Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force ESPA DEI Task Force – Scope of Work and Statement of Purpose - Updated June 2021 Statement of purpose: ESPA is a leading association which advocates for the role and impact Event Service Professionals have within the Tourism and Hospitality industry. We are the voice of the Event Service profession and create opportunities that educate, engage, elevate and empower Event Service Professionals. Recognizing the benefits that diversity and inclusion bring to our industry, the ESPA DEI Task Force -- through both intentional and meaningful strategies -- will help to foster diversity and inclusion in the ESPA community; drive members’ cultural and inclusivity awareness, thereby benefitting the industry; and create a guide to an inclusive path forward with collaboration, understanding and growth. Goals: Through education initiatives: Drive member cultural and inclusivity awareness, the benefits of which will extend to the events industry. Help members to understand the power Event Service Professionals have to impact DEI in their local communities. Activities to Support Goals: Define Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for our members’ learning and to set the stage for our education initiatives. Lead exercises and provide tools which enlighten members and broaden DEI awareness. Identify resources and deliver education to grow awareness of the event service professional’s ability to impact diversity in their local communities and the Events industry, including: Supplier diversity Connecting visitors culturally to the community Supporting accessibility needs Creating awareness with our clients Identify resources and deliver education on how event service professionals can impact diversity in their own organization: Attracting talent Marketing Proposals/Client communications Serve as a forum to learn how ESPA members are advancing DEI in their communities. Utilize ESPA’s platforms to initiate ongoing dialogue, discussion and learning on DEI. Webinars Newsletter articles Leader program ESPA Connect Member Calls Establish connections and partnerships with other events industry diversity, equity and inclusion groups. To learn more about this initiative, please contact Dominque Bonds, PA Convention Center or Adrienne Terry, Chatanooga Tourism.
