Can we talk about conferences, meetings, summits, and what needs to change?
As a leader in the equity/health equity/public health space, I’ve attended numerous meetings, summits, and conferences centered on collectively addressing barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
While these events often leave me feeling energized and prepared to confront challenges head-on, I have also observed instances that raise questions about the alignment between our stated intentions and our actions, particularly within the context of these forums designed to foster innovation and change.
During a recent summit, several observations gave me pause:
🔹 The summit was positioned as a collaborative event with input opportunities but, in reality, the panels ran long, there were no group activities, and there was no space for Q&A, which was needed given the topics at hand.
🔹 Consistent cell phone use during the sessions; overall, only about 12 out of the 70 attendees were actively paying attention during the panels.
🔹 Many people were working on spreadsheets, answering emails, and engaging in other activities not related to the summit.
🔹 Near complete disengagement if a presenter had a foreign accent, especially if the accent originated from an Asian country. Total disengagement if there were too many words on the screen.
🔹 The room was full of high level executives, including CEO’s of both nonprofits and industry, yet I saw at least 2-3 online shopping for clothes and shoes. I even saw someone taking selfies 😩
🔹 The host of the Summit fell asleep.
These actions may seem minor, but can operate as real barriers to impactful and effective collaboration, especially in spaces where the stakes are so high.
To address these issues and ensure genuine commitment to our work:
🔹 Organizers should prioritize interactive elements, including group activities and ample Q&A time, to foster collaboration and engagement.
🔹 Attendees must be encouraged to minimize distractions and actively participate in discussions, respecting the efforts of presenters and fellow participants.
🔹 Cultivating an inclusive environment where all voices are valued, regardless of accent or presentation format, is essential for meaningful dialogue and progress.
🔹 Leadership should set the tone by demonstrating focused participation and respect for the agenda, inspiring others to do the same.
Let us challenge ourselves to do better, both as attendees and curators of these meetings. Let us actively engage, empathize, and participate meaningfully in these critical conversations. Together, let us turn our words into actionable steps and drive meaningful progress towards achieving health equity for all.
#HealthEquity #Dedication #MakeAnImpact
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