Help us to support a more diverse and inclusive events industry

EIC has recently launched the first phase of our landmark Equity Acceleration Plan.

This will focus on establishing a benchmark by which to measure progress for the industry through a survey to determine the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion within the workplace across the events industry. The results of this benchmark will inform the development of tools, resources and recommendations in the subsequent phases on the Equity Acceleration Plan, which aims to provide a framework to turn our vision to action and lead the challenge against discrimination and systemic racism in the events industry.

CEO, Amy Calvert said: “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. 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.”

Jason Dunn Sr., Co-Chair of EIC Equity Task Force, Immediate Past Board Chairman, National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, and Vice President, Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau, said: “I believe that tourism empowers communities and that business events can be a driver for change. This survey 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 centre of everything we do. 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.”

Mark Cooper, CEO of IACC and 2021 Chair of the Board of the Events Industry Council (EIC), said: “We encourage our global community to openly share their experiences and insights so that the Events Industry Council can create the resources and support necessary to drive genuine long-term change.”

We are deeply grateful for the support of our volunteer leadership of the Equity Task Force and the support of our partners. The survey has been generously supported and sponsored by a number of leading organisations including ASAE, Collinson Media, Discover Puerto Rico, Disney Media & Events, IAEE, Liberty Mutual, Louisville Tourism, Marriott, PCMA, SearchWide Global, Simpleview, US Travel and VisitScotland Business Events.

To take part in the survey please visit https://kaiwa.culturelytics.ai/EIC/. The survey will close 15 October 2021.