Your event has it all – food, drinks, décor, and entertainment, but is it inclusive and accessible to all attendees? This engaging session will discuss considerations and techniques event planners can include to ensure their events are meeting the mark when it comes to attendee inclusion and belonging. All Tracks

Discover an innovative vendor vetting process meticulously designed to align with your organization's values and objectives. Uncover the intricacies of identifying and selecting vendors, emphasizing the support of alumni-owned, minoritized-owned, female-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and/or local businesses in your area. Explore the step-by-step process, from initial vendor research and identification to finalizing agreements, guided by a detailed playbook and effective communication strategies. Elevate your vendor selection game with a unique "Vendor Scoring System" that objectively evaluates diversity, value alignment, online presence, communication, portfolio, and potential red flags. Delve into the scoring system's criteria, each meticulously designed to ensure a comprehensive assessment is accounted for. Learn to make informed decisions based on quantifiable data, streamline the vendor selection process, and prioritize those who align best with your organization’s values for event success. Prepare to navigate the complexities of emergency planning, formalizing vendor agreements, and building lasting vendor relationships. Join us in revolutionizing your approach to vendor selection by fostering inclusivity, reliability, and strategic partnerships. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your event planning toolkit and make values-driven decisions in the vendor selection process. Intermediate Track