Conference FAQ’s – Forum for Workplace Inclusion Conference

Frequently Asked

questions

Please take a moment to review our frequently asked questions. These are the essential conference information and questions frequently asked by our attendees.

If you have any additional questions or don’t see your question addressed here, please send your questions to events@forumworkplaceinclusion.net

When and where is the conference?

The Forum on Workplace Inclusion takes place May 27-28, 2026, in Minneapolis, MN, at the Minneapolis Community & Technical College. Located at 1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Who should attend this conference?

The conference serves four primary audiences: DEI and inclusion practitioners and leaders, Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders, HR and talent acquisition professionals, and organizational leaders and managers of diverse workforces. Students, teachers, researchers, and scholars in the field are also welcome.

Is this conference appropriate for beginners or only experienced practitioners?

The Forum is designed to meet people where they are in their DEI development. Sessions range from foundational concepts to advanced practitioner discussions, so both newcomers and experienced professionals will find relevant content.

What are the registration fees?

Early bird registration: $499. Full registration: $599.

What types of sessions are offered?

The conference features keynotes, breakout sessions, and workshops covering topics like organizational bias mitigation, ERG strategy, and implementing inclusive practices. Previous conferences have included think tanks, coaching sessions, and immersive learning experiences.

Is there a virtual attendance option?

Please check the conference website for updates on virtual attendance options as planning progresses.

My organization has cut DEI budgets. How do I justify this expense to leadership?

We understand this is a real barrier. The Forum provides attendees with ROI-focused frameworks and data-driven approaches you can use to demonstrate value to leadership. Many sessions specifically address how to maintain momentum with fewer resources. We also offer group rates that reduce per-person costs, making approval easier.

Will content address the political backlash against DEI work, or will it pretend that challenge does not exist?

We address it directly. This conference focuses on equipping practitioners with strategies for the environment we are actually operating in, not a theoretical one. You will find sessions on maintaining progress during organizational and political resistance, reframing inclusion work in ways that build broader coalitions, and protecting gains already made.

I am worried about being identified as a DEI practitioner at a public conference. How do you handle attendee privacy?

We respect that some attendees need discretion. Attendee lists are not published publicly. Photography opt-out options are available. You control what information appears on your badge. We do not share attendee information with media without explicit consent.

My role has been eliminated or reduced. Is this conference still relevant to me?

The Forum draws attendees from healthcare, education, corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. Cross-industry sessions help you adapt proven strategies to your context. Networking opportunities let you connect with others in your specific field. Check the session descriptions for industry-specific content.

I have attended DEI conferences before and found them heavy on inspiration but light on practical application. How is this different?

Yes. Many attendees are navigating similar transitions. The conference provides networking with peers who may know of opportunities, skills that transfer to adjacent roles, and strategies for continuing this work even without a dedicated DEI title. Your experience and commitment remain valuable regardless of your current job description.

Will sessions address challenges specific to my industry, or is everything too general to apply?

As a DEI conference, how do you ensure the event itself models inclusive practices?

We hold ourselves accountable to the standards we teach. This includes physical accessibility, dietary accommodations, gender-inclusive facilities, quiet spaces for neurodivergent attendees, and ASL interpretation upon request. If you have specific needs, contact us directly and we will work to accommodate them.

What happens after the conference ends? How do I maintain momentum and connections?

The Forum extends beyond the two-day event. We offer quarterly webinars, community coffee meetups, and ongoing resources. Attendees become part of a community, not just participants in an event. Many of our strongest professional relationships were formed at this conference and sustained through these continued touchpoints.

Is this work still worth doing?

Yes. What happens in society affects the workplace, and what happens in the workplace affects society. You are not alone in asking this question, and you will find others at this conference who are wrestling with the same doubts while continuing to show up. That persistence matters.

Questions Not Answered Here?

Contact us at events@forumworkplaceinclusion.net.
We respond to real questions from real practitioners because that is who we are too.