LinkedIn, the world's largest professional networking platform, is committed to diversity and inclusion. To celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and provide an opportunity for its employees to connect and learn about the holiday, LinkedIn sought to host an inclusive event that would be accessible to all employees, regardless of their background. With a hybrid workforce returning to the office, LinkedIn wanted to create a memorable in-person experience that would allow employees to celebrate Diwali in a safe and inclusive manner.

In-Person Event Challenge: Sourcing Vendors

LinkedIn faced a unique challenge in planning the Diwali event. They needed to find vendors who could deliver on their vision while catering to the needs and preferences of their diverse employee base. We at AfterWork were brought in to assist, and this became our first event to pilot our corporate event planning idea.

Our team worked closely with LinkedIn to plan and execute the Diwali event, which was held outside on the LinkedIn campus. Our first step was to gather information on LinkedIn's needs and preferences for the event. LinkedIn's goal was to create an immersive and interactive experience that would allow employees to learn about Diwali and its traditions.

Using this as a pilot event, we put our  to the test in order to generate a list of local entertainment and food vendors who had experience in servicing Diwali events.

We were able to provide LinkedIn with the top recommended vendors our team’s in-house Event Planner for day-of coordination.

The AfterWork Effect

We got to work ensuring all of the vendors were aligned with LinkedIn's vision for the event. The event was designed to be inclusive and accessible to all employees, regardless of their familiarity with the holiday or their cultural background. The vendors were carefully selected to provide a diverse range of food and entertainment options that would cater to the needs and preferences of all attendees.

The event was a huge success! There were multiple stations where employees could create different crafts related to Diwali, such as creating rangolis. There were also food stalls, including ice cream sourced from a local Indian-owned business. In addition to the food and entertainment, the event also included informative displays and interactive exhibits that educated attendees on the history and significance of Diwali. This allowed employees to connect with one another and learn about a holiday that was unfamiliar to some.

The event was a testament to LinkedIn's commitment to diversity and inclusion. AfterWork's vendor recommendations and event planning services helped make the event a memorable and inclusive experience for all. The event allowed employees to connect with one another and learn about a new culture, while also celebrating the diversity and inclusivity that LinkedIn values.

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