Diaz, City of Tacoma
- Tony Hester, Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities (TACOD)
- Athena Hitson, Assemble Strategic (Tacoma Pride Festival)
- Ashley Young, Tacoma Venues & Events
- Maria Teresa Gamez, Angel Pele, and Lucas Smiraldo, City of Tacoma’s Office of Equity and Human Rights (OEHR)
This dynamic session will begin with guest speakers providing an overview of the City of Tacoma’s Racial Equity Toolkit, the importance of DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access), and practical strategies for implementing DEIA principles in event planning, including utilizing resources such as the Equity Toolkit and Equity Event Checklist.
The workshop will also feature a roundtable discussion moderated by DeMeSHee Pye, TVE Community Impact Coordinator, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage with panelists on topics of equity and accessibility in events.
“SkillShops were created to help event producers thrive in our community by enabling them to present safe and equitable events for Tacoma,” said DeMeSHee Pye. “We are excited to continue this series with a focus on DEIA, which is essential for creating inclusive community spaces.”
To register for this SkillShop and for more information about future sessions, visit Tacoma Venues & Events SkillShops and sign up for email updates.
About Tacoma Venues & Events: The City of Tacoma enhances quality of life for the community and drives economic vitality through its premier venues and diverse entertainment opportunities. Tacoma Venues & Events manages these renowned venues, which include the Tacoma Dome, one of the world’s largest wood-domed structures with flexible seating configurations ranging from 5,000-21,000; the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, artful and modern with its trademark glass walls and 119,000 square feet of event space; Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers; and the historic Pantages and Rialto Theaters and Theater on the Square. The department includes the Office of Special Events.
