Why diversity, justice and inclusion are the cornerstones of our society and democracy

- and how you as a player in the event industry can contribute to this.

Events work - just like advertising works! Whether it's Live Aid or the Global Citizen Festivals or the climate conference in Paris or the current demonstrations for diversity and democracy throughout Germany - the many different events show one thing very clearly: events can unite people, inspire, allay fears, give confidence and activate people. Events allow us in the event industry to reach millions of people every year. In this way, we can make sustainability and the solutions tangible and reach positive social tipping points. Just as sustainable products help people to live a more sustainable lifestyle, events can help to create a positive impact together.

What are the solutions for more diversity and what can you contribute?

Sustainable, regenerative, climate-neutral and circular business is the solution and you as a player in the event industry can make a major contribution to this. Our industry can test sustainable solutions and bring them to life with events and reach millions of people. We can create a positive impact with every event and reach positive social tipping points. Artists such as Coldplay, Billie Eilish, Radiohead, Massive Attack, Seeed, Joss Stone, Culcha Candela, Milky Chance, Jan Delay ... are already demonstrating responsibility and solutions.

With sustainable events including equality, inclusion, cultural exchange and positive messages, we can reunite society. And we can recognize why a changeover or greater effort makes sense if, for example, it ensures a safe, environmentally friendly and cheaper supply of energy in the future with renewable energies. People must be able to recognize why it is worth making an effort and overcoming fears of strangers. Sustainable events can alleviate fears of loss and create space for trust, joy, security and creativity.

We must harness the power of diversity. We can only successfully counter structural racism and the oppression of women and people with disabilities if we also take a structural and holistic approach. This is why sustainability management systems such as ISO and EMAS make so much sense for business and are so valuable for society.

This is because these sustainability management systems reach all stakeholders and require further training for all employees and continuous improvement. Sustainability thus becomes a process that considers the issues of diversity, justice and inclusion on an equal footing with ecological and economic aspects. This also strengthens democratic thinking and action.

Our industry takes a clear stance with the hashtag "LiveGegenRechts" and the "We are many" campaign and supports the organizers of the nationwide demonstrations for diversity and democracy.

Deep dive to the 9th step

Author Claudia Verena Krause from Vok Dams worldwide

For VOK DAMS, one of the leading international agencies for events and live marketing, one thing is clear: more sustainable event management will be a prerequisite for events in the future. The agency's sustainability efforts are not limited to ecological and economic aspects. VOK DAMS also focuses on the social dimension of sustainability. By signing the Diversity Charter, VOK DAMS has set a clear signal for tolerance and diversity. More than a year ago, the agency published a DE&I checklist for events and the accompanying white paper "DE&I in Events".

What effect does DE&I have on events?

DE&I in events means actively promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and ensuring that every person feels welcome and valued, regardless of their characteristics or background. This includes ensuring that all participants have the same opportunities and access to resources. This can relate to aspects such as access to information, seating or networking opportunities.

When this equality of opportunity is guaranteed, all guests feel treated fairly and have the opportunity to use the full potential of the event. This creates an atmosphere of inclusion and promotes a sense of belonging.

Registration

When registering for an event, it is important that every guest feels welcome and treated with respect right from the start. It is therefore advisable to ask for essential information at the registration stage. This includes, for example, whether guests require a sign language interpreter or mobility assistance or whether they have food allergies. Individual preferences and identities should also be taken into account, such as preferred gender pronouns for name tags.

Communication

DE&I in event communication means ensuring that all wording is inclusive and gender-equitable. This includes barrier-free communication materials such as sans serif fonts and sufficiently large font sizes. In addition, information on the accessibility of the venue should be communicated in the invitation, for example, and digital content should be compatible with common aids such as screen readers. Images on the website and in social media should radiate diversity and have an image description to further promote inclusivity.

Location

Inclusion goes beyond mere access to barrier-free sanitary facilities. When selecting venues, care should be taken to ensure that they are accessible to all. This can be achieved, for example, by labeling toilets as gender-neutral or by providing wheelchair-accessible toilets. Parking spaces near the entrance, wide paths and adequate escape routes, for example, contribute to safety. Equally important are obstacle-free routes, acoustic information and support for people with visual and hearing impairments. Setting up quiet areas can also keep visitors alert and focused during the event.

Catering

When catering an inclusive event, various food and serving restrictions are taken into account, such as kosher, halal, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options, as well as meals for Ramadan. Clear labeling of buffet dishes allows each guest to choose the options that suit them. A diverse beverage selection, including hot and cold, caffeinated and decaffeinated, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as water stations throughout the event area also contribute to an inclusive experience and guest satisfaction.

Program

When designing the program, consider participants' religious and other obligations (e.g. holidays, local school schedules), as well as factors such as work-life balance. Do speakers and/or others with an active role represent a broad diversity of gender, LGBTQ+ status, national origin, ability, geography, etc.? Is there a possibility that they could be perceived as offensive? Could they be seen as appropriation? These are just a few aspects that are relevant in the context of integrating DE&I into an event's program.

Integrating DE&I principles into events offers numerous advantages. It strengthens the sense of community and promotes cohesion among participants. It also helps to increase guest satisfaction and engagement, which has a positive impact on the success of the event. By incorporating DE&I into all aspects of event planning and execution, event organizers can ensure that their events are a positive and memorable experience for everyone.

Further information on diversity, equity and inclusion can be found in the Deep Dive document: DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DE&I) IN EVENTS

About VOK DAMS worldwide

VOK DAMS worldwide is a leading international communications agency for events and live marketing. At 19 locations worldwide, around 300 experts design brand presentations for corporate and public events, trade fairs, roadshows and showrooms. Founded more than 50 years ago and owner-managed ever since, VOK DAMS supports numerous well-known clients worldwide, such as BMW, Bayer, Geberit, Lamborghini, Porsche and SAP. Whether live, digital or hybrid: VOK DAMS always succeeds in taking brand communication to a new level. The agency's projects are regularly honored by high-ranking juries worldwide with creative awards such as the Red Dot, Golden Award of Montreux, Gala, beaworld, Galaxy, BrandEx, EX Awards and the German Prize for Business Communication. VOK DAMS has offices in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and the headquarters in Wuppertal. In addition, there are international branches in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bordeaux, London, Madrid, Tallinn, Vienna, Prague, New York, Philadelphia, Sao Paulo and Dubai.

About the initiative "16 Steps to 2025 - Towards a Climate-Neutral Event Industry

More about the initiative "16 Steps to 2025 - For a climate-neutral event industry" and the complete press release can be found at pressebox.de

> to the official press release - step 6

> Download press release - step 6

> to all press releases of Stefan Lohmann

> 16 Steps to 2025 - For a climate-neutral event industry

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