MPI
Inspiring inclusivity in events with MPI
PAUL COOK EXPLAINS HOW MEETINGS PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL IS GOING BEYOND THE BOX TICKING TO BAKE IN INCLUSIVITY TO ITS EVENTS DELIVERY AT EVERY STAGE
I nclusivity at events is not just a box-ticking exercise but an essential ingredient for success . It ’ s not just about meeting legal requirements ; it ’ s about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and valued .
When people from different backgrounds and perspectives come together to share their ideas and insights , innovation is driven , creative thinking abounds and problem-solving becomes easier .
If you embrace diversity and celebrate differences , you create events that are not only successful but also memorable . But this is no longer a trend or simply a good thing to do . Inclusivity has to be baked in at every stage of event delivery , from the sourcing of venues and speakers to issues such as the availability of captioning content in real time .
After all , the events industry cannot go backwards . The Covid catalyst paved the way for virtual and hybrid events to have their impact and , in doing so , these formats opened the door
Paola Bowman
to people who may not have been able to go to an in-person event . Inclusivity was catapulted into the limelight .
Every event service provider has a role to play in moving the inclusivity needle forward . And many are doing so . The inclusivity initiatives included here are from recent interviews with MPI members .
The outlook is positive Marques Davison , events director , Capitol Event Center , says , “ I ’ m excited about how we ’ re making everyone feel they belong . Everyone is starting to have a place where they fit in and are being included in the conversations .”
He continues : “ Companies are helping people from all kinds of backgrounds get jobs and learn to be leaders with more DEI training and by promoting from within .”
Paola Bowman , director of client services & events , Arlington CVB , believes that Gen Z values are playing a part . She states : “ The younger generation entering the workforce is influencing societal norms . There is a growing emphasis on values such as inclusivity and social responsibility .”
The need for data As well as positivity , for change to be progressed , data is needed . According to Gabrielle Austen-Browne , founder and director , Diversity Alliance : “ To drive diversity , equity , inclusion and accessibility in the workplace , intentional strategies and employee-led policies and practices are essential . But while these are all crucial , the missing link has been data . We need to measure the impact of our policies and initiatives .” She ’ s right ; using data insights can help organisations improve their workplace culture and gain a competitive edge over those that aren ’ t measuring . When it comes to meeting planners playing their part , there are multiple issues that can be addressed . From neurodiversity design , accessibility for all and dietary requirements , to name but a few . To help event planners , MPI has created an Inclusive Event Strategist Certificate Programme , where attendees learn how to keep a strategy of inclusion at the centre of their event ’ s design and execution . Where will all the inclusivity initiatives lead ? It ’ s hard to say for sure , but one thing is clear : Events are already being designed and curated to be accessible to a wider range of participants , inherently embracing varied perspectives and backgrounds .
ISSUE 130 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 35