DEI Resources

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are core values to FICP and its community of meetings professionals and hospitality partners, as shared in FICP's Statement of DEI. Our mission is to strengthen our members through education, outreach and partnerships so that the positive impact and value of their work is fully recognized by both their organizations as well as the meetings and events industry. This undoubtedly includes advancing DEI education, resources and learning as well.

While no DEI resource library will ever be complete, we encourage you to leverage the resources below and from other industry leaders to advance your own DEI journey.

What Does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mean?

Words matter, so it is important that we operate from a shared understanding of what diversity, equity and inclusion each mean. These two famous quotations help illustrate the differences through powerful metaphors.

How Can You Incorporate DEI in Meetings and Events?

While not an exhaustive list, here are 15 ways you might consider incorporating DEI when planning and executing meetings and events:

1. Diverse Representation: Ensure diverse representation in speaker lineups, panels and workshops. Aim for gender, racial, ethnic and other forms of diversity to reflect the broader community. This is a great opportunity to partner with speaker bureaus to better support your event needs.
2. Accessibility: Choose venues that are accessible to people with disabilities. Provide options for remote participation or accommodations for attendees with specific needs.
3. Inclusive Language: Use inclusive language in all communications and materials, avoiding terms or phrases that may be exclusionary or offensive to certain groups.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities when planning activities, meals and entertainment, taking into account dietary restrictions and preferences of diverse attendees.
5. Diverse Perspectives: Incorporate diverse perspectives into discussions and decision-making processes. Encourage open dialogue and value contributions from individuals with different backgrounds and experiences.
6. Training and Education: Provide training sessions or workshops on topics related to DEI to raise awareness and promote understanding among attendees.
7. Networking Opportunities: Facilitate networking opportunities that foster connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Consider implementing structured networking sessions to encourage interaction.
8. Implicit Bias Training: Offer implicit bias training for organizers, speakers and attendees to recognize and address unconscious biases that may influence decision-making and behavior.
9. Supplier Diversity: Partner with diverse hospitality partners and suppliers for event services such as catering, AV equipment and event management to support minority-owned businesses and promote economic equity.
   • Did you know that FICP's directory offers advanced search fields to support your diversity goals? Explore FICP's robust community of hospitality partners to best fit your needs.
10. Representation in Marketing Materials: Ensure representation of diverse groups in event marketing materials, including promotional emails, videos, brochures and social media posts.
11. Feedback Mechanisms: Implement feedback mechanisms to gather input from attendees on the inclusivity of the event and areas for improvement. Actively seek feedback from underrepresented groups.
12. Safe Spaces: Designate safe spaces or quiet rooms for attendees who may need a break or prefer privacy during the event. Clearly communicate the availability of these spaces.
13. Pronoun Inclusion: Provide options for attendees to specify their pronouns in registration forms and name tags to promote inclusivity for individuals of all gender identities.
14. Cultural Celebrations: Incorporate cultural celebrations or observances into the event program to recognize and honor the diversity of attendees. This could include cultural performances, art exhibitions or themed receptions.
    • View FICP's DEI Calendar to stay abreast of upcoming celebrations and observances.
15. Follow-Up Actions: Develop a plan for follow-up actions after the event to sustain momentum on DEI initiatives. This may include forming DEI committees, setting measurable goals and integrating DEI principles into future event-planning processes.

How Is DEI Advancing in F&I Meetings and Events?

FICP regularly employs pulse surveys to gauge how the industry is changing as well as how specific topics, such as DEI, are being internalized by organizations and through meetings and events. Here are a few of the key takeaways from the FICP Pulse Survey: Winter 2023 Edition specific to DEI: