You're leading a team conference. How can you ensure everyone feels included?

2 Set clear and inclusive objectives

One of the key elements of a successful team conference is having clear and inclusive objectives. You want to communicate the purpose, scope, and outcomes of the conference to your team members in advance. You also want to involve them in setting and prioritizing the objectives, so that they feel ownership and accountability for the conference results. By setting clear and inclusive objectives, you can align your team members on a common vision and direction, and motivate them to work together towards a shared goal.

3 Use a variety of methods and tools

Another way to ensure everyone feels included in your team conference is to use a variety of methods and tools to deliver your content and facilitate your interactions. You can use different formats, such as presentations, discussions, workshops, or panels, to cater to different learning styles and engagement levels. You can also use different tools, such as polls, surveys, quizzes, or chat functions, to encourage feedback, input, and questions from your team members. By using a variety of methods and tools, you can make your conference more interactive, dynamic, and fun.

4 Encourage participation and collaboration

A team conference is not a one-way communication channel. You want to encourage participation and collaboration from your team members, so that they feel valued and involved in the conference process and outcomes. You can do this by asking open-ended questions, inviting comments and suggestions, acknowledging and appreciating contributions, and assigning roles and responsibilities to your team members. You can also create opportunities for teamwork, such as breakout sessions, group projects, or peer reviews, to foster a sense of community and trust among your team members.

5 Respect diversity and inclusion

A team conference is also an opportunity to respect and celebrate the diversity and inclusion of your team members. You want to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected, regardless of their background, identity, or opinion. You can do this by using inclusive language, avoiding stereotypes and biases, addressing any inappropriate or disrespectful behavior, and promoting a culture of empathy and understanding. You can also highlight and appreciate the different perspectives, skills, and experiences that your team members bring to the conference.

6 Follow up and follow through

Finally, you want to ensure everyone feels included after the team conference as well. You want to follow up and follow through on the conference outcomes, actions, and feedback. You can do this by sending a summary and evaluation of the conference, thanking and recognizing your team members for their participation and collaboration, providing and requesting feedback, and monitoring and supporting the progress and implementation of the conference objectives. By following up and follow through, you can show your team members that you value and respect their input and involvement, and that you are committed to achieving the conference goals together.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?