Leuven Convention Bureau’s Post

In the face of efforts to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in the #mrx sector, there remain barriers in the accessibility of studies, unconscious biases prevail, and the industry itself is losing momentum, according to speakers at last week’s MRS Equality Summit. Christine Hemphill Kenny Imafidon Risham Nadeem Maciej Stryjek Annabelle Phillips Ella Fryer-Smith Dr Mark Thorpe Market Research Society (MRS) #mrx #inclusion #equality #diversity #accessibility

One of the most urgent and inspiring changes of this decade has been the rise of ‘diversity’ as the guiding principle of our community of associations. Historically, it's been said that it takes around 50 years for a social movement to really take off, as at the start of this journey there are still many prejudices to overcome. So, in a vast ecosystem of associations geared towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness, how do you include everyone within a palette of various shades in an equal way? We have membership organisations advocating for a more accessible society towards people with disabilities (such as the European Blind Union); international organisations committed to promoting and empowering LGBT+ meeting professionals with their events (don't miss our Deputy Editor’s interview with the The LGBT Meeting Professionals Association); how destinations are aligning new inbound communities with the impact events can foster (read our special report with Ottawa Tourism); We also explored alternatives for convention centres to quantify their social value and facilitate accessibility guides for event organisers (don't miss our story on ACC Liverpool Group's Social Value Plan); and even how to break down gender barriers with women leading the meetings industry in Latin America (FIEXPO Latin America 2024). Diversity has also become an essential dimension in the workplace. At our HQ, a company based in Antwerp, we only have one Belgian employee - the rest of the team comes from China, Portugal and Spain. And that, dear reader, is the theme of this issue. In each article you read, we celebrate the beauty and power of diversity throughout our sector. Check it out on our website: www.meetingmediagroup.com #HQMagazine #meetingsmediagroup #meetingsandevents #legacyimpacts #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #DEI #eventpurpose #eventadvocacy #eventprofs #MICEindustry #conferenceindustry #associationevents #MICEdestinations #associationmanagement #PCOs #associationmeetings #meetingplanners #meaningfulmeetings

💭 How do you envision the future of social impact and change-making? 🌏 This is one of the questions I will be asked tomorrow at the Study Melbourne 4Impact 2024 Social Impact Panel hosted by Campus Consultancy joined by Rachna Muddagouni and Lyndon Galea. I think we can all agree the world is chaotic. 🤯 From climate change to poverty to healthcare to migration/refugee rights, gender equality and racism, there are issues in the world today affecting everyone. Is there a silver lining? I can see a few. Here's my view: ⛰️ Rise among the chaos: The only good thing about social issues is that they unite people affected by the pain to fight together. 🌳 Everyone will be involved. If you can speak, you must speak. If you can do it, you must do it. 🌐 Technology can be used for good: The biggest difference between wars and social conflicts fought in the past and today is the internet. 🤝 Collaboration: You’re not alone. Initiatives like 4Impact and Study Melbourne are bringing passionate people to work on burning issues in society together. I used to sit there wondering “where do I fit into all this? What can I do?” Sometimes, I still question myself. But when you find people who believe in the same impact, that’s when the magic of accountability happens. ✨ You feel valued, and that your efforts matter. And trust me, they do. Look to the people around you. They are all admiring you because of what you can uniquely bring to the table. As the world becomes more chaotic, there’s no better time than now to rise in community together. ✍️ Ask yourself: how would you want generations of the future to know about you when your story is passed down? Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/g_6hnU_H Or join us tomorrow for the talk on Thursday 11 April at 3 pm AEDT (comment for location & details to be sent privately). Nehal J. Thao Vanessa Tran Sanchi Dora Sasmini Bandara Paz Pisarski Ben Lucas Sean Grealy 💰🪓 Jeanette Cheah 💁🏻♀️ Pieter Botha Bonnie Murthy Ashita Kohli Afonso Firmo Alexander Horton Elijah D'souza David Hauser Kennie Robertson Liisa Vurma Kaishan Mellis Khairi Johari Lyndal Hamwood

Can you Imagine being born in another era? Unable to vote. Forbidden to drive. Deemed incapable of studying certain courses. Only allowed to speak after being spoken to in a room with men. We’ve come a long way and we’re here now by the efforts of those who came before us. But there’s more to be done. Invest in women; accelerate the progress. #InspireInclusion

As we heard in this week's podcast, the travel industry has the potential to create more equitable outcomes for local communities, including marginalized groups. The WORTH Association is also working on equity, specifically relating to women in tourism and hospitality. Through networking, skills building, mentorship, and other events and resources, WORTH challenges the gender pay gap, lack of advancement opportunities, retention challenges, and more to empower women and women-identifying individuals to build a tourism industry career. Learn more about the organization: https://lnkd.in/gNhchxTT Which organizations in your community are doing a great job at empowering marginalized groups? What can they teach other destinations?

🇸🇪Sweden is considered one of the world's most egalitarian societies. It is a leader in organic agriculture, recycling, and renewable energy. Did you know? Nobel Prizes 🏆are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden. In fact they even have a Nobel Prize Museum located in Stockholm, nation’s capital. I have listed a few points below about Sweden’s work culture that show the reason behind their historical legacy with modern relevance, creativity, and excellence in innovation. Their work culture sets them apart from the rest of the world and this is why: Fika Breaks: Coffee breaks with a snack(fika) are a must! It’s a time to relax and connect with colleagues, a tradition rooted in Sweden’s belief in work-life harmony. Fika is served in many cafés, and they have amazing cafés, one small but good reason to visit the country. Consensus Culture: Decisions are made together, not from the top down. Most companies have a rather flat management structure with very little hierarchy. ⁠Work-Life Balance: Swedes really value balance! The 40-hour workweek and prioritizing personal time go back to labor reforms in the ‘70s that focused on workers’ well-being. ⁠Gender Equality: Gender equality is at the core of Swedish work culture, a legacy of decades of feminist movements pushing for equal rights. ⁠Parental Leave: Sweden leads the way with generous parental leave, promoting shared family responsibilities—In 1974, Sweden became the first country in the world to offer paid parental leave that equally benefited both parents. 480 Days of paid parental leave for a child with 240 days reserved for each child. ⁠Sustainability Champions: Many Swedish companies are sustainability champions, a value shaped by Sweden’s leadership in global environmental efforts since the 1970s. Sustainability champions are companies/individuals who work to make their organization more sustainable, and can be found in many different roles and types of organizations ⁠Innovation: Sweden is a hub for innovation, thanks to its strong investment in education and tech that started way back in the late 19th century. ⁠Strong Unions: Trade unions have real influence in Sweden, shaping fair wages and working conditions—a result of a century of strong labor activism.

This International Women’s Day serves as a strong reminder of the work that remains to be done in creating a more inclusive world. In pursuit of #inclusion, we acknowledge that it is not about meeting quotas or ticking boxes, it takes a collective effort from women and men to achieve true #GenderEquality.   I stand with my allies to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable world.   #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #bnpp4diversity 

When we sat down to truly think of Inclusivity, we realised it essentially boiled down to leaving no woman behind, because only then, would we be truly inclusive. That meant listening to each of your unique, complex, and layered stories. The intersection of these stories is where our dialogue begins. Today, as we understand that Inclusivity is a spectrum, we extend the meaning of inclusivity beyond just size, shape and colour. Being truly inclusive is always a work in progress. So, join us on this journey as we take one step at a time. Click here to watch more: https://lnkd.in/gqq3PdEi https://lnkd.in/gqmvkuTt #Zivame #TrulyInclusiveTrulyZivame #Inclusivity

🌍 Highland Community Manager: Building Resilient and Inclusive Rural Communities 🌱 We are thrilled to share exciting updates on the progress of the Highland Community Manager project, a cornerstone initiative empowering professionals to foster sustainable development in Europe’s rural and mountainous regions. 🚀 Key Milestones Achieved: 1️⃣ Needs Analysis Report Published: After extensive stakeholder engagement, we identified the core challenges and aspirations for rural areas, including addressing depopulation, promoting sustainable practices, and building community resilience. 2️⃣ Training Design Underway: Modules are being crafted to tackle climate adaptation, inclusivity, crisis management, and innovative community leadership. 3️⃣ Focus on Inclusivity: The program emphasizes gender equality, diverse representation, and participatory approaches to decision-making. 📚 What’s Next? Developing tailored training materials with real-world case studies. Hosting pilot workshops to refine our curriculum. Building a vibrant network of professionals committed to rural revitalization. 💡 Key Insights: Sustainability: Supporting local economies and ecological resilience. Youth Engagement: Strategies to attract and retain young populations. Community Collaboration: Equipping leaders to drive inclusive and participatory processes. 💬 Join the Conversation: How can we collectively reimagine the future of rural areas? Share your ideas and experiences! Let's build thriving, sustainable communities together. 👉 Follow us for more updates and be part of this transformative journey. #HighlandCommunityManager #RuralDevelopment #Sustainability #InclusiveLeadership #ErasmusPlus

Embracing diversity, fostering empowerment, and celebrating the strength in unity! 💪✨ Happy International Women's Day! 🎉 Let us celebrate every woman around the globe. Our world has come a long way in fostering equality but there is still a lot of work to do. We must all make the choice to perpetuate equality and foster inclusion and diversity! Let's inspire inclusion, ignite change, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all! 🚀✨ #InternationalWomensDay #InspireInclusion #Equality #Empowerment #Diversity #Inclusion #hubub #hububapp 🚺🌟