The Workplace Summit is presented by Hewlett-Packard and IBM, in addition to support from 118 sponsoring corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Check out conference highlights after the jump.
Dynamic speakers, including business executives, celebrities, journalists, and activists:
TUESDAY: Vladi Luxuria, Former Member of Parliament, Italy, and the Northern Hemisphere’s first openly transgender Member of Parliament; Judy Shepard, mother of the late Matthew Shepard and founder of The Matthew Shepard Foundation; Joan Collins, British actress, author and columnist, aka uber LGBT icon, Alexis Carrington Colby.
WEDNESDAY: Beth Brooke, Global Vice Chair—Public Policy at Ernst & Young, named five times to the list of Forbes "World's 100 Most Powerful Women”; Tiffany Dufu, President of The White House Project; Selisse Berry, Founding Executive Director of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates; Benjamin Todd Jealous, President of the NAACP; Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, America’s first African-American female combat pilot; and Zack Wahls, who addressed the Iowa House Judiciary Committee in support of gay marriage, becoming an internet sensation, and who spoke to an ecstatic reception at the Democratic National Convention.
THURSDAY: Brigadier General, Tammy Smith, the first openly LGBT officer of flag rank in the U.S. Army.
On Monday, October 29, exceptional trainers will present a series of Leadership Seminars:
- Employee Resource Group Seminar
- Communities of Color Seminar
- Transgender Awareness & Inclusion: Getting There from Wherever You Are Now
- Ally Leadership Development
- LGBT Diversity Leadership: Train the Trainer Course
- Federal Leadership Seminar
Powerful featured panels will look in depth at aspects of workplace equality on:
- Bisexuality in Our Cultures and Our Lives: A Panel of Experts
- Intersections of Race, Ethnicity, Orientation and Identity
- Intersections of Ability, Orientation and Identity
- Progress for the LGBT Community by the Federal Government
- Moving Forward on the Federal Employment Non Discrimination Act
- Allies and Transgender Employees: Supporting Transition
- Community Engagement: The Benefit of Corporate Partnership
- LGBT ERG of the Year: The Experience of Outie Award Winners
- LGBT Parenting: Our Children Speak, featuring Zack Wahls
- The Impact of Self-ID: Gains and Challenges
- Corporations as Mirrors of Change and as “Change Agents” in the LGBT Community
- The Values and Responsibilities of Executive Sponsors
The Global Series, sponsored by IBM, will look at the state of workplace equality throughout the world, including Europe, Latin America, and Asia, and the series will also address the ways in which globalization is impacting the LGBT experience:
- IBM’s Approach to LGBT Issues in Challenging Countries
- Immigration Equality: Issues on Immigration for the LGBT Community
- US Diplomacy and LGBT Rights Globally
- OUT NOW: The LGBT Global Workplace Experience—Country Survey Highlights
- Extending Diversity & Inclusion Strategy Globally: Case Study Latin America
- The Business of Fighting HIV & AIDS: From Walking to Running
Each year, the conference bestows the Outie Awards to individuals and corporations who are making a significant contribution to workplace equality.
This year’s Gala Dinner on Thursday evening is sponsored by Hewlett-Packard and Target, and hosted by political humorist and entertainer, Kate Clinton. Entertainment will be provided by Sister Sledge—featuring Kathy Sledge, Suede, and Potomac Fever, an a cappella ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. Special guest Brigadier General Tammy Smith who will share remarks on her experience about rising through the ranks of the U.S. Army while remaining true to herself.
More than 120 workshops, a special screening of Codebreaker, plus luncheons, networking opportunities, and a Halloween Party will round out the week’s events.
Full registration, Gala Dinner tickets, and day passes are all available onsite at the Pratt Street Lobby in the Baltimore Convention Center, beginning October 29.
