Sharp, BrionyFinkel, RebeccaFletcher, T.2025-10-102026Sharp, B. and Finkel, R. (2026) “Equality, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) in Event Management and Event Tourism,” in T. Fletcher (ed.) Encyclopaedia of Event Management and Event Tourism. Goodfellow Publishers.9781917433594https://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/14434Item is restricted in this repository.Rebecca Finkel - ORCID: 0000-0003-2120-6211 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2120-6211In event tourism, equality involves ensuring that international and domestic visitors alike can access and enjoy events, regardless of language, mobility, or cultural background. Diversity in this context includes the representation of global cultures, while inclusion ensures that all tourists feel welcomed and respected throughout their event experience. In recent years, the concepts of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) have gained significant traction across various sectors, including education, healthcare, business, and the creative industries (see Finkel, Sharp & Sweeney, 2018; Calver et al., 2023; Fletcher, Dashper & Albert 2023; Walters & Higgins-Desbiolles 2024; Liu, Hao & Qiu, 2025). These principles are not only ethical imperatives, but also practical necessities in a globalized and increasingly interconnected world. In the events industry—where people from diverse backgrounds come together for shared experiences—EDI plays a particularly crucial role. Events have the power to shape cultural narratives, foster community, and influence public discourse. As such, the way they are designed, managed, and delivered must reflect a commitment to fairness, representation, and accessibility. Inclusive events can enhance a destination’s reputation as welcoming and progressive, which is increasingly important for socially conscious travellers. Conversely, exclusionary practices can damage a destination’s appeal and lead to reputational risk. For example, Pride festivals, Indigenous cultural events, and diasporic heritage festivals often attract international visitors, and serve as platforms for cultural diplomacy and tourism development. Event tourism professionals must navigate diverse cultural expectations and ensure that events are not only inclusive for attendees, but also respectful of, and beneficial to, host communities. This includes cross-cultural communication, inclusive tourism infrastructure, and ethical engagement with local communities. Despite the benefits and expectations of contemporary audiences, research suggests that EDI remains a marginal concern in mainstream events management literature and practice. A recent audit of leading events management journals found that EDI-related research is often confined to special issues and lacks integration into the core body of knowledge. This raises important questions about how EDI is understood, critiqued, and operationalised within the field (Calver et al., 2023). Also, in event tourism, performative inclusion may manifest in destination marketing that highlights diversity without ensuring inclusive infrastructure or community engagement. Tourism boards may promote multicultural festivals without addressing accessibility or the needs of local communities, raising concerns about authenticity and equity (Swartjes & Berkers, 2021). This entry explores the meaning and usage of EDI, critiques surrounding its implementation, and its relevance to both the academic fields of events, event tourism, and the professional practice of events management. The discussion is structured into four main sections: definitions of EDI, critiques of its usage, how EDI plays out in the context of events and event tourism, and its practical implications for event managers.Book chapter