Fay Sharpe of Fast Forward 15 (FF15), a mentoring programme which aims to inspire, encourage and empower women in the events, hospitality and related industry to be the best they can be, has announced the publication of the Diversity & Inclusion academic survey.
The overall objective of the survey was to understand how inclusive the events industryis.
Through work with Dr Kate Dashper, reader and director of Research degrees at Leeds Beckett University, and with the support of IMEX through its global network, over 600 respondents completed extensive research on a variety of questions around education and its impact, work life balance, ethnicity disabilities, pay, career, gender differentials and progression, alongside perceived success.
Fay Sharpe said: “The results were surprising; I had hoped we had moved on from many of the gaps between gender and ethnicity as well as disability in our sector however there is a way to go. I hope the results provide solid data on where we are at, and what we need to work on.
“With the economic impact of Covid-19 leaders need to think outside the box, there will be opportunity to reshape a fairer more inclusive structure to the vibrant industry that we are . I also believe it highlights how important it is we work on diversity and inclusion as well as insuring we don’t overlook minority groups.”
CEO of IMEX Group and former FF15 mentor, Carina Bauer, added: “At IMEX we have a strong history of championing women’s leadership and over the past few years this has grown to incorporate a more meaningful focus on diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We are, therefore, proud to sponsor this extensive survey of the sector.
“While it shows that we still have much work to do to create a truly diverse workplace that reflects our wider society, the results shine a light on the areas where we should concentrate our efforts. The business events industry is full of creative, passionate and open-minded professionals. We generally like to solve problems and I am optimistic that if, as an industry, we are serious about solving the issues of diversity, inclusion and gender disparity, we have it in our power to do so.”
Gabby Austen Browne, founder of Diversity Ally and FF15 ambassador, said: “Soon, reporting requirements relating to ethnicity and reaching diversity targets will be non-negotiables. The research conducted and shared in this paper highlights we still have some way to go with regards to diversity overall. By participating in and sharing this research, we now have a place to start from, to build, grow and improve. “What gets measured, gets improved.
“A review on race in the workplace found that tackling the racial disparities in the UK labour market could result in an annual economic boost worth £24bn to the UK Economy. So, its’ time to become consciously inclusive. now more than ever. It’s good for humanity and it’s good for business”.
The report was created and supported through collaborations Fast Forward 15 worked with Dr Kate Dashper, CEO of IMEX, Carina Bauer, and Andrew White of Triggerfish. To read the report, click here.
