Head of Associations & Sectors
VisitScotland
Rory Archibald is Strategic Lead for Business Events at VisitScotland. He develops initiatives that position Scotland as a global business events destination, with a focus on sustainability, inclusion and long-term legacy.
Rory is also Founder of New Intent, an organization that helps the global business events sector embed human rights and equity into its strategies and working practices.
He serves as a Board Member of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association and is an active member of the ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter committee. Rory also serves on the Social Impact and Global Leadership Committees at Destinations International.
Date

Understand why inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a proven business strategy that strengthens event performance, attendee engagement and long‑term growth. Examine research showing how inclusive organizations outperform their peers and apply these insights directly to meetings, conventions and events. Explore how inclusive design attracts broader audiences and sponsors, improves attendee experience and enhances destination reputation. Gain practical ways to embed inclusive practices into event strategy, design and delivery so your events generate stronger, more measurable outcomes.
Learning outcomes:
Articulate the business value of inclusion when designing meetings and events
Incorporate practical inclusive strategies into event design and attendee experience
Align inclusion with measurable event and organizational outcomes to strengthen overall impact

Creating inclusive events goes beyond attracting diverse audiences. True impact happens when people feel welcomed, valued and able to participate fully.
LGBT Meeting Professionals Association explores how thoughtful event design fosters belonging, strengthens engagement and builds lasting community across the meetings industry.
Learning outcomes:
Examine how inclusive event design influences engagement and long‑term community building
Recognize barriers related to accessibility, cost, culture and identity that affect participation
Apply practical strategies to design meeting environments that encourage diverse voices