5 Strategies to Make Your Association Events More Inclusive
By Amy Sellheim: Events Manager, Management HQ
In today’s evolving business landscape, inclusivity is no longer optional for trade associations—it’s essential for relevance, growth, and member engagement. A truly inclusive association not only reflects the diversity of the industry it serves but also creates an environment where every member feels valued, heard, and empowered to participate. By embracing strategies that foster representation, accessibility, and belonging, trade associations can strengthen their impact, expand their reach, and build a more vibrant, future-ready community.
Here are 5 Key Strategies to Make your Association Events More Inclusive:
(1) Diverse Representation
- Ensure panels, speakers, and moderators reflect a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and industries.
- Involve diverse member groups in planning and feedback.
(2) Accessible Content & Formats
- Offer captions, interpreters, and translation services.
- Provide materials in accessible formats (digital, large print, etc.).
- Include hybrid or virtual options for remote participation.
(3) Venue & Space Considerations
- Choose venues that are ADA-compliant.
- Provide gender-neutral restrooms, lactation rooms, and prayer/meditation spaces.
- Ensure dietary accommodations are clearly labeled and available.
(4) Inclusive Programming
- Curate sessions relevant to different experience levels, career stages, and industries.
- Avoid scheduling conflicts with major cultural or religious holidays.
(5) Foster Connection & Belonging
- Offer first-time attendee orientations and mentorship meetups.
- Create networking formats that work for both extroverts and introverts.
- Use name badges with pronoun options.
- Share your DEI commitment in event materials.
The MHQ Example
Inclusive association events are essential for building stronger connections, fostering growth, and ensuring all members feel valued and engaged.
As part of MHQ’s client hotel contracting process, we ensure there are inclusive spaces reserved for attendees, including but not limited to, gender-neutral restrooms, lactation rooms, prayer rooms and a recharging room for people to unwind and take time for themselves.
We let attendees know in advance about these spaces via email, social media and in-person with on-site printed signage and event apps. We regularly receive positive feedback from our clients and event attendees. By providing these spaces, we ensure attendees feel welcomed and seen. This level of inclusion also encourages folks to attend the organization’s future events.
About MHQ
Driven by the vision of a thriving, vibrant community, MHQ is a woman-owned, world-class management company that delivers customized services. Founded in 2013, MHQ has provided association management services since its inception, as well as infrastructure to organizations in a range of industries. We serve professional and trade associations, as well as government and public sector entities. For more about MHQ, visit https://www.management-hq.com/.
