Former NFL running back Ricky Williams is using his platform to advocate for cannabis use in sports and beyond, sharing his personal experiences and pushing for policy reform. He emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, particularly for athletes dealing with the physical and mental demands of high-level competition. Williams’ advocacy extends to promoting preventative health through alternative medicine.
Travis Maurer, founder and CEO of 420-420, is leveraging the power of text messaging to advocate for cannabis reform and push for justice in cannabis-related cases. His company, the only SMS platform approved by major carriers for cannabis-related messaging, has played a crucial role in the commutation of a life sentence for a non-violent cannabis offense and is now working to free Edwin Rubis, who has served 27 years for a similar crime. Maurer’s innovative approach to activism is shining a light on the injustices of the war on drugs and fostering a more equitable cannabis industry.
This moving personal story recounts the author’s experience with their mother’s journey with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). It highlights the devastating impact of the illness on the family, the lack of support available, and the author’s journey of advocacy for Alzheimer’s Society to raise awareness and fight for change.
IBTM World’s Forum for Advocacy will convene on November 18th in Barcelona, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the value and future of the global events industry. The forum will focus on enhancing the industry’s communication of its economic and social impact, while identifying areas needing support for growth and sustainability.
Chelsea Manalo, the first Afro-Filipina Miss Universe Philippines, shares her journey of overcoming challenges, embracing her unique beauty, and advocating for marginalized communities. She credits her faith, upbringing, and role models for shaping her compassionate spirit.
Despite being excluded from the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, para-surfers are determined to advocate for their sport’s inclusion in future Games. Facing challenges regarding cost and logistics, they are proposing innovative solutions and garnering support to showcase the value and potential of para-surfing.
Protect Our Winters (POW) has hired Ryan as its first Chief Operating Officer, bringing extensive operational and decarbonization expertise to the organization’s mission of rallying the outdoor community for climate action. Ryan’s background in sustainability, climate-tech startups, and policy advocacy will be crucial in advancing POW’s work.
At age six, Paris Bartholomew’s horrifying injuries revealed years of abuse at the hands of her mother. Taken into care, she faced further trauma in foster homes. Yet, amidst the pain, she found resilience in education and a passion for helping others like her. Today, she advocates for abused children, shares her story, and works to improve the care system. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, forgiveness, and making a positive impact despite adversity.
At the recent IMEX Frankfurt event, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) announced a strategic partnership. This collaboration will strengthen ICCA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of its members in North America. Senthil Gopinath, ICCA’s CEO, will join the ECA board, enhancing ICCA’s influence and outreach. The alliance aims to build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders to address the needs of the meetings and events community in the region. By joining ECA, ICCA gains access to a broader network and resources, opening up new commercial and advocacy opportunities.
On the eve of Mother’s Day, Los Angeles-based denim label Mother and female-founded media brand Mother Tongue came together to celebrate their collaboration and advocate for important issues affecting women. The star-studded event, held at the Mars speakeasy in Hollywood, featured guests such as Rumer Willis, Hilary Rhoda, and Gillian Jacobs, who showed their support by pinning campaign statements to their Mother Spring collection ensembles. Co-founders of Mother and Mother Tongue emphasized the urgency of reproductive rights and gun control in this election year, and announced a $10,000 donation to Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. The evening culminated in a performance by Rainey Qualley and the gifting of campaign-themed accessories to attendees, ensuring that the message of empowerment and advocacy would continue to spread with fashionable flair.
