The case for EDI: why we need to continue

We've lined up some expert speakers to help us examine why equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) still matter to the IP professions, and how we can continue to champion EDI when the case for it is being eroded from so many directions.

Together, we'll be asking:

• How would our businesses - and the wider IP sector - fare if we stopped caring about EDI?
• Would there be any personal impact?
• How should we approach EDI as the landscape around us and the business incentives evolve?
• Who will be our allies in this?
• How do we balance today's EDI issues with the need to run a thriving and productive business, keep our clients happy, manage risks and look after our employees?
• And how do we react to current pressures whilst still taking a longer-term view?

Our keynote speaker, Daniel Winterfeldt MBE KC (Hon) from the InterLaw Diversity Forum, will start by sharing the insights he's gathered from across the legal sector, both in the UK and beyond. We'll then host a panel discussion, with input from IP professionals here and abroad - from private practice, in-house and regulatory backgrounds - looking at how these issues are playing out in the IP professions and how we can help one another maintain momentum in the fight for EDI.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Gwilym Roberts, Chair of Kilburn & Strode and co-lead of our senior leaders' diversity think tank.

For full speaker details, visit our website event post.

Who's it for?

Though led by the think tank, this event is open to all IP Inclusive supporters. We'd love you to come along! The discussions will be of particular value to people in senior leadership and management roles - but we encourage everyone to invite a guest or two, perhaps from a different role or career level, to gather a wider range of perspectives and help spread the word back in your own organisations.

Bring your questions too; there will be time for a Q&A session with the panellists, plus networking with refreshments - both before and afterwards - for the in-person attendees.

Where and when?

This hybrid event is being kindly hosted by Kilburn & Strode from their London office at 84 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8NL. You can attend either in-person or online. We won't however be recording it, and Chatham House rules will apply to the panel discussion.

The main event - and the online broadcast - will run from 6 to 7 pm. In-person attendees are welcome to join us from 5.30 pm and to stay for refreshments and networking afterwards.

Cost

This event is free. So are all our resources. That said, we do need money to keep the show on the road, so please consider choosing a voluntary donation ticket. For more information, visit our website fundraising page.

If you have any specific access requirements, please let us know when you register or by emailing events@ipinclusive.org.uk; we’ll do what we can to help.