Following are some links that shed some light on the issue of diversity, in our society and in the meetings industry:
Smithsonian Magazine: The Changing Demographics of America
USA Today and If couples or families are pictured, are they diverse, reflecting the greater number of interracial households?
USA Today: Couples of the same as well as opposite gender?
About.com and Smarter Travel: Are the colors and images we use appropriate for all who will view them?
School Group D: Do the speakers we select look like our current audience and the audience or customers we want to attract? In what ways are we selecting speakers who reflect a diversity of gender or gender identity? Race, religion, ethnicity? Generational cohort? Opinion and knowledge?
Communications Services for the Deaf: Is the seating, lighting and sound appropriate for people with disabilities?
Foodsafety.gov: Have we ensured the food preparation and service is trained in the dangers of cross-contamination and will avoid it?
Society for Human Resource Management: If a meeting is held over Ramadan or other holiday when some in the audience may fast, how will we ensure they are included in hearing lunch speakers without feeling uncomfortable?
