Signature Boston

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Exhibitions play a crucial role in advancing equity and inclusion as they are reflective of the broader society, foster innovation and create opportunities for underrepresented groups, leading to different and unique perspectives. IAEE leads by example and is fully committed to cultivating an ongoing successful B2B and B2C exhibitions industry – one that creates, health, joy and justice for all people of different backgrounds, races, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, ability, and religion.

Producing events, creating buyer / seller marketplaces, is the pinnacle of bringing people together, of creating a sense of belonging, around a common theme. IAEE’s DE&I Committee and IAEE Board of Directors provide insights, counsel and support.

What is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging?

  • Diversity: This is when people from all different backgrounds come together. It includes people of different races, genders, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, visible and invisible disabilities, class, or status.
  • Equity: The understanding that providing equal treatment or resources doesn’t necessarily deliver equally matching results is the foundation of equity. While many people share the same goals and dreams, the path isn’t always the same, and one might experience more hardship and obstacles than another.
  • Inclusion: Celebrating diversity requires thoughtful inclusion. Everyone must be recognized and appreciated for their talents, be provided with opportunities to get involved, and have their perspectives valued and heard.
  • Belonging: A sense of belonging ties diversity, equity, and inclusion together. Each group member is respected, valued, and cherished while being their authentic selves. Belonging is a feeling of a shared community.

IAEE Initiatives and Resources


IAEE Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Impact Award

New to the IAEE Awards Program in 2023, this award recognizes an IAEE member company or an IAEE member representative for outstanding contributions, actions and/or commitment to people of different backgrounds, races, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, ability and religion.

Considerations for this award include demonstrated initiatives and commitment to participating in, or enacting change within their organizations and the shows they produce as well as contributions to charitable organizations representing underserved communities and special recognitions received.

Learn More

DEI Scholarship

The IAEE DE&I Scholarship was established to promote and bring visibility to the exhibitions, meetings and business events industry for graduating high school students of diverse backgrounds and from under-served and economically and socially disadvantaged communities, in order to create an equal opportunity for the recipient to achieve a two-year or four-year college-level education program.

Learn More

Education Resources

IAEE provides personal and professional development resources on DEIB through educational offerings. Visit the IAEE KnowledgeHub for webinars (available on-demand) on this subject. All webinars are worth one (1) CE credit. View IAEE’s DE&I learning resources here.

IAEE features thought leadership content on the IAEE Blog here.