Within the context of global business events, diversity, equity, and inclusion are key to creating a community where everyone can thrive. DEI is one of ICCA's core values, and as an organisation, we are continually working to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive in everything we do. 

It's an oft-used buzzword, but what exactly is DEI? For ICCA, the concept is simple. Diversity reflects the wide range of human experiences present in the global business events community, each shaping how people contribute to the industry. Equity aims to remove structural barriers and ensuring fair access to opportunities through transparent practices, accessible environments, and support systems. And inclusion brings these principles to life through everyday behaviours: fostering respectful communication, practising inclusive leadership, creating psychological safety, and nurturing a workplace culture where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to participate fully.  

 

Leading by Example 

As a global leader in the international meetings and events industry, we understand that meaningful connections, knowledge exchange, and partnerships are built by elevating a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences. That's why DEI is woven into the way ICCA shows up for our community: with a membership that spans continents, cultures, identities, and orientations, we believe that every voice strengthens the collective.  

Understanding DEI in our industry means recognising the full spectrum of people who make it thrive: women, LGBTQ+ professionals, minority groups, multilingual communities, and the countless others whose perspectives fuel creativity and innovation.  

But DEI isn’t a singular initiative—it’s part of who ICCA is as an organisation. The ICCA team spans continents and cultures. At our headquarters in Amsterdam, this is apparent in the rich mix of languages, nationalities, ages, and career journeys on display – a truly diverse team with a wide range of perspectives, areas of expertise, and experiences.  

 

The Power of Representation 

While the industry benefits from this diversity, it's not always represented on the global stage. A key example: women consistently express that conference lineups matter deeply to them. Many women say they’re more likely to participate when they see other women on stage, 1 and most feel it’s important that keynote roles include female representation2.  

For ICCA, these realities reaffirm the need to lead by example. ICCA’s commitment to DEI becomes especially visible at our events, including the ICCA Congress. Only 31% of global speakers are women.3 This imbalance reflects a broader industry challenge, which ICCA is actively working to address. At Congress, at least 50% of speakers are women – a testament to our commitment to equal representation.  

ICCA Congresses are curated to elevate a variety of voices and facilitate open dialogue that spans cultures, sectors, and perspectives. We also incorporate live translation technology4 into Congress sessions, which allows delegates from across the world to fully participate in their respective language. This meaningful step ensures that cultural and linguistic diversity is embraced rather than treated as a barrier. 

ICCA's commitment to representation is also on display in our leadership teams. ICCA President Marta Gomes reflects the importance of female leadership in the global events sector. Likewise, the ICCA Board is 60% women. Within the organisation itself, women make up a strong majority of the workforce – 67%, to be exact. This internal diversity strengthens our ability to champion inclusive practices. 

Through speaker selection, programme design, and collaborative initiatives, ICCA aims to promote greater visibility and equitable representation on the global stage. By bringing together professionals from around the world, ICCA events create a living example of an inclusive ecosystem: one built on shared respect, openness, and the belief that every industry voice deserves to be heard. 

 

A Continuous Journey 

DEI is not just a part of ICCA's strategic plan. It's at the centre of the values that shape our mission and guide our development. ICCA recognises that the path toward DEI is an ever-evolving path. As an organisation, we are dedicated to ongoing learning, reflection, and improvement. By fostering a culture rooted in collaboration and mutual respect, ICCA empowers members to not only meet their professional goals but also contribute to a fairer, more inclusive global meetings industry.