Breakfast Talk Series

Marketing & Inclusion: Turning Diversity into a Competitive Advantage

14 October 2025 | 9:30 – 11:30 I BT STUP

Calea Șerban Vodă 206, București

In today’s fast-changing world, marketing and inclusion are inseparable forces shaping the success of brands. Businesses no longer thrive solely by promoting visibility—they need to create genuine connections that reflect the diversity of modern society.

This is why the upcoming Breakfast Talk on Marketing & Diversity hosted by the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce (RDCC) in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London and Open University is so relevant.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are no longer just buzzwords. They have evolved into strategic imperatives that influence how brands earn trust, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable growth. Whether it’s through advertising, product design, or pricing strategies, inclusive marketing has become the gold standard for businesses seeking long-term success.

Who Should Attend?

Why Attend?

  • Marketing & Advertising Professionals – transforming DEI from a compliance requirement into a growth driver.
  • Corporate Communications & PR Specialists – aligning inclusive narratives with reputation and stakeholder trust.
  • Product Managers & UX/UI Designers – integrating inclusion into design, pricing, and accessibility.
  • Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs – understanding the ROI of inclusive marketing.
  • HR & DEI Officers – applying inclusive principles across culture, recruitment, and communications.
  • Students in Marketing, Management, Communications, and Design – preparing to thrive in a marketplace where inclusion drives competitiveness.

✅ Gain insights into the business case for inclusive marketing.
✅ Learn how to embed DEI across the entire marketing process.
✅ Explore case studies of inclusive campaigns—both successes and lessons learned.
✅ Connect with peers, thought leaders, and decision-makers shaping the future of marketing.

Registrations are closed for this event.

Our 2025 expert speakers include​

The National Council for Combating Discrimination, Ikea, Leo Burnett, Open University, Queen Mary University of London

View the speakers

Topics of Discussion

  • Why DEI matters in marketing: from compliance to competitive advantage.
  • Representation or tokenism? Navigating inclusive storytelling in advertising.
  • Regulating representation: the role of policy and guidelines.
  • Beyond representation: embedding inclusion into design, pricing, and distribution.
  • Case studies: successes and failures from Romania and abroad.
  • Marketing in a fragmented society: reaching audiences across regions, generations, and values.
  • The academic perspective: research on inclusive marketing and consumer behavior.
  • What’s next for Romania? Trends, opportunities, and challenges ahead.

Agenda

9:30 – 9:40 | Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:40 – 10:00: | Keynote: The Strategic Case for Inclusive Marketing

  • Dr. Cristina Galalae, Senior Lecturer in Marketing (Associate Professor), the Open University | Research on Diversity & Inclusion in Marketing | SFHEA |
  • Dr Tana Licsandru, Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Marketing & Programme Director, Queen Mary University of London | Research on Diversity & Inclusion in Marketing

10:00 – 11:00 | Panel Discussion: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage

Moderator: Dr. Cristina Galalae, Senior Lecturer in Marketing (Associate Professor), the Open University | Research on Diversity & Inclusion in Marketing | SFHEA |

Panelists:

  • Catalina Olteanu, State Secretary, The National Council for Combating Discrimination,
  • Theodor Nica, Communication and Interior Design Manager, IKEA Group,
  • Maria Sarivan, Strategy and Branding Director, Leo Burnett Group Romania

Discussion Topics:

          ✅ The business case for DEI in marketing

          ✅ Inclusive storytelling: authenticity vs. tokenism

          ✅ Case studies from Romania and abroad

          ✅ Embedding DEI into design, pricing & distribution

          ✅ Inclusive marketing in a fragmented society

          ✅ The role of policy and regulation

          ✅ What’s next for DEI in Romania

11:00 – 11:20 | Q&A – Closing Remarks
11:20 – 11:40 |  Networking

Marketing Workshop

We have limited seats for the Embedding Inclusion in Campaign Design workshop. Those interested please register on the link below.

12:00 – 13:30: Workshop (for Students of Marketing, Management, Communication & Design)
Embedding Inclusion in Campaign Design
Interactive session led by:

  • Maria Sarivan, Strategy and Branding Director, Leo Burnett Group Romania
  • Dr. Cristina Galalae, Senior Lecturer in Marketing (Associate Professor), the Open University | Research on Diversity & Inclusion in Marketing | SFHEA |
  • Dr Tana Licsandru, Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Marketing & Programme Director, Queen Mary University of London | Research on Diversity & Inclusion in Marketing

Workshop Highlights

🚀 Gain hands-on experience with real campaigns and strategies
🌍 Explore how inclusive marketing fuels brand growth and social impact
👥 Collaborate with professionals from multinational companies and agencies
📊 Learn how to embed inclusion across all stages of marketing

Register to the Workshop

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Partner with Us to Drive Diversity and Inclusion Forward

Are you ready to make a tangible impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Romania? Explore the incredible opportunities available through our sponsorship programs.

By becoming a sponsor of the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce (RDCC), you not only position your organization as a leader in inclusion but also connect with an engaged audience of professionals who value equitable and diverse business practices.

Discover how your organization can:

  • Showcase its commitment to creating inclusive workplaces and communities.
  • Gain visibility among decision-makers, industry leaders, and DE&I advocates.
  • Align your brand with RDCC’s mission to promote equitable opportunities for all.

Whether you’re looking to sponsor an event, partner with us for community-driven initiatives, or feature your brand in front of a targeted audience, we have tailored options to meet your needs.

Let’s collaborate to build a future where inclusion drives innovation and growth.

Learn More Here