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Make Events Welcoming

Background: Be Welcoming

Too many professional events can be inhospitable for members of underrepresented groups. Examples of how they can be inhospitable are:

  1. The presence of microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership.
    Example: ‘Where are you really from?’ When people of colour are asked this, it implies that they, that they don’t “belong” in this country.The homogenous panel speakers and guest list are such that they are not show a representation of diverse opinions and voices.
  2. The catering is not suitable for a range of dietary requirements.
  3. Venuesare not suitable for those with disabilities both visible and invisible.
    Example: There are no ramps for those in wheelchairs or simultaneous sign language translations are not on offer for those that need it.
  4. Websites and slides do not feature a diverse range of people.
  5. There is no financial support to attend the event for those that need it. 

Actions: Make Events Welcoming

  1. Make events inclusive. Feature diverse voices, offer interesting non-alcoholic drinks, practice full accessibility, and provide financial assistance.
  2. If you see a line-up of speakers that’s homogeneous, contact the organizers and demand better.
  3. Look out for microaggressions (or worse) during an event and act when you spot them.

This excerpt was adapted from Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces. Copyright Karen Catlin 2021. It has been republished here with permission.