The Dive In Festival 2023 celebrated a significant achievement by attracting 30,986 participants from a record 84 countries, setting a global participation record.
The festival, themed “Unlocking Innovation: The Power of Inclusion,” adopted a hybrid format and featured over 135 events across 37 countries on six continents. These events included discussions by more than 500 speakers on key topics such as artificial intelligence, indigenous rights, and sustainability.
For the first time in its nine-year history, the Dive In Festival offered Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified events. This enhancement contributed to a notable increase in attendance, with more than 64% of the participants attending for the first time.
Key events around the world focused on relevant discussions. In the UK, Naomi Sesay from Channel 4 led a panel on the influence of TV, film, and media on diversity. In Brazil, a panel chaired by Isabel Azevedo of Fairfax Seguros discussed men's role in gender equality. Taiwanese panels addressed workplace sexual harassment, and global events explored new topics for Dive In, including artificial intelligence and domestic abuse.
The Dive In Festival's website features detailed event reports and video highlights, offering insights and tips from the speakers. Additionally, recordings of some events were made available on the Dive In YouTube page.
Mike Chang, head of CRB North America, commented on the significance of the festival, emphasising that diversity, equity, and inclusion go beyond mere formalities.
“Dive In Festival 2023 shattered that notion, it underscored that DE&I is not just a business objective but an urgent necessity for driving progress. The festival provided tangible examples of how DE&I connects with and directly influences innovation that will help be a key enabler to realising our aspirations as an industry,” Chang said.
Dominic Christian, global chairman of Aon Reinsurance Solutions, also reflected on the festival's achievements.
“The introduction of the CPD certification for Dive In events, as well as the rollout of Dive In to Reverse Mentoring, the first cross-industry reverse mentoring scheme, truly showcases the impact of the festival on our industry. It’s now been nine years since the sector hosted its first Dive In event and we expect the 10th anniversary next year to be extra special as we celebrate a decade of impact,” Christian said.
This year’s festival received support from Global Festival Partners across the insurance industry, including major companies such as AIG, Allied World, Aon, Arch, Aviva, AXA, Axis, BMS, Chubb, CNA, DLA Piper, Everest, Gallagher, Howden, Kennedys, Lloyd’s, Liberty Mutual, Markel, Marsh McLennan, Moody’s RMS, Munich RE, RenaissanceRe, SCOR, Sompo International, Tokio Marine Kiln, Travelers, and WTW.
Dive In 2024, marking the 10th anniversary of the festival, is scheduled to take place from Sept. 24-26, 2024.
In an interview with Insurance Business, Lloyd’s first openly trans woman, Rebecca Mason, shared her experience in the industry as she was also celebrated at this year’s Dive In Festival.
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