Advertising, travel groups unveil DEI efforts
Advertising, travel groups unveil DEI efforts
- December 9, 2021 |
-
Walt Williams
Dec. 9, 2021
Two associations representing advertisers and the tourism industry recently unveiled separate efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in their sectors.
The Interactive Advertising Bureau announced Wednesday its first digital media apprenticeship program and the hiring of a new staff member to oversee DEI programs. That same day, U.S. Travel Association said it would partner with the industry advocacy group Tourism Diversity Matters to strengthen the association's focus on DEI.
IAB is partnering with the tech company American Apprenticeships Work to launch its new program, called IAB Accelerate, in January. Its goal will be to address diversity in the workforce across the industry and empower employers to hire qualified talent in ad-tech, digital media and marketing, the association said in a statement.
IAB also hired Jessalin Lam as vice president, member development and diversity. Lam previously was director of the Precision Marketing Academy at advertising agency TBWA/Worldwide. She also is co-founder of Asians in Advertising.
"With the launch of IAB Accelerate, we are offering members the opportunity to create a more diverse talent force across the industry that will help lead us into the future of digital advertising," Lam said in a statement.
At the same time, U.S. Travel said in a statement its new partnership will give it greater access to Tourism Diversity Matters' subject matter expertise, research and resources. The latter organization was launched earlier this year to act as a resource for increasing DEI in the tourism industry. Its board members include ASAE CEO Michelle Mason, U.S. Travel CEO Roger Dow and Carnival Cruise Line CEO Christine Duffy, who is also chair of U.S. Travel's board.
"A key goal of Tourism Diversity Matters is to affiliate with industry partners such as U.S. Travel Association to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions that will benefit the tourism and events industry as a whole," said Greg DeShields, executive director of Tourism Diversity Matters. "We welcome this new partnership and look forward to the positive impact that will come from our work together."
MORE CEO DATELINE