Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) remains a hot button for the advertising industry. It has become a business imperative due to a convergence of societal, political, cultural, economic, technological and demographic changes in the United States and the world. There is a relevance imperative prompted by research findings revealing that by 2050 there will be no racial or ethnic majority in the U.S. as historically under-represented groups become the majority. There is an economic imperative as many individual companies report that diversity increases creative relevance, informs better decisions, increases product sales and enhances economic growth. There is an industry vitality imperative as media and advertising ranks last for key diversity and inclusion performance metrics when compared to 15 leading industries. And, finally, there is a human imperative for societies to thrive. Throughout Advertising Week New York, corporate leaders were quick to highlight their commitment to D&I and to discuss actions that they are taking to make a difference.
Diversity and Inclusion: “It’s Everything and Every Thing”
