Cape Town is making an ambitious bid to host World Pride 2028, aiming to bring one of the largest global LGBTQ+ events to South Africa.

If the bid is successful, Cape Town will become the backdrop for not just the biggest pride parade the country has ever seen but also the largest LGBTQ+ Human Rights Conference ever staged in Africa.

So said Mummy Mafojane, Productive Operations Manager at corporate travel management company FCM.

The implications of this event go beyond rainbow flags and celebrations, she added. “With MICE tourism rapidly evolving, there’s a growing push for events that are not only diverse in content but truly inclusive on every level.”

Mafojane said an event as ambitious as World Pride can set the standard for inclusivity in business events. “Pride should be more than just a celebration once a year – companies need to incorporate inclusivity into their everyday operations, especially in conferences and meetings.”

One of the important steps businesses can take is to start early with personal pronoun awareness, she pointed out. At large-scale events, it can be as simple as allowing attendees to specify their pronouns at registration.

This information can be integrated into name tags or event materials, ensuring everyone feels acknowledged and respected from the start. “People want to feel seen – something as basic as getting their pronouns right immediately shifts the atmosphere to one of respect,” said Mafojane.

Go gender-neutral

Another key consideration is gender-neutral restrooms. For many MICE attendees, choosing a restroom is insignificant yet this can be a stressful and even harmful experience for non-binary or transgender attendees.

Venues that offer gender-neutral restrooms, or can modify existing facilities, help reduce friction and make events more comfortable for all participants. “You’re telling people that they’re welcome here when you offer intentional, accessible options like these,” Mafojane said.

She advised companies that are truly committed to inclusion to also support the LGBTQ+ community through vendor choices. Whether it’s vendors for event catering, merchandise or venue partnerships, a conscious effort to engage LGBTQ+-owned businesses sends a message that inclusion isn’t just in words but reflected in real, actionable support. “It’s about showing up with your business decisions – not just on stage or in a keynote," Mafojane stressed.

Inclusive events don’t only need diverse attendees but also diverse voices. Featuring LGBTQ+ speakers and leaders prominently in conferences informs and educates attendees, giving room for intersectional and diverse perspectives.

“Events often reflect a company’s broader values and, by creating space for marginalised groups to speak, you support inclusivity and educate your audience about why it matters,” said Mafojane.

Hosting inclusive events requires careful consideration of venues and suppliers. Mafojane advised businesses to thoroughly research the organisations and venues they work with to ensure they align with the values they claim to uphold. “You can’t host an inclusive event while partnering with vendors who have histories of exclusion or discrimination. It’s inconsistent and can harm your reputation and attendee experience,” she cautioned.