The Futures Landscape Study 2025 identifies Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) as a key force shaping the industry’s future. Increasingly, belonging is becoming an operational outcome of well-designed events.
As events continue to serve global audiences, a clear shift is underway: access is no longer the baseline. The full attendee experience must be considered—from participation and cultural recognition to workforce practices and supplier decisions.
We are moving towards a future where belonging is intentional and designed. DEI is no longer an afterthought but a strategic priority. From menu selection to suppliers, to music and commentary, events can empower and uplift through a localised and personalised approach.
In a world shaped by uncertainty and geopolitical tension, thoughtfully designed events remain one of the few mechanisms capable of fostering dialogue, trust and collaboration across borders.
Belonging as an Outcome
77% of executives link DEI with financial performance. Yet implementation often begins with a single action.
In a fast-paced industry, intentional choices—through procurement, programming and design—can create meaningful ripple effects. Belonging should be treated not just as a value, but as an outcome of the event experience.
Events can acknowledge global audiences in tangible ways, including through menu design, scheduling, inclusive spaces and multilingual communications.
For organisations with limited capacity, even one or two initiatives can make a difference. Sharing resources, encouraging curiosity and embedding inclusive practices into everyday interactions can begin to shift culture.
Expanding Access and Participation
Promoting access is the first step. Economic and logistical barriers can be addressed by ensuring diverse voices are present.
Options such as hybrid participation, scholarships and targeted outreach to underrepresented communities can significantly expand access. Strategic partnerships with organisations focused on equity and opportunity can further amplify impact.
Language is another critical consideration. English is not always the language of comfort. Offering materials in multiple languages can improve engagement and inclusion.
Designing for Cultural Awareness
Food is a powerful connector. It can serve as a gateway to memory, identity and conversation. At the same time, planners must be mindful of religious and cultural observances that influence when and what people eat.
Maintaining a calendar of key observances and understanding audience demographics can improve both experience and sustainability—reducing waste while ensuring inclusivity.
Challenging Western-centric assumptions can unlock creativity and expand the possibilities for more globally relevant event design.
Rethinking Participation and Experience
Participation styles vary widely. Not all attendees thrive in fast-paced, extroverted or alcohol-centred environments.
Some individuals prefer quiet spaces, while others may need areas for caregiving, reflection or rest. Designing with flexibility in mind—including spaces for decompression—can significantly enhance the attendee experience.
Extending Inclusion Beyond the Attendee
Inclusion does not stop with attendees—it extends to the workforce and supply chain.
Even in cost-constrained environments, organisations can support employees through upskilling, process improvements and inclusive workplace practices.
Research (Pollack et al., 2025) shows strong support for:
- Inclusive work environments (92%)
- Supplier diversity (84%)
- DEI training (88%)
- Partnerships with external organisations (84%)
- Representation-focused programmes (90%)
Practical Steps to Get Started
Organisations can begin by asking key questions:
- Do we understand DEI challenges and act accordingly?
- Are we actively working to improve DEI outcomes?
- How are we measuring progress?
From there, practical actions include:
- Developing mentorship and career advancement programmes
- Selecting partners with strong labour and inclusion practices
- Measuring social impact, including accessibility and local hiring
- Communicating progress transparently through ESG reporting
Even small steps in planning can signal meaningful intent.
A Localised and Continuous Approach
DEI is not one-size-fits-all. Challenges vary by region, and strategies must reflect local realities.
Regardless of geography or role, professionals should have the opportunity to understand how DEI applies to their work and to take measurable action.
EIC’s core values—Ethical, Transparent, Inclusive, Innovative and Responsible—provide a foundation for this work, supported by the CMP International Standards.
Building Trust and Sustaining Momentum
Building trust is central to advancing DEI. While priorities may differ, common focus areas include:
- Education and capacity-building
- Addressing systemic bias
- Expanding understanding across dimensions such as gender, class, religion and identity
There is no expectation of perfection. Meaningful change comes from consistent, intentional effort.
Taking action may begin as a small step—but its impact can be exponential. Millions of thoughtful, imperfect actions have the power to reshape the industry.
A member of EIC’s Sustainability and Social Impact Committee, Erika Gonzalez is a strategy and operations professional with experience spanning sustainability implementation, hospitality, food systems, cross-functional project management, and organizational operations. With roots in hospitality management and sustainable tourism, she brings a people-centered approach to translating complex priorities into practical, scalable solutions.
