Events Industry Council (EIC) has started the first phase of its Equity Acceleration Plan. The plan aims to focus on creating a foundation on which to measure the event industry’s current state of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), “[aiming] to provide a framework to turn its vision to action and lead the challenge against discrimination and systemic racism in the events industry,” reads a press release.
Using a survey—which you can take here—EIC will determine its benchmark, which will influence its steps moving forward, informing the “development of tools, resources and recommendations,” according to the release.
“With over 10.3 million direct jobs and over 1.5 billion participants in our sector, and as the industry that at its heart fosters human connection and collaborations, we have the opportunity and responsibility to be a catalyst for meaningful and measurable change,” Amy Calvert, CEO of EIC, says. “The Equity Acceleration Plan will enable us to support event professionals to create more diverse and inclusive environments, develop career pathways, and ensure representation in leadership and supply chains by providing the learning and resources intended to reach and support our community.”
See also: What Meeting Profs Get Wrong About DEI—and How to Start Fixing It
Despite 91 percent of employers having DEI programs, according to HR analytics firm Josh Bersin Academy, many companies still believe there is much work to be done.
This study is an important step toward emboldening our global industry to lead and be an example of how to move the moral compass of DE&I to the center of everything we do,” Jason Dunn, co-chair of EIC Equity Task Force and vice president of Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau. I’m looking forward to seeing the results and to working with the EIC Equity Task Force to create what will be incredibly valuable guidance and resources for event professionals.”
The survey has been extended through January 15, 2022.
