The Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) is committing to increasing inclusion and diversity in the UK events industry. Focus is currently on those working in some capacity in events. An initial workshop was held by Ashanti Bentil-Dhue of Diversity Ally in August to explain diversity and inclusion and the need for action rather than just words. To continue the process BVEP will be hosting a series of virtual workshops to understand the current situation and agree actions for change. These workshops will be run using Axis, a digital platform for workshop-based collaboration.
Robert Hopkins, Axis co-founder, said: “Axis makes it simple and easy to run consistently brilliant workshops. Axis is used extensively by management consultancies as they work with their clients to answer strategic questions and execute change. And the platform is equally relevant for virtual, face-to-face and hybrid events where a facilitated workshop can increase engagement, inclusion and impact.”
Axis will be used by BVEP to bring best practice design thinking facilitation to inclusion and diversity workshops. The workshop will begin with rose thorn bud, a technique to identify and prioritise successes, challenges and opportunities. This will be followed by structured idea creation looking at what BVEP and Partners can do in the short, near and medium terms to build on successes, overcome challenges and progress opportunities. These ideas will be prioritised and then evaluated in terms of effort and impact. With the top ideas selected, actions will be agreed. Everything will be captured digitally with no write-up and full traceability from roses, thorns and buds to actions and owners.
The first workshop will be held virtually on 17 September with representation from across BVEP Partners and other bodies working towards a more equitable events industry. If you are someone working in events and have a lived experience that knows first-hand the challenges and opportunities faced, please contact the organiser, BVEP vice chair Caroline Jackson.
