‘Dive In’ calls on the industry to build braver cultures

Registration for Dive In – the insurance industry’s leading festival for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) – opens today (Tuesday 9 August, 2022) via diveinfestival.com. Now in its eighth year, the festival is set to be the biggest yet, with more than 150 events taking place for the first time ever, being held in at least 40 countries across the world from 27-29 September.

Dive In has been the insurance industry’s most prominent voice for a progressive future for almost a decade, with over 31,000 attendees in 2021 from 103 countries. The festival continues to break new ground, reaching at least 40 countries this year, an increase from 35 in 2021. Thailand is among the countries to host events for the first time, whilst others from across the world return to tackle new challenges.

Continuing its mission of enabling people to achieve their potential by promoting positive action for diversity in all its form, the focus now, in 2022, is to build braver, psychologically safe work cultures – both on and offline – that truly allow people to feel safe, valued, respected, and free to express themselves.

Bringing this crucial theme to life, symbolic, thought-provoking events will be held across the world. From religion to neurodiversity, sexuality to mental health, the festival will challenge the industry to create braver and more supportive workplaces for all. In the USA, ‘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?’, examines how workplaces can support those going through peri/menopause in supportive and effective ways.

Inspirational and prominent speakers confirmed so far include Olympic legends, DE&I experts, and industry CEOs. Full details about events and speakers are available at diveinfestival.com

Commenting on the announcement, 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, 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.”

In the build-up to this year’s festival, those within the industry are being invited to participate in Dive In’s #SharetoGrow social media campaign. Starting a conversation around changing workplace cultures begins with audiences sharing their personal experiences and stories, and the campaign encourages everyone to share advice to your younger selves. To take part in the movement, contact diveinsocial@iris-world.com and follow the conversation on social media.

The festival continues to count on the support of its Global Festival Partners: 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.