The HBAA’s Next Gen Board has been renamed and re-purposed as the Diversity & Inclusion Board (D&I).
The move follows #HBAAfuturefit initiative, which aims to ensure the association is relevant and fit for purpose in the future, as well as providing an inclusive platform for the under-represented in the business events, accommodation and meetings sector.
The Next Gen Board was originally set up in 2019 by HBAA Board to support important industry issues and to ensure members, and the wider industry, remain relevant, diverse and inclusive.
The D&I Board will include refreshing the association’s Terms of Ethics to promote equal opportunities and inclusivity and ensuring all members’ mental health and well-being is at the heart of the association.
The D&I Board will be led by Ryan Doyle of Park Regis Birmingham, Anthony Kwokori of the Barbican and Olivia Woolley of Hotel and Travel Solutions.
A joint statement from the D&I Board said: ‘’We are proud to be the Diversity and Inclusion Board, which will be at the forefront of effecting necessary change and instrumental in taking this diverse industry from strength to strength.’’
Woolley added: “It is great to be launching this during Pride Month. We are so fortunate to work in a diverse industry. Ryan, Anthony and myself naturally fit into this. Our focus will be to rework the terms of ethics and shape what this means for our members, HBAA events and our supply chains.’’
Angie Mason, board director and treasurer, HBAA, commented: “When we reviewed the make-up of the Next Gen Board, it was evident that despite the team being appointed based upon their passion and enthusiasm, they cover diversity and inclusion and represent our future.”
