Why Attend – Forum for Workplace Inclusion Conference

why inclusion professionals choose to

attend this conference.

Our Mission: To equip inclusion practitioners and decision makers with strategies that actually work.

Why We Exist.

The Forum on Workplace Inclusion exists because workplace inclusion work is too important to fail on theory alone. Since 1991, we’ve been the convening hub where practitioners get what they can’t find anywhere else, frameworks that survive contact with reality.

“We don’t do inspiration without strategic implementation.”

Our annual conference brings together hundreds inclusion practitioners, Inclusion Champions, HR professionals, and organizational leaders who are done with conferences that feel good but deliver nothing actionable. Every session. Every speaker. Every networking opportunity. Built around one question: will this work Monday morning?

We serve practitioners at every level.
From those just beginning inclusion work to advanced leaders navigating complex organizational change. From inclusion program members fighting for strategic influence, to executives needing retention strategies that move numbers.

What sets us apart?
We’ve been doing this for 35 years. We’ve seen what works. What fails. What survives leadership changes, budget cuts, and political shifts. We bring that hard-won knowledge to practitioners who need it most.

Because

inclusion work

deserves strategies that last.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the conference?

The Forum on Workplace Inclusion takes place May 27-28, 2026, at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, in Minneapolis, MN.

Who should attend this conference?

The conference serves four primary audiences: 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 Inclusion development. Sessions range from foundational concepts to advanced practitioner discussions, so both newcomers and experienced professionals will find relevant content.

What types of sessions are offered?

The conference features breakout sessions 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 role has been eliminated or reduced. Is this conference still relevant to me?

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.

How do I explain why I am attending a conference when our budget was cut?

We provide talking points and resources you can share with your ERG members, including summaries of key strategies and frameworks.

Many attendees bring back specific tools their ERG can implement immediately, demonstrating direct value from the investment.

Will sessions address challenges specific to my industry, or is the content general?

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.

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.

Will attending this conference actually change anything?

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?

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.

We engage people. We advance ideas.
We ignite change.