RTA Media Professors spearhead Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Nations Conference

RTA Sport Media Professors Laurel Walzak and Joseph Recupero are spearheading the 23rd annual Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Nations Conference, being held at the Rogers Communications Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University on June 22 and 23, 2023. The conference brings together a shared interest in human differences and diversity, attracting attendees from around the world. 

This year's theme is 'Whose Accountability Revolution? Priorities, Incentive Structures, Organization Cultures.' Within this theme, the conference will focus on topics including identity and belonging, education and learning in worlds of differences, organizational diversity and community diversity and governance.

Overall, the Diversity in Organizations, Communities, and Nations Conference plays a significant role in advancing the understanding, acceptance, and implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives. It helps create a more equitable and inclusive world by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting action towards a diverse and thriving society.

“Bringing this international conference to TMU is a great example of the work we are doing around issues of equity, diversity and inclusion within RTA, the Sport Media program and our collective research, bringing a global perspective to it,” Recupero said. “Scholars and academics from around the world will be here for sessions that focus on diversity in organizations, communities and nations.”

The recent name change of TMU makes the university the ideal location to continue an international conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizational structures, Walzak explains. 

“Diversity within the leadership of organizations makes an enormous impact on the lived experience of the communities they serve. This conference examines the role accountability revolutions and incentive structures play in advancing change within sports organizations in particular, but not limited to sport organizations," she said. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host this event and encourage scholars not only from within our university but from around the world to join us." 

Engaging with conference programming

Being conducted in a hybrid format, conference participants can either engage with the programming in-person at The Creative School or online with longtime partner Common Ground Research Network. Participants will have the opportunity to attend interactive live sessions, listen to themed panels, view presenter pages and submitted papers, and network with other scholars and academics.  

Keynote speakers for the conference are Dr. Erik Denison, Journalism alumnus and sport inclusion researcher, as well as Dr. Nicole Neverson, Associate Professor of Sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Neverson’s research is especially relevant to the topics that will be discussed in the conference as well as the industry at large.

"We are thrilled to be able to highlight the research of Dr. Nicole Neverson as one of the plenary speakers for the conference,” Walzak said. “Her current research, grounded in mediated representation of marginalized groups, sports culture, and critical pedagogies is particularly relevant to the demands for accountability within organized sport." 

In addition to the two keynotes, there will be special events focusing on Pride month, as well as coverage on ableism and diversity in the sports industry. RTA Sport Media students will also be participating by screening their short documentaries on diversity issues intersecting with sports.

“Faculty from RTA and The Creative School will be presenting on a diverse range of topics, such as infusing diversity into core curriculum as well as ableism and Paralympic coverage,” said Recupero. “There will also be a special presentation on the importance of the annual  Pride and Remembrance Run which directly connects our School to the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the Pride celebrations on the weekend immediately following our conference.”

The International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations is taking place June 22 - 23, in-person and online. Learn more by visiting the website (external link) . 

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.