People First: Opportunity and Access

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM ET

Breakfast Roundtables

Topics to include: ERGs, Pushback, DEI Fatigue, Disability Inclusion, Metrics, and more

09:00 AM - 09:05 AM ET

Opening Remarks

09:05 AM - 09:30 AM ET

Conference Board Research: The State of Workforce Opportunity

Presented by Allan Schweyer and Diana Scott, TCB

09:35 AM - 10:10 AM ET

Keynote: After AA: Legal Landscape, Our Future Path

The shifting legal landscape has left companies navigating uncertain terrain when it comes to workforce opportunity, inclusion, and compliance. In the wake of recent legal decisions, organizations must rethink their strategies while balancing regulatory requirements, public expectations, and business imperatives. This keynote will provide a clear-eyed assessment of the current legal framework, the challenges ahead, and the pathways forward for businesses committed to fostering opportunity while mitigating risk.

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM ET

Panel Discussion: Pushback: Difficult Times

In today’s landscape, organizations face significant challenges with DEI initiatives. These can come from within the organization, or externally. Join us as discuss strategies to effectively navigate and mitigate resistance to DEI programs. From leveraging data-driven approaches to showcase DEI's positive impacts to implementing transparent communication strategies to address concerns, we discuss how to align DEI with broader organizational goals to foster buy-in across all levels.

Eugene Curtain III, Vice President, Talent, Inclusion & Social Responsibility Officer, Marmon Holdings

Singleton Beato, Global EVP, Chief DE&I Officer, McCann Worldgroup

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM ET

Networking Break

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Navigating the Legal Frontlines: Compliance, Litigation & Brand Risk

The legal and reputational risks surrounding workplace policies are increasingly complex. From shifting regulations to high-profile litigation and public scrutiny, organizations must anticipate challenges before they become crises. This session will provide an up-to-theminute analysis of key legal developments, the implications for compliance, and how companies can mitigate risk while maintaining their values.

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Embedding Inclusion: Integrating Workforce Equity into Business & Culture

For inclusion efforts to be sustainable, they must be more than standalone initiatives—they need to be part of the way a company operates. How do organizations embed equity into their business strategy, leadership expectations, and workplace culture? And how should they move beyond programs and policies to ensure that fairness, access, and opportunity are ingrained in everything from decision-making to performance metrics to company values?

12:00 PM - 01:15 PM ET

Lunch

01:20 PM - 02:05 PM ET

Management Concerns: Scenario Planning

Did you know that Forbes has reported that organizations engaging scenario planning are 25% more likely to achieve their DEI goals? You’ll learn how to implement effective scenario planning strategies, enhancing strategic alignment across DEI initiatives and increasing adaptability to changing demographics and social dynamics.

Sherri Crowley, Chief Culture and Values Officer, HCA Healthcare

01:20 PM - 02:05 PM ET

Adaptive Talent Strategies: Hiring & Retention in an Uncertain Climate

Hiring and retention strategies are under pressure. Legal uncertainties, changing employee expectations, and economic shifts are forcing companies to rethink how they attract and keep top talent. We’ll look at how organizations are adapting, how they’re balancing compliance with inclusion, navigating new restrictions, and ensuring that hiring remains both legally sound and competitive.

02:10 PM - 02:25 PM ET

Networking Break

02:30 PM - 03:00 PM ET

From Measurement to Movement: Implementing Change from the Data

You’ve got the data – now, what are you going to do with it? Unlock the potential of data-driven insights in this session, and explore actionable strategies for translating metrics into meaningful actions that drive positive change within your organization.

Lisa Armstrong, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Bechtel

04:50 PM - 05:30 PM ET

What Does the Future Hold for Inclusion?

We convene industry leaders to share their insights, predictions and expectations for the immediate future, based on their years of experience in the field. Their experience will help you proactively shape your organizations' strategies, ensuring you remain at the forefront of inclusive practices and drive sustainable business growth in an increasingly complex global environment

Soon Mee Kim, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Omnicom Communications Consultancy Network

Sally Saba, VP, Global Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, and President, Medtronic Foundation