In honor of International Women’s Day, we are reflecting upon the significant strides that have been made in the last century with record numbers of female executives and entrepreneurs.

As a certified women-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WEBENC), and an agency comprised of a 70% female staff, LEO Events is committed to diversity and inclusion. Through the LEO internal initiative, #SheRoars, we encourage and celebrate our female staff through a positive community of peace, guidance, and reflection – learning and growing alongside one another.

As experiential experts, we’re particularly interested in how these values are preserved through events. Many brands have used impactful moments in events to emphasize their dedication to gender diversity within their companies. Due to the human connection they foster and the authenticity they demand, events can greatly amplify gender empowerment in the workplace. Below are tactics brands have utilized to spotlight women, paired with pro takeaways for your next event.

Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful way to generate empathy and connection. Wow Air leveraged storytelling to celebrate women by encouraging their audience to share stories of important women in their lives. Those who tagged their stories with the campaign hashtags were entered to win a free flight.

Pro Takeaway: Give employees the opportunity to share messages with women who have inspired them – this could be a wonderful opportunity for staff to thank female colleagues they consider to be mentors.

Unity

Visa partnered with their Diversity and Inclusion team, Visa Women’s Network, and leaders in  offices around the world to organize more than 60 events in celebration of International Women’s Day. Guest speakers and panel discussions were brought in to converse on relevant industry and workplace topics. Leaders were encouraged to participate in Unconscious Bias Training programs to identify and eliminate hidden stereotypes and biases.  Visa activated their social media channels with the hashtag #BeBoldForChange.

Pro Takeaway: Create pop-up events in multiple locations specifically to uplift women. Make sure there is a cohesive message through online social campaigns.

Productivity

HubSpot focused efforts on giving back to the community by hosting a group of young women for an Hour of Code at their offices. The software company also hosted an evening event that aimed to get more women on local non-profit boards. Hubspot shared a video thanking women in their lives, encouraging customers, partners, and community members to also get involved.

Pro Takeaway: Host a local non-profit that focuses on educating young girls to highlight employee involvement in female-focused organizations.