discussion document
The XXX event
with speaker Bernadette Smith
Dear Monica-
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with Bernadette and me about the big marketing event in Chicago. It sounds as if it's going to be a fantastic time.
I've included the session descriptions for more than words as well as voices carry, which we think will fit perfectly with the group.
You'll also find an overview of the kind of event experiences we've created for thousands of attendees in the last decade and our quote for the honorarium. Let's set up a call in the near future to discuss the details.
Thanks again.
Rita Mays
Keynote session (pick one to incl)
More Than Words: Strategies for Inclusive Growth - customize these descriptions based on their concerns from intake call, how they describe their audience, etc
In the rapidly evolving world of business, embracing diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's an essential strategy for success and innovation. But do your leaders tap into the expansive potential of diversity?
The common approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI) often zeros in on talent acquisition and training. Yet, as pivotal as these strategies are, they only scratch the surface. Organizations that are built for the future do more than hold occasional training sessions. Success demands the seamless integration of equity and inclusion into the very fabric of the organization.
In this high-energy and entertaining 45 minute keynote, bestselling author and speaker Bernadette Smith introduces you to her PSA model – a proven formula for expanding the reach of your DEI initiatives, to help your organization become Inclusive 360. Organizations that are Inclusive 360 live their values not only with their employees but also with their customers and suppliers. Those are the organizations that reap the untapped rewards of diversity and inclusion. Bernadette will show you how.
Voices Carry: The ARC of Inclusive Leadership - see above
In an increasingly polarized society, it can be hard to remember that true diversity encompasses every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs. However, the challenge arises when we unintentionally allow assumptions to dictate our interactions. These unchecked assumptions can create barriers to authentic connections, and negatively impact team cohesion, customer relationships, and even retention rates.
The essence of inclusive leadership lies in the ability to foster understanding and bridge gaps, transforming assumptions into insightful dialogues. Bernadette’s ARC Method® will help you do just that to create a culture of belonging within your organization.
Dubbed a “spark plug of insight”, Bernadette embodies a refreshing, funny, and non-judgmental perspective on inclusion and belonging. Under her guidance, attendees will learn to follow the ARC and acquire tangible tools for fostering dialogues that are not just meaningful, but transformative, laying the foundation for a workplace culture where everyone feels they belong.
Come As You Are: Build Authentic Connection with Increasingly Diverse Clients- see above
In sales, first impressions count, but unchecked assumptions can derail client relationships. With an increasingly diverse client base, it's critical to learn how to sidestep unconscious biases and leverage kind curiosity to forge genuine connections.
Don't let assumptions jeopardize your sales goals—discover actionable strategies to enhance sales effectiveness and build rapport with increasingly diverse clients. Bernadette will equip your sales team with strategies to swiftly recover from unintentional offenses in sales interactions, and empower them to build genuine trust using the ARC Method®.
Elevate your sales game by embracing tools for authentic engagement that drive lasting client loyalty, ensuring your company stands out for its genuine commitment to client care.
Rise Up: Turning Challenges Into Momentum
In leadership and business, challenges and mistakes are inevitable—but how we handle them defines our credibility. Join Bernadette for a lively session where unexpected challenges become stepping stones for building trust, psychological safety, and resilience.
Using her signature CRAP method—Compassion, Release, Authenticity, and Play—Bernadette guides leaders in turning moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth. Discover practical tools to cultivate self-compassion, build trust, and inspire teams to embrace their full, imperfect selves.
This session is designed for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to cultivate a workplace culture that fosters open communication, embraces learning from mistakes, and strengthens collaboration. Participants will walk away with a renewed sense of confidence and a practical approach to transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth.
The experience
working with Bernadette and her team
You may not know this, but I spent years as an event planner! My team and I care about the details and have a can-do attitude to ensure your event is a success. We want to make you look great!
Promotion and Preparation
I want to help get your employees/attendees excited and prepared for the event. I’m more than happy to do whatever I can to get them thinking about inclusion before they arrive. Whether it’s a podcast interview or guest article, don’t hesitate to ask for my participation.
For most events, I provide any or all of the following:
Custom promotional video for event attendees
Social media promotion of the event
I also believe that a great keynote requires thoughtful preparation. This means truly understanding your audience and the concerns they’re bringing around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Before any event, I do the following:
Hold a short phone interview to better learn about the audience members
Tailor the presentation accordingly!
Rehearse! I believe that speaking is a craft and am deeply committed to mine.
During the Event
During the event, unlike many speakers, I prefer to stay the full day when possible. Why? Because I believe that when the attendees have the chance to interact with the keynote speaker, they're able to better get their questions answered and apply what they've learned.
Some of the ways I’m available to support your event include:
Do a book signing
Deliver a breakout session
Participate on a panel
Have a VIP lunch table
Attend cocktail hour
Host office hours
Feel free to ask about anything. What can I do to make the event memorable? I want to help your event be a success.
After the Event
As a former event planner, I know how exhausting running an event can be. That’s why we want to ensure we give you everything to make all your event follow up easy, fair, and memorable.
Upon request, within one day of the event, we’ll provide any of the following:
A link to the presentation deck “cheat sheet” for all attendees
A short reminder video to keep attendees focused and inspired when they get back to the office
A podcast interview or blog post interview about the event
Our fee includes everything
Our proposals are all inclusive. Even the travel expenses are included. That way there are no surprises for anyone and no receipts to deal with later.
TOTAL FEE: $12,500
Includes
1,60 minute in person keynote presentation
one breakout session
panel discussion
custom promotional videos
50 books
social promotion
round trip airfare
ground transportation
next steps
We have May 3 2023, held on the calendar and are thrilled by the opportunity to present for the group.
I know Bernadette would love to jump on another call with the team as well, if they are interested.
Let me know what you think!
Sincerely,
Rita Mays
312.248.3616
about BERNADETTE SMITH
Bernadette Smith is founder and CEO of Equality Institute and award-winning author of four books, including the bestseller Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization.
Bernadette has presented to enthusiastic audiences of CEOs, associations, entrepreneurs, leadership teams, sales professionals, account executives, marketing executives, human resource managers and more. Her expertise has been sought after by the New York Times, Forbes, the Washington Post, and Fast Company, among many others, and she’s appeared on the Today Show, the BBC, National Public Radio, and CNN.
Bernadette has been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business and hosts the weekly podcast 5 Things in 15 Minutes: Bringing Good Vibes to DEI.