Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are employee-led and employer-recognized groups that join together in the workplace based on shared characteristics, life experiences or interests. ERGs provide a space for underrepresented populations to have a voice and for people with shared interests or commonalities to obtain a greater sense of belonging within the larger group. Employee Resource Groups is a common title for workplace groups, but many organizations use a different title, such as Business Resource Groups, Team Member Networks, Diversity Councils and Inclusion Groups. ERG members are ambassadors of organizations, and together, they can uniformly share company values and exhibit shared behaviors that contribute to positive workplace cultures.
The two-day ERG Leadership Conference connects all employees associated with ERGs, from all types of ERGs, for a collective discussion. As a united group, attendees will share best practices, discuss challenges and solutions, learn from established ERG authorities, and connect with peers from various companies to create external networks. Key conference learnings equip leaders with the skills necessary to help them better connect with one another and contribute to healthy environments within their organizations and communities.
True to its name – ERG Leadership Conference – most sessions include professional development tools and leadership competencies needed to lead ERGs. Key conference learnings equip leaders with skills to help them elevate their leadership abilities, better connect with one another, successfully implement programs and initiatives, and contribute to healthy environments within their organizations and communities.
This year’s theme is COLLABORATE. Throughout the day, participants will rotate tables and attend breakout sessions and will have the opportunity to engage with various participants and learn from others. At times, participants will be placed with individuals in their same or similar ERGs to engage in focused conversations and collaborate.
Sessions consist of both speaker discussions, concurrent breakout sessions, and table breakouts/virtual breakouts to allow for participants to engage with one another and discuss various topics, share ideas, and create solutions. We encourage all participants to connect with one another after the conference to continue conversations and build collaborations.
Everyone, at all business levels, is invited and encouraged to participate in the conversation so that multiple viewpoints are shared and all voices are heard. The conference is designed to benefit both newly established and seasoned ERGs.
The conference format is hybrid and individuals can participate in person or virtually (live stream). Speakers represent local, national, and global organizations, and diverse populations and industries. Sessions include: