India’s event industry diversity deficit: are minority students left out?

Purpose This research aims to identify the key obstacles minority students encounter in the event management industry and industry practices that may hinder inclusivity and propose strategies for fostering greater diversity and equality in event management jobs. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with minority students belonging to various universities of India who are either doing internships or who were placed in the event industry. Purposive sampling was used to ensure representation from diverse backgrounds. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify common challenges related to event industry experiences, industry exposure and cultural inclusion. Findings Preliminary findings indicate that minority students face barriers such as barriers to mentorship and advancement, workplace culture and macroaggressions, access to opportunities and resources and lack of representation and leadership roles. Industry experiences vary, with some students reporting inclusive initiatives, while others highlight gaps in diversity efforts. Practical implications This study provides valuable insights for event industry professionals and policymakers to create a more inclusive work environment for minority students. Additionally, event industry stakeholders can use these findings to develop more equitable hiring practices and inclusive professional development opportunities. Addressing the diversity deficit in the event industry can contribute to a more representative and innovative event industry. Originality/value This research fills a critical gap in literature by specifically examining the experiences of minority students in event management, an area that has received limited academic attention. By incorporating firsthand student experiences, this research offers unique, data-driven insights that can inform future diversity initiatives in both event sector and academia.