This year’s Dive In, the insurance industry’s diversity and inclusion festival, attracted its highest global audience to date, with 31,000 participants attending the three-day event from more than 100 countries.

Locally, 18 events across Australia and New Zealand attracted more than 6100 registrations as around 30 organisations stepped up as hosts or sponsors, a spokeswoman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Markel Talent, Diversity and Inclusion MD Trevor Gandy said the Lloyd’s-backed festival was a timely platform for conversations around mental wellbeing and flexible working after a challenging period which had “left even the most resilient of individuals facing hardship”.

“Dive In has proved itself to be a global catalyst for change by educating and inspiring people – and transforming their conversations into action,” he said.

Globally, 145 events were hosted in almost 40 countries and attendees, most joining virtually, heard from over 500 inspirational speakers. This year’s theme was “active allyship” and addressed topics including mental health, the influence of Artificial Intelligence and overcoming inclusion barriers to create inclusive workplaces.

Aon Chief Strategy Officer Mary Alade says the festival facilitates important conversations and the enthusiastic response to Dive In 2021 reflected “continued appetite for change.”

Partners of Dive In include AIG, Aon, Arch, Aviva, Axa, AXIS, Chubb, CNA, DLA Piper, Dual, Gallagher, Guy Carpenter & Marsh, Howden & Dual, Kennedys, Liberty Mutual, Lloyd’s, Markel, MS Amlin, RenaissanceRe, RMS, Tokio Marine Kiln, Travelers and Willis Towers Watson.