The mission of Agile Alliance is the following: We support people and organizations who explore, apply and expand Agile values, principles, and practices. When members of the Agile community have concerns about our pursuit of that mission, it is important to address those issues.
Some members have reached out to us to express their concern about the location of Agile2023 in Orlando, USA. We recognize that the Agile2023 location causes anxiety and safety concerns for some members of our community and those that support them. Although our best efforts were used at the time the venue was selected, circumstances have changed. Please know we acknowledge these concerns and are making every effort to make this a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
Our annual conference is a large, multi-faceted event with participants from around the world. Preparing for the conference takes a village of committed volunteers and team members to ensure its success. It also takes advance planning, and the structure of the conference requires that we secure event space several years in advance. It is not possible at this late date to change the venue without incurring significant costs to the Agile Alliance and personal loss to many people who have already purchased lodging and travel.
We know we can improve our process for choosing event locations. With the help of the Agile community, we will do better going forward.
Agile2023
In the true spirit of Agile, we are responding to change and taking steps to ensure the conference is a safe, inclusive space.
- Participation. We understand some may not attend Agile2023 due to the current circumstances, and we respect and support those decisions. In an effort to support our expanding global community, we are also hosting Agile2023: The Scotland Experience. This two-day event is held in conjunction with Agile2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and will offer in-person speakers and live streaming from Orlando. For those who do not want to travel, some recorded sessions will be available after the conference.
- Safety. The safety of our community is paramount. We have considered comments from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ groups and other organizations. Accordingly, the Agile Alliance team has been and will continue to be, in contact with public safety officials to discuss these issues and help ensure a safe environment. Also, while we are confident the Gaylord is a safe facility, we are bringing on additional security at the hotel.
- Inclusion. Our Agile Alliance Code of Conduct reinforces our commitment to respect and inclusion in all that we do. Our priority is to serve our members with the best possible resources and experiences while remaining true to our guiding principles and the Code of Conduct. The Agile Alliance may take any action it deems appropriate to enforce our Code of Conduct, including reporting to authorities and expulsion from events without a refund. We reserve this right to ensure a safe, inclusive event.
- Support & belonging. At Agile2022, we invited the community to Sit to Take a Stand on the Red Chair and share stories about why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) is important in the Agile Community. This year, we are partnering with Agile in Color to reach even more people. Join us at “Agile Together” on the Tuesday evening of the conference to share and hear stories about the importance of including all voices and perspectives in the Agile community.
Beyond Agile2023
The leaders of Agile Alliance have heard the calls for action and have taken the following steps:
- We asked our Events Steering Committee to review the conference location selection process for 2026 onwards, which currently includes elements such as the safety of delegates, proximity to major travel connections, cost to attendees, etc. The updated criteria will place a higher weight on our Agile Alliance values.
- The Board of Directors will discuss this topic with members in person during Agile2023 at a time to be determined. During this time, the Board will listen to feedback, answer questions, and outline the steps we are taking to improve.
- The Agile Alliance hosts a Monthly Meet & Greet event where members are encouraged to ask questions, present concerns, and share ideas with the Board. We welcome members to join us at our next meeting.
- A virtual event, specifically covering this topic, will be offered at a date and time to be determined. We invite members to join us.
We are grateful to all the people who have planned this event. We also are thankful for the candor and ongoing commitment of our Agile Alliance members.
We look forward to sharing, learning, and connecting at Agile2023!
