Address the critical role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in event planning and execution, alongside broader social responsibility. This topic explores building inclusive communities, fostering purpose-driven events, and measuring positive societal impact at Skift Meetings Forum 2025.
Inclusion without cameras!
Local stories, real impact
Beyond Financial Returns
Where to host? It matters!
The difficult truth
Beyond small businesses
Nurturing future leaders
Beyond the buzzwords
Funding vs. Values
“You bring people together and you give people something that they can't get anywhere else. And that's true community.”
“The highs are so high and the lows are so low. And I just I like I knew that. Like, oh yeah, I know. I'm I'm built for this. Like, like I could do this. Well, let me tell you. Um I was humbled.”
“Talent goes to where diversity is. Women, people who look like me, people from the gay community, Hispanic Latinos, they want diversity. the Jenzers, they don't want one-sided.”
In an increasingly crowded event landscape, the true measure of success is no longer just attendance or revenue, but the depth of connection and transformation experienced by attendees. A recent panel discussion featuring leaders from Pinterest, Forbes, and TED illuminated the 'new rules' of event leadership, emphasizing a profound shift from transactional gatherings to spaces that foster genuine community and lasting impact.
In a candid discussion, two trailblazing event founders, Cassandra Farington of MJBiz and Robin of RacquetX, revealed the strategies and sacrifices behind building highly successful industry events from the ground up. Their journeys, though distinct, underscore universal truths about community, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of human connection in business.
In an era where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has become a politicized battleground, event industry leaders are confronting unprecedented challenges. Far from being a fleeting trend, DEI is being championed as the essential framework for building resilient communities, fostering economic growth, and designing truly impactful events. This session explores how pioneering leaders are navigating these complexities, from empowering local economies to cultivating the next generation of diverse talent.




