Identifying Strategies for Event Professionals to Incorporate DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Practices Into Their Work

Abstract

While diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has been a regular topic of interest & priority in traditional businesses, innovative companies, & politics for over a decade, the events industry seems to be lagging behind in its participation in this discourse.

Despite research showing that the most diverse & inclusive companies are more likely than ever to outperform less diverse peers on profitability (Dixon-Fyle et. al), little literature exists to inform event industry professionals about how they can incorporate DEI strategies into their work. This implies a gap in opportunities for event professionals to reap the benefits & competitive advantage afforded to those that apply DEI strategies to their work in other business sectors.

This original research is intended to identify strategies for event professionals, informed by event professionals, to incorporate DEI practices into their work in order to begin closing the gap in DEI standards, knowledge, and strategies within the industry.