Diversity & Inclusion: Creating welcoming spaces

Attending an event can be an amazing experience, but it's not always easy to ensure that everyone feels included and valued. In this episode Lee explores why promoting diversity and inclusion is crucial, what creating a welcoming space for all attendees entails, and shares actionable strategies to ensure everyone feels included. From ensuring that event…
Lee Matthew Jackson

Lee Matthew Jackson

April 21, 2023

Attending an event can be an amazing experience, but it’s not always easy to ensure that everyone feels included and valued. In this episode Lee explores why promoting diversity and inclusion is crucial, what creating a welcoming space for all attendees entails, and shares actionable strategies to ensure everyone feels included.

From ensuring that event communications use inclusive and respectful language to providing accessible facilities and offering a variety of food options that cater to dietary restrictions, Lee covers many key elements necessary for creating a welcoming and inclusive space.

Why diversity and inclusion matter

  • More meaningful connections: When attendees feel valued and included, they’re more likely to engage with the event and each other.
  • Diverse perspectives: A diverse group of attendees brings a wide range of perspectives and ideas, leading to more innovative and creative solutions.
  • Negative impact of exclusion: Exclusionary environments can significantly impact attendees negatively, leading to negative experiences, feelings of isolation, and alienation.
  • Ethical imperative: Promoting D&I, we can help break down barriers and address systemic inequalities and injustices that still exist in our world today.
  • Better representation: Ensuring a wide range of perspectives and voices are represented creates a more inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our society.

Key Strategies:

Lee shares some key strategies for your next event. Let us know in the comments below what you would add to this list.

  • Ensure diverse representation in the event line-up
  • Make events accessible for attendees with disabilities
  • Create safe spaces for marginalized attendees
  • Use inclusive language in all communications
  • Provide diversity and inclusion training for staff and volunteers
  • Partner with diversity-focused organizations
  • Incorporate inclusive design principles
  • Conduct pre-event surveys to gather information about attendees

Key Takeaways:

The episode explores a lot of ideas. Here are some key takeaways for you to think upon.

  • Promoting diversity and inclusion in events is crucial for creating a successful and ethical event.
  • Creating a welcoming environment is essential for ensuring all attendees feel valued and respected at your event.
  • Promoting diversity and inclusion is an ongoing process, and it’s important to continually evaluate and improve strategies.

Join the conversation

We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with your thoughts on promoting diversity and inclusion in event planning. If you found this podcast helpful, please share it with your colleagues and friends.

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Event Engine Podcast Artwork

Speakers

Lee Matthew Jackson

Lee Matthew Jackson

Event Engine