Clarion Diversity and Inclusivity Policy
We are an organization that embraces creativity, diversity, and inclusion for our employees, our customers, and our business partners.
We at Clarion Events Inc. believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are fundamental to making us a successful and vibrant organization. Our core values include integrity, innovation, and customer-centricity. We aim to put inclusion and belonging at the heart of everything we do. We have made strides (and continue to make strides) to attract, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the diverse communities and markets we serve. We endeavor to work with people and organizations who share our core values. In the end, a supportive environment for our employees where everyone is treated equitably and with respect is our goal. We have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind whether it pertains to our employees or our customers - events are for all, and we intended to make sure of that with our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives & programming.
Clarion is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains that inclusion and diversity builds high-performing organizations where people feel respected, engaged, and valued for who they are and what they contribute. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. We adhere to these principles in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, benefits, social and recreational programs, and discipline. In addition, it is the policy of Clarion to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws where a particular employee works.
Discrimination against, or harassment of any individual based upon the aforementioned, or other traits or characteristics set forth in federal, state, or local law, is prohibited.
At our shows
At Clarion Events Inc. we do not just want to talk about diversity, but be an active participant in the change that comes from putting forth diverse programs. At all of our shows, we host a variety of different programing around the ideas of diversity, equity, & inclusion, and how those concepts bring about positive change in our customer markets. Most recently we have had:
- HYDROVISION International - Women with Hydro Vision Awards
- FDIC International - Another Seat at the Table: Diversity and Inclusion
- Coffee Fest New York - The Daniel Lee Giving Tree Award
- Airport News Conference - You’ve Launched a Diversity Equity & Inclusion Initiative, Now What?
- Leftfield Media - Interview with Inklusion Comics
- The NGA Show - World of Latino: Chef Demonstrations
- Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention - Women in Gaming and LGBTQ in the Workplace
- InsureTech Connect - Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator
As we continue to grow, we look to add even more diverse programming that highlights the contributions and successes our customers from marginalized communities have had, and how those successes translate into a better industry for everyone.
-
JEMS - Webcast on "The Legacy of Freedom House"
-
InsureTech - Women’s Leadership Forum
-
POWERGEN Intl. - Lunch for a Better Balance
-
LeftField Media - Celebrating Black Cosplayers
-
FDIC International - Women in Fire Conference
-
NGA Show - World of Latino: Chef Demonstration
-
AXN - You’ve Launched a DE&I Initiative, Now What?
-
Coffee Fest - The Daniel Lee Giving Tree Award
-
DISTRIBUTECH - Powered by Diversity Lunch
-
Active Allyship Initiative
-
2024 BHM Lunch & Learn with Ernest Crim III
-
International Women's Day #BreakTheBias
-
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
-
Pride Month Advent Calendar
-
2022 Women in Leadership Lunch & Learn
-
Black History Month Advent Calendar
-
Global DEIB Forum on Neurodiversity
Among ourselves
Clarion Events Inc. has always been one to lead by example. Our stance is not to be satisfied with the status quo but always strive for more diversity, representation, and equity within our company. To this end, we arrange various events for our staff highlighting important topics such as:
- Lunch & Learn - Female Senior Leaders for Women's History Month
- Pride Month Interactive Calendar
- Lunch & Learn - Remembering the Events of 9/11
- Affiliate Summit Team (celebrating its support to all of our LGBTQIA+ employees, customers, and partners) donating to the Trevor Project for Pride Month 2022
- Lunch & Learn - Presenting Ernest Crim III (from CBS Chicago)
- Active Allyship Training (over 150 Clarion employees across the US have completed the "Active Allyship" Training course and are officially certified!)
Bi-weekly informational newsletters and interactive activities also help to educate our teams and maintain a sense of awareness & knowledge about various topics and dates. Reaching for a more diverse, equitable, and representative workplace is our goal - and giving our employees the opportunity to learn about a variety of different communities will help us get there.
Clarion Events North American Employee Resource Groups
The Clarion Events Inc. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee
What makes our DEIB Committee special is that they volunteer their time, resources, and expertise from across our various portfolios and teams to bring with them a unique and different perspective that shape our mission at Clarion Events Inc. towards a more diverse company. See who they are, why they joined, and what they look to accomplish in the time ahead.

Mel Montes
Vice President | AXN and WWIN, Clarion NA DEI Business Partner Lead
I believe in the importance of all voices being heard, all ideas being considered and everyone feeling included. Representation matters and as we continue to expand our engagement with the industries we serve it is important that they see themselves in us. And I look forward for the opportunity for honest and courageous dialog around DEI issues that leads to transformational change both in our organization and in the industry.

Heather Crovo
Vice President: Human Resources
I want to continue to help make Clarion an amazing place for all employees to work. A place where they feel like they can be their true, authentic selves, and where they feel like they belong and their unique voices are heard. It was important for me to join this committee to help drive those goals. In addition, I hope to create programming that feels meaningful to the employee base and makes them feel even more connected to the company and its mission.

Greg Topalian
Chairman | Clarion Events North America
I am excited to be a part of the DEIB committee, and to see the direction & vision they have for our culture. Great cultures don’t come from the top, and while I care deeply about this topic it’s exciting to see the ideas and passion of our team.

Liz Irving
CEO | Clarion Events North America
As a leader, I want to ensure that I am creating an environment of inclusive practices and one in which my employees feel valued, feel safe to contribute and an environment where I can be a prominent adovcate these practices across my teams. And personally, I want to see different types of collaborations forming, and learn ways to connect with our employees and ultimately build a business where all employee voices are heard.

Justine Kendall
Vice President | HR & Total Rewards
I'm passionate about inclusivity and allyship because I think those values are at the core of happy, engaged dynamic workforces. My HR background roots me in a belief that mental health matters so I love being a part of this committee that strives to make Clarion a world-class place to work. I enjoy working with the people in this committee to constantly collaborate on fostering a organization that encourages everyone to be the most authentic version of themselves

Hala Dean
Vice President | Organizational Learning & Development
As a lifelong advocate of happy, healthy workplaces, I’m passionate about supporting inclusive work environments. These can only exist if we are willing to show compassion and communicate openly. My role in leadership and professional development focuses on reinforcing authentic and respectful communication. Our core values at Clarion of Passion, Care, Imagination and Trust create a culture where people know that whatever makes them unique is welcomed and celebrated.

Eric Schlett
Senior Vice President: Fire & Safety
It's important that all voices and perspectives are recognized and our differnces are respected. Knowing people in the organization felt their voices weren't heard made me realize I can play a role in ensuring people feel welcome to share their voice. This opportunity has given me the opportunity to learn from others while sharing my personal experiences. What I am most hopeful for is that our organization will become a more welcome place where our colleagues have a deeper trust and ultimately ensuring every team member feels included, heard and supported.

Hailey Hayes
Show Manager (New York & California) | Coffee Fest
I feel passionate about making Clarion & our shows a place where anyone can work and feel comfortable and included. I have also found this committee a great opportunity to be a part of something to insure we are creating an inclusive place where people want to work, and where I personally want to grow my education on DEIB in the workplace, to help others and their journey.

Jon Yahirun
Customer Success Manager
Whether it’s been within politics, the workplace or popular culture, the past few years have revealed to me how incredibly important the concepts of diversity, inclusion and belonging are in the fabric that is our lives in the US. I want to actively learn and contribute to this growing conversation within our own company. And as part of the committee, I want to help colleagues feel more welcomed and heard & to also spread awareness and allyship via organizing programming and facilitating continual, open conversations.

David Herd
Talent Acquisition Manager
As a kid I grew up in a small town on the east coast of Scotland - it's makeup wasn't very diverse. From an early age I was always curious about other cultures and how they see and experience the world around us. My passion for travel stemmed from a need to learn more about other points of view and that spilled into my everyday view as I grew up and propelled me into joining this committee. I always want to be asking questions and learning to help me grow, and I want to make sure everyone is given that same opportunity. I've always considered myself one that can consider scenarios from multiple points of view, and want to ensure everyone has a voice at Clarion.

Samson Rutkin
Sr. Marketing Manager | Leftfield Media
I want to be able to be an active participant in the positive change coming from Clarion to make everyone feel included and seen within this company. What I look forward to the most is having programming that my fellow employees can look at and say they found engaging and helpful in understanding different communities they might just be allies to.

Meghan Tooth
Senior Marketing Coordinator
Growing up in a small town in Connecticut, there wasn’t much diversity in my community. Being part of the DEIB Committee is a place where I look forward to continue learning and appreciating other cultures, ethnicities, religions, beliefs etc. I think the more we talk about our differences, the closer we become as an organization.

Brooke Crowley
Senior HR Generalist
I joined the DEIB committee because as someone in Human Resources I am always looking to help promote an inclusive workplace where ever possible and that is just the goal of this committee. I am excited to hear from employees of all backgrounds on what is important to them. I have always believed that the best companies possible include all different types of employees from all different backgrounds. I hope that by being a part of the committee I can learn about different cultures and backgrounds while also sharing my unique background and perspective as well.

Chanel Olsson
Human Resources Generalist | Quartz Network
We spend about 50% of our weekday waking hours at work which is why it’s critical that companies and colleagues make you feel safe, supported, and included in the workplace. I joined the DEIB Committee to take an active role in creating a company culture that listens, learns, and provides equal opportunities. I look forward to driving positive change within the organization and the larger communities we serve.

Iliana Begetis
Senior Marketing Coordinator
As a second-generation immigrant, I’ve always gravitated to environments that were inclusive, diverse, and embraced a sense of belonging. I’m excited to join the incredible DEIB Committee and for the opportunity to learn about different backgrounds and perspectives from my peers, be an active ally and advocate for positive change, and help foster a welcoming environment for our Clarion community and beyond.

Hannah Kircher
Senior Content Coordinator | Quartz Network
I’m Proud to be part of Clarion Events Inc.'s DEIB Committee. Our committee stands out for the voluntary dedication of diverse individuals from various portfolios and teams. I joined to contribute to our mission of fostering diversity and inclusion.
I believe in the strategic advantage of embracing diversity and am excited to work towards creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. As a committee member, I look forward to amplifying underrepresented voices and driving positive change at Clarion Events Inc.

Cameron Litcher
Manager of Audience Engagement
Being a person with disabilities, I had to learn early on how to advocate for myself whether it be in school, a job, or with family and friends. I joined the DEIB committee because I wanted to be an advocate and a representative for individuals with disabilities, to grow as an active ally for others, and help foster an inclusive and welcoming environment at Clarion Events where uniqueness is celebrated. I look forward to listening, learning, and implementing meaningful change as a member of the Clarion Events DEIB Committee.

Eboni Thompson
Marketing Coordinator
After attending a conference dedicated to women of color in communications, I became aware of DEI and its importance. Meeting women of color who were the heads of DEI within their organizations helped me understand how it can benefit a company and its employees by making everyone feel heard. As someone who has been the only minority in a room before, I can relate to the desire of wanting to be heard and understood. When I joined Clarion, I was thrilled to learn about the DEIB committee and knew I wanted to be a part of it. By being a member of this committee, I hope to educate myself about other cultures, traditions, and lifestyles while also gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others.

Kristin Neisser
Head of Legal | US
From my first Ethnic Studies class Freshman year at Cal, I knew I wanted to be an ally for life. It’s important to practice what you preach in your personal life, but also your professional life. I’m proud to be part of an organization which truly values diversity and inclusion, and is not just looking to check a box. I’m looking forward to the growth DEIB initiatives will bring to Clarion.

Amy Womack
Senior Exhibitor Services Manager
I am passionate about fostering an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all, in every setting. After completing my active allyship certification in November, I knew I wanted to get more heavily involved in the DEIB community at Clarion. Very excited to meet some new faces and continue furthering my learning and education around DEIB.