2026 Annual Conference
November 5 | Washington, DC
Attend this high-impact event where leaders in talent, culture, flexibility, and inclusion come together to explore one of the most urgent questions facing organizations today: how do we build the conditions for meaningful connection in the changing world of work?
The 2026 DFA Annual Conference will focus on the Choreographed Connection™ Imperative, examining how organizations can strengthen culture, deepen collaboration, and create a greater sense of community across teams, roles, and work environments.
WHY ATTEND
Technology and AI have made work more connected, yet many people feel more isolated than ever.
Research continues to show that connection is not simply a “nice to have” in the workplace. At the same time, the way we work continues to evolve rapidly. Technology has made communication faster and more efficient, but efficiency alone does not create connection. In environments shaped by distributed teams, digital communication, and increasing automation, it can become easier for people to feel isolated and disconnected from the relationships that help work feel collaborative and meaningful.
This year’s conference will explore what it means to intentionally design for connection in today’s workplace. Through conversations grounded in culture, leadership, collaboration, and community, we’ll examine how organizations can create environments where people feel seen, supported, and connected even as the way work happens continues to change.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
- Grounded, practical strategies you can bring back to your organization
- A deeper understanding of how connection influences engagement, wellbeing, communication, and organizational performance
- Research and examples that help support the business case for creating organizations where both performance and people thrive
- Opportunities to build relationships with peers who are working through similar challenges and priorities
Date and Location
November 5, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Akin
2001 K St NW
Washington, DC 20006
Pricing and Registration
*Pricing below excludes taxes and processing fees.
DFA Members
Members – Extra Tickets
Non-Members
Law School, Government, Nonprofit
Early Bird
June 26 – September 25
Free
2 tickets included
$545
$845
$249
Regular
September 26 – October 16
Free
Reserve by September 25
$645
$945
$349
Late
October 17 – October 30
Free
Reserve by September 25
$745
$1,045
$449
2026 Featured Speakers
Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan
CEO
AARP
Brigid Schulte
Award-winning journalist, bestselling author & director of the Better Life Lab at New America
Manoush Zomorodi
Author of Body Electric &
host of NPR’s “TED Radio Hour”
2026 Speakers + Honorees
Kelly Batts
Chief Diversity Officer
Cooley LLP
Jaye Campbell
General Counsel
Appian Corporation
Lia Dorsey
Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Ogletree Deakins
Nirvana Dove
Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer
FBT Gibbons
Stacey Kielbasa
Chief Talent Officer
Chapman and Cutler LLP
Manar Morales
Founder & CEO
DFA
Roy D. Prather, III
Principal
Beveridge & Diamond
David Quigley
Partner
Akin
Mahreen Rashid
EVP, Enterprise Enablement – People, Brand and Technology
Excella
Zakiyyah T. Salim-Williams
Partner & Chief Diversity Officer
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Melissa J. Schwartz
Partner
Akin
Don A. Smith
Chief Talent & Inclusion Officer
Crowell & Moring LLP
2026 Agenda
8:45 AM
Check in & Continental Breakfast
9:15 AM
The Choreographed Connection™ Imperative: Designing Culture in Times of Change
9:40 AM
A Fireside Chat on Caregiving & Connection: Seeing our Humanity at Work with Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan
10:10 AM
Break
10:20 AM
From Policy to Practice: How People Leaders Shape Culture
11:00 AM
Listening to Lead: Building Connection & Culture After A Merger
11:30 AM
Choreographed Connection™ Activity
11:50 AM
Lunch
12:50 PM
Time to Care: Rethinking Overwork and Who Provides Care, a Fireside Chat with Brigid Schulte
1:30 PM
DFA Frameworks & Resources
1:50 PM
Culture Catalysts in Action
2:20 PM
Choreographed Connection™ Activity
2:40 PM
Break
2:50 PM
Meeting the Moment: What’s Top of Mind for Leaders Navigating Culture & Change
3:35 PM
Choreographed Connection™ Activity
3:50 PM
Reclaiming Your Wellbeing: A Fireside Chat with Manoush Zomorodi
4:20 PM
Closing Remarks
CLE and SHRM Credits
Details are coming soon!
2026 Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Contact us for more information about sponsorship opportunities.
Conference Archive
2025
Evolving Leadership: Building Human-Centered Cultures
November 5, 2025
2024
Harnessing the Power of Your Organizational Culture
October 24, 2024
2023
Humanizing the Workplace: Thriving Beyond the Global Reset
November 2, 2023
2013 - 2022
Please contact us for information about DFA’s Annual Conference prior to 2023.
One day you can’t afford to miss
You’ll leave with renewed clarity, actionable ideas, and a sense of connection to help you lead more effectively.