Racism and Bias in Events

People in rainbow colors hunched over at a starting line - Handy Entertainment

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Racism and Bias in Events

An article from the NYT: “Not  Invited, Even to the Planning”

Racism and bias in the events industry are so common that we are blind to them.

If you are part of the event and wedding industrial complex, you need to read the above article.

This article from the August 8, 2021 NYT, explores the effects of racism, bias, cronyism, and unspoken rules in obtaining business in the events industry.

Some questions for the industry:

  • As an industry, what tools do we have to share access and privilege?
  • How does your industry sector and employer, or business create access?
  • What are the risks in openly discussing these topics?
  • Who is most likely to be adversely affected?
  • What do YOU believe the criteria should be for listing businesses as preferred partners?

The effects of these practices

This article examines some of the criteria for vendors to gain access to preferred vendor lists. It is eye-opening to see who is represented and how they gain access, if they gain access.

The similarities between these practices and redlining and gerrymandering are striking. The results are long-lasting.

This is able to continue through self-regulated systemic policies. What are some of the ways that we, as individuals, businesses, and associations can address our privilege and work towards equity?