Cape Town is making waves with its ambitious bid to host World Pride 2028, which could bring one of the largest global LGBTQ+ events to South Africa. If successful, this will not only be the biggest pride parade the country has ever seen but also the largest LGBTQ+ Human Rights Conference ever hosted on African soil.
While the celebration is sure to capture headlines, the broader implications for business and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry are equally significant. The push towards inclusive events is accelerating, and Cape Town’s World Pride bid is a wake-up call for business owners to start rethinking how they host events.
Setting New Standards for Inclusivity
Mummy Mafojane, Productive Operations Manager at FCM Travel, points out that an event of this magnitude could set new benchmarks for inclusivity. “Pride is more than just a once-a-year celebration,” she says. “It’s an opportunity for companies to embed inclusivity into every aspect of their operations, especially in meetings and conferences.”
Personal Pronoun Awareness
One of the first steps businesses can take toward inclusivity is simple but impactful: personal pronoun awareness. At large-scale events, allowing attendees to specify their pronouns during registration and incorporating them into name tags or event materials can create a respectful and welcoming environment. Mafojane notes, “Something as basic as getting pronouns right instantly shifts the atmosphere to one of respect and inclusion.”
Gender-Neutral Restrooms
Another consideration is the availability of gender-neutral restrooms. While often overlooked, the lack of such facilities can create discomfort or distress for non-binary or transgender attendees. Venues offering gender-neutral restrooms, or adapting existing ones, help create a space where all attendees feel comfortable. “Providing these options tells your attendees that they are seen and valued,” says Mafojane.
LGBTQ+ Vendor Support
Inclusivity also means making conscientious decisions about whom businesses partner with. Whether it’s caterers, merchandise suppliers, or venues, working with LGBTQ+-owned businesses not only supports the community but demonstrates a company’s commitment to inclusion in practice, not just in words. “It’s about showing up with your business decisions, not just on stage or in a keynote,” Mafojane stresses.
Diverse Voices and Leadership
Lastly, diversity should extend beyond the attendee list to the conference agenda itself. Featuring LGBTQ+ speakers and leaders bring new perspectives and informs audiences about the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. “By giving the stage to marginalised voices, you help educate and elevate those conversations, making them part of the larger business dialogue,” says Mafojane.
Choosing the Right Partners
Mafojane also advises that businesses should carefully vet the venues and suppliers they work with to ensure they align with inclusive values. “You can’t host an inclusive event while partnering with vendors who have histories of exclusion or discrimination. It’s inconsistent and can damage both your reputation and the attendee experience,” she cautions.
Cape Town’s Pride bid offers a unique opportunity for business leaders to take a closer look at how inclusivity can be woven into their events. As MICE tourism evolves, so must the approach to inclusivity, making every attendee feel welcome, safe, and respected.
About FCM Travel
FCM Travel, the flagship corporate travel brand of Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is a global leader in business travel management. Operating in over 100 countries with more than 6,000 employees, FCM is a top-five-ranked travel management company worldwide.
For more information about FCM Travel, or to interview FCM Travel General Manager South Africa, Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.
