DETROIT — The COLOURS Conference and Gala 2020 presented by the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Diversity Council has been postponed to May 2021. Kevin Heard, president of the DRLGBTCC said that the "top priority is the well-being and safety our employees, exhibitors, presenters, partners and event attendees."
"We have been closely monitoring updates and recommendations regarding COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as state and local governments, and, after much consideration, have made the decision to postpone the event until May 13 through 14, 2021," he said.
COLOURS was originally planned for May 14 and 15 of this year. The event would be the first conference focused wholly on LGBTQ issues in the workplace, LGBTQ opportunities in supplier diversity and small business development in Michigan. It would have also included a keynote address by transgender advocate, actress and model, Carmen Carrera.
The Executive Director of the Michigan Diversity Council is Darlene King. She said that the move to next year ensured it would be prioritized.
"It was our hope to move the event to the fourth quarter of this year but due to the rescheduling of hundreds of events during the third and fourth quarters, we did not want to have this amazing and important inaugural event become lost in the midst of others," King said. "We are still dedicated to hold this highly important and much-needed conference in Michigan."
Heard agreed.
"This virus will change how companies and organizations implement conferences and trade shows around the world," he said. "We believe a postponement to next year will allow us time to collect the best practices moving forward, to not only have an impactful conference but a safe conference for all of our attendees, corporate partners and small business owners."
Current registrations will be valid for the 2021 date and the website has been updated to accommodate for scheduling changes. Registration will remain open for next year's conference. Current registrants are asked to email Ivy Hunter at [email protected] for any questions, concerns or requests for refunds. For more information and updates regarding the 2021 COLOURS Conference and Pride Awards Gala, please visit michigandiversitycouncil.org.
