Charles Bello, CDS, SVP & Team Director, ConferenceDirect, has been named as chair-elect to The LGBT Meeting Professionals Association 2025 Board of Directors.

The 2025 slate of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (LGBT MPA) was announced in January — including ConferenceDirect’s own Charles Bello, CDS. The association, which represents planners, suppliers, educators and students in the global events industry, named Bello as LGBT MPA’s chair-elect.

Bello, who is senior vice president and team director with ConferenceDirect, said of his appointment, “I am deeply honored to step into the role of chair-elect for the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association. This organization has been instrumental in advancing inclusivity within our industry, and I’m excited to build upon this legacy. Our focus on advocating for LGBTQ+ professionals, enhancing educational opportunities, and expanding our reach will strengthen both our membership and the meetings industry as a whole. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated members as we create more equitable and welcoming spaces for all meeting professionals.”

The slate of officers also includes Gary Murakami, GTP, GLP, CMP-Fellow, DMM, DES, vice president of global sales and industry relations, Teneo Hospitality Group, as chair; Ted Bradpiece, president, Explorer Travel Services, as treasurer; and Kyle F. Jordan, CAE, CEM-AP, DES, director of meetings, INFORMS, as immediate past chair.

Learn more about LBGT MPA at thelgbtmpa.org.