The wonderful melting pot of the GTA blends a diverse collection of cultures at many events across the city. If you’re planning an event with a multicultural guest list, it’s important to make everyone feel involved and welcome.
In this article, we will share 14 tips to plan inclusive events at our Venetian venue in Vaughan where different cultures come together.
1. Know your audience/guests
Research goes a long way to ensure everyone is considered. For example, for corporate events, checking records and speaking to department heads to learn more about your employees can help ensure everyone’s needs are met.
If this is a conference, using data to understand your audience will provide insights into who you can expect to attend so you can shape your event accordingly.
2. Accommodate language barriers
Although this is not always possible, you can consider enlisting fellow event planners, staff at the venue, or volunteers from your corporation to act as translators at events.
Many people do not consider English their first language and appreciate having a translator available at a central location to greet them, answer questions, and assist with wayfinding. You can also consider the most prevalent languages spoken by attendees and provide additional signage in those languages.
3. Include different ages
Many events include different ages, especially family-friendly events, or occasions such as weddings. Considering the age differences of attendees will ensure you have an event where everyone feels included, such as family-friendly menus, washrooms, and stroller/walker-friendly aisles.
Creating a private breastfeeding area or offering daycare on the site can also attract more guests who might not otherwise be able to attend.
4. Choose a culturally diverse menu
Cultural diversity provides an opportunity to create an exciting menu offering selections that are familiar to a broad number of guests, while providing a chance for everyone to try new dishes.
A culturally aware venue will offer flexibility in its menus, ensuring that dietary preferences, religious restrictions, and cultural traditions are honoured. This could include offering Halal, Kosher, vegetarian, or vegan options, as well as being sensitive to specific food preparation methods.
5. Remember to include non-alcoholic beverages
Not only do some cultures and religions restrict alcohol consumption, but many people are choosing healthier lifestyles or fighting addictions. Offering a selection of mocktails at events when drinking is expected can help enhance the guest experience.
Incorporating non-alcoholic options also sends a message that the event is designed with all guests in mind. This simple yet impactful gesture can help create a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere, where attendees feel free to engage, relax, and enjoy the celebration without feeling left out.
6. Choose a venue familiar with the idea of diversity
Many venues cater to specific cultures and are not as adept at creating inclusive menus and events. It’s important to choose an event venue specializing in culturally diverse catering with an understanding of the importance of respecting different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. Lucky for you, our venue, the Venetian in Vaughan, accommodates various cultures and backgrounds to provide guests with a wonderful, unforgettable experience.
Moreover, selecting a venue that values inclusivity signals your commitment to creating a welcoming space where diversity is celebrated. In doing so, you not only ensure that your event runs smoothly but also that it reflects the diverse makeup of your attendees, helping them feel valued and included in every aspect of the event.
7. Develop an inclusive culture
Your event can’t guarantee inclusivity if you don’t work on developing an inclusive culture. Many events today are creating codes of conduct to help guide staff and participants on expected behaviour to reduce the risk of harassment and discrimination—both intentional or unintentional.
Although many people think of themselves as open-minded and respectful, changing norms in what is considered “politically correct” can create misunderstandings. A code of conduct that explains expectations and lists unacceptable behaviour can educate and guide attendees and staff to ensure all participants are respectful.
You should also create a process where people can feel safe reporting issues confidentially, with a follow-up plan that ensures all reports are investigated and resolved.
8. Diversity in staff and speakers
The staff and speakers at your event should represent a diverse selection of ethnicities, religions and cultural beliefs to create equal opportunities for involvement. By thoughtfully selecting individuals from various communities, you not only honour the rich diversity of your audience but also create a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
A diverse team of speakers and staff helps ensure that cultural nuances are respected, and that traditions and values are considered throughout the event. This approach can enhance the overall experience for attendees, making them feel seen and understood.
9. Align yourself with inclusive brands and partners
All your efforts to achieve inclusivity can be erased if you partner with brands that fail to align with your values and beliefs. Carefully research partner points of view to ensure their brand uses an inclusive lens in their culture, social media, marketing, and conduct, sharing the same sense of social responsibility as your brand.
By choosing partners that share your vision of inclusivity, you can build a network of responsible businesses and individuals that prioritize equity and diversity. This strengthens your brand’s image while contributing to a larger cultural shift toward more responsible and socially conscious business practices.
Contact the Event Venue Specialists at the Venetian in Vaughan
These tips will help you plan an inclusive event that meets the needs and expectations of a diverse group of attendees.
For more information about the Venetian Vaughan event venue at Château Le Jardin, click here. You can also call us at 1-888-529-8573 or book a consultation online.
