The National Equality Media Association (NEMA), the nation’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ media, will hold its annual conference Oct. 27-30 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

It will mark the first time in NEMA’s history that member publishers and owners will convene outside the United States to discuss the important issues facing LGBTQ publishing. Camp magazine is a member of NEMA.

Rich in culture and diversity, Puerto Vallarta has become a popular LGBTQ tourism destination. It is also home to NEMA member publication Out & About PV.

“We are very excited to be able to bring publishers and owners together to discuss new and emerging business strategies that will help LGBT publications survive and thrive in an increasingly challenging publishing environment,” said D.J. Doran, president of the association.

Speaking at this year’s conference will be:

• Bob Witeck from Witeck Communications, who will discuss the importance of legacy and local LGBTQ publications and their impact on the communities they serve.
• Matt Skallerud of Pink Banana Media on how to better engage with readers through digital platforms.
• Jerry Cunningham, owner and publisher of Out Front magazine, on how to develop and grow tertiary revenue streams.

Witeck, president of Witeck Communications Inc., has for nearly four decades been a pioneering communications strategist dedicated to the advancement of LGBTQ communities around the world. He is a consultant, author, speaker and researcher. His firm – the longest established LGBTQ-owned business enterprise certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce – is based in Washington, D.C.

Skallerud, president of Pink Banana Media, specializes in LGBTQ online marketing, using content marketing, social media, programmatic ad banners, mobile smartphone apps and more. He also specializes in search engine optimization, keyword/search advertising and social media analytics. He’s been in the LGBTQ online industry for more than 20 years.

Cunningham is a former NEMA board member and the owner and publisher of Out Front magazine, a mainstay in Colorado’s LGBT community since 1976. Cunningham purchased the publication in 2012. Before taking the helm of Out Front, Jerry was the publicist for the City of Arvada, Colorado, where he promoted the work and stagecraft produced at the largest multi-disciplinary arts organization in the nation – Arvada Center. Before that, he owned an event production and decor company. He is also an amateur rodeo clown and has been active on the LGBT rodeo circuit for about 30 years. His partner of 20 years, J.C. McDonald, is also a rodeo cowboy.

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta will serve as host hotels for the conference. Both hotels have a long history of service with the LGBTQ community, and the Marriott was granted LGBTQ certification by the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat and Talento Consultores in 2017.

“As part of Marriott International, the world’s favorite travel company and recognized leader in the hotel industry on topics of diversity and inclusion, we are proud to show our support to the LGBTQ community and to host the 2019 NEMA conference, welcoming LGBTQ publishers from all over the United States,” said David Gauna, general manager of Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and area general manager.

Luis Villaseñor, public relations director for the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, said he had worked closely with the NEMA conference committee to try to bring the conference to Puerto Vallarta.

“The town has established itself as a premier LGBTQ travel destination, and we are proud to showcase that,” he said.

NEMA membership serves the content demands of the LGBTQ markets by delivering relevant, personal, authentic content via traditional print media, as well as in integrated digital and social media. NEMA is the access point for opening the door to a $900 billion market. With established presences in highly sought-after media markets such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Chicago, New York and Orlando, NEMA is the tuning fork and connection point to the thriving and lucrative LGBTQ market.