More than 80 meetings industry executives have signed a pledge to make their businesses and events more inclusive for women and minorities.

The Ascent CEO Promise by the Professional Convention Management Association was unveiled May 22 and had 84 signatures as of May 31, according to the association's website. Signatories pledge to take steps to prevent gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or disabilities from being obstacles to success in the meetings industry.

"The momentum tells us that industry leaders understand that there is work to do and that they're ready to do it," PCMA Sherrif Karamat said. "Greater inclusion will foster new voices to strengthen our leadership, our businesses, and our world."

Specifically, the pledge calls for signatories to make their workplaces and events open settings, provide education about barriers to inclusivity and share with each other what works and what needs improvement.

Association signatories include AVIXA, National Restaurant Association, Corporate Event Marketing Association and Association Forum. http://bit.ly/2xyyWSE

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