We care about diversity at conferences and events because we want them to be better for everyone.
Sign the diversity charter to show that you care too.
All too often we see conference and event lineups full of the same or similar people, we don’t want that anymore. We want diversity.
Diversity refers to a wide range of visible and non-visible characteristics; it’s about valuing variety, welcoming a range of backgrounds, experiences and opinions and embracing the benefits that differences bring. We believe that a diverse set of people on stage and in audiences will improve events and will ultimately change the industries they represent for the better.
We know that it takes more effort to increase diversity at events and we will show our commitment to making that happen by signing this charter.
This charter is for event organisers, speakers, individuals, employers, sponsors and venues. By signing this charter, you are committing to highlighting where there is a lack of diversity at events and doing what you can to make things better.
Event organisers
You can make better events for your participants by working harder to create a more inclusive environment. By signing this charter, you are committing to seeking ways to create better events by increasing the diversity of the people on stage as well as in the audience. You can use these ideas to help you. Once you sign the charter, you’ll get a logo to add your website to show your commitment to diversity.
Event speakers, individuals, employers, sponsors and venues
Influence diversity at conferences by being mindful of who is speaking and what the conference is doing to promote diversity. By signing this charter, you are committing to encouraging event organisers to consider making events diverse, highlighting when they aren’t and helping where you can. (We encourage giving people the benefit of the doubt and working with them rather than calling them out publically)
Speakers
Choose not to speak at events that will not commit to creating diverse events.
Individuals
Choose not to attend and/or fund events that will not commit to creating diverse events.
Employers
Choose to not send employees to as audience members, speakers or panel members to events that will not commit to creating diverse events.
Sponsors
Choose not to fund events that will not commit to creating diverse events. You make sure you have a diverse range of people representing your organisation at events you sponsor.
Venues
Work with event organisers to ensure you are meeting diverse needs. Choose to not host events that will not commit to creating diverse events.
The most recent signatories
Angela Chen
UCL
Ingrid Astiz
Wise Work
Aaron Gustafson
Microsoft
I actively work to create opportunities for diverse voices at conferences, in publications, etc.
Laura Gibson
The Institute of Association Leadership
The Institute of Association Leadership is the professional community for current and future chief executives and c-suite professionals who lead within the unique environment of the membership sector.
Since its reemergence the IAL, now a Community Interest Company, has worked to advance its mission. Refocused on the elevation of association leaders, the IAL is committed to helping members to be the professionals capable of advancing society.
Our four core values are Community, Inclusivity, Professionalism and Development. Of course, as an organisation, we can do more. We will look to develop clear and meaningful policies and a code of conduct to ensure that we continue to advocate for diversity and inclusion in all that we do for our community, not just via our events.
Laura Gibson
Consort Strategy
As a socially responsible business, our focus is on supporting people, planet and prosperity; and through a variety of methods, we work with individuals and organisations in defining, developing and delivering high-impact leadership practices that inform innovative business ideas, generate economic success, and add value to communities.
Of course, as a company, we can do more. We will look to develop clear and meaningful policies and a code of conduct to ensure that we continue to advocate for diversity and inclusion in all that we do, not just our events.
Taz Brown
Nourdine BOUAGHAZ
CodeWorks
Having been bullied viciously for my race when I was in high school by white teachers and students, I am keen to do my part to stop racism and bullying. Solidarity with the BAME community.