Conference Workshops
USA Prides National Conference
February 6–9, 2025
Atlanta, Georgia
The USA Prides National Conference will feature a mix of workshops and general sessions designed to meet the needs of conference attendees. One of the benefits of this conference is that it is being specifically designed for U.S. Pride organizations. The workshops will center on issues common in the U.S. and may be different from those in other parts of the world. By meeting together, we can discuss topics and trends unique to the U.S.​ Learn more about and register for the conference.​
Workshop Descriptions
Peruse our various workshops and conference sessions below.
This listing is up-to-date as of Jan. 16, 2025.
A Place for History at Pride Festivals
Vince Tripi (he/him or co/co), Milwaukee Pride
Pride events of all sizes, provide unique opportunities to connect with the past, present, and future of LGBTQ+ history. By incorporating historical elements into celebrations, we can foster a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our identities and communities. The enduring legacy of queer movements, persons, places, and ideas remains a vital part of our shared history. As the political climate shifts, it becomes increasingly crucial to document, preserve, and celebrate our past. This workshop will lay out the ways Milwaukee Pride puts history on display and invites patrons to recognize their resilience and agency today. While institutional efforts to suppress LGBTQ+ history may intensify, grassroots initiatives and community-led projects offer a powerful counterbalance. By highlighting the resilience and innovation of queer communities, we can inspire future generations and ensure that our stories are not erased.
Create with Pride: Elevating Pride's mission through the arts
Connor Bryan (she/they), Space Coast Pride
In this workshop, you'll explore how to harness the power of art to promote Pride's mission of self-acceptance and community. From designing merchandise that celebrates LGBTQ+ identity to organizing arts events, and even using self-publishing as a tool for advocacy, you will learn creative strategies to amplify Pride through visual and literary arts. Join us to discover how art can become a powerful vehicle for visibility, celebration, and activism.
Creating Inclusive Spaces: Producing a Sober Pride Event
Tatiana Quiroga (she/ella), Come Out With Pride, Inc.
Sober spaces at Pride events offer an important alternative for individuals who seek to celebrate without the influence of alcohol or drugs. With increasing awareness of the need for inclusive, diverse, and accessible celebrations, producing a Sober Pride event ensures that attendees from all backgrounds, especially those in recovery or preferring sober environments, can engage fully in Pride festivities. This workshop will explore the planning, execution, and impact of a Sober Pride event during Come Out With Pride, covering best practices and strategies for ensuring an inclusive, welcoming, and engaging atmosphere. It aims to equip event organizers, volunteers, and stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to create a successful and impactful sober event.
Event Marketing & Strategy Deployment
Wesley Shaver (he/him/his), Milkwaukee Pride, Inc.
This workshop will breakdown the fundamental steps in deploying a successful marketing, PR, and advertising strategy that will propel your festival awareness efforts quickly and effectively. We'll breakdown the essential tools needed for success and then explore how to execute them. We'll talk through traditional media, social media, digital marketing, and media partnerships and how each are important. This workshop will use a real life time table and model activation strategy used by President & CEO of Milwaukee Pride that shows how to intentionally purchase and strategize a 10,000,000 impression paid media blitz and its effectiveness for advanced ticket sales, website traffic and social media engagement.
Factors That Affect Your Insurance Premium
Chad Ballard (he/him), VantageChoice Insurance Agency
Understanding the reasons behind the premiums you pay.
Funding with Pride: A Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing for Impactful Change
Nicholas Gulick (he/him), Nashville Pride
Gain foundational skills to secure the funding your Pride organization needs to thrive and expand its mission. This workshop demystifies the grant-writing process, focusing on crafting compelling proposals that resonate with funders and communicate your organization's unique value. You will learn how to identify potential funders, write impactful narratives, and present clear objectives that showcase your work's importance and alignment with funding goals. Whether new to grant writing or looking to improve your approach, this session provides actionable strategies, examples from successful applications, and practical resources. Through presentation and peer discussion, you'll walk away with confidence and a toolkit to elevate your organization's grant-writing success and support community-driven change.
How to be a Trans Inclusive Organization
Andi Otto (he/him), Twin Cities Pride
Let's continue the conversation that we had last year about making your organization more Transgender Inclusive. Given the state of the country on the "Trangender agenda" let's talk about making sure that organizations are making the adjustments that they need to. How to handle LGB without the TQ movement. We will also be discussing the fear of Trans folks right now as we enter into 2025. This workshop is a safe space for everyone.
How to Use GenAI to Get More Done in Less Time
Gina Debogovich (she/her), Bloomington Pride MN
This presentation will explore the legal issues commonly faced by Pride events, focusing on key areas such as freedom of speech, assembly rights, and anti-discrimination protections. We will delve into significant case law that has shaped the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ gatherings, highlighting landmark rulings on public protest, government restrictions, and protections against hate speech. The session will also address the tension between free expression and public safety concerns, offering a nuanced look at how courts have balanced these rights in different jurisdictions. Examples of recent cases from the Federal, Circuit Courts, and the many states will be provided to illustrate how legal systems have both supported and challenged the organization of Pride events.
I'm With the Brand: Building a Brand for Impact
Steven Igarashi-Ball (he/him), Atlanta Pride
In an ever-evolving and expanding LGBTQ+ landscape, it can be easy to fall victim to an "everything-to-everyone" mentality. Understanding your brand is critical to your success! In this workshop, Atlanta Pride and Charlotte Pride will share tips for building (and growing!) a brand for impact. Panelists will discuss the difference between mission, vision, and brand. Learn about developing a social media strategy and communications plan emphasizing targeted outreach and focused storytelling. Atlanta Pride's Director of Communications and Community Engagement, Steven Igarashi-Ball, and Charlotte Pride's Managing Director, Meredith Thompson, will lead the discussion. Attendees will also hear from Jason Feldman, founder of JMF Communications, a communications and business development consultant based in Atlanta, GA.
InterPride 101
Rick Andre (he/him), InterPride
This workshop serves as an introduction to InterPride, USA Prides’ international partner organization. Membership with USA Prides is a joint one with InterPride, and during this session members will be able to learn about InterPride’s history and programs and how to best leverage their membership.
Maximizing Pride Festival Vendor Revenue
Michael Bleau (he/him), EventHub
This session will discuss ways to increase revenue from Pride festival vendors and onsite sponsors, based on successful strategies recently employed both by leading Pride orgs and other leading cultural festivals around the USA.
Partnership Makes Perfect 3.0
Wesley Shaver (he/him), Milwaukee Pride
This interactive and informative workshop allows for participants to dive into modern, creative, and impactful strategic corporate, community, and organizational partnerships & sponsorship opportunities. We'll discuss identifying your event/org's unique value proposition and how to leverage that in a custom, fit-for-you style package to attract dollars and collaborators. This workshop will also discuss challenges such as high-jacking, micro-managing, and manipulative behaviors that can occur from the partnership side and how to protect your organization's integrity and authenticity. We'll look at how marketing and PR play a role in sponsorships as well as buy-in and support in other-ways than cash. We'll discuss how sponsorships can be financially rewarding, but also explore how those patterning and supporting orgs can further their investment by supporting additional community groups and people at the same time.
Why Year Round Programming is Important
Kelsey Alto (she/her), Twin Cities Pride
Twin Cities Pride has successfully created year-round programming that continues to be a huge success. We will talk about additional opportunities in funding, why these programs are so important, the type of programming, and the ability to work with other local organizations.
