Ascent: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Ascent strives to motivate and to educate decision-makers on the business case and best practices for inclusive workplaces and events. Learn more about this initiative.

‘I Never Let Anybody Hold Me Back’

Karyn Steenkamp, vice president of design and construction at Caesars Entertainment, shares what it takes to strive for gender equality in the workplace.

BY Sarah Beauchamp March 1, 2018

Fast Forward 15’s Success

Now in the fourth year of its mission to develop the careers of females of the future, the mentoring programme, Fast Forward 15, is calling on women in the industry to apply for FF15 2018. The programme’s founder, Fay Sharpe, shares the success stories of mentees.

February 27, 2018

‘You Know, We Have a Problem Here.’

The Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference does just what it says on the label — promotes diversity in an industry that has long been underrepresented by women and minorities.

BY Casey Gale February 27, 2018

How Can We Create Workplaces and Events Where Diversity Thrives?

Dorri McWhorter, CEO of the Metropolitan YWCA of Chicago, was the inaugural Ascent Thought Leader at Convening Leaders 2018.

BY Barbara Palmer February 12, 2018

Sarah Fleming on Work-Life Balance

If Sarah Fleming’s company is any indication, flexible working hours is key to a happy workforce and a successful business.

February 6, 2018

Julia Bicher ‘Being in the Centre of the Action’

Congrex Switzerland CEO Julia Bicher hopes to model a healthy work-life balance and encourages other women to ‘strive for top-level careers in events.’

January 26, 2018

How — and Why — You Should Break out of Your Bubble

It’s now a given that diversity boosts organizational performance, says executive Dorri McWhorter. The big question now is how to create environments where diversity thrives.

BY Barbara Palmer January 22, 2018

#MeToo: Sexual Harassment in the Meetings Industry

Since the business-events industry is female-dominated, you might think sexual harassment isn’t an issue. But a Convene survey — plus interviews with some of the respondents — shows that’s not the case at all.

BY Michelle Russell January 2, 2018

Lyn Lewis-Smith Is Playing the Long Game

For Business Events Sydney’s chief executive, the real benefit of conferences is always top of mind.

December 11, 2017

A Big Question for a Big Tech Show: Where Are the Women?

CES is coming under fire for a lack of female keynote speakers at the upcoming tech gathering in Las Vegas.

BY David McMillin December 11, 2017

Why Your Meeting Needs a Harassment Policy

If recent high-profile incidents of sexual harassment haven’t convinced you, listen to our expert sources: Your meeting needs a harassment policy. This is what to include.

BY Molly Brennan November 13, 2017

Swipe Right with the New Female-First Networking App

Bumble has established a reputation for its ability to help people find potential dating matches. Now, the company is aiming to empower women with new career connections.

BY David McMillin October 30, 2017

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