As the post pandemic world re-opens, an added benefit for business is that industry conferences are once again flourishing.
The dynamics, however, are becoming richer and broader with new possibilities for relationship and collaboration abounding.
Attendance has now begun to truly reflect an extraordinary diversity with a range of backgrounds, education, experience, culture, and roles wandering the halls and centers, badges swinging, files in hand and curiosity aroused as the new and exciting proffer their wares.
Planning tools to ensure the success of a conference are key for event planners to guarantee that all attendees enjoy and more importantly derive value for their investment. However, how we share insights, learnings and new tools is an opportunity to shape deeply personal connections, learn more about cultures and diversity in ways that hitherto have not been considered.
We all want to feel connected and engaged when attending an event but the how that is achieved is as much art as it is organizational and planned. Understanding the invitees; knowing more about who is attending; ensuring that the flow and moments make all feel welcome; creating intimate opportunities for collaboration; breakout sessions and chatter are no longer a nice-to-have but a ‘must’ in a world that sees diversity, inclusion and embracing all as the cornerstone for our collective development not just in business but as a global community.
"In short, there is no check list when it comes planning a truly successful, invigorating and stimulating event that includes diversity, equity, and inclusion because there is no limit to diversity! There is no limit to inclusion and that is very gift of planning with ‘all’ in mind."
An example of the dimensions of diversity means taking a moment to consider attendees and how a specific dimension may apply to them and how this would impact the success of an event.
PRIMARY DIMENSIONS: Physical or Mental Ability
SECONDARY: Family Composition and Life Experience
CULTURAL: Power, Authority Views, and Conflict Resolution
ORGANIZATIONAL: Divisional Departments and management level
It is so easy for planners and project managers to tick boxes or strike tasks off a list. To be successful in planning a conference, understanding the stakeholders, clients, and attendees is key to creating one that inspires, embraces, and galvanizes everyone.
Our new world allows us to step away from traditional or boring and move towards diversity and inclusion. Success of an event relies on applying thought when identifying the four dimensions, from the moment of meeting inception to registration then on to planning and arrival and departure.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just words but the very foundation of success in our global community!
Jennifer Durning is 4xi's Hospitality Operations & Experiences specialist. Hospitality operations, conference services management, strategic planning, project management, and customer experience. Managing Partners & Co-Founders. She specializes in global hospitality and employee amenity strategic thought leader focused on data-driven insights.
Jennifer and the entire team at 4xi are here to help you drive positive change and impact. To learn more about Jennifer download her BIO, or you can contact her directly at jenniferdurning@4xiconsulting.com.
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4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side creating an impact on the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure.
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