Series
"A" Workshops
Workshop
IA
Downsizing: Maintaining a Fair
and Legal Racial Workforce Balance Discussion
Forum :
Recent data published by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) indicate an upward trend in job discrimination claims.
In 2008, there was a 15 percent overall increase in claims with
race discrimination accounting for 36 percent of all claims
filed last year. While there are a number of variables impacting
this upward trend, current economic conditions are playing a
key role. This session will address reducing your risk associated
with economic layoffs, incorporating diversity into your downsizing
or restructuring strategy, and maintaining a fair and racially
balanced workforce. Legal experts will review strategies for
assessing and minimizing your risks, managing potential conflict
and increasing your transparency during layoffs.
Workshop
IIA
The Importance of Diversity
in Good and Bad Times
Discussion Forum :
History has taught us that economic highs and lows move in cycles.
During bad times senior leadership is quick to make cuts to
line items that, from there perspective, do not net tangible,
financial benefits. During this session, industry experts will
share strategies that address the important attributes of diversity
and the critical role it plays in promoting employee engagement
and boosting morale when a corporation is challenged by the
economy; and that by standing on the shoulders of diversity,
corporations can create an atmosphere of innovation that will
contribute to talent development and long-term growth. Companies
that continue to recruit, promote and develop a diverse talent
pool will be more adaptable and more competitive when the economic
trend begins to move upward.
Workshop
IIIA
Supplier Diversity: Keeping
MBEs in the Game
Discussion Forum :
Minority-owned businesses play a critical role in contributing
to the economic vitality of the U. S. economy, and are a major
source of job creation in this country. Minority firms, however,
are challenged in good and bad economic times. Limited access
to key decision-makers has been a major barrier and corporate
supplier diversity strategies have become an important element
in ensuring that, in order to thrive, the minority business
community gains access. This session will explore what corporations
are doing to engage the minority business community, and strategies
being implemented to keep MBEs in the game so everybody wins. |
Series
"B" Workshops
Workshop
IB
Diversity
Matters: Ramping Up the Rate of Leadership Engagement
Discussion Forum :
Strong leadership and commitment are critical components to
the success of diversity initiatives. It is especially important
during turbulent times for key corporate officers and team leaders
to step up visibility on why diversity matters, stay focused
on the mission, vision and core values of the organization,
and ramp up CEO engagement. These initiatives must remain top-of-mind
in the C-suite. Aligning diversity with the strategic objectives
of the organization will ensure preservation during economic
highs and lows enabling organizations to forge ahead. This session
will explore strategies for engaging and aligning senior leaders
around sustainability, collaboration and innovation while continuing
to yield shareholder value.
Workshop
IIB
The
Multiracial Pipeline: Preserving Your Talent Investments
Discussion Forum :
Although the business case for workforce diversity has been
documented on many levels, recruitment and retention programs
are being severely impacted by the economic crisis. Talent management
strategies represent a significant investment in many industry
segments. It has been noted that some industries invest as much
as $1 billion per year on training and professional development
programs and initiatives. This session will explore designing
creative strategies that will continue to develop the multiracial
talent pipeline despite economic attrition, and making informed
downsizing recommendations while retaining diverse assets. It
will also challenge you to think more transformational and less
transactional by capitalizing talent investments for long-term
growth.
Workshop
IIIB
Developing
Recession Resistant Business Models for MBEs
Discussion Forum :
A business model is defined as a framework for creating economic,
social and/or other forms of value. All businesses, large and
small, are being challenged by the current economic conditions.
Spending cuts and frozen financial markets, however, have further
limited access to sources of capital for small firms. This session
will examine if you are running your business in the most efficient
manner, and if you should rethink your business model in order
to thrive and survive during economic highs and lows. It will
also examine strategic alliances as a means of cutting costs,
monitoring key market indicators, and developing new product
offerings and incentives.
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