Three days at Disneyland: diversity, innovation, and networking!

We’re packing our suitcases…

… and off to Paris! From September 23rd to 25th, the Europe Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Conference 2024 took place at Disneyland Paris – and we were right in the thick of it! It was three days filled with inspiring encounters, innovative ideas, and genuine diversity. From a marketplace showcasing unique products and engaging panel discussions to targeted matchmaking sessions, the conference provided a platform for exchange, visibility, and the forging of new partnerships between large corporations and diverse-owned businesses.

Our highlights?

• Intersectional Thinking as a Driver of Innovation
  Seeing firsthand how diversity fuels innovation was truly impressive. Both SMEs and large corporations presented concepts that are not only inclusive but also forward-looking. We were particularly inspired by the inclusive product design from Procter & Gamble – an approach aimed at making products for people with disabilities not just functional, but also intuitively recognizable through sight and touch. A powerful example of genuine accessibility in everyday life.
• Engagement with Networks and Advocacy Groups
  The conference served as a meeting point for organizations that champion supplier diversity. Engaging in dialogue with representatives from networks that support diverse entrepreneurs and enhance their business opportunities proved both enriching and motivating. It became clear that diversity is not a trend, but a strategic necessity.
• Expanding your network, gaining new perspectives
  We love making new connections – and this conference was the ideal setting for doing just that. Conversations with international participants – people who embody and foster diversity – opened up new perspectives for us and provided exciting ideas for future collaborations.

As an agency that embodies intersectionality – with Fabienne as CEO, representing the LGBTIQ+, women, and BiPoC communities – it was particularly encouraging to see how many companies view supplier diversity not merely as a buzzword, but as a strategic objective. The variety of SMEs offering creative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions served as an inspiration, demonstrating the immense potential inherent in diverse teams.

What remains?

A sense of new beginnings, a backpack full of ideas, and a network that continues to grow. The energy, commitment, and openness at the Europe Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Conference 2024 were truly overwhelming – and we are proud to have been a part of it.

A heartfelt thank you to WEConnect International Europe and all our partners for the excellent organization and for the opportunity to make diversity visible and shape the future together!