Strong support from first wave of market sponsors
Global reach continues with five new cities announced so far
Focus on the Diversity Dividend business case
Dive In, the international diversity and inclusion festival for the insurance industry announces 2017 dates and first confirmed sponsors from among the global broking and underwriting communities: Marsh, Willis Towers Watson, XL Catlin and Aon are all continuing their year-on-year support of the festival, joined this year for the first time by Chubb and Miller.
This year’s Dive In, the third since it launched in 2015, will take place from the 26th to the 28th September, with events returning to global locations such as London, New York City, Zurich, and Bermuda, as well as new cities including Beijing, Perth, Melbourne, Leeds, and Mumbai, with further locations to be announced soon.
This year’s theme is the Diversity Dividend, to connect the festival content to the business case for D&I best practice. The award-winning festival is an initiative of Inclusion@Lloyd’s, the group that provides strategy, governance and practical support across the Lloyd’s market. The theme will ensure the focus stays on the bottom line business benefits to an organisation of a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, driving productivity and innovation across the market. The Inclusion@Lloyd’s committee has this year established a new Dive In Steering Committee with the specific remit of shaping and delivering the Dive In festival, comprising representatives from brokers, underwriters and professional bodies including the ABI, BIBA, and CII.
Commenting on the announcement, Dominic Christian, Chair of Inclusion@Lloyd’s and CEO of AON UK said: “The Dive In festival is a catalyst for the global insurance industry that inspires collaboration around the key issues of talent and innovation. Bold, brave initiatives like this are needed to drive the agenda for inclusive working cultures and customer centricity to keep the insurance sector focused on staying globally competitive and relevant.’
Pauline Miller, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Lloyd’s said: “We are grateful for the continuing support from across the insurance sector, including our festival sponsors, which goes way beyond just sponsorship.
The support from the industry demonstrates the ambition to work together to shift the perception of insurance to one that attracts people who are innovative and agile and allows us to meet the rapidly changing needs of a global client base. We draw on their expertise and enthusiasm at all levels to drive change and provide role models, from CEOs who set the agenda, to communications and employee resource group volunteers whose experience and insight is invaluable in delivering events that engage and inspire our audiences.’
Following last year’s event which attracted more than 5000 attendees, survey data revealed that 98% felt that diversity and inclusion is good for business and 74% said that the festival has given them new ideas for practical engagement.