Ahead of her two IMEX America sessions on Oct. 9, strategic EDI consultant Zoe Moore provides some quick inclusivity considerations.

How do you feel diverse cultures can best be appreciated in the context of events—ways that not only appear genuine, heartfelt and authentic, but actually are?

When the theme of an event is rooted in education, collaboration and long-term impact they are more than likely to be genuine, heartfelt and authentic. The venues in which we host events are located in destinations with a rich history. It is important that event professionals prioritize introducing attendees to the stories of the location through the content, food, music and activations. This is best done by working with small local businesses from marginalized communities and making them a part of the planning process. By doing so, planners are reinvesting back into the businesses and people residing in those destinations which increases their morale, visibility and ability to create more local jobs.

Why do you think people struggle with cultural appreciation vs. appropriation?

I think people struggle less now in the 2020s than in the past because there is more social accountability now. However, people that dismiss the seriousness of appropriation do not directly relate to the impact of the misuse of an identity. Often their lack of empathy stems from miseducation, willful ignorance or normalization of stereotypes or tropes. This is why cultural competence is key to training of event professionals, their staff and suppliers.

What key points do you hope attendees will take away from your session, “No leprechauns and sombreros: Appreciation without appropriation”?

The key takeaways from the session “No leprechauns and sombreros: Appreciation without appropriation” will focus on cultural competence, social awareness and community engagement. My goal is to help planners understand that fun and thematic events are disrespectful when they reduce an identity of a community to a costume or fictional character.

See Zoe Moore’s at IMEX America on Oct. 9
“No leprechauns and sombreros: Appreciation without appropriation” @ 10-10:20 a.m.
“Designing inclusive experiences with CQ, EQ and AI” @ 2-2:20 p.m.