A Speaker Rider is a Tool for Allyship
I’m thrilled to share my personal Speaking Rider for conferences. It’s an adaptation of the traditional concept, evolving from merely outlining A/V needs to serving as a vital instrument for inclusion at events.
« We need to hear from more diverse voices and create safe spaces for everyone to feel welcome, and I hope to play a part in achieving that with this speaker rider »
As a speaker, I recognize the privilege of being invited to the stage. This privilege carries a responsibility: to use my platform to ensure that the communities I join are welcoming, diverse, and safe. My Rider is a simple way for organizers to know exactly where I stand.
Diversity & Representation
My core requirement is straightforward: I will only participate in events that demonstrate a clear and strategic commitment to diversity and inclusion. This must be evident in the content, the speakers, and the organizing team.
Before I agree to speak, I will review your speaker lineup and the organizing team.
My absolute line in the sand is clear: I will not participate if I am the only woman in the speaker lineup. I stand by the philosophy that a single voice is a token, not a representation.
I want to see a diverse organization. The event organizing committee itself should be aware of and actively address gender, racial, and other systemic imbalances. Diversity is not just a stage issue; it must be baked into the event’s leadership.
Accessibility Matters! The venue, stage, and event space must be designed to accommodate all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. If the event is not accessible to individuals who use mobility aids, have sensory needs, or require quiet spaces, be transparent about these limitations. Community events cannot always afford the perfect venues and means, but can clarify the situation beforehand.
The organization should care about inclusive language (e.g., avoiding jargon, ableist slurs, and gendered language). The event’s promotion, content, and internal communication must reflect this sensitivity.
The Code of Conduct
A Code of Conduct (CoC) is foundational for any inclusive event. However, a CoC is worthless without dedicated enforcement. This is a crucial element of my rider: the commitment to a CoC must be backed by transparent action. This means clearly informing attendees how to report any incident, from harassment to discrimination, and ensuring those reports are acted upon.
A dedicated and trained CoC team is essential. The individuals responsible for CoC response must be clearly identifiable and, when possible, solely devoted to this task during the event, not diverted by logistics, A/V duties, or other organizational responsibilities. They are required to undergo compulsory training on how to effectively and compassionately receive, investigate, and resolve incident reports. I highly recommend resources such as Lian Li’s dedicated CoC training video and scenarios.
I strongly recommend including at least one external, trusted community member (who is neither an event team member nor an organizer) on the CoC committee. This provides objectivity, specialized experience, and builds trust with attendees in case they want to report one of the organizers.
When an incident occurs, the focus must be on the reporter’s safety and well-being. A public, yet vague, CoC log is recommended to demonstrate that reports are taken seriously and action is being taken.
Recommended Viewing & Resources
For organizers who are serious about building better communities, I recommend this talk on intentional allyship and event organizing:
This talk explores the challenges of building communities, the distinction between diversity and inclusion, and the importance of intentional strategy over mere good intentions.
The movement to create inclusive riders is a collective one. I’m indebted to the resources that shaped this document:
- The foundational principles of community and belonging from the work of Better Allies
- Richard Bradshaw’s Speaker Rider provided a clear, actionable example that set the standard for many of us in the tech speaking circuit. See https://thefriendlytester.co.uk/speaker-rider
