Here's how you can create inclusive and diverse events using innovation.

I would say that golf is one of the most diverse and inclusive sports around . Everyone and anyone is welcome to learn and play this amazing game ! ??

Innovative event planning strategies leverage technology to foster inclusivity and diversity. By incorporating features like real-time captioning and translation services, virtual reality experiences, and remote attendance options, events become accessible to a broader audience, including those with disabilities and language barriers. Additionally, accessible venue design and diverse representation in programming further enhance inclusivity, ensuring that all attendees feel welcome and valued. These innovative approaches enrich the event experience and demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive community where diverse voices are celebrated.

I would say getting an understanding of what the expectations of the audience are. Taking advantage of apps/tools that allow there to be a seamless transition from confirming attendance to arriving using technology. Do attendees have the ability to scan themselves into the event or do they still have to talk with a person. If there is assigned seating, once checked in does an alert come to a person's phone showing them a map of their assigned seat.

Embracing innovation is key to creating inclusive and diverse events. Leveraging technology like event apps with real-time captioning and sign language interpretation enhances accessibility for attendees with hearing impairments. Virtual reality experiences enable those with mobility challenges to explore without physical barriers. Beyond these examples, integrating accessibility features, multilingual support, inclusive design, and assistive technologies can cater to diverse abilities and backgrounds. By harnessing innovative tools, event organizers can foster a truly inclusive environment that promotes belonging and equity for all attendees.

If you have to go out of your way to make an event "inclusive," the reality is that your organization is probably just virtue signaling. People/organizations who aren't racist, sexist, homophobic, classist, etc. naturally have events, workplaces, and social circles that are diverse. We're living in a secular society with one of the most diverse populations in the world. At this point, homogeneity is a choice. So, innovate and disrupt your biases before throwing a party to show everyone how woke you are.

Embed meaningfully in the community where the event is hosted by reserving a number of free/reduced cost spaces for local organizations and representatives. Local student or community members make great event hosts (or volunteers with free admission). Some of my favorite venue explorations include: - Low stimulation or rest/reset areas - Immersive excursions to local host organizations (with honorariums) - Locally hosted dinners or meals featuring regional food

Diversity isn't just about venues and accessability or dietary needs. Planners must now consider the diversity of a city or a state based on legislation that has been enacted. States that discriminate and/or undermine the rights of women, minorities, or create race or gender inequality are no longer being considerd by some Planners in the RFP process. Clients who are Women Forward Facing and others that require gender friendly or minority welcoming cities/states are no longer considering large conference states like Texas and Florida because of their restrictive legislation. Diversity and inclusion will matter more to certain groups, but choosing states that welcome all attendees should be paramount when designing an inclusive event.

The venue I would say is fundamental for the success of the event. But more than the venue, the team that makes the venue works. The venue can be great but without a good team it is nothing. Of course that the venue location, conditions, sustainability methods are also of extreme importance!

In the times that we are living, I think, diverse speakers should be a given at any event. Unfortunately, I notice, it is not always. I guess, many take the easier path and use their existing networks. However, these might not be very diverse. Therefore, it is crucial to also be willing to go the extra mile!

Intentionality at the onset of planning for a diverse lineup of speakers, both visible and invisible diversity, should be table stakes and simply part of the ways of working. I would also encourage selected speakers and panelists to inquire about the other speakers to ensure there is inclusion of difference across the panel as well. It's an easy way to be proactive in your allyship. Another tip is to recommend someone besides yourself to be the speaker. This approach allows for access and visibility for underrepresented voices.

Many times in corporate settings, enlist speakers of particular backgrounds or our speakers may not reflect the audience they are addressing. I would encourage event organizers to seek out intersectionality where they can. Who is someone that the audience can see themselves in, while also being capable of delivering the intended message? Would a panel of multiple diverse perspectives be the best way to communicate these objectives? And are individuals who are not knowledgeable on the subject matter or do not have a background that the audience can relate to humbling declining these offers to speak? These considerations should be the foundation of thought when we ask speakers to address an audience.

This is an integral component of any DEI effort. How are you supposed to serve a community and meet their needs if you do not know, for a fact, what that community’s needs are? It is so important to give these groups with diverse backgrounds and perspectives a seat at the table so that we can target their wants and needs effectively. Many DEI efforts tend to fail because companies enact programming that they THINK these communities need instead of simply asking them. This process would not only make DEI efforts more effective, but will save both time and money now that there is a more targeted effort. Otherwise, we are simply shooting darts in the dark.

Always be sure to involve local communities and stakeholders in the planning process to ensure the event meets their needs and reflects their values. This engagement helps build a sense of ownership and pride in the event, promoting a more collaborative and less competitive atmosphere. It’s also a way to give back to the community by providing a platform for local voices and talents.

Every project and event affects the communities around it. Depending on the size of the event, it can even lead to new infrastructure in the region which can displace local community or create new opportunities. But also low-scale events can have affects in regards to whom do you support, e.g. where do you get food, materials from etc., and whom do you invite to present. Especially, when you are going to another region, it is crucial to have contacts to the local community, consider existing power dynamics and build supportive bonds.

Feedback loop Asking people about the diversity is interesting. I have been at events that are all white, and the participants didn't notice. The same when all the speakers are male, the men in the audience didn't notice. The amount of times I have had to ask "who will feed the children?" when men continue to hold events 5pm to 7pm, and still they do it! Asking what enabled you to attend today / what would enable you to attend in the future? are useful questions

Regardless of where the answers fall, just asking these questions is a win. It shows you believe diversity is valuable: "How would you rate the diversity at our event?" "What can we do to improve?"

Gathering feedback after any project, also events, is crucial for improvement and vital part of the wrap-up process at the end. Same as saying thank you to all participants and for the trust of partners. There will be always different opinions on regards of inclusivity. In my experience it is important to listen to all of them and not devaluating any - every person is unique and has different perceptions. If there is a pattern, we should include it in further processes.

“The job is never done.” This may be a thought that sounds daunting, but in a world that has, for generations, profited and grown off of the marginalization of certain groups, there will be generations of consistent effort that will be necessary to begin to undo the systemic pitfalls we have created for so many people. In this continuous journey, it is imperative that we are constantly reminding people to check their unconscious biases, enlist diverse perspectives in your companies, and be an ally who shows supports for the various identities and backgrounds that make up your teams. This is come through consistent, conscious programming such as trainings, panel discussions and speaking up in our daily interactions on our teams.

Creating inclusive and diverse events that prioritize collaboration over competition and focus on flourishing and giving back involves strategic planning and a commitment to community values. I recommend dedicating yourself - and your team - to ongoing education about the best practices in creating inclusive and collaborative environments. This commitment to learning should also encompass understanding how to effectively give back to the community and the importance of building a lasting, positive legacy.

In my experience, we are often so much absorbed by everyday business as within event planning can be very hectic times and unexpected obstacles. Staying up to date is definitely a crucial asset in any job. Even better it is, if your team is diverse and creating an inclusive environment comes naturally by the diverse knowledges and point of experiences of the team - as well as, inclusivity should not be handled as a side topic but thought of in regards to every topic, so in every step of the planning process.

In the dynamic realm of event planning, the commitment to continuous learning is paramount, especially when it comes to inclusivity. Leveraging Web3 and emerging technologies offers us powerful tools to not only follow but also set new best practices. This approach allows us to shape the future of event inclusivity actively. By experimenting and iterating on these best practices, we ensure that our events are not just current but ahead of the curve, reflecting the latest trends and technologies. Embracing a career-long learning journey is essential to maintain the pace with innovation and inclusivity. (copy edit by ChatGPT)

I had a dear friend and colleague share a story recently about a work event where the attendees were asked in advance to provide favorite songs but did not think much about it. When she arrived at the event and it was time to hit the dance floor, she heard her song playing and felt such a sense of belonging. It doesn't take much to create an environment where people feel seen and that they are actually meant to be there.

To assist with ensuring the event is inclusive, consider persons who may have special needs, and use technology as an enabler to ensure all aspects of the event cater to their needs, including but not limited to venue layout, audio visuals, food arrangements, and speakers. Ensure key stakeholders are also aware of the presence or attendance of persons with special needs so that care and attention may be given to ensure such attendees have a wholesome experience at the event.

I would say that golf is one of the most diverse and inclusive sports around . Everyone and anyone is welcome to learn and play this amazing game ! ?? No matter what walk of life one comes from everyone should be treated the same …with kind , friendly , non judgmental , welcoming atmosphere , which are ingredients that many businesses don’t offer. My company strives to make everyone’s learning experience a fantastic , fun , and memorable time ! We work with every age golfer from 4-100 , every gender , every physical Limitation offering adaptive learning from trained and experienced PGA and LPGA Teaching Professionals. As well as tapping into personalized learning styles, audio, visual and kinesthetic , for optimum improvement results.

There’s also need to foster a culture of inclusivity. This simply means that a code of conduct that outlines expected behaviors and consequences for violations needs to be established and made to known to the staff, volunteers and speakers who would be involved in the event. Training on diversity and inclusion also needs to be provided to ensure that everyone understands the importance of creating an inclusive environment for events’ attenders.