In this session, Robert Kenward, Gabby Austin Browne, Priya Narain, Caitlin Kobrak, Jonathan Sibley and Martin Fullard discuss the official launch of REACH, a new scholarship which has been put together to encourage and nurture greater diversity in the events industry.
Why is now the time to improve diversity and inclusion?
Austin Browne said: “It’s always been the time, but the pandemic has really allowed us to have more time. People are taking notice, people are collaborating to see changes. It’s really got that momentum now.”
What REACH stands for
Narain explains the meaning behind the acronym. “The word itself attains to reaching for something bigger and better. As an industry, we can reach for something bigger and better.”
The scholarship
Sibley explains the structure of the programme. “First year is an introduction to the industry, second year provides students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned and third year encourages students to think strategically about what they have learned and enter the industry as a senior colleague.”
Kobrak reminds us, “this will require commitment. It is about longevity. It shows us a) the events industry is a legitimate career path and b) the industry cares and wants to make change.”
To learn more about REACH, click here.
