With the results of the 2024 election signaling a departure from the politics and priorities of the past four years, Certified Meeting Professionals (CMPs) and other event industry professionals are contemplating what’s next for 2025? Many people are wondering Will there be a backlash against diversity- and inclusion-focused events?

Businesses prioritized inclusivity in their planning at record rates in 2024—with CEO’s defining inclusion as core to their goal of recruiting and retaining highly engaged, innovative and impactful workforce—what internationally acclaimed TED speaker Susan Robinson defines as valuing “top talent regardless of packaging.”

Inclusion is good for the bottom line as well as corporate values. Mastercards’s CAO Tim Murphy commented that inclusion “helps bring great talent in and retain it here,” and a diverse workforce offers “different perspectives that inform the ideas we bring to life.”[i]

Meeting planners have stepped up to work with corporate business resource groups and DEI heads to design events and experiences where participants feel seen, heard, and respected; and they considered factors like accessibility, dietary restrictions, cultural sensitivities, and more.

“DEI and CSR are aligned with shareholder value and improved performance.”

— Ryan Lance, CEO, ConocoPhillips

As we look ahead to 2025, CEOs like Ryan Lance (ConocoPhillips) and Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan Chase) predict that corporate inclusion priorities are here to stay. Lance notes, “DEI and CSR are aligned with shareholder value and improved performance,” and Dimon says, “It’s good for business; it’s morally right; we’re quite good at it; and we’re successful.”[ii]

Furthermore, independent studies like McKinsey & Co’s Diversity Matters Even More: The Case for Holistic Impact, confirm that “companies with diverse leadership teams continue to be associated with higher financial returns.”

To achieve those kinds of results, inclusivity must show up in meaningful action, not just words. To conference planners this may mean adapting and improving practices to ensure every participant feels valued and included.

“It’s good for business; it’s morally right; we’re quite good at it; and we’re successful.”

— Jamie Dimon, CEO, JPMorgan Chase

In Forbes, Is Your Company Just Paying Lip Service To Diversity? Sam Murray, Managing Principal at OneDigital, commented that this means getting back to fundamental questions like, Who are we as a company? This begs the question—what does our authentic inclusion look like in action?

“Experience is everything” forecasts American Express in their 2025 Meeting and Events Global Forecast.[iii] Meeting planners need to create opportunities for dialogue and experiences that go beyond passive information delivery. To create stronger connections to mission and brand, audiences need dialogue—they need to participate.

“Impact Storytelling empowers employees at all levels to authentically share their own experiences...this broad, active participation is the epitome of inclusion.”

— Adam Olenn, CEO, Rustle & Spark

Tackling this challenge for 2025 is Rustle & Spark, a global creative communications firm. Their Impact Storytelling is a training and technical assistance program that uses research-backed communication strategies to make teams more engaged, inclusive, and impactful. Founder and CEO Adam Olenn says, “Rather than hearing from a few people at the top, Impact Storytelling empowers employees at all levels to authentically share their own experiences in a way that consistently reinforces the company and corporate culture. This broad, active participation is the epitome of inclusion.”

With the need to include more diverse voices in corporate events —while supporting official messaging standards—Impact Storytelling has received an overwhelming response from corporate, government and nonprofit clients alike.