About
Why We Need More Female and Minority Conference Speakers at Maritime Events and Conferences
Why are we doing this? We acknowledge that there is a problem in the maritime sector and that it needs addressing. There are currently too many manual panels and a clear lack of diversity. We believe this is entirely solvable by taking away the excuses. That is why we have created this website. The Speaker Bank provides a portfolio of women speakers on a vast range of professional subjects and speakers who address the issues of equality, diversity and inclusion.
When there are all or virtually all-male panels, fewer women choose to become speakers themselves as they feel unwelcome and this perpetuates the issues. Also, the image of the sector as very male is reinforced through the absence of women and minority speakers. Compounding this issue is that without the opportunity to take a full and active part in panels, they lack profile-building opportunities, which is essential to gaining experience and recognition.
We also believe that we can escalate change through our Conference and Events Pledge to highlight best practice and spotlights those that do not meet our criteria for inclusion. Find out more about the Conference and Events Panel Pledge here.
We are also asking you to consider the policy for a conference or event you are sponsoring. If it doesn’t have a clear diversity policy, consider not giving them your sponsorship and endorsement for the event. WISTA International is now doing this for any conference or event we are asked to support.
This free resource matches speakers and organizers together as a joint initiative between WISTA International and the IMO.
For organizers of Events and Conferences
When attendees see themselves reflected in your speaker lineup, they’re more connected to the sessions and content. With a diverse array of presenters, you’re offering a more well-rounded and engaging view of the subject being discussed.
Every month we add more new speakers, many of whom are exclusive to Specialist Speakers.
New categories and topics are added all the time, reflecting new and current thinking on
WISTA International (WISTA)
WISTA,formed in 1974, is a global organization connecting female executives and decision-makers worldwide. WISTA International incorporates 55 countries’ National WISTA Associations, representing more than 3,900 female professionals from all maritime industry sectors. WISTA International
IMO
The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for regulating shipping. The IMO was established following an agreement at a UN conference held in Geneva in 1948 and the IMO came into existence ten years later, meeting for the first time in 1959.