The Events Industry Council (EIC) launched the first phase of its landmark Equity Acceleration Plan this week.

The goal of the Equity Acceleration Plan is to provide a framework to turn vision into action and lead the challenge against discrimination and systemic racism in the events industry. The first phase is focused on establishing benchmarks that the industry can use to measure its progress. To achieve that goal, a survey has been created to determine the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace across the events industry.

This critical survey gives respondents around the world the opportunity to share some of their experiences and opinions on what is needed to improve the sector. The findings will be used as the basis for a report and a series of specially created educational courses, tools, and resources to support the industry in its shared goal of a more diverse and inclusive future.

The Equity Acceleration Plan is part of EIC’s Centre for Sustainability & Social Impact and is a long-term project that will regularly measure the impact of interventions and make recommendations for further work.

“With over 10.3 million direct jobs and over 1.5 billion participants in our sector, and as the industry that at its heart fosters human connection and collaborations, we have the opportunity and responsibility to be a catalyst for meaningful and measurable change,” said Amy Calvert, CEO, Events Industry Council (EIC). “The Equity Acceleration Plan will enable us to support event professionals to create more diverse and inclusive environments, develop career pathways, and ensure representation in leadership and supply chains by providing the learning and resources intended to reach and support our community.”

Jason Dunn Sr., Co-Chair of EIC Equity Task Force, Immediate Past Board Chairman, National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, and Vice President, Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau, said: “I believe that tourism empowers communities and that business events can be a driver for change. This survey is an important step toward emboldening our global industry to lead and be an example of how to move the moral compass of DE&I to the centre of everything we do. I’m looking forward to seeing the results and to working with the EIC Equity Task Force to create what will be incredibly valuable guidance and resources for event professionals.”

The survey has been generously supported and sponsored by a number of leading organizations including ASAE, Collinson Media, Discover Puerto Rico, Disney Meetings & Events, IAEE, Liberty Mutual, Louisville Tourism, Marriott, PCMA, SearchWide Global, Simpleview, US Travel and VisitScotland Business Events.