Thursday, September 7, 2023
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
The Warner Building
150 Ottawa Ave. NW, Ste. 1500
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Join us for an immersive and dynamic hands-on DEI Symposium, designed exclusively for DEI practitioners, HR professionals and individuals responsible for driving diversity, equity and inclusion within their organizations. This strategy-focused event will empower participants with the knowledge and tools needed to create an effective framework for implementing a sustainable, process-centered DEI initiative in their organizations.
Through highly interactive work sessions, you will:
- Develop the skills to assess your organization's current state of diversity and inclusion.
- Identify the key competency areas to drive DEI, including areas of impact.
- Understand the role of legal compliance in your DEI efforts.
- Define measurable goals.
- Establish a clear roadmap for progress.
By the end of the DEI Symposium, you will leave equipped with a comprehensive and actionable framework that you can immediately implement within your organization to lead change and drive measurable progress toward diversity, equity and inclusion.
Agenda
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions
Mark Wassink and Mandice McAllister
9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
From DEI Programs to Process
Skot Welch
Learn how to transition from standalone DEI programs to ingrained processes. Attendees will assess their own organizational readiness, and learn the foundational competencies needed to create a robust, process-centered framework that fosters lasting inclusion, enhances diversity and drives innovation for sustained growth and success.
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Championing Change ─ Leading DEI Initiatives
Mandice McAllister
Develop tools to drive new DEI efforts, and build and sustain momentum within your organization as a DEI or HR Leader. Learn change management techniques to effectively lead, navigate potential opposition, create coalitions and embrace your role as a catalyst for positive transformation and inclusion in the workplace.
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Break
10:45 – 11:15 p.m.
From the Top Down: Establishing DEI Competency in Leadership
Skot Welch
This work session focuses on the critical leadership aspect of DEI, emphasizing ways to ensure organizational leaders grasp the importance of your organization’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Gain insights, communication techniques and strategies to foster a culture of genuine DEI engagement at the top level.
11:15 – 12:00 p.m.
Creating an Inclusive HR Ecosystem: Organizational Processes
Mandice McAllister
We’ll share practical methods for implementing HR systems and processes that effectively support and boost workforce diversity and inclusion. Discover best practices, policies and strategies that empower HR professionals in championing an equitable and inclusive workplace.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
DEI and Legal Compliance: Striking the Balance
DeAndre’ Harris
This presentation will delve into the crucial intersection of diversity, equity and inclusion with legal obligations. Ensure your DEI initiatives, policies and practices align with the law while mitigating risk and promoting fairness.
1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
DEI and Legal Compliance: Q&A
DeAndre’ Harris, Mandice McAllister and Skot Welch
2:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Break
2:15 – 2:45 p.m.
Strategic DEI Communication
Mandice McAllister
Presenting DEI to internal and external stakeholders as a vital business imperative is a crucial component of any DEI strategy. Learn effective communication techniques and develop practices to articulate the value of diversity and inclusion, fostering alignment, engagement and positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
2:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Empowering Diversity Through Partnerships
Skot Welch
Explore practical steps to establish productive relationships with diverse suppliers, customers or clients, and community organizations. Learn how collaboration enhances workforce diversity, drives inclusion efforts and contributes to positive social impact, fostering a stronger, more inclusive business ecosystem.
3:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Measuring Impact: Metrics for DEI
Skot Welch and Mandice McAllister
Dive into identifying the key metrics needed to measure the impact of diversity and inclusion processes. Learn how to plan, document, audit and review DEI initiatives.
Warner and Global Bridgebuilders clients: $195
Non clients: $295
Space is limited, register today!
