How do you handle conflicting opinions on what constitutes a diverse and inclusive conference speaker panel?

1 Define Diversity

When addressing conflicting opinions about diversity on a conference panel, it's crucial to first establish a clear definition of what diversity means for your specific event. Diversity can encompass a variety of dimensions, including but not limited to race, gender, age, nationality, professional background, and life experiences. By outlining these parameters upfront, you provide a common understanding that can guide discussions and decisions. It's also important to communicate why diversity is valuable for your conference—how it enriches the conversation, broadens perspectives, and ensures representation of different voices.

2 Seek Feedback

Gathering feedback from past attendees, potential speakers, and the broader community can provide invaluable insights into what people perceive as a diverse and inclusive panel. You might conduct surveys, hold focus groups, or engage in one-on-one conversations to understand different viewpoints. This feedback can highlight gaps in representation that you may not have considered and can inform your approach to curating a balanced speaker lineup. Remember, the goal isn't to please everyone but to create a platform that reflects a wide array of experiences and expertise.

4 Foster Dialogue

Encourage open dialogue among stakeholders about the composition of the speaker panel. This dialogue should be respectful, constructive, and focused on finding common ground. Use it as an opportunity to educate about the benefits of diversity and to address any misconceptions. By facilitating these conversations, you can help build consensus or at least understanding, even if not everyone agrees. It's also a chance to demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity by showing that all voices are heard and considered.

5 Implement Flexibility

Be prepared to adapt your speaker selection process as new information and perspectives emerge. Flexibility allows you to respond to valid concerns and make changes that might improve the diversity of your panel. This could mean revisiting your criteria, reaching out to new speaker communities, or adjusting your outreach strategies. Flexibility doesn't mean compromising on quality; rather, it's about being open to ways that enhance the inclusiveness and relevance of your conference.