The research, which will run until September 2021, will look to analyse the diversity and inclusivity of the UK events industry based on the nine protected characteristics in the equality act.

The data will be used to investigate the real and perceived barriers to more diverse and inclusive events, with the aim of creating an events industry whitepaper on the issue covering findings and recommendations for change.

An online scoreboard system will also be created to allow event organisers to benchmark their event against the rest of the industry, and artificial intelligence tools will also be used to examine event line-ups and language.

Researchers on the project are also looking to interview UK events organisers as part of a qualitative project to examine the challenges and opportunities of putting on more diverse events.

Dice provides certification and guidance to help conference and events organisers devise more representative and diverse sets of speakers and attendees.