Creating a safe, inclusive space can be a tall order, but it doesn’t mean it is impossible. This year, Smart Meetings looked at the importance of representation in all forms within the meeting space and how important it is to the industry’s continued development and growth.
Why is DEI Critical to the Hospitality Industry?
This year the Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) released a downloadable toolkit titled “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, a Guide for Event Service Professionals.” The aim of the guide is to offer foundational practices to help industry create a space of inclusiveness for all stakeholders.
The hope of the toolkit is to give organizations and their staff the tools to learn about the impact of DEI through education, inclusive marketing and supplier diversity.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Are Good for Your Meetings (and Business)
To get the inside scope on why it is important for businesses to value DEI Smart Meetings chatted with Elevated Diversity Founder Rhonda Moret, MPI Southern California (MPISCC) Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Khris Baizen, and MPISCC Director of Education, Event Logistics Jennifer Minzey.
The three highlighted the importance of appealing to attendees’ clients and Gen Z, getting leadership involved in DEI, and being an ally to the disabled community.
The Diversity Among Us
The Events Industry Council (EIC) released the results of its 2022 Equity Benchmarking study that revealed dissatisfaction within women and minority groups. The study showed a clear call for better representation within the hospitality industry and that DEI efforts are not being utilized within key areas of the industry.
The survey calls for the industry to be “co-creators of transformative DEI change” and to be an ally and confront unconscious bias and oppression based on race, religion, gender, religion, sexual orientation and ability.
Marriott Shared Upcoming DEI and Technology Advances with Association Planners
At Marriott International’s Exchange Association Masters customer event, Marriott spoke about the future of the company. The company pledged to fill its board with diverse, talented international business leaders that are focused on environmental, social and governance principles.
Marriott’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the U.S. and Canada Julius Robinson stated that they are seeking board members with different backgrounds to make the board better.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating DEI in the Industry
The MRN Agency uses its data-driven marketing and event production company to help foster diversity both inside their company and within live experiences.
The MRN Agency gears its marketing campaigns to represent the backgrounds and identities of their clients, as well as crafting interactive, personalized, and memorable experiences.
