Event Name: Community Networking
Event Date: June 22, 2024
Participants: 100
Company: Staging Better Futures / Mettre en scène de meilleurs avenirs
Objective:
Staging Better Futures successfully pioneered Canada's first national partnership for decolonizing, anti-racist, equitable, diverse, and inclusive change in post-secondary theatre education. The Community Networking Event allowed individuals with similar perspectives to connect, share their experiences and ideas, and understand each other’s backgrounds and insights, fostering a unified movement towards these goals.
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Introduction
In an inspiring move towards fostering inclusive change in the realm of post-secondary theatre education, Staging Better Futures hosted the Community Networking Event on June 22, 2024. The event attracted a diverse group of 100 participants, all united by a shared commitment to decolonization, anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI). This case study explores the event's objectives, execution, and outcomes, highlighting its success and impact.
Objectives
Staging Better Futures aimed to achieve several key objectives through this event:
1. Foster Connections: Create a platform for like-minded individuals to meet and form meaningful professional relationships.
2. Share Insights: Provide an opportunity for participants to share their experiences, ideas, and insights related to DEI in theatre education.
3. Promote Inclusivity: Encourage discussions and initiatives that promote a more inclusive and equitable theatre education environment.
4. Collaborative Learning: Facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative learning among participants.
Event Execution
Planning and Preparation:
The meticulous planning process ensured the event's success. Golocal Virtual Events, known for their expertise in organizing impactful events, collaborated closely with Staging Better Futures to understand their vision and objectives. The venue was chosen for its accessibility and capacity to accommodate the diverse group of participants.
Promotion and Registration:
A targeted marketing campaign was launched to reach potential participants from various backgrounds and regions. The response was overwhelming, with registrations quickly reaching the maximum capacity of 100 participants. The promotional strategy emphasized the event's unique focus on DEI in theatre education, attracting individuals passionate about this cause.
Event Activities:
The event featured a blend of structured and informal activities designed to maximize interaction and engagement:
- Welcome Address: The event began with a welcome address by the organizers, highlighting the significance of DEI in theatre education and the event's objectives.
- Networking Sessions: Multiple networking sessions allowed participants to introduce themselves, share their backgrounds, and discuss their experiences and perspectives on DEI.
- Panel Discussions: Expert panels addressed critical issues related to decolonization, anti-racism, and inclusivity in theatre education, sparking thought-provoking discussions among attendees.
- Workshops: Interactive workshops provided practical tools and strategies for implementing DEI initiatives within theatre programs.
- Reflection and Feedback: The event concluded with a reflection session, where participants shared their key takeaways and provided feedback for future events.
Outcomes and Impact
The Community Networking Event was a resounding success, achieving its objectives and leaving a lasting impact on participants:
1. Building Connections:
Participants formed valuable connections with peers who share their commitment to DEI, laying the foundation for future collaborations and support networks.
2. Sharing Knowledge:
The event facilitated the exchange of diverse perspectives and ideas, enriching participants' understanding of DEI issues in theatre education.
3. Promoting Inclusivity:
The discussions and workshops equipped participants with practical insights and strategies to promote inclusivity and equity within their own institutions and programs.
4. Empowering Participants:
Attendees left the event feeling inspired and empowered to champion DEI initiatives in their professional and personal lives.
5. Strengthening the Movement:
The event contributed to the broader movement for decolonizing and diversifying theatre education, reinforcing the importance of collective action and collaboration.
Conclusion
The Community Networking Event hosted by Staging Better Futures on June 22, 2024, was a pivotal moment in the journey towards a more equitable and inclusive theatre education landscape in Canada. By providing a platform for meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and collaborative learning, the event successfully advanced the cause of DEI and inspired participants to continue advocating for positive change. Golocal Virtual Events is proud to have played a role in this transformative event and looks forward to supporting similar initiatives in the future.