41 Feature

Louisa Daley investigates how the industry can create safer and more inclusive events for all

he events industry thrives on bringing people together . Whether that ’ s through conferences , exhibitions or live performances – people are at their very best when partaking in a shared experience .

But it ’ s important to remember that with bringing people together , also comes the responsibility of keeping them safe – both physically and emotionally . After all , a safe environment allows people to bring their most authentic self , helping connections to thrive .

To understand how the industry can create safer events for all , and to find out about the upcoming industry pledge , I sat down with Mike Sealy , VP of diversity , equity and inclusion , Informa Markets ; Jill Hawkins , PR consultant ; Aniseed PR , Felicia Asiedu , senior marketing manager , Cvent ; Sarah Byrne , director , Mosaic Events and co-chair ABPCO ; Carina Bauer , CEO , IMEX Group ; and Gabrielle Austen-Browne , founder , Diversity Alliance .

“ As event organisers we have a duty to ensure the environments we are creating for events are safe spaces , ones that individuals can be themselves in .”

– Sarah Byrne

Mike Sealy

Felicia Asiedu

Jill Hawkins

Sarah Byrne

Current climate Across the board , there is a long-standing narrative that there are safeguarding concerns in the events industry . “ Unwanted and

Carina Bauer Gabrielle Austen-Browne www . conference-news . co . uk