In keeping with the #HBAAfuturefit vision, the HBAA Next Gen Board has taken the opportunity to rename itself as the Diversity & Inclusion Board (D&I).
Olivia WoolleyThe formerly named Next Gen Board was originally set up in 2019 by the HBAA Board to champion important industry issues and to ensure members, and the wider industry, remain relevant, diverse and inclusive.
The newly named D&I Board, supported by the HBAA Board, will take the lead in exercising an agenda that opposes discrimination, inequality and injustice of any kind. This will include refreshing the Association’s Terms of Ethics to promote equal opportunities and inclusivity and ensuring all members' mental health and wellbeing is at the heart of the association.
“When we reviewed the make-up of the Next Gen Board, it was evident that despite the team being appointed based upon their passion and enthusiasm, they cover diversity and inclusion and represent our future,” Angie Mason, HBAA board director and treasurer said.
The D&I Board is led by Ryan Doyle of Park Regis Birmingham, Anthony Kwokori of the Barbican and Olivia Woolley of Hotel and Travel Solutions.
A joint statement from the D&I Board said: ‘’We are proud to be the Diversity and Inclusion Board, which will be at the forefront of effecting necessary change and instrumental in taking this diverse industry from strength to strength.’’
Olivia Woolley added: “It is great to be launching this during Pride Month. We are so fortunate to work in a diverse industry. Ryan, Anthony and myself naturally fit into this. Our focus will be to rework the terms of ethics and shape what this means for our members, HBAA events and our supply chains.’’
HBAA is the trade association for the hotel booking agency, apartment and venue community. It has more than 300 member organisations including more than 90 agency and 215 venue members who work collaboratively in the accommodation, meetings and events sector.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
