Happy New Year! And Hello 2024

Before we move into what promises to be an exciting 2024 at Diversity Alliance HQ, I wanted to rewind and reflect on?some of the memorable moments from 2023. I took a moment to ask myself a few questions about our journey at DA last year... Stuff that made us proud, things I'm grateful for (sponsors, partners, clients and contributors- that's you!), cool things in the DEI space, influencers that rocked and products and events that wowed.

Keep reading for highlights from 2023.

Things that made us proud this year

In 2023, Diversity Alliance introduced a campaign and initiative called 'Safe Space.' After a year where the safety of our peers attending meetings and events was under scrutiny, we recognised the critical need to address this head-on. That's when we rallied event industry leaders to endorse the Safe Space Charter!

The charter outlined four key pledges to prevent harassment and discrimination at events:?

?? Establish clear anti-harassment and non-discrimination policies?

?? Provide staff training on how to handle reports of harassment and discrimination?

?? Promote the policies and reporting procedures publicly at events

?? Commit to continual review and improvement of safe space efforts

As part of the campaign we delivered tailored safeguarding talks and sessions to members of ABPCO , IMEX , AEO Association of Event Organisers , AEV Association of Event Venues Ltd and ESSA . I also joined a panel, hosted by none other than Claudia Winkleman, at CVENT Connect to discuss Safeguarding in Events. The session focussed on potential safeguarding concerns at B2B events and shared tips on how to ensure the safety and comfort of all event attendees. If you missed the session, you can catch up HERE

Don't forget to Sign the Safe Space Charter HERE

An unforgettable highlight was attending the House of Lords for the second consecutive year, celebrating philanthropy in recognition of the REACH scholarship initiative.

More memorable moments from 2023

We've been honoured with several awards recognising our impactful work, in addition to being finalists for the MBCC Awards, the MIAlist and the C&IT Agency Awards (for REACH Events Scholarship)

On a personal note, I'm humbled to have been nominated for several awards, including being named one of Eventex Top 50 Most Influential Event Professionals. I also received the Silver award for Personality of the Year at the M&IT Awards and was honoured as a Rising Star at the UK StartUp Awards . ??

Finally (phew!) I was nominated to be a Fellow of the The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce)

I also had the incredible opportunity to guest edit 'On Top of the World,' the Autumn '23 edition of Conference News exploring how people and the planet are driving innovation and change within business events. You can dive into the edition here: https://joom.ag/PrJd.

Speaking engagements kept me busy, including events like the Pink News Community Event, CVENT Connect, CHS Birmingham, The Meetings Show, International Confex, The Sustainable Events Show, City Destination Alliance Summer School, and the Oddity Inclusive Event Design Playbook launch.

Additionally, Diversity Alliance organised two impactful virtual confabs—one for International Women's Day and another for Black History Month. For insights and resources from these events, feel free to download them here: https://www.diversityalliance.co.uk/confabs.

Next up is the AEO Forum at the Business Design Centre on January 26th, 2024. Catch me there!

Events We Loved!

?? Every Summer thousands flock to London's Brockwell Park. Among them, a diverse array of individuals - many from queer, Black, or marginalised communities. Mighty Hoopla, launched in Victoria Park in 2017 and embraces a spirit of liberation and self-expression. The festival's ethos revolves around wholeheartedly welcoming attendees exactly as they are.

With a strong commitment to inclusivity, this year's lineup proudly showcased approximately 80 percent women and non-binary artists. AND within the organisational and production team, women and non-binary individuals contribute significantly, comprising about 60 percent of the workforce.

Credit: https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/features/mighty-hoopla-the-queer-pop-festival-with-inclusivity-at-its-heart

?? The Multicultural Business & Community Champion (MBCC) Awards acknowledges and celebrates the unsung heroes in both business and community. Their aim is to establish a platform that not only recognises, but honours the extraordinary, selfless individuals who consistently surpass expectations in their efforts to enhance the nation, inspiring and empowering the upcoming generation.

Resources and products we liked?

Newsletters worth subscribing to for diverse content:

• Queer AF: The go-to LGBTQIA+ newsletter delivering quality ????? news, promoting underrepresented creatives.
• The Accessible Link: Merging transport accessibility insights with musings on inclusion.

Product of the year:

I was first introduced to Loop Earplugs by my podcast guest Shareefa J . Designed for concerts, sleep, focus & more. In a world filled with constant noise, these earplugs provide a calming escape, especially beneficial for those with ADHD navigating busy environments—whether at work, studying, or seeking a moment of tranquility. Visit the website HERE.

Before I say adios for this week, I wanted to share influencers who inspire for their authenticity, courage and empathy. They share real world experiences as well as helpful advice tips and resources, be sure to follow them.

Thea Bardot

Dermot Devlin

Dr. Elsa Zekeng

Neil Hudson-Basing

Isaac Harvey MBE

Dr Shani Dhanda

Gratitude incoming ????

We couldn't do the work we do without the support of our sponsors, partners, contributors and clients. Thank you!

And of course, not forgetting ou podcast contributors. Do visit our Podcast and YouTube channels and subscribe to stay in the loop.