DEI: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Is Sustainability. Here’s Why
March 5, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies.
The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015, “recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.” If that sounds like all-encompassing, world-changing rhetoric… well, it’s the U.N. That’s their job.
But it’s our job as sustainability consultants to help our clients ladder up to the U.N.’s lofty goals. And in doing so, we are often challenged to explain why we include diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in our sustainable measurements of events, venues and organizations.
Simply put, environmental progress can’t be made without the input and action of human stakeholders.
Reaching the Most Vulnerable
When organizations are diverse and equitable, there are seats at the table for people who are more affected by outcomes like climate change. “Racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities in the USA have been shown to experience greater impacts from storm and flood events, extreme heat and infectious diseases that are becoming more frequent due to climate change.”When we ensure that decision-makers are representative of a large swath of stakeholders, environmental outcomes are more likely to reach the communities most in need of large-scale action.
Constructing Resilient Solutions
Furthermore, when it comes to innovation, different cultural, racial and gender perspectives bring unique insights and ideas to the table, which can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions to complex challenges. “By correlating diversity in leadership with market outcomes as reported by respondents, we learned that companies with… diversity out-innovate and out-perform others.” Inclusive decision-making processes that value diverse viewpoints are more likely to result in solutions that are acceptable, effective and sustainable in the long term.
Representing Stakeholders
By the same token, when decision makers consider DEI in sustainability, they likely reflect the priorities of the many people who comprise their event clients, attendees and exhibitors, sponsors, membership groups and employees. McKinsey conducted a survey in 2021 that revealed “two out of three Americans told us their social values now shape their shopping choices” and these trends amplify in Millennials and Gen Zs, the next generation of event goers with significant purchasing power. Considering DEI in conjunction with sustainability increases the likelihood of attracting new business, retaining current customers and growing brand value authentically.
Going Beyond Numbers
We encourage and report on DEI metrics in our sustainability consulting because it begins the conversation about how deeply human wellbeing intertwines so many pieces of our existence. In the long run, a numbers approach to diversity isn’t adequate. There are invisible or undisclosed differences that make each of our perspectives unique and valuable. And quotas for certain demographics can easily become dehumanizing and counterproductive. But, for those new to event industry sustainability, we encourage you to weave DEI into your sustainability plans to lay the foundations for the complex intersection of strategies that make up good governance and organizational resilience.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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