Dive In ready to break new grounds with ‘biggest-ever’ festival yet

The popular Dive In Festival, which aims to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (D&I) in the insurance world, has announced that registration is now open for the “biggest-ever” festival with more than 150 events across at least 40 countries.

The eighth edition of the festival, to be held from September 27 to 29, will focus on the theme of ‘Building Braver Cultures’, calling on the insurance industry to build environments where people feel safe, valued, respected and free to express themselves.

Thailand is among the countries to host events for the first time, with others from across the world returning to tackle new challenges. In line with this year's theme, the festival will feature some thought-provoking events, from religion to neurodiversity, sexuality to mental health, to challenge the industry to create braver and more supportive workplaces for all.

In the US, ‘Religious Equality 101: What to Know and Why it Matters’ will explore the nuances of religious differences and highlight better practices for respectful communication and fostering an inclusive environment for employees of all faiths and none. Whilst in Italy, ‘Two legs, three wheels, four paws – Stories of bravery, growth and success’ will address how turning disability into a starting point for building a success story is possible.

In the UK, ‘(peri)Menopause and beyond: can we create a sustainable, thriving workforce?’, will examine how workplaces can support those going through peri/menopause in supportive and effective ways.

The organisers have decided to conduct a combination of in-person, virtual and hybrid events, allowing participants from all over the world to break down the geographical barriers and create a stronger global dialogue on diversity, equity and inclusion.

The festival’s global partners include AIG, Allied World, Aon, Arch Capital Group, Aviva, AXA XL, AXIS, BMS, Chubb, CNA, DLA Piper, Everest Re, Gallagher, Howden and DUAL Group, Kennedys, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Lloyd's, Markel, Marsh McLennan, MS Amlin, Munich Re Group, RenaissanceRe, Tokio Marine Kiln, Travelers, WTW.

Jason Groves, chair of the Dive In Steering Committee and global director of media relations at Marsh, said: “Dive In continues to break new ground and in 2022 will have a broader range of events than ever before. This year we will be focusing on Building Braver Cultures so that we can all express ourselves authentically in a welcoming workspace created by both colleagues and leadership. We are proud to confront the issues that have held back the industry, and wider society, for too long. To enable us to respond effectively to the complex issues facing our clients around the world, we need the fresh and creative perspectives a more diverse talent pool can provide.”

Dawn Miller, commercial director of Lloyd’s, added: “Dive In is one of the most important dates in the global insurance industry’s calendar. The festival has made great strides in progressing diversity, equity and inclusion within the industry, but the job is not over. This year’s theme opens up a new conversation about Building Braver Cultures that is fundamental to our future and I encourage everyone to engage in the festival and challenge themselves to do better.”

Did you get value from this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.