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We have #HeroConf 2021 dates! First, I want to share some of an email we sent the previously confirmed Speakers.
Headline: we are rescinding all speaking invites & reopening our selection process because only 10% of the speakers we selected were People of Color & ZERO were Black
Headline: we are rescinding all speaking invites & reopening our selection process because only 10% of the speakers we selected were People of Color & ZERO were Black
The diversity on our stages would not reflect the diversity of the broader population, and it reveals a bias in our selection process. I’m not OK pushing forward knowing this.
Therefore we're reopening our speaker selection process, after taking action to eliminate that bias.
Therefore we're reopening our speaker selection process, after taking action to eliminate that bias.
Why not keep our word and fix this next year?
I've realized my tendency to prioritize the feelings of White people over acting to eliminate bias that marginalizes Black, Asian, Latino, Hispanic, Indigenous, people. And I can no longer handle that.
I've realized my tendency to prioritize the feelings of White people over acting to eliminate bias that marginalizes Black, Asian, Latino, Hispanic, Indigenous, people. And I can no longer handle that.
eg, when faced w/a decision such as “keep my word and confirm the same speakers for 2021,” Vs “change my process and get more diverse speakers” I often would choose keeping my word. Which means prioritizing the feelings of the 90% White speaker line up over fixing the system.
I'm sorry to take this opportunity away from the previously confirmed speakers, I'm sorry that this decision may hurt you, but I just can't go another event without fixing it.
To eliminate bias from our system
1) we have paid 2 people to audit our process for the call for speaking pitches and speaker selection.
2) we're expanding our network so we can find amazing digital advertisers who are doing great work that we haven't heard about.
1) we have paid 2 people to audit our process for the call for speaking pitches and speaker selection.
2) we're expanding our network so we can find amazing digital advertisers who are doing great work that we haven't heard about.
RE: COVID: I’m choosing to be optimistic that by June 2021 the virus will be controlled and that people will be safe and eager to come together to learn from each other. Of course, we wouldn’t try to put your health at risk for a marketing event, so if it’s not safe we’ll cancel.
New dates for Hero Conf Austin 2021 are June 2-3rd.
The call for speakers will be open after we implement the recommendations of the auditors, which we expect will take 2-4 weeks.
The call for speakers will be open after we implement the recommendations of the auditors, which we expect will take 2-4 weeks.
