Gary Murakami, CMP-Fellow, CMM, DES (he/him), says through faced with a concerning geopolitical climate and resistance in some quarters, there is growing intentionality around creating inclusive events.

"Leaders in today’s meeting industry are building experiences grounded in equity, inclusivity and belonging; they’re creating inclusive events that acknowledge the complex world we’re living in," says Murakami, vice president of global sales and industry relations for Teneo Hospitality Group and a member of the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees. "And while the term ‘DEI’ may feel polarizing or unpopular to some, the commitment to creating spaces that are welcoming, fair and inclusive remains essential with attendees still at the center of our focus—no matter what we choose to call it."

Murakami is one of several passionate members of MPI’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Committee we spoke with about the current state of inclusivity efforts in the meeting industry.

HONORING CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL STORIES

Khris Baizen (he/him), senior director of production sales for Encore and co-chair of the MPI EDI Advisory Committee, has witnessed an encouraging shift: meeting hosts leaning into place-based inclusion.

"It’s not just about flying into a city, setting up the convention floor and rolling out your run of show," he says. "It’s about honoring the cultural and historical stories that were already there."

You could feel place-based inclusion at MPI’s World Education Congress in St. Louis this year, Baizen says.

"Intentional programming was woven through the whole experience—from the voices highlighted to the spaces created, there was a real sense of grounding," he says. "It reminded me that truly inclusive events don’t just connect people but respect the ground they stand on and the people who’ve cared for it."

Inclusion can’t be a single panel or just a feel-good side session, Baizen stresses, noting that it must show up in every single decision of the process—from who we partner with to how we design for comfort and access to the stories we choose to tell.

"That’s the kind of work that goes beyond the packed agenda and leaves a real mark on the people and the places we serve," he says.

THE VITAL ROLE OF FOOD

Jenny Ng, CMP (she/her), event planning senior manager for National Co+op Grocers and a member of the MPI EDI Advisory Committee, is seeing increased awareness around food inclusivity at events, especially when it comes to allergies, dietary restrictions and cultural needs.

"More venues are labeling food items, creatively accommodating dietary needs and understanding that food and beverage choices are more than just logistics—they are a vital part of fostering belonging and building community," she says. "I would love to see full ingredient labeling become standard practice to ensure that the food experience is both safe and inclusive. There are some incredible food inclusion experts like Tracy Stuckrath who are leading the way in this space along with training and resources that can help make inclusive food experiences a powerful tool for building community."

CAPITALIZING ON LIVED EXPERIENCES

Carlos Oliveira (he/him), global events strategist with Carlos Oliveira Events and a member of the MPI EDI Advisory Committee, has also seen a shift from passive checklists to intentional, human-centered event design.

"This is especially true when it comes to neuroinclusion and mental well-being," he says. "There’s growing recognition that true inclusivity isn’t just ramps and captions (though those remain essential) but about designing environments where people of all cognitive styles, sensory needs and lived experiences feel welcome, supported and able to thrive."

Oliveira says he has been able to redesign communication, networking and experiences at events through work in partnership with the Beyond Now Collective and Enthire, with the guidance of The Neu Project—an experience design agency and community "united by a shared vision: A world where all spaces say, ‘You’re welcome!’ regardless of neurological differences."

"We’ve built spaces designed for neurodivergent attendees, open to all," he says. "This creates more meaningful connections and drives a deeper sense of belonging."

While it’s encouraging to see global events embrace conversations around inclusion, there’s still work to do, according to Oliveira.

"True progress means moving beyond statements into operational action and ensuring those with lived experience are co-designing the solutions from the start," he says. "As someone with lived neurodivergent experience, I’ve seen how these changes are transformational for individuals, communities and the industry as a whole."