PLANNING YOUR DEI EVENT
Diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) events come in a variety of formats.
No matter what type of event you are planning, the one thing that all DEI events share is that they are designed to celebrate diversity and inclusion through customer and/or employee engagement.
If you are looking for DEI event ideas, we have some real -life equity event examples below along with some creative opportunities to personalize your event to meet your unique needs.
PURPOSEFUL EVENTS
About DEI Events
DEI in event planning is not new; at least not to event production companies such as us that specialize in planning and managing corporate events specifically.
Diversity and inclusion in events often comes organically when the event planner considers the attendees first and plans engagement and entertainment around them. To ensure people feel included, you first need to get to know them.
Understanding their diverse backgrounds helps you personalize their experience that speaks to their individual needs and desires.
That is why we do not have event packages. Instead, we take the time to get to know you, your brand, and your audience so that we can craft your proposal to create an extraordinary experience.
DEI Does Not Stop at Events
Diversity, equality and inclusion does not end with the event.
Following the DEI event, follow up – and listen – for feedback that you can apply to the next event.
Everything in life is an opportunity to learn and grow from, events are no different. Be sure to offer a survey after your event to get valuable insights.
Asking guests and applying the data to the next event will go leaps and bounds to feeling included, heard and seen. It shows you really are dedicated to what DEI events stand for.
What Does DEI in Planning Events Look Like?
It starts from the very beginning, from the invite and RSVP process:
- When RSVPing requesting pronoun preferences for badges or placement tags.
- Offering menu option selection(s) with ability to note dietary restrictions such as gluten free, vegan/vegetarian, kosher, allergy and other personal preferences.
- Communicating in their preferred language(s).
Ideas for DEI Events At Work
When it comes to diversity events for the workplace, the ideas need to be fun but also include inclusive activities.
Employees’ values and goals have shifted with hindsight.
They are hyper focused on the HUMAN aspect of life – from family to friends – making them more responsive to a workplace that shares their values for equality for all humans and respect for diversity that makes the planet a better place.
To build a better team, the company must recognize and embrace DEI as their corporate responsibility. See how some of our clients have included DEI in planning events below.
Results that Speak Volumes:
Altamed’s Día de Muertos – Day of the Dead
For AltaMed, we created their largest-ever company picnic, transforming their annual gathering into a vibrant, massive celebration of Mexican heritage and cultural inclusion.
CHALLENGE: Design an event that authentically celebrates the diverse heritage of a minority-staffed organization.
SOLUTION: A Día de Muertos picnic with nearly 50 activities centering Mexican culture.
OUTCOME: Record-breaking attendance of nearly 7,000 employees and their families.
Crafting an Inclusive Event
When planning the event, place the attendees’ experience at the highest priority throughout the planning process to ensure choices throughout will reflect and include everyone equally:
- Handicap accessibility
- Gender neutral restrooms
- Sensory sensitive options (such as headphones or a safe lounging zone)
- Activities designed to engage everyone equally in a way that builds comarity and a better understanding of each other. Ice breakers, for example, are an excellent way to kickoff a meeting. Activities that challenge bias and stereotypes are another excellent way to include DEI in planning events.
- Offer multiple smaller experiences guests can choose rather than one-size-fits-all type.
Results that Speak Volumes:
International? Speak Their Language!
For the US-China International Economic Conference, we managed a complex global business forum dedicated to furthering cooperation between the two nations, with a specialized focus on multilingual inclusion.
CHALLENGE: To successfully host a high-level, international economic conference requiring absolute certainty that all attendees could fully participate and communicate in real-time without language barriers.
SOLUTION: We ensured multilingual inclusion by providing dedicated real-time translation services, ensuring all voices were heard and able to participate actively in the discussions.
OUTCOME: The seamless integration of real-time translation achieved the goal of a truly inclusive and participatory international event.
Results that Speak Volumes:
DEI Brings Luck & Prosperity to Grand Opening
For LESSO America, we managed the grand opening of their new manufacturing plant, deliberately incorporating DEI to honor their Chinese roots and cultural heritage.
CHALLENGE: To successfully launch a major new US facility and solidify its presence with a grand opening honoring the organization’s Chinese roots.
SOLUTION: The event honored their heritage by including a traditional Chinese lion dance during the opening ceremony—a cultural performance believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The event also featured a grand entrance with a red carpet and signature wall, an Asian-themed luncheon, and a VIP twilight cruise.
OUTCOME: The grand opening successfully honored the company’s Chinese roots and created a highly memorable experience for the 150 guests, distributors, and local dignitaries.
FULL SERVICE
DEI EVENTS
We are one of the top one-stop boutique style corporate event planning companies in the nation. We handle all event planning services such as venue selection, catering, design/decor, audio visual, and guest management. Every detail is an opportunity to promote and uplift your brand, company, product or service.
No matter the event style for your DEI event, we have a solution for you! If you’re looking to get started planning your next DEI event, fill out the form below or contact us directly at 1.800.366.0603.
