Binghamton event focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The Greater Binghamton Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Conference is set for next Wednesday Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Binghamton at 225 Water St.

Presented by the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the event’s theme is “A Moment in Our Shoes.” It will focus on the lived experiences of individuals in the community and ways to create inclusive workplaces to increase productivity, development, and more.

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace does not stop at hiring practices but is a core feature of our larger workplace cultures,” Leadership Alliance CEO Stacey Duncan said in a press release. “Giving each employee the necessary opportunities to grow their understanding of DEI makes the workplace more vibrant and productive.”

Keynote speaker Lisa Harris, senior VP of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, will speak on the correlation between bias and discrimination in the workplace and untapped productivity and poor health outcomes. The event will also include facilitated discussions and a panel session with members of the 2023 DEI cohort.

“This year’s conference will demonstrate the perspectives of the developing workforce,” Morgan White, the Greater Binghamton Chamber’s talent initiatives and special projects manager, said. “Understanding these viewpoints will help employers to build inclusive workplaces that will both attract and retain valuable talent, a high priority for members of our business community.”

The fee for the event is $60 for chamber members and $80 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit https://greaterbinghamtonchamber.com/dei/conference.