Schedule
The National Belonging Council is proud to present an annual lineup of events designed to explore the evolving role of belonging in workplaces. From insightful keynotes to hands-on workshops, interactive panels, and networking opportunities, the schedule offers valuable resources for anyone looking to advance their understanding of inclusion and belonging. Each year’s schedule features renowned speakers, thought-provoking sessions, and recognition of leaders who are making impactful contributions to belonging in their organizations. Join us as we explore innovative ways to foster environments where every individual can thrive.
2026 Schedule
Theme for the Year: The Belonging Advantage: Connecting Culture to Performance
All events are virtual from 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM CT to accommodate busy executive schedules.
Quarter 1: The Foundation & Business Case
February 10, 2026: The Belonging Dividend: Linking Culture to Financial Performance
Kick off the year with a data-driven session. Explore the latest research and case studies that directly connect investments in belonging to key metrics like retention, productivity, and innovation.
March 12, 2026: Workshop: Diagnosing Your Culture of Belonging
A practical workshop where members learn to use simple, effective tools and surveys to measure psychological safety and belonging within their teams, establishing a baseline for improvement.
Quarter 2: Leadership & Management Skills
April 14, 2026: The Language of Inclusive Leadership
Move beyond theory to the specifics of communication. This session focuses on the exact phrases and behaviors that foster inclusion and those that unintentionally undermine it.
May 21, 2026: Fireside Chat: A CEO’s Perspective on Belonging
An intimate conversation with a sitting CEO who has championed belonging as a core business strategy, discussing the challenges, wins, and measurable impact on their organization.
Quarter 3: Systems & Strategy
July 16, 2026: Embedding Belonging into Your Talent Lifecycle
A strategic session on moving from isolated initiatives to systemic change. Learn how to integrate belonging principles into hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, and promotions.
August 18, 2026: The Hybrid Work Challenge: Maintaining Connection from Afar
Address the most pressing modern workplace issue. This workshop provides frameworks for ensuring remote and hybrid employees feel as valued, connected, and included as in-person team members.
Quarter 4 Innovation & Future Focus
October 15, 2026: Belonging as an Innovation Catalyst
Explore how psychological safety and diverse perspectives are the bedrock of creative problem-solving. Learn strategies to structure teams and meetings to unleash innovative thinking.
November 19, 2026: Annual Look-Ahead: The Future of Belonging
Close the year with a forward-thinking session. Council leaders and experts will share emerging trends, predicted challenges, and the next frontiers for building belonging in the workplace, preparing members for 2027.
1. Understanding Belonging
Thursday, April 11, 2026
Description:
A true sense of belonging is the cornerstone of a thriving organization. This webinar delves into the essential elements that make individuals feel valued, respected, and connected to their team and mission. We will explore the direct link between belonging and enhanced performance, innovation, and retention. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for building an environment where every member can fully contribute and succeed.
2. Belonging and Well-being
Tuesday, April 23, 2025
Belonging and well-being are deeply interconnected. When individuals feel a sense of belonging, their mental health, productivity, and overall well-being improve. This session will discuss the relationship between belonging and well-being, providing strategies for leaders and HR professionals to create inclusive spaces that support emotional and psychological safety. Learn how organizations can enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and resilience by prioritizing belonging as a key element of workplace well-being.
3. How to Ensure Everyone Belongs
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
How can organizations move beyond surface-level inclusion to ensure that every individual truly belongs? This webinar will explore inclusive leadership strategies, equitable policies, and best practices that help foster belonging in diverse teams. Attendees will learn about key barriers to belonging, how to address them, and how to create an environment where diverse voices are heard, respected, and valued.
4. Empathy and Belonging: Essential Skills for Creating Impactful Communities
Monday, May 19, 2025
Empathy is at the heart of belonging. Without understanding others’ perspectives, it is impossible to create truly inclusive environments. This webinar will delve into the role of empathy in building strong communities and organizations, providing actionable steps for fostering emotional intelligence and inclusive behaviors. Participants will explore how empathy-driven leadership and engagement create workplaces and communities where individuals feel valued and empowered.
5. Championing Belonging: Inspiring Change in Organizations and Beyond
Thursday, June 5, 2025
Creating a culture of belonging requires action and advocacy. This session will focus on how individuals and leaders can champion belonging within organizations, educational institutions, and broader communities. Learn from real-world examples of successful belonging initiatives, gain insights into measuring impact, and discover how to become a catalyst for inclusive change.
6. Belonging, Thrive Together
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
When belonging is prioritized, individuals and organizations thrive together. This webinar will highlight the benefits of fostering belonging as a key driver of innovation, collaboration, and growth. Participants will explore how belonging enhances engagement, retention, and performance while creating a positive ripple effect on workplace culture and society at large. Join us for a forward-thinking discussion on building sustainable belonging initiatives that benefit everyone.
1. Belonging 101
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
What does belonging truly mean, and why is it critical in today’s workplaces? This foundational training introduces the key principles of belonging, how it differs from diversity and inclusion, and its impact on individual well-being and organizational success. Participants will gain an understanding of the psychological and emotional aspects of belonging and learn practical steps to create environments where all individuals feel accepted and valued.
2. Creating a Culture of Belongingness
Monday, May 5, 2025
Building a culture of belonging doesn’t happen by chance—it requires intentional leadership and strategic efforts. This training will explore how organizations can embed belonging into their culture through inclusive policies, leadership development, and employee engagement strategies. Participants will learn how to assess and improve workplace environments to ensure that everyone feels connected and valued.
3. Leading with Belonging First
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Great leaders prioritize belonging as a fundamental part of their leadership approach. This session focuses on how leaders at all levels can cultivate a sense of belonging within their teams, foster trust, and enhance collaboration. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will learn how to lead with empathy, inclusivity, and belonging at the forefront.
4. Belonging & Psychological Safety
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Psychological safety is a key factor in fostering belonging, innovation, and high-performing teams. This training will explore the science behind psychological safety, its connection to belonging, and how leaders can create spaces where employees feel safe to express ideas, take risks, and contribute fully. Attendees will learn actionable strategies to promote open communication, trust, and psychological well-being in the workplace.
1. Belonging & Leadership Summit
Thursday, April 17, 2025
The Belonging & Leadership Summit is a premier gathering of leaders committed to fostering a culture of belonging in workplaces and communities. This summit will feature keynote speakers, executive roundtables, and leadership workshops focused on integrating belonging into leadership strategies, talent development, and team engagement. Attendees will explore how belonging enhances innovation, collaboration, and leadership effectiveness across industries.
2. The Belonging Forum
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
The Belonging Forum is an interactive event designed for professionals, HR leaders, and DEI advocates seeking to deepen their understanding of belonging in the workplace. Through engaging panel discussions, case studies, and expert-led breakout sessions, participants will gain insights into creating policies and initiatives that promote inclusion, trust, and engagement. This forum is an opportunity to exchange best practices, network with peers, and develop actionable solutions for cultivating a sense of belonging in diverse environments.
3. The Belonging Symposium
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The Belonging Symposium is a thought leadership event dedicated to exploring the latest research, trends, and strategies for advancing belonging in workplaces, education, and society. This symposium will feature academic presentations, interactive discussions, and real-world case studies showcasing the impact of belonging on organizational performance, employee well-being, and community engagement. Attendees will leave with new perspectives and practical tools for driving lasting change in their organizations and beyond.
Stay updated with the latest events, workshops, and training sessions focused on leadership, development, and belonging. Plan your DEI journey with our comprehensive calendar of events. Visit DEIB Calendar to explore upcoming opportunities and mark your calendar today!
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