Smelly Lunch Stories is set to return with a live event focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) progress within the marketing, advertising, and media sectors. The event, themed 'Navigating the Stink', is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 7, at the Ace Hotel Sydney. It aims to address the findings from Smelly Lunch Stories' inaugural DEI survey, conducted in partnership with Urban List.

The survey revealed significant insights into the industry's DEI landscape, indicating that "one in three people in the industry have "felt overlooked for roles, promotions, and projects due to their background."

The event seeks to spark conversation, build community, and increase the representation of culturally diverse talent in executive leadership across Australia's marketing, advertising, and media industries. The panel discussion will feature prominent industry figures, including Christina Aventi, Chief Strategy Officer at BMF and Gruen Panelist; Eugene Healy, an Independent Brand Strategy Consultant, Educator, and Creator; and Mark Echo, Executive Manager of Channel, Performance, and Effectiveness at IAG.

Co-founder of Smelly Lunch Stories and Chief Strategy Officer at Mediahub ANZ, Linda Fagerlund, will moderate the panel. The discussion will focus on the industry's stalling progress on DEI, its impact on everyday experiences, and potential future directions.

The event is supported by founding partner Urban List, with Ideally joining as a new sponsor. The organisers aim to create a platform for "honest conversations," as refleced in the survey results.

Tickets for the event are currently on sale, and seats are limited. Attendees will enjoy a Smelly Lunch Stories-inspired canapé menu curated by Ace Hotel Sydney, accompanied by a drinks package.