32nd Annual Conference
March 10-12, 2020
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minnesota
2020 Conference Experience
Facing Forward
A new decade brings challenges that demand new solutions to meet the diverse needs of changing markets, customers, and talent. With eyes on the future, leaders must be open to shifts in their approaches to addressing workplace issues and more—they must be willing to learn from those who bring different ideas, experiences and perspectives. In 2020, we’re Facing Forward!
2020 Sessions
View our 2020 conference sessions.
Schedule of Events
Three days, endless opportunities. View our schedule of events.
Marketplace of Ideas
Immerse yourself in more than 70 exhibitor booths, art & wellness vendors, and more.
Conference Rates
Take advantage of early bird pricing. View our 2020 conference rates.
Coaching Center
Outcome-focused assistance you can apply when returning to the workplace.
Hotel & Travel
Arrangements for special rates with two hotels located near the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Volunteer
Volunteer at the nation’s largest workplace diversity, equity & inclusion conference.
FAQs
Have questions? Visit our frequently asked questions page for answers.
Main Stage General Sessions
Create momentum and energy by diving deeper into a stimulating variety of topics in this year‘s General Sessions. You’ll learn from both pioneers and emerging leaders in the diversity, equity, and inclusion field who bring different ideas, experiences and perspectives.
These are the sessions participants will be talking about all year long!
New This Year
Expanded Wellness Center
It is important that participants have ample space to rest, relax and rejuvenate.
The Arts Series
Interact or dialogue with artists and their art across multiple mediums
New Attendee Cohorts
Information new attendees need, in welcoming leader-based cohort
Offsite Immersive Learning Experiences
Highly participatory experiential offsite sessions led by skilled presenters
Universal Innovation: Invention Sprint
We’re unlocking the power of open innovation with a universal design challenge
Our three-day flagship event, the annual conference, is our premier learning opportunity at the cutting-edge of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) landscape.
The annual conference is HRCI and SHRM Continuing Education Credit (CEU) eligible.
Conference Quick Facts
Dates
March 10 – 12, 2020
Location
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Cost
Visit our Conference Rates page
About this Year’s Conference
Developing Our Conference Theme
Each year, through research and analysis, we – The Forum – identify current and emerging trends across the global business landscape. After rounds of vetting and re-tooling, a conference theme is determined. From the conference theme, four Learning Pillars are created to help bring the conference theme to life.
What’s the Purpose of a Conference Theme?
The conference theme is the guiding source for all of the content and programming during the conference year – both identifying current and emerging trends as well as pushing new conversations and thinking in the DEI space. Hours, days, and months were spent in researching and creating the conference theme and Learning Pillars. We encourage everyone to utilize them in your own workplace or where you find value either before, during, or after the conference.
2020 Conference Theme: Facing Forward
A new decade brings challenges that demand new solutions to meet the diverse needs of changing markets, customers, and talent. With eyes on the future, leaders must be open to shifts in their approaches to addressing workplace issues and more—they must be willing to learn from those who bring different ideas, experiences and perspectives.
Equipping our workforce with the diversity, equity, and inclusion skills needed to sustain our businesses into the future requires forward-facing and innovative thinking focused on both local and global solutions. It requires the agility to adapt to the digital environment, commit to global citizenship, and engender new ways of working together to deliver relevant products and services and create spaces where a diverse body of talent can thrive.
The Learning Pillars
Future Fluency
Knowledge to stay relevant and keep pace with rapid change
What must we do to be knowledgeable about the future and keep pace with change so our inclusion solutions are not outdated by the time we implement them?
Global Citizenship
Whole-world sensibilities and responsibilities
How can we ensure our practices and solutions meet local needs while exercising a global sensibility and responsibility?
Universal Innovation
Better solutions to meet expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion needs
With multiple dimensions of diversity in mind, how can we bring about innovative solutions to meet universal needs?
New Perspectives
Evolving our pasts to inform the future
In an attempt to expand the narrative, how do we honor the history of our individual and collective experiences and invite new perspectives with the goal of moving forward together to inform the future?
The Forum on Workplace Inclusion® annual conference is the nation’s largest workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) conference designed for a national & global audience.
Get Conference Notifications
Subscribe to our mailing list!
Join our mailing list and get updates about The Forum’s 2020 conference as they become available.
Who Attends the Annual Conference?
Below is a breakdown of who attended our 2019 annual conference: Bridging the Gap. Want to learn more about about our 2019 conference?
People Involved
1,426
Presenters
197
Marketplace of Ideas Exhibitors
74
Volunteers
131
US States
39
Coaching Sessions
171
Countries
15
Participating Businesses
426
Sponsor Companies
39
Fortune 500 Companies
27
CEO Action for D&I Pledge Signatories
25
Download the 2019 Annual Conference By the Numbers infographic.
What else does the Forum do?
The Forum on Workplace Inclusion® – or The Forum for short – operates as an organization offering a wide variety of events, programs, and resources in addition to our flagship event – the annual conference. So who is The Forum, and what else does The Forum do? Click to find out more!
Support The Forum!
Align your brand with the best in the industry! Expand your commitment, influence, and visibility to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our collective impact sponsorship model engages people and organizations both globally and locally. The Forum on Workplace Inclusion® is a year-round hub to align and engage before, during, and after the annual conference – with active financial and advisory support for our collaborative work.