Published by Neil ThompsonAshanti Bentil-Dhue and Gabrielle Austen Browne launch Diversity Ally - a consultancy and membership organisation to improve diversity in the events industry
Following the tragic death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter global protests has caused the events, MICE and hospitality community to recognise we have an issue around the lack of diversity in our industry. It became clear that there wasn’t an organisation for the sector taking ownership of this issue. Diversity Ally has been founded by two experienced events professionals passionate about moving the diversity needle in events and creating inclusive workspaces.
Diversity Ally is a consultancy service and membership organisation offering solutions to help businesses and organisations in the events, MICE and hospitality industry become more diverse and inclusive. Core services include supporting organisations to develop D&I policies and facilitating bespoke workshops and training for leaders and employees around anti-racism, inclusivity and allyship.
The events and MICE industry is poised to be a model industry when it comes to demonstrating the multiple benefits of encouraging diversity and inclusion in terms of people, culture and image. We rely on teamwork, collaboration and human connection to keep the industry thriving and therefore these same values can be used to make the events industry a better place for us all. In order to achieve this, Diversity Ally has created some industry standard pledges which will enable a bench-marking of organisations who are striving to improve diversity and inclusion in the industry. Organisations who apply to become Diversity Ally approved, are granted access to a resource hub and training materials specifically designed to help MDs, Directors and HR to improve the quality of diversity and inclusion in their businesses.
A specialist recruitment and talent development service will be provided to MICE, hospitality and events organisations who are actively looking at ways to attract and retain diverse talent over the next three years. To celebrate and recognise the organisations and leaders committed to being diversity change makers and allies, the Diversity In Events Awards will be launched in 2021. The first of its kind in the industry, these awards will require applications from nominees to include tangible and specific examples of diversity and inclusion happening within organisations.
A dedicated Events Diversity Alliance Committee has been formed consisting of senior business leaders in the industry who want to stay informed about the work Diversity Ally is doing. Alliance committee members will meet on a quarterly basis and have agreed to share their learnings with their peers and act as champions for diversity within the industry.
Committee Members:
Mark Riches - Industry Investor & Advisor - Formally co-founder of global events agency FIRST.
Ryan Curtis-Johnson - Head of PR & Marketing - DRPG
Caroline Jackson - BVEP Vice-Chair and AEME Executive
Priya Narain - Co-Founder - Event First Steps
Benedicta Asante - Venue sourcing specialist - American Express Global Business Travel
David Preston - CEO - Realise
Edward Poland - Co-founder - Hire space
Felicity Cator - Head of EventLAB - Hire Space
Miriam Sigler - Director - Ways & Means Events
William Swannell - CEO - Hirespace
Peter Kerwood -Director - Elevate Mentoring / Peter Kerwood Marketing
Max Fellows- Co-Founder- Elevate Mentoring
If you would like to find out how to join the membership or are interested in bespoke workshops or training, please contact: Team@DiversityAlly.co.uk
For more information contact
E: team@diversityally.co.uk
T: 0330 050 9346
W: www.diversityally.co.uk
