discussion document


Inclusion Summit 2024

with speaker Bernadette Smith

Dear Rebecca-

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with Bernadette and me about Inclusion Summit 2024 to be held in December. It sounds as if it's going to be a fantastic event.

I've included the session description for Voices Carry, which we think will fit perfectly with the Summit. As we discussed, following is the link to the demo for your review.

Voices Carry: https://vimeo.com/701748264
Password is: FLEX101

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. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to move forward.

Thanks again.

Rita Mays

 

Keynote session

Voices Carry: The ARC of Inclusive Leadership

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.

  • “Bernadette was awesome! Loved her speaking style, examples, and ability to keep everyone's attention. A heartfelt, engaging, and powerful conversation that I continue to think about as I work with others.”

    —Steve Smith, Association Management Center

  • “Bernadette, the feedback I’ve received on today’s session has been remarkable. Every response I’ve had has said that is the best DE&I presentation they’ve ever seen.”

    —Rochelle J., Apptio

  • “Thank you Bernadette for coming and sharing your truths with us! So many great points. - not jumping to conclusions, its okay to say, "ouch", to have inclusion we need to include everyone. The best part is that it’s continued to spark meaningful conversations with my co-workers”

    -Justin N, Valent

  • “This was one of the best presentations I have ever seen. Bernadette is a tremendous leader and amazing speaker.”

    — Michael G., Northern Trust

  • “You were a ROCKSTAR ....as always but I’m extremely grateful to you for being such a consistent and impactful contributor to the ILDC.”

    -Cherie Coleman, President, Illinois Diversity Council

  • “I’ve never had a presentation feel like a hug before.”

    — Attendee, Ferrara Candy event

  • “I am a white, cisgender, heterosexual male who wants to lift up those around me. I'm not always sure how. In 20 minutes, I got some very practical ways to start conversations and start being a better, more intentional ally. Thank you!”

    —Attendee, ASAE Annual Meeting

  • “Bernadette Smith is an outstanding speaker on building constructive culture. Her engaging keynote was definitely not the standard diversity and inclusivity training. She connected to our specific mission and values and was authentic, approachable, and practical.”

    — Dr. Sandra Dunbar, Emory University

  • “Bernadette was a great external speaker who intentionally connected her messages to our firm’s values and culture. Even though Bernadette was the last presenter on a long day of trainings, she kept the audience engaged and active throughout the presentation.”

    — Jonathan Philipp, Grant Thornton

  • “Bernadette, Thanks for showing us all how to bring the positivity to hard topics. You're always a flashlight in the dark!”

    -Jonathan Brill, bestselling author, Rogue Waves

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 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: $17,500

Includes

  • 1,60 minute in person keynote presentation

  • one breakout session

  • panel discussion

  • custom promotional videos

  • 400 books

  • social promotion

  • round trip airfare

  • ground transportation

next steps

We have December 3, 2024, 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

woman with short blonde hair and glasses speaking on a stage in a salmon colored top

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.