2023 SCHEDULE COMING SOON! As a reference, the 2022 schedule is listed below:

 

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION

Optional add-on workshop: $200.00

7:45 – 9:45 AM ET
Title: New and Early Stage ERG Workshop
Description: ERG and DEI professionals will provide guidance on creation, structure, purpose, priorities, implementation, leadership, challenges and business alignment. Includes group discussions and exercises.
Format: Workshop
Workshop Leads:

 

CONFERENCE

IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION

Opening, Welcome

10:00 – 10:10 AM ET
Speakers:

  • Amy Baldwin, President, United Partnerships (Conference Host)
  • Carlos Pignataro, Chief Technology Officer, Customer Experience, Cisco

Session 1

10:10 – 10:40 AM ET
Title: The impact of belonging
Description: The importance and relevance of belonging in the workplace and the steps ERGs should take to contribute to and cultivate a sense of belonging.
Format: Speaker
Speaker:

Session 2

10:40 – 11:25 AM ET
Title: Structure leads to successful outcomes
Description: How thoughtful ERG Leadership Board structures leads to ease of operation, inclusion and impact; table/virtual breakout discussion.
Format: Panel
Speakers:

Break 1

11:25 – 11:40 AM ET

Session 2.5

11:40 – 11:45 AM ET
Title: Successful ERG communication
Description: This lightening talk will provide tips on how, when and with whom ERGS can communicate, along with ways to partner with Corporate Communications for successful results.
Format: Lightening Talk
Speaker:

Session 3

11:45 AM – 12:10 PM ET
Title: Priorities and focus contribute to ERG success and culture change
Description: How to plan the year with a focus on priorities, and how staying focused leads to engagement, inclusion and positive business outcomes; table/virtual breakout discussion on leadership roles, structure and Executive Sponsors. Table/virtual breakout discussion.
Format: Panel
Speakers:

Lunch, Break 2

12:10 – 12:30 PM ET

In-person participants will select their meals at buffet stations and return to tables for a working lunch. Virtual participants will have a 30-minute lunch break.

Session 4

12:30 – 1:10 PM ET
Title: Programming in today’s work environment
Description: In the wake of the Covid epidemic, work environments have drastically changed, many to hybrid in-person and office work environments and solely remote options. There are also many work environments to manage: remote, office, manufacturing floor, stores, etc. This discussion focusses on identification of successful ERG programming and initiative options, ERG collaboration, programming platforms and the frequency of programming. Table/virtual breakout discussion.
Format: Panel
Speakers:

  • Jeff Despain, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager, Advance Auto Parts
  • David LaBoy, Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Employee Relations, Volvo Group

Session 5

1:10 – 1:50 PM ET
Title: ERG participation yields career development
Description: How ERG members should incorporate the skills they learn and implement in ERG involvement, and how to leverage learning opportunities. Table/virtual breakout discussion.
Format: Fireside chat
Speakers:

Session 6

1:50 – 2:20 PM ET
Title: The why and how of evaluating outcomes
Description: How gathering, evaluating and sharing ERG program and initiative metrics and outcomes can yield stronger engagement, increased leadership support,  and secured or expanded funding, and showcase overall ROI and business alignment.
Format: Panel
Speakers:

Break 3

2:20 – 2:40 PM ET

Session 7

2:40 – 3:15 PM ET
Title: The significance of ERG community engagement
Description: How extending ERG reach through community engagement, and partnering with organizations that align with your ERG mission, effects recruitment and leads to increased diverse hiring and engagement.
Format: Panel
Speakers:

  • Creighton Blackwell, Chief Community and Public Affairs Officer, Coastal Credit Union
  • Octavio Soares, Global Head of Seed Supply Excellence, BASF Agricultural Solutions
  • Carrie Gray, Moderator, Conference Advisory Board

Session 8

3:15 – 4:30 PM ET
Title: Collaboration and Allyship
Description: Collaboration and allyship are two key components of a successful ERG. They go hand-in-hand and can aid in increased engagement and impactful outcomes. What’s important to note about each area and how to best incorporate them into strategic plans. Table/virtual breakout discussion.
Format: Panel
Speakers:

Session 9

4:30 – 5:15 PM ET
Title: ERG health and wellbeing
Description: How to maintain your mental wellbeing as an active ERG member who constantly champions culture, advocates for change, engages in challenging discussions and identifies and implements education. Oh, and you do this in addition to your job! (Short individual exercise.)
Format: Panel
Speakers:

Closing 

5:15 PM ET

*Times may vary slightly

POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

In-person participation only (not available for virtual participation) 

9:00 – 11:30 AM ET
Title: Workshop for same or similar ERGs
Description: This workshop is designed to connect individuals from the same or similar ERGs to share ideas, learn from one another and discuss challenges and solutions.
Format: Workshop, in person only
Fee: $155.00

ERG CERTIFICATE

IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION ONLY (not available for virtual participation)

1:00 – 5:00 PM ET
Description: The ERG Leadership Certificate course components consist of the following:

  • Brief introduction to ERGs
  • ERG business case and business alignment
  • Structure: ERG charter, enterprise structure, group structure, ERG and Executive Sponsor roles and responsibilities
  • Internal partners: Communications, HR, DEI, IT, leadership
  • Management and operations: ERG launch, recruitment, programming, engagement, retention, growth
  • Evaluation: metrics, shared outcome

Format: Classroom and workshop, in person only
Fee: $400 (includes conference discount)