Dive In Festival begins today

The insurance industry’s largest global diversity and inclusion festival, Dive In, begins today and runs through Thursday.

Insurance industry employees will join the festival both virtually and physically in nearly 40 countries. Asked what topics should be focused on, 67% of those surveyed answered mental health, followed by gender equality (45%) and racial inclusion (42%). Dive In will launch with a discussion of mental health led by UK cricketing legend Sir Andrew Strauss.

Survey findings also revealed that Dive In is expanding its audience, with 62% of those registered attending for the first time.

The festival was organized to support the development of inclusive workplace cultures in the insurance industry. Established in 2015, Dive In is now one of the largest diversity and inclusion events in the world. This year’s theme of “active allyship” asks attendees to turn their diversity commitments into actions and support those from underrepresented groups.

Confirmed speakers for this year’s event include:

• Helle Thorning-Schmidt, former prime minister of Denmark, who will discuss her experience of active allyship throughout her career
• Director, writer, actor and transgender activist Jake Graf, who will talk about LGBT+ parenting
• Actress and disability activist Samantha Renke, who will discuss how to become more disability confident
• Palestinian film director Najwa Najjar, who will speak about her journey to becoming a successful director in a male-dominated industry

Read more: Dive In 2021: ‘Be part of the future of the insurance industry’

“Following an extremely challenging 18 months, it is unsurprising that mental health has been pushed firmly up the agenda across all regions of the world,” said Jason Groves, chair of Dive In and global director of media relations at Marsh. “The results of the survey represent a rallying call for organizations to put in place measures to support colleagues from all backgrounds and circumstances, especially as they begin returning to the office. With over 145 events covering almost every aspect of diversity and inclusion, and 15 alone on mental health, we will have a range of assets and practical tips to help individuals and organizations do just this.”

“Dive In has grown far beyond its roots to become a global diversity and inclusion movement,” said Dominic Christian, chair of Inclusion@Lloyd’s and global chairman of reinsurance solutions at Aon UK. “Now in its seventh year, it’s incredible to see that the festival is still gaining new audiences across the world, facilitated by the hybrid festival format. We are delighted to welcome a string of high-profile speakers who will help us deliver our message and drive this year’s theme of active allyship.”

An array of companies are supporting this year’ festival, including: AIG, Aon, Arch, Aviva, AXA, AXIS, Chubb, CNA, DLA Piper, Dual, Gallagher, Guy Carpenter, Howden, Kennedys, Liberty Mutual, Lloyd’s, Markel, Marsh, MS Amlin, RenaissanceRe, RMS, Tokio Marine Kiln, Travelers, and Willis Towers Watson.

Find out more and register for this year’s Dive In Festival now.