Cape Town is making an ambitious bid to host World Pride 2028, aiming to bring one of the largest global LGBTQ+ events to South Africa. If the bid is successful, Cape Town will become the backdrop for not just the biggest pride parade the country has ever seen, but also for what’s expected to be the largest LGBTQ+ Human Rights Conference ever staged in Africa.
However, the implications of this event go beyond rainbow flags and celebrations. With MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism rapidly evolving, there’s a growing push for events that are not only diverse in content but truly inclusive on every level.
Mummy Mafojane, productive operations manager at FCM, emphasises that an event as ambitious as World Pride can set the standard for inclusivity in business events. “Pride should be more than just a celebration once a year – companies need to incorporate inclusivity into their everyday operations, especially in conferences and meetings,” she says.
One of the important steps businesses can take is to start early with personal pronoun awareness. At large-scale events, it can be as simple as allowing attendees to specify their pronouns when registering. This information can be integrated into name tags or event materials, ensuring that everyone feels acknowledged and respected from the start. Mafojane notes, “People want to feel seen – something as basic as getting their pronouns right immediately shifts the atmosphere to one of respect.”
Another key consideration is gender-neutral restrooms. For many MICE attendees, choosing a restroom is insignificant, yet this can be a stressful and even harmful experience for non-binary or transgender attendees. Venues that offer gender-neutral restrooms, or can modify existing facilities, can help reduce this friction and make events more comfortable for all participants. “You’re telling people that they’re welcome here when you offer intentional, accessible options like these,” Mafojane adds.
Companies that are truly committed to inclusion should also support the LGBTQ+ community through their vendor choices. Whether it’s vendors for event catering, merchandise, or venue partnerships, making a conscious effort to engage LGBTQ+-owned businesses sends a message that inclusion isn’t just in words, but reflected in real, actionable support. “It’s about showing up with your business decisions, not just on stage or in a keynote,” Mafojane stresses.
Finally, inclusive events don’t only need diverse attendees but also diverse voices. Featuring LGBTQ+ speakers and leaders prominently in conferences informs and educates attendees, giving room for intersectional and diverse perspectives. Events often reflect a company’s broader values , and by creating space for marginalised groups to speak, you support inclusivity and educate your audience on why it matters.
Hosting inclusive events requires careful consideration of venues and suppliers. Mafojane advises that businesses should thoroughly research the organisations and venues they work with to ensure they align with the values they claim to uphold. “You can’t host an inclusive event while partnering with vendors who have histories of exclusion or discrimination. It’s inconsistent and can harm both your reputation and attendee experience,” she cautions.
About FCM Travel:
FCM Travel, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.
FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.
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.
