F2 - Socially Committed & Legally Compliant Meetings

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is more than a catch-phrase; DEI is an essential part of how organizations hire, procure and design meetings. Applying equitable principles is more than making everyone feel welcome and mitigating biases. It is essential to a meeting’s overall business strategy. Clients and sponsors increasingly understand that all meeting attendees deserve the opportunity to participate equally. In response, they are seeking to work with companies that embrace a DEI strategy that spells out commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Join DEI expert Zoe Moore and industry attorney Joshua L. Grimes to discuss how DEI can become an integral part of every meeting. Learn how to use the RFP process to solicit venues and suppliers that will commit to using measurable DEI efforts that are both legally binding and compliant. Additionally, implement post-meeting reporting requirements to ensure that inclusivity is properly accomplished for every event as promised.

Learner Outcomes:

• Discover how supporting DEI initiatives is critical to inclusive meetings and generating attendance.
• Learn how planners can use the RFP process to seek suppliers, venues and contractors that are committed to implementing DEI practices and achieving stated goals for engaging women, minorities and workers with disabilities as part of their workforce.
• Create provisions for meeting contracts that require venues and suppliers to meet their promises of DEI practices and employment.