Recharging for What’s Next
2026 North American Developing Across Differences Learning Lab
2026 North American Developing Across Differences Learning Lab
October 25-27, Toronto, Canada
October 25-27, Toronto, Canada
The landscape of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging continues to shift. Forward-thinking practitioners are deepening their expertise and expanding their impact.
For no matter which direction the winds may blow, our diversity—and the need to understand and work together to leverage it in our organizations and communities— does not diminish.
Join the IDD and our partners at the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks team for this exceptional in-person professional development and networking opportunity.
OVERVIEW HOW IT WORKS
OVERVIEW
HOW IT WORKS
This 2.5-day experience (October 25-27 in Toronto, Canada) is designed as a strategic “think-and-do-tank” for Inclusion & Belonging (I&B) professionals to step out of our daily silos and into a collaborative environment to recharge themselves in order, ultimately, to better serve our audiences.
Come for the entire experience—or one session. This is your opportunity to:
- expand your expertise and professional toolkit,
- build restorative cross-sector and industry connections,
- share evidence-based best practices and strategies, and
- demonstrate the continued, critical role of I&B in our workplaces and communities.
This 2.5-day experience (October 25-27 in Toronto, Canada) is designed as a strategic “think-and-do-tank” for Inclusion & Belonging (I&B) professionals to step out of our daily silos and into a collaborative environment to recharge themselves in order, ultimately, to better serve our audiences.
Come for the entire experience—or one session. This is your opportunity to:
- expand your expertise and professional toolkit,
- build restorative cross-sector and industry connections,
- share evidence-based best practices and strategies, and
- demonstrate the continued, critical role of I&B in our workplaces and communities.
OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
To inquire about becoming a Partner, contact info@iddifferences.org
IN-PERSON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS
We are pleased to offer six (6) outstanding one-day in-person workshops to support you as a practitioner leading inclusion and belonging efforts. Whether you work with organizations, individuals—or both—you’ll benefit from the experts’ experts leading each course.
Find the courses right for you
Click on a Workshop title to learn more.
Dr. Nadine Binder
Click on a Workshop title to learn more.
Monday, October 26
Workshops run 8:30AM-4:15PM EST
Led by DR. NAGESH RAO
This workshop provides hands-on culturally-adaptive consulting, facilitating, and coaching techniques to incorporate in your work. Participate in order to:
- Recognize and understand how culture shapes communication patterns, preferences, and expectations
- Practice communication tools and techniques that support culturally adaptive dialogue, including questioning, listening, silence, statements
- Better apply culturally-adaptive practices to your own contexts
Led by GAMIEL YAFAI
This workshop offers an intensive introduction* to assessing an organization’s inclusiveness using the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB) maturity model. Participate so you:
- Discover the GDEIB framework, model and its component parts
- Better make the case for organizational Belonging & Inclusion investments using the GDEIB
- Learn how to gather evidence and make assessments using the Benchmarks
*Upon successfully completing this workshop, you will be pre-qualified to enroll in the GDEIB Practitioner Certification program at a specially discounted rate (30% off) to earn official certification.
Led by NENE MOLEFI with NADINE BINDER
This intensive workshop moves beyond theory to practical application, helping you translate GDEIB insights into actionable strategies and sustained change within an organization using a case study model:
- Identify priority areas for intervention
- Design strategies and change plans that align with organizational goals and analysis insights
- Build internal capacity and accountability structures for inclusion work
- Conduct iterative follow-up and measurement to steer sustainable change
CASE STUDY #1 (Note that Case Studies 1 and 2 will be sufficiently different that those wishing to gain significant practice applying the GDEIB for strategy development and implementation may wish to enroll on both days.)
*Requires advanced familiarity with the GDEIB Model / Method
This workshop provides hands-on culturally-adaptive consulting, facilitating, and coaching techniques to incorporate in your work. Participate in order to:
- Recognize and understand how culture shapes communication patterns, preferences, and expectations
- Practice communication tools and techniques that support culturally adaptive dialogue, including questioning, listening, silence, statements
- Better apply culturally-adaptive practices to your own contexts
Led by DR. NAGESH RAO
>>> LEARN MORE
This workshop offers an intensive introduction* to assessing an organization’s inclusiveness using the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB) maturity model. Participate so you:
- Discover the GDEIB framework, model and its component parts
- Better make the case for organizational Belonging & Inclusion investments using the GDEIB
- Learn how to gather evidence and make assessments using the Benchmarks
Led by GAMIEL YAFAI
>>> LEARN MORE
*Upon successfully completing this workshop, you will be pre-qualified to enroll in the GDEIB Practitioner Certification program at a specially discounted rate (30% off) to earn official certification.
This intensive workshop moves beyond theory to practical application, helping you translate GDEIB insights into actionable strategies and sustained change within an organization using a case study model:
- Identify priority areas for intervention
- Design strategies and change plans that align with organizational goals and analysis insights
- Build internal capacity and accountability structures for inclusion work
- Conduct iterative follow-up and measurement to steer sustainable change
CASE STUDY #1 (Note that Case Studies 1 and 2 will be sufficiently different that those wishing to gain significant practice applying the GDEIB for strategy development and implementation may wish to enroll on both days.)
Led by NENE MOLEFI with NADINE BINDER
>>> LEARN MORE
*Requires advanced familiarity with the GDEIB Model / Method
Tuesday, October 27
Workshops run 8:30AM-4:15PM EST
Led by DR. NADINE BINDER
This course helps you better work with culture-specific diversity dimensions in Inclusion & Belonging strategies. As a result of your participation, you will be able to:
- Connect the influence of identity, context, rapidly shifting circumstances, and power dynamics on psychological safety
- Design concrete, four-step strategies to intentionally support psychological safety across different groups
- Develop an initial action plan to implement in your own context
Led by DR. KAREN FRANCIS, ALISON CUMMINGS
This course helps you better work with culture-specific diversity dimensions in Inclusion & Belonging strategies. You will be able to:
- Identify which diversity dimensions are most relevant within different cultural contexts
- Design inclusion strategies that account for culture-specific diversity priorities
- Apply core strategies for navigating between global frameworks and local realities
Led by NENE MOLEFI with CATHERINE MENYHART
This intensive workshop moves beyond theory to practical application, helping you translate GDEIB insights into actionable strategies and sustained change within an organization using a case study model:
- Identify priority areas for intervention
- Design strategies and change plans that align with organizational goals and analysis insights
- Build internal capacity and accountability structures for inclusion work
- Conduct iterative follow-up and measurement to steer sustainable change
CASE STUDY #2 (Note that Case Studies 1 and 2 will be sufficiently different that those wishing to gain significant practice applying the GDEIB for strategy development and implementation may wish to enroll on both days.)
*Requires advanced familiarity with the GDEIB Model / Method. Individuals who have successfully completed the GDEIB Jumpstart course on Monday, October 26 are eligible to participate.
This course helps you better work with culture-specific diversity dimensions in Inclusion & Belonging strategies. As a result of your participation, you will be able to:
- Connect the influence of identity, context, rapidly shifting circumstances, and power dynamics on psychological safety
- Design concrete, four-step strategies to intentionally support psychological safety across different groups
- Develop an initial action plan to implement in your own context
Led by DR. NADINE BINDER
>>> LEARN MORE
This course helps you better work with culture-specific diversity dimensions in Inclusion & Belonging strategies. You will be able to:
- Identify which diversity dimensions are most relevant within different cultural contexts
- Design inclusion strategies that account for culture-specific diversity priorities
- Apply core strategies for navigating between global frameworks and local realities
Led by DR. KAREN FRANCIS, ALISON CUMMINGS
>>> LEARN MORE
This intensive workshop moves beyond theory to practical application, helping you translate GDEIB insights into actionable strategies and sustained change within an organization using a case study model:
- Identify priority areas for intervention
- Design strategies and change plans that align with organizational goals and analysis insights
- Build internal capacity and accountability structures for inclusion work
- Conduct iterative follow-up and measurement to steer sustainable change
CASE STUDY #2: TOPIC HERE
Led by NENE MOLEFI with CATHERINE MENYHART
>>> LEARN MORE
*Requires advanced familiarity with the GDEIB Model / Method. Individuals who have successfully completed the GDEIB Jumpstart course on Monday, October 26 are eligible to participate.
PAUSE, PIVOT AND POWER UP STRUCTURED NETWORKING
The IDD’s structured networking sessions use thoughtfully designed, interactive methods that skip the small talk and focus on getting to the heart of the matter. This helps you build meaningful connections with peers from across the region who share your commitment to Inclusion & Belonging work in ever-changing times.
PAUSE, PIVOT, POWER UP
STRUCTURED NETWORKING
reconnect with colleagues from across the region and around the world
Reconnect with colleagues from across the region and around the world in these sessions:
PAUSE + SHARE Sunday, 25 October | 3-6 PM
Burning Issues Exchange
Through a series of facilitated introductions, connect with colleagues across sectors and industries. Make connections while learning about peers’ top opportunities and challenges today—and share your own.
INCLUDES LIGHT RECEPTION
PIVOT + RECHARGE Monday, 26 October | 5-8 PM
Evolving for Tomorrow
In guided roundtable sessions, we’ll look at how we might—collectively and on our own—respond to known, emerging and anticipated changes in the work of helping people better connect across differences.
INCLUDES LIGHT RECEPTION
(RE)NEW CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY
The DAD is for professionals who help individuals, organizations and societies better recognize, appreciate and use differences as a way of better communicating, working and thriving together.
These are (in-house and external) Inclusion & Belonging leaders, trainers, organizational development directors, educators, consultants, coaches, researchers, scholars, facilitators, HR staff, and professional development specialists. Participants join us from all over the world. You are welcome.
EVENT VENUE DYNAMIC DOWNTOWN TORONTO
Long celebrated for its official motto, “Diversity, Our Strength,” Toronto acts as a living laboratory for modern inclusion. Discover how the city has evolved beyond representation into a dynamic incubator for progressive, intersectional equity practices—whether in the corporate offices of Bay Street or the grassroots community spaces in the greater surrounding area.
International Living/Learning Centre AT Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
All Monday and Tuesday events take place at the TMU International Living/Learning Centre (ILC), conveniently situated downtown, approximately 50 minutes from Toronto’s Pearson Airport via public and private transport.
The Sunday afternoon networking session will be at a site (to be announced) nearby.
Venue
International Living/Learning Centre (ILC)
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
133 Mutual Street
Toronto, ON M5B 2L1
Directions
Get with Google Maps
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Hotels
There are many hotels in the surrounding area. We recommend booking.com or similar aggregators to find options at all price points. At this time, we do not offer hotel discounts.
FAQS GET ANSWERS
About the program
While most of our participants have at least 5 (and often 15+) years of experience, each course has a participant profile as determined together with the faculty member(s).
We understand that your circumstances are unique, and if you have questions as to whether you meet the course qualifications, we’re happy to discuss these with you. Email us at info@iddifferences.org with your questions or to schedule a brief advisory session.
This is 2.5-day event of which you may take part in all or some:
- Sunday, October 25: Structured Networking Session – 3-6pm EST.
- Monday, October 26:
- Professional development Workshops – 8:30am-4:15pm EST
- Structured Networking Session – 5-8pm EST
- Tuesday, October 27: Professional development Workshops – 8:30am-4:15pm EST
For those attending for the full time, we recommend that you arrive in Toronto no later than 12noon on Sunday, October 25 and plan to depart after 7pm on Tuesday, October 27.
Courses run from 8.30 am to 4.15 pm EST with breaks. One course day is equal to 6 learning contact hours.
Enrollment is capped at 10-25 places depending on the course.
You will be given a Certificate of Participation from the Institute listing the number of learning contact hours for each course you complete.
While the biggest take-aways are what you gain in the classroom and with your peers, depending on the faculty member, you may have additional materials provided in digital or paper form.
For this programme, participants should have enough command of the English language to take part in the discussions and to present their own thoughts and work in English.
Venue
All Monday and Tuesday events (Workshops and Networking Session) will be at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in Canada. Courses will take place at TMU’s International Living/Learning Centre in downtown Toronto. The space is accessible via 133 Mutual Street or 240 Jarvis Street. Signage will point you to the Workshop / Networking spaces.
The Sunday Networking Session will take place at a nearby location that will be announced closer to the time.
The city of Toronto is on the East Coast of Canada in Ontario. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) services many domestic and international flights and is approximately 50 minutes from the event venue. Several smaller regional airports (Billy Bishop (YTZ), and Hamilton (YHM)) are also nearby. Many trains and public transport options are available. See directions here.
There are many hotels in the surrounding area. We recommend booking.com or similar aggregators to find options at all price points. At this time, we do not offer hotel discounts.
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) promotes its First Nations, Inuit, and Métis heritage through academic programming, community support, and deliberate placemaking. It operates on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas, and Haudenosaunee, honoring the Dish With One Spoon treaty. Learn more here.
Registration
Register by selecting your package, indicating which Workshop(s) and Networking Session(s) you wish to take part in, and making payment. Register here.
Once we receive your registration, we will contact you within 5 business days to confirm your eligibility.
Please note that since all courses are subject to meeting minimum enrolments, the DAD team will confirm on or before 9 September 2026 that your course is taking place. We strongly advise you not to make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have received this confirmation.
If you are unable to use your organization’s credit card (or use your own and apply for reimbursement from your employer), we may be able to invoice them directly. Contact info@iddifferences.org with your request. We charge an additional administrative fee for issuing invoices.
Regular registration for all Workshops closes on September 1, 2026. Extended registration for select Workshops and Networking closes on October 15, 2026.
At this time we regret we are not able to offer this option. However, if special payment arrangements are needed, contact us at info@iddifferences.org to discuss your needs.
Costs
The regular fee for each Workshop is CAD$775 + HST (mandatory tax). The regular fee for each Networking Session is CAD$300 + HST (mandatory tax).
Discounts are available for those wishing to attend multiple events. These are in the form of the following packages:
- All-Access Package is CAD$1925 and includes your participation in two (2) Workshops + two (2) Networking Sessions. This is a discount of CAD$200 off the regular price for each component.
- 2-Day Package is CAD$1750 and includes your participation in two (2) Workshops + one (1) Networking Session of your choice. This is a discount of CAD$125 off the regular price for each component.
Packages are per person and may not be shared.
We invite you to learn more about the IDD’s fiscal philosophy.
Refunds for courses are not available except in the case of course cancellation by the DAD organizers. Full details are available on the Developing Across Differences (DAD) Learning Lab & Community Week Terms and Conditions page.
At this time, we do not offer a scholarship or financial aid scheme for this programme. We try to price fairly per our fiscal philosophy, yet never want pricing to be a barrier to participation. If you have considerations we should be aware of, please contact us at info@iddifferences.org.
Not finding the information you need? Send us an inquiry.
NORTH AMERICA: TORONTO
25-27 October 2026
pause, pivot, and power up
Inclusion & Belonging Today: Evolving, Not Receding
In an era of unprecedented organizational change, the role of the Inclusion & Belonging (I&B) practitioner has never been more vital—or more complex. The North American Developing Across Differences (NA-DAD) Learning Lab is a dedicated space for this community to pause, pivot, and power up.
This 2.5-day experience on October 25-27 in Toronto* is designed as a strategic “think-and-do-tank” for I&B professionals to step out of their daily silos and into a collaborative environment to recharge themselves in order, ultimately, to better serve their audiences.
WORKSHOPS
For this initial edition of the event, we are pleased to offer six (6) outstanding in-person workshops for those whose work helps individuals, organizations and communities develop across differences. All courses take place on Monday, 26 and Tuesday, 27 October from 8:30AM-4:15PM in Toronto, Canada. (Details are below.)
SEND US AN INQUIRY
REGISTER
The DAD is for professionals who help individuals, organizations and societies better recognize, appreciate and use differences as a way of better communicating, working and thriving together.
These are (in-house and external) Inclusion & Belonging leaders, trainers, organizational development diretors, educators, consultants, coaches, researchers, scholars, facilitators, HR staff, and professional development specialists. Participants join us from all over the world. You are welcome.
2026 North American Developing Across Differences (NA-DAD) Learning Lab
October 25-27, Toronto, Canada
Recharging for What’s Next
The landscape of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging continues to shift. While some pull back, forward-thinking practitioners are deepening their expertise and expanding their impact.
For no matter which direction the winds may blow, our diversity—and the need to understand and work together to leverage it in our organizations and communities— does not diminish.
Join us for this exceptional in-person professional development and networking event.
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WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY
“An excellent program. Well taught and provides a lot of useful information
and insights.”
—Jannet (Lavalette) van de Riet, Netherlands