Navigating a New World Order
London D&I Conference tackles backlash and artificial intelligence.
It’s been a rough rollercoaster ride for DEI professionals in recent years. No sooner had DEI gained greater acceptance in the business world and in the workplace than a wave of backlash crashed down on its progress.
The growing backlash and skepticism about DEI practices was the focus of the Diversity & Inclusion Conference organized by Global Insight Conferences Ltd. (GIC). The one-day event was held on September 11, in London and featured more than 30 speakers, three interactive panels and a new feedback and reflection session. Several hundred attendees packed the conference rooms to learn how to leverage data-driven insights, new tech and culturally relevant initiatives to combat opposition to DEI practices.
“In today’s political climate, where world leaders are denouncing the importance of DEI and rulings are being made in the supreme courts against DEI practices, public opinion is more divided than ever. All of this is spilling over from the public sphere into the workplace,” says Charlotte Tickle, production director with GIC.
The conference served as “a hub and a safe space” for DEI professionals, says Tickle. It was a low-pressure, interactive day filled with opportunities to connect with colleagues from other companies to share experiences and best practices.
“It can feel pretty lonely at times for DEI professionals,” she adds. “They must sustain their march for equity, keep pushing for improvements, keep the C-Suite engaged, and stay abreast of changing priorities and challenges. Now they must also combat apathy, opposition, and backlash.”
Another key issue that garnered attention during the conference was artificial intelligence. In the session Harness the Power of AI for Inclusive Innovation, attendees learned how to use AI’s applications in ethical, practical and transformative ways.
Other session topics covered a range of issues:
• Champion Intersectionality for Holistic Inclusion
• Advance Accessibility and Neurodiversity Support Across the Workforce
• Transform Policy into Actionable Impact
• Break Down Barriers to Social Mobility
• Bridge Generational Gaps in a Multi-Generational Workforce
• Leverage Employee Networks to Build Community and Allyship
• Meaningful Metrics, Data Collection and ROI
• Empower Inclusive Leadership for Lasting Change
• Prioritize Psychological Safety and Trust
• Support Employee Well-being and Mental Health as a Core Business Priority
Speakers from top international companies such as Easyjet, Sky, Eurostar, Heineken, and Home Office, shared their experiences about the challenges they have faced in their own businesses and how they overcame them. Tickle says this practical approach not only went beyond inspiration, it helped attendees consider new approaches to their own DEI strategies.
“We encouraged questions, discussions, and healthy debate among professionals with different backgrounds and perspectives to give attendees a more well-rounded viewpoint,” Tickle says.
New this year was the addition of peer discussion zones where attendees could converse about specific topics in small groups, and a reflection and feedback session where attendees received practical and relevant takeaways and action steps to implement for 2025 and beyond.
“We’re committed to supporting the DEI community,” Tickle says. “Our conferences are a one-day pep talk and boost of inspiration so DEI professionals can return to the office reenergized and armed with up-to-the-minute information, as well as new connections and contacts to turn to whenever they need another opinion or insight.”
While this was the seventh year running for this event, it’s also the 13th edition in GIC’s DEI portfolio. Planning is underway for the 2026 series beginning with the D&I Conference at The Hilton Canary Wharf on April 30. For more information, visit the Global Insight Conferences website.
