In recognition of new ways of working, the festival will take on a new virtual format with many events around the world being held online. Festival organisers hope the new format will increase participation and reach an even wider global audience.
Increasing year on year since its initial launch in 2015, the 2019 festival saw its highest turnout with 32 countries and over 10,000 attendees taking part in over 130 events. This year, festival attendees can look forward to experiencing a truly global perspective on D&I as events take place in Scandinavia for the first time as well as more countries in Latin America. Increased accessibility, thanks to virtual event formats, will allow participation in events all around the world.
Dive In provides the insurance industry with the opportunity to take decisive actions to improve diversity and inclusion within the workplace covering topics from gender equality to neurodiversity. Particular focus will be given this year to the shared experience of a global lockdown and its impact on diversity and inclusion. The festival will concentrate on the importance of the collaborative action on 'local voices' to create a 'global impact' on inclusion.
Jason Groves, Chair of the Dive In Committee (and Global Director of Media Relations at Marsh) commented: "This has been an extraordinary year for diversity and inclusion. Employees around the world have found themselves facing new and challenging circumstances that will alter the way we work for the foreseeable future. This has given us a renewed sense of purpose and drive to make this year's Dive In festival better than ever. Being able to draw on a shared global experience will make this year's events even more impactful and, we hope, will spur individuals and organisations into action."
Festival Lead and Global Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Lloyd's, Marc McKenna-Coles, adds "We are delighted to have been able to take Dive In to the next level by making many of the events virtual this year. For the first time, Dive In will be taking place in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and offices all around the world. It is important that now, more than ever, D&I remains on the agenda and is not left behind. We hope this year's festival will provide insight and information, but equally some much-needed light relief and something to look forward to after months in lockdown."
The festival has continued to see unwavering support from within the insurance sector with Global Festival Partners confirmed as: AIG, Aon, Aviva, Axa, Chubb, CNA, DLA Piper, Kennedys, Lloyd's, Markel, Marsh & Guy Carpenter, MS Amlin, RenaissanceRe, RMS, Travelers, Tokio Marine Kiln and Willis Towers Watson.
Festival tickets and more info: Dive In Festival