When entrepreneurs and business owners don’t do the work to prioritize inclusivity and diversity in their work, it’s detrimental to the industry as a whole. We recently saw this with a wedding industry event that originally planned to host their event on a plantation without being transparent with the history of the land, leading to a PR nightmare.
In today’s episode, Akua Konadu and Ty Wilson join me to discuss the need for thorough research, transparent communication, genuine apologies, and a commitment to creating inclusive spaces in every aspect of business. Listen in as we share valuable insights and strategies to help you prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in your event planning, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and diverse experience for all attendees—plus highlight how this brand should have handled it.
It’s time to recognize that there is a deeper level of understanding needed in event planning that goes beyond surface-level actions.
This episode is coming from a place of growth and learning, not criticism. We all make mistakes which provide an opportunity to learn and grow. How we choose to move forward is what’s important.The statements made in this episode are the opinions of the host and guests.
Industry Event Response to DEI Missteps and The Importance of People Over Profit
When Emergence Events announced its controversial venue choice, many of its followers and industry peers took to social media to push back. The decision to host the event on the grounds of former plantations prompted a lot of conversations.
Not only were there deep-seated issues with the venue choice, but their initial apology didn’t align with prioritizing comfort and safety over profitability. Ultimately, hosts play a crucial role in creating environments that are inclusive and respectful of all attendees.
It’s people over profit. Acknowledge your mistakes, learn from them, and make a positive change. It’s worth it in the long run.
Lack of DEI Prioritization in Planning
The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) cannot be ignored in the modern event planning space. Prioritizing DEI means creating a space where everyone feels valued and respected. This process takes conscious effort and requires a genuine commitment from the event organizers, rather than just being treated as a checked-off box in the event planning process.
This also comes back to the diversity and experiences of the planning committee for any event. Lack of diversity can contribute to organizers failing to recognize the controversial aspects of their decision-making when organizing an event.
Recognizing the Horrors and History of Plantations
The event was planned to take place at Montage Palmetto Bluff, a former plantation. After the event hosts dealt with backlash from the announcement of the venue, they issued an apology. Sort of. Recognizing the dark past of a venue and refusing to gloss over it not only respects its history but also the communities that history has affected.
This event wasn’t transparent with their knowledge of the venue—they knew the history but decided to move forward with it regardless—even after they issued the apology.
The disappointment went beyond the choice of the venue, but was fueled by how it treated the venue’s history with nonchalance and ignorance.
In the south, plantation weddings highlight the uncomfortable reality of romanticizing an antebellum era without acknowledging the historical horrors associated with it. This is why it’s so important for event organizers and venue owners to adopt a more forthright and sensitive approach when highlighting the history of their venues.
After even more backlash on their apology, Emergence Events canceled their 2024 event.
It’s a huge responsibility to ask somebody to invest their hard-earned money and time and livelihood with you. You have to be aware of these things that you’re asking people to show up in spite of, because it’s not going to happen, and it shouldn’t be something you ask them to do.
How Educators and Entrepreneurs Can Prioritize Diversity and Inclusion with Events
This lack of DEI expands into all industries. As educators, sponsors, and attendees, you can advocate for more diversity and inclusion. Here are a few steps to take:
When booking a speaking engagement, ask to see the lineup and highlight that you want to participate in events that prioritize diversity and inclusion.
Take a look at past events and lineups of the events you want to participate in.
If the event doesn’t align, you can say no. If you’re already contracted—explore ways to dissolve the contract.
Don’t be afraid to make the ask to ensure that your values align. This will open the door to conversations—both good and hard ones. If they don’t, it wasn’t the right event for you anyway and your opportunity will come.
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