Louisa Daley investigates how the industry can create safer and more inclusive events for all.
The events industry thrives on bringing people together. Whether that’s through conferences, exhibitions or live performances – people are at their very best when partaking in a shared experience.
But it’s important to remember that with bringing people together, also comes the responsibility of keeping them safe – both physically and emotionally. After all, a safe environment allows people to bring their most authentic self, helping connections to thrive.
To understand how the industry can create safer events for all, and to find out about the upcoming industry pledge, I sat down with Mike Sealy, VP of diversity, equity and inclusion, Informa Markets; Jill Hawkins, PR consultant; Aniseed PR, Felicia Asiedu, senior marketing manager, Cvent; Sarah Byrne, director, Mosaic Events and co-chair ABPCO; Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group; and Gabrielle Austen-Browne, founder, Diversity Alliance.
Current climate
Across the board, there is a long-standing narrative that there are safeguarding concerns in the events industry. “Unwanted and unnecessary behaviour happen too often at events – especially large ones that are attended by diverse groups of people,” says Sealy. Asiedu agrees and states that: “unwelcome advances, racist or offensive language and discriminatory behaviour is particularly significant at B2B events where individuals often meet and engage with new people.”
This language and behaviour aren’t exclusively confined to the hours of nine to five, it also extends to ‘unofficial’ networking events, such as when eventprofs “spill out of shows and into the pub next door,” as Hawkins points out. This informal, and often alcohol induced environment, presents individuals with the challenge of “maintaining professionalism while trying to relax and have fun,” says Asiedu. This can lead to lines being crossed and inappropriate behaviour to occur from guests, hosts or even those managing the event. “In these environments, people are still wearing their show badges, and this can give an almost false sense of security,” adds Hawkins.
Coming together
These are just some examples of unsafe environments – all of which are not acceptable. “Event organisers have a duty to ensure the environments we are creating for events are safe spaces, ones that individuals can be themselves in,” stresses Byrne. “We need to create an environment where concerns and incidents are taken seriously and not brushed off as banter, or ‘a bit of fun’,” adds Hawkins.
As an industry, we must collectively implement non-negotiable measures prior to events even taking place. As Bauer reminds us: “it’s not enough to say, ‘we’ll handle any issues when we get on site’, we have to plan ahead and know we have the tools, policies and procedures in place.” All of the eventprofs agreed that a Code of Conduct (COC) therefore needs to be implemented – something that clearly outlines what the event will not tolerate, and the consequences of breaking these guidelines.
But what would that look like? The IMEX Group recently implemented its own COC for its 2023 show, which was reviewed by Diversity Alliance. It included a zero-tolerance policy for verbal comments that indicate superiority related to gender, race, disability, and age (among other inalienable characteristics); deliberate intimidation; sustained disruption of talks or other events; unsolicited physical contact and advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviour – the consequences being asked to leave the show or refused entry to future shows. “We also have a small, cross-team working group who are tasked with scoping out an issue and bringing first-step solutions back to the company,” reveals Bauer.
The way a COC is communicated internally and externally is also key. “Effective communication channels must be established between event organisers and attendees, whether that’s through sharing a dedicated contact number, email address or even integrating a discreet reporting system within event apps or websites,” says Asiedu. “All staff, security and volunteers at events must be aware of their responsibility to safeguarding through the appropriate training and/or briefing,” adds Sealy.
Get involved: pledge your support
In light of the need for a more robust safeguarding methodology in events, Diversity Alliance has been working on a Safeguarding Against Sexual Harassment Charter titled – ‘Safe Space’ – an initiative designed to address and eradicate sexual harassment at events.
The charter embodies a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment, providing a framework for event organisers to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. It outlines commitments that aim to drive positive change, including reporting and support mechanisms, safety initiatives, accessibility considerations, and marketing and messaging guidelines.
“This charter has been developed because we believe that everyone deserves to participate in events without fear of harassment or discrimination. We recognise that sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that demands action, and we are committed to leading the way in creating a safer event landscape,” says Austen-Browne.
Diversity Alliance is encouraging companies across the industry to adopt the ‘Safe Space’ Charter. “By doing so, companies are actively demonstrating their dedication to fostering an inclusive and respectful event culture.
“We hope that the industry will join us in championing safety and inclusion. Helping to create events where every individual feels respected, valued, and safe.”
Contact gabby@diversityalliance.co.uk for more information.
