Save the dates! 25-27 Oct 2026 | Toronto, Canada
In-person professional development & networking in North America
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: Recharging for What’s Next is a dedicated space for this community to pause, pivot, and power up.
Together with our partners at the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB), we are pleased to offer a new in-person event for I&B practitioners in the region—and beyond—across all sectors. Running from 25-27 October, this event will feature:
- six (6) 1-day professional development workshops ,
- two (2) structured networking sessions to connect with peers, and
- your opportunity to strengthen our community and purpose.
Full details and registration to come mid-June.
Add your name to be alerted when it is time to enroll.
Registration opens in June.
Professional Development Workshops Strengthen your Expertise
Developed based on research-based approaches, all workshops emphasize practical application over theoretical knowledge. Leave with tools, templates, and frameworks you can apply immediately in your work, along with a network of peers facing similar opportunities and challenges. All workshops run 8:30AM-4:15PM (subject to change).
Culturally-Adaptive Consulting, Facilitation & Coaching Methods
Workshop 1
Mon, 26 Oct
Dr. Nagesh Rao
LEARN MORE
Building GDEIB Strategies
Case Study #1 [Advanced-level]
Workshop 3
Mon, 26 Oct
Nene Molefi
w Dr. Nadine Binder
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Adapting for the Diversity of Diversity
Workshop 4
Tue, 27 Oct
Dr. Karen Francis,
Alison Cummings
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Building GDEIB Strategies
Case Study #2 [Advanced-level]
Workshop 6
Tue, 27 Oct
Nene Molefi
w Catherine Menyhart
LEARN MORE
Workshop 1 – Mon, 26 Oct
Culturally-Adaptive Consulting, Facilitation & Coaching Methods
Dr. Nagesh Rao
Workshop 2 – Mon, 26 Oct
GDEIB Jumpstart: Intensive Introduction
Gamiel Yafai
Workshop 3 – Mon, 26 Oct
[Advanced] GDEIB Strategies
Case Study #1
Nene Molefi [with Dr. Nadine Binder]
Workshop 4 – Tue, 27 Oct
New Ways of Fostering Psychological Safety in Uncertain Times
Dr. Nadine Binder
Workshop 5 – Tue, 27 Oct
Diversity is Diverse
Dr. Karen Francis and Alison Cummings
Workshop 6 – Tue, 27 Oct
[Advanced] GDEIB Strategies
Case Study #2
Nene Molefi [with Catherine Menyhart]
Structured Networking Expand your Peer Community
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 + SHARE Sunday, 25 October | 3-6 PM (tbc)
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.
DETAILS TO COME
PIVOT + RECHARGE Monday, 26 October | 5-8 PM (tbc)
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 individuals, organizations and communities better connect across their differences.
DETAILS TO COME