Diversi-Tea at Kinsale 2024 

The APA, Kinsale Sharks, and Shiny collaborated to encourage the advertising production industry to adopt more comprehensive actions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by supporting companies in setting annual DEI targets and having them publish those targets on their websites. 

The Diversi-Tea event, held in Kinsale on September 27th, brought together industry leaders and advocates for a collaborative discussion on DEI. Attendees engaged in table discussions focused on creating actionable strategies to enhance DEI within their companies and the broader industry. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Participants emphasised the importance of establishing a clear DEI policy that outlines specific targets and actions. Making this policy publicly available on company websites was highlighted as a crucial step to promote transparency and accountability, ensuring that DEI is integrated into business practices. 

• Setting measurable DEI targets and scheduling regular check-ins to assess progress were identified as key components of maintaining momentum in diversity initiatives. Attendees also discussed the significance of partnering with organisations that promote creative careers to young people and underrepresented communities, thereby increasing career awareness. 

• Financial commitment to DEI efforts was underscored through the suggestion of introducing ‘inclusion lines’ in production budgets. Additionally, fostering a safe company culture emerged as a priority, with recommendations to define safe spaces, educate managers on creating psychologically safe environments, and provide inclusive facilities for all employees. 

• Enhancing hiring practices, such as implementing policies that prioritise accessibility and advocating for diverse casting, was also a focal point. Participants recognised the necessity of increasing mentoring and work experience opportunities for underrepresented individuals to create pathways into the industry. 

• Finally, the event concluded with a commitment from all participants to set annual DEI targets and make them publicly available. 

Following the event, we have curated a to-do list based on the discussions at Kinsale, which companies can adopt or use as inspiration to create their own.

The APA will publish a list of member companies that have signed up to the to-do list, as well as those that have developed their own initiatives. Shiny will do the same for its members. 

The APA and Shiny have also collaborated to create a WhatsApp group for producers and other industry professionals to share recommended suppliers. The aim is to share suppliers that positively align with DEI initiatives, sustainability, or other ethical ambitions. If you would like to join, please email [email protected].