This event originally took place March 22, 2023.
ASL interpreters and
live captioning are provided.
Creating an inclusive gathering starts with ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. This requires meeting planners move from an afterthought approach to DEI, to an 360-degree, always-on process, where diversity and inclusion are woven into the
event plans from day one.
In this session, industry experts will share their tips for bridging the gap between DEI goals and action. Topics covered will include:
- How to add DEI into vendor contracts;
- The value of diversity certifications in creating a culture of inclusion; and
- Key KPIs for measuring DEI progress.
Earns 1 Hour of CMP Credit
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SPEAKERS
Samantha Evans
Certification Manager
International Association of Accessibility Professionals
Samantha Evans works with accessibility subject matter experts and professionals around the world to maintain, build and deliver accessibility certification programs. With her guidance, the IAAP certification program has grown into a suite of four certifications across five distinct areas of disability inclusion, and more than 5,000 certifications have been issued thus far. As a result of her advocacy efforts and partnership with industry groups, sign language and captioning were available for the first time at major industry events in 2022, including Meeting Professionals International’s World Education Congress and the American Society of Association Executive’s Annual Meeting. Evans was named one of Northstar Meetings Group’s “2022 Meetings Industry Influencers.”
Danny Guerrero
CEO and Founder
The Culturist Group
Danny Guerrero is a 20-year industry veteran and a trailblazer and force for good in the travel and hospitality industries. He has been at the helm of multiple award-winning brand marketing and communications programs for destinations, hospitality and travel brands on nearly every continent. His passion stems from his career-long observations around the lack of representation he has personally experienced as a first-generation Mexican-American and LGBTQ+ business professional in the travel industry. He has championed industry-wide groundbreaking research supported by travel brands such as Hilton, Choice Hotels International, Tripadvisor, NYC & Company, and the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board on Black and Hispanic travelers, revealing these two segments alone represent nearly 30% of all U.S. travel spending. He also serves on advisory boards for the Black Travel Alliance and Travel Unity.
Jolene Jang
DEI Trainer and Asian Inclusivity Consultant
Jolene Jang trains professionals to be Asian inclusive with their events and company culture. While diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are now on people’s radar, the plight of Asian Americans is not. Most Americans do not know much about Asian Americans and leave Asians out of the DEI conversation. Jang facilitates delicate discussions on sensitive subjects in a gamified, non-threatening way and then consults on how to best implement inclusivity methods. She created the Empowered Asians and Asian Allies Facebook groups to provide a safe space for Asian Americans and to educate others on how support Asians in their networks. Jang has been nominated for PCMA’s “2023 Community Advocate of the Year Award,” and has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, Seattle Times and more.
Zoe Moore
Strategic EDI Consultant
Grow With Zomo
As a strategic equity, diversity and inclusion consultant, Zoe Moore challenges the status quo across the hospitality, events and tourism industries. She helps leaders operationalize policies, develop training, establish committees and implement strategies that are sustainable and measurable. The past co-chair for MPI’s 2020 and 2021 Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Moore is committed to holding industry leaders accountable to their expressed commitment to change. She continues to serve as a volunteer across several organizations that keep her actively engaged. Moore also teaches the Event Leadership Institute’s Event DEI Strategist certificate course, and was recognized as one of Northstar Meetings Group’s “2021 Event Professionals Making an Impact.”
MODERATOR
Elise Schoening
Senior Associate Editor
Northstar Meetings Group
Elise Schoening is Senior Associate Editor with Northstar Meetings Group. She joined the editorial team in 2019 and covers everything from the latest news in the Northeast region to the rising importance of sustainability and DEI. In addition to daily
news coverage and social media management, Elise oversees publication of Northstar Meetings Group's biannual Convention Cities Index.
SPONSORED BY
