The power of EDI for events businesses: embrace equality, diversity and inclusion
Emma Blake, of the IMEX PR team, shares her key takeaways from Why you need to diversify your supply chain sponsored by VisitScotland Business Events.
Ashanti Bentil-Dhue and Gabrielle Austen-Browne, Founders of Diversity Ally, were just two of the many talented speakers taking part in PlanetIMEX, the October Edition. They discussed how you can diversify your supply chain and why a diverse supply chain program has a social and commercial impact.
You can watch the entire session at the bottom of this page.
How to review your supply chain with EDI in mind: insights from Diversity Ally
The business events industry is renowned for being open and embracing– it’s one of the many reasons we all enjoy working in this sector. However, there’s always more we can do and in a world that is currently undergoing tumultuous change and disruption, securing inclusive values is more important than ever.
The two co-founders of Diversity Ally, which provides diversity and inclusion expertise for the global events industry, discuss why we need to review our supply chains with diversity firmly in mind. “Why you need to diversify your supply chain” (sponsored by VisitScotland Business Events) takes a clear and compelling look at how EDI (that’s equity, diversity and inclusion) can make a difference to your business.
The benefits of diversity for organizational performance and innovation
There’s substantial research to show that diversity brings many advantages to an organization such as increased profitability and creativity, stronger governance and better problem-solving abilities. Employees with diverse backgrounds tend to bring their own perspectives, ideas and experiences, helping to create organizations that are resilient and effective, and which outperform organizations that do not invest in diversity - more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenues due to innovation. Who can say no to that?!
The importance of EDI for the next generation of event planners and suppliers
Embracing EDI also ensures an organization remains relevant and future focused. Consider this: 47% of millennials are actively looking for diversity and inclusion when sizing up potential employers. This group is the next generation of event planners - by 2025, 75% of the global workforce will be made up of millennials which means they will occupy the majority of leadership roles over the coming decade. They will be responsible for making important decisions that affect workplace cultures and people’s lives. “Embracing EDI is not only good for business, it’s also the right thing to do”, says Ashanti Bentil-Dhue, co-founder of Diversity Ally.
Take a fresh look at your supply chain
Co-founder Gabrielle Austen-Browne continues: “It may be tempting to gravitate towards tried and tested or well-known suppliers, particularly in this time of uncertainty, but taking a fresh look at the supply chain can spread the risk and provide more choice.”
How can event planners identify diverse businesses? “It’s quite simple once you know how. Diverse business are those managed, owned, or who employ minority groups including women, people of color, people with disabilities, youth, visibly mature workers and those who are part of the LGBTQ community,” explains Ashanti.”
She sums up powerfully: “As event planners, you have a sphere of influence – use this, and embrace the opportunity to promote diversity aims and objectives within your business.”
Gabrielle Austen-Browne and Ashanti Bentil-Dhue from Diversity Ally are two pioneering women dedicated to helping the global events industry become more diverse and inclusive in its culture, people and image. Their wise words are well worth tuning in for.
Watch now: Why you need to diversify your supply chain - Diversity Ally
