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 Board of Directors provide insights, counsel and support to further DE7I initiatives for the exhibitions industry.

There is a reason the word belonging has a synonym for want at its center; it is the human condition.

- Jodi Picoult (Writer)

Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.

- Winston Churchill

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

Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be beauty and the test of our civilization.

- Mahatma Gandhi

IAEE DE&I 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.

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.

IAEE features thought leadership content on the IAEE Blog.