It is evident that the focus on inclusion and accessibility has moved to forefront of many meetings and events. DeFelices believes that the meetings industry will continue to see attendees willingly share their needs.

“Culture fit” is not an unheard-of concept in hiring — when either hiring employees or vendors for an event, but it’s especially important when expanding a meeting planner’s DEI ambitions.

Disability experts say that, increasingly, some destinations are going above and beyond ADA requirements to become more welcoming — and they’re using it to attract meeting and convention business.

The American melting pot consists of many ingredients. It’s what gives our nation depth, character and diversity. With so many different kinds of people, how do association meeting planners manage diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within their meetings and events environments?

For any meeting, conference or event held today, it’s critical that planners consider everyone who may be in attendance, and that requires being ADA compliant so all attendees can have a positive experience.

As the world has become ever more divisive, the need for organizations to make DEI an integral part of their core mission and culture has become ever more critical.

When it comes to integrating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and community, 2020 proved to be a year of reckoning. Conversations are ever-evolving as previously unspoken experiences come to light.

Both of these segments have increased at meetings and within membership…

There’s little question Generation Y or millennials are transforming the way we work — and the way we meet — and organizations are starting to realize they need to understand the preferences of these younger workers.