Join ¡AU! for an urgent discussion on how creative professionals can push back against the dismantling of diversity and inclusion by US media businesses.

Even before the US election, top media companies were rolling back diversity and inclusion initiatives. But in the past two months, they have doubled down on abandoning DEI practices, from dumping diversity hiring mandates (Paramount), to softening language around racism and cutting industry programs (Disney), to cancelling news shows run by non-white hosts (MSNBC).

This unraveling is an emergency situation that requires strategy and pushback from professionals across the creative industries.

Join us for a 90 minute online forum on the slashing of DEI across the entertainment business and how individuals and creative businesses can turn back the tide. Top industry voices will provide background and engage in Q&A and discussion. A summary will be published by ¡AU! and distributed to the industry.

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SUMMIT AGENDA

Welcome

Welcome by ¡AU! founder Neal Romanek, who will be the moderator for the day, plus an overview of the event and ground rules. followed by an outline of the dramatic rollback of DEI initiatives in the US and the questions it raises globally.Amy DeLouise, Founder, #GALSNGEAR

• Neal Romanek, Founder, !AU!

Discussion: “A woman’s place is in the audience, and other lies”

This panel discussion will bring together experts and organizations working toward gender diversity in the creative industries. We will analyze and compare progress – or lack of progress – over the past few years and what changes in strategy are required in the short and long term.

• Amy DeLouise, Founder, #GALSNGEAR
• Sadie Groom, Founder/CEO, Bubble Agency & Rise
• Kirsten Schaffer, CEO, Women In Film

Discussion: “White supremacy is not a river in Egypt”

This moderated panel discussion takes a hard look at the retreat from racial and ethnic diversity and in the US media business. We consider its global fallout and how we need to push back to properly serve audiences rather than a few decision-makers.

• Olu Adaeze, Ikenga Creative Lab
• Nick Davis, Executive Director, Equity & Inclusion, CBC
• Cyrice Griffith, Griffith Advising & Consulting
• Melanie Nepinak Hadley, Indigenous Screen Office

Discussion: “How to rise when you’re below the line”

While we all aspire to high profile position, the media industry is run on the backs of craftspeople, technologists and lower level management, without whom everything would grind to a halt. This panel discussion will explore the ways media businesses and organizations are building a new foundation for the sector with new, diverse talent.

• Simon Devereux, Founder, Access VFX
• Amanda Sapp, VP of Life, Bread of Life
• Ellen Walker, Founder, Rights Tech Women

Breakout Rooms (20 mins)

Participants will split into breakout rooms to discuss their own personal experiences, network and strategize. Afterward, representatives of each breakout room will share insights from their groups.

Wrap-up

Host shares next steps, upcoming events and DEI resources that participants can use to continue the work ahead.

Huge thanks to our partners