DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN MEETING PLANNING SURVEY RESULTS

The Diversity and Inclusion in Meeting Planning survey, conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Barber at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, highlights key findings about diversity & inclusion (D&I) policies, programs, and practices and their impact on the meeting planning decisions.

With only 45% of planners stating that D&I initiatives/programs influence their decision making, should there be concern? But yet 72% stated that a destination’s city commitment to D&I combined with the CVB/DMO’s dedicated resources was an

important attribute.

The implications and recommendations are that all sites that host meetings and events think deeply about their D&I strategies, initiatives, and programs. Marketing this strategy

could become your competitive edge.

For inquiries about the research conducted, please contact: Dr. Elizabeth Barber at betsy.barber@temple.edu

22%16%

Meeting planners recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion initiatives when choosing an event destination and venue.

When choosing a venue, meeting planners are influenced by some diversity and inclusion initiatives, where other initiatives, however, do not have as much of an impact.

How important is it that the destination has cultural specific venues?

How do meeting planners determine credibility of the destination’s commitment to D&I?

Primary Diversity & Inclusion limitations for the decision to not hold an event, meeting or convention

Importance of a destination’s availability of corporate sponsorship

Said the destination’s “commitment to diversity & inclusion” is the most

important attribute when choosing a destination

Found it imporant that the destination has non-profit organizations that represent a diverse contingency

Ranking on Diversity Inc.

Human Rights Campaign Index

Word of Mouth

of meeting planners are impacted by the availability of cultural specific venues

Safety Concerns

Adverse Legislation

Negative Media Coverage

are influenced by D&I programs

CHOOSING A DESTINATION

CHOOSING A VENUE

ABOUT THE AUDIENCE

45%

75%

73%48%

12.95%12.05%15.18% 16.96%

31.25% 31.25%

47.21%

21.83%

20.81%

DiverseWorkforce

Diverse Network of Suppliers

Cultural Awareness Training Programs

Diverse Leadership

Minority BoardRepresentation

Minority Property Ownership

23.86%

15.23%20.30%

26.40%

14.21%

317

vs.

27

59% 78% 61% 90%

meeting planners responded

of respondents are primary

decision makers

have 10+ years experience in

meeting planning

organize more than 10 events

each year

of respondents plan events for 50+ attendees

states beingrepresented

are from theUnited States

are from Meeting Professionals International

91% 70%

Not at all importantVery importantExtremely important

26.70%

15.38%

33.94%

16.29%

7.69%

Not at all Slightly Moderately Very Extremely

Not at all Slightly Moderately

Very Extremely

33%33%

20%21%

54% 53% 52%

24%

43%

18%

30% 27% 16%

8% 5%

13%