Sunday, October 16:  - USBLN® Pre-conference Meetings
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7:30 AM - 6:00 PM	Registration Open
8:00 AM - 2:45 PM	USBLN® Affiliates Meeting
9:00 AM - 2:45 PM	USBLN® Student Advisory Council Meeting – by Invitation
9:00 AM - 2:45 PM	USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) National Certification Committee Private Meeting – by Invitation
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM	ODEP Circle Meeting – by Invitation
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	ODEP Alliance Meeting – by Invitation
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Meeting Participants Lunch - on their own
1:00 PM - 2:45 PM	USBLN® Corporate Advisory Board Meeting – by Invitation
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM	Break
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM	USBLN® Board of Directors Meeting – by Invitation
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM	Welcome Reception & Mixer Hosted by Walmart - Ruby Partner Welcoming remarks delivered by Crosby Cromwell, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Foundation, Workplace Track Chair, Corporate Advisory Board, USBLN®, Stephen J. Szilagyi, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Conference Chair, USBLN® & Jill Houghton, Acting Executive Director, USBLN® Description: Be sure to book your travel to arrive on Sunday, October 16 to join us as the sun goes down for an evening networking reception. Start the conference off right by meeting your peers in advance to exchange stories while enjoying this exciting mixer. Begin some of the strong connections that our previous USBLN® conference attendees have established over the years. *Tickets provided for Monday prize drawings upon guest entry.

Monday, October 17:  - Opening Day
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7:30 AM - 5:00 PM	Registration Open
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Speaker & Press Room
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM	Opening General Plenary Session - Breakfast served Welcome and Conference Kick-off Keynotes: • Stephen J. Szilagyi, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Conference Chair, USBLN® • *Deb Russell, Manager, Outreach and Employee Services, Walgreens, Board Chair, USBLN® • Jill Houghton, Acting Executive Director, USBLN® * Prize drawing from Sunday Welcome Reception tickets.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Coffee Break
~ Breakout Sessions ~
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM	Breakout: Workplace Dialogue with U.S. DOL’s Policy & Enforcement Leadership Speakers: • Moderated by *Ann Andreosatos, Leader, Culture and Capability, North American Diversity & Inclusion Practice, Procter & Gamble, Board member, USBLN® • The Honorable Kathleen Martinez, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor‘s Office of Disability Employment Policy • Patricia A. Shiu, Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Federal Contracts Compliance Programs Description: USDOL held Entertainment, Healthcare and Financial Services Industry Sector Summits, and new Section 503 and VEVRAA regulations are expected this summer. Learn the Summit results, proposed disability employment policies, and OFCCP implementation plans. Ask your questions. Engage in dialogue. Learning objectives: 1. Understand the systemic and subtle employment barriers facing workers with disabilities. 2. Learn new opportunities for cooperation and collaborations to dismantle the barriers. 3. Learn what will be required of Federal contractors under the new VEVRAA and 503 regulations.
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM	Breakout: Workplace Our Ability: Mentoring People to Employment & Disability Etiquette Speaker: • John Robinson, Founder, Our Ability, General Manager, AXXESS Media, Author of "Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination" Description: This session will present a series of videos produced by Our Ability of people John Robinson, Author of "Get Off Your Knees" has met along the way in his travels. These presentations feature people with a disability that he views as a great success and examples to young people. Participants will also discuss and identify proper etiquette for employing and mentoring people with disabilities. Learning objectives: 1. View successful video stories of individuals. 2. See the commonalities and what makes us successful. 3. Look for those attributes with ourselves and our future employees.
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM	Breakout: Marketplace A Russia/US Dialogue: People with Disabilities and Global Business Speakers: • *Lori Golden, Associate Director, Inclusiveness; AccessAbilities Leader, Americas People Team, Ernst & Young, Board member, USBLN®, USA • Loren Mikola, Disability Inclusion Program Manager, Microsoft, USA • Tatiana Pesotskaya, Pro Bono & Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Clifford Chance CIS Limited, Russia • Elena Arefieva, HR Director, DPD Russia Description: Are People with Disabilities especially well equipped to work effectively across borders and cultures? Does living with a disability enable a person to appreciate and value differences? Join this international discussion on disability inclusion in the workplace and in the marketplace in Russia and the U.S. Learning objectives: 1. Understand how living with a disability may help bridge cultural gaps. 2. Learn how the differences in perception of disability in the Russian and U.S. societies impact inclusion initiatives. 3. Learn innovative ways that companies can leverage the talents of employees with disabilities to increase their share of the marketplace.
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM	Breakout: Supply Chain (D&I leaders and professionals, supply chain and other procurement representatives, and supplier diversity professionals) Building the Corporate Business Case Speakers: • Tim Ruddell, Manager, Sustainable Procurement, KPMG LLP • *Beth Butler, Director Diversity & Inclusion, Lowe‘s Companies, Inc., Board member, USBLN® • Fernando Hernandez, Supplier Diversity Director, Microsoft Corporation Description: This session will take a look at leading and next practices in diversity and inclusion by top corporations. Learn how to define specific elements of the business case to align with your organization‘s vision and how the inclusion of disability-owned businesses, including those owned by service disabled veterans, in corporate supply chains contribute to key business drivers. Our speakers will share strategies for strengthening disability spend results in supplier diversity programs, maximizing partnerships with internal D&I leaders, engaging Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and more.
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM	Breakout: Supply Chain (DOBE®s and non-certified disability-owned businesses) Why Certification - Getting Down to Certification Basics Speakers: • Patricia J. Richards, Director, Disability Supplier Diversity Program®, USBLN® • Cindy Ulven, President/CEO, Accelerated Engraving & Signage (DOBE®) • Richard Moore, Supplier Diversity Manager, Southwest Airlines Description: This session will focus on the USBLN® certification process, why it has value for both disability-owned business enterprises (including businesses owned by service disabled veterans) and is considered a critical requirement by many inclusive corporations and government organizations. Attend this session to learn more about the process, starting with initial application through final determination. DOBE®s will share how they are benefitting from certification received from the USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program®.
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM	Breakout: Workplace Welcoming remarks by *Deb Russell, Manager, Outreach and Employee Services, Walgreens, Board Chair, USBLN® Levi Strauss and Co. Employee HIV/AIDS Program Speaker: • Paurvi Bhatt, Senior Director, Strategic Health Initiatives, Employee HIV/AIDS Program, Total Rewards – Global H.R., Levi Strauss and Co. Description: Levi Strauss and Co. has a very unique Employee HIV/AIDS Program that improves access to HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment and care – as well as workplace nondiscrimination, confidentiality, and support education. The program provides innovative and interactive in-person and on-line workplace and HIV/AIDS prevention education, while striving to improve access to voluntary and confidential HIV testing, treatment and care. This comprehensive program will be explained including a question and answer session to help companies learn about how they can develop similar programs.
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM	Break
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM	General Plenary Session - Lunch served Hosted by Microsoft - Emerald Partner Presentation of the USBLN® Market Share Corporation of the Year Award by *Keith Wiedenkeller, SPHR, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer, AMC Entertainment, Inc., Marketplace Track Chair, Board member, USBLN® Presentation of the Certification of Disability Management Specialists Commission (CDMS) Quality Leadership Award by the CDMS Commission Welcoming remarks delivered by Daniel Hubbell, Technical Evangelist - Accessibility, Microsoft Corp. Best Practices for People With Disabilities Keynote: • Luke Visconti, Chief Executive Officer, DiversityInc Description: Join Luke Visconti, Chief Executive Officer of DiversityInc Media LLC, the leading publication on diversity and business, as he shares the four diversity management stages which will provide you with a clear roadmap to implement the innovative strategies required for industry leadership. He will also explore the national employment gap for Persons with Disabilities and demonstrate how the DiversityInc Top 50 is bridging that gap through Disabilities Resource Groups, inclusive and best practices.
1:15 PM - 6:00 PM	Offsite Tour
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM	Break
~ Breakout Sessions ~
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM	Breakout: Workplace Hiring Veterans: Unlocking the Mystery of the Military Speakers: • Rachel Bellamy, Chief People Officer, Veterans Employment and Training Service • Lisa Stern, M.A., Veterans Employment and Training Service • Ruth A. Fanning, Director, VR&E Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service Description: So, you want to hire Veterans but don‘t know have a plan? The Department of Labor‘s Veterans Hiring Toolkit will you focus on your mission: to actively include Veterans, returning Service Members and other military members into your business community. This session also features information on educating employers on hiring programs the VR&E program uses to assist Veterans in finding suitable careers to include Non-Paid Work Experience Programs, On-the-Job Training Programs, and Special Employer Incentives. Learning objectives: 1. Create a "plan of action" for starting or refining a Veterans hiring initiative. 2. Pinpoint effective tools and promising practices to use in your company. 3. Know how to connect with local resources to ensure your Veterans hiring initiative is a success. 4. Understand and apply Non-Paid Work Experience, On-The-Job Training and Special Employer Incentives.
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM	Breakout: Networking Industry Sectors Roundtable Discussions – by Invitation Hosted by Nordstrom - Ruby Partner Welcoming remarks by Colleen Fukui-Sketchley, Corporate Diversity Affairs Specialist, Nordstrom, Corporate Advisory Board, USBLN® Facilitated by Mark Donovan, Vice Chairman, Marriott Foundation Moderators: • Colet Mitchell, Policy Advisor Team Lead, Employer & Workplace Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy • Carol Dunlap, Program Manager, Policy Communication & Outreach, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy • Mark Donovan, Vice Chairman, Marriott Foundation • Maggie Roffee, Senior Corporate Relations Manager, USBLN® • Colleen Fukui-Sketchley, Corporate Diversity Affairs Specialist, Nordstrom, Corporate Advisory Board, USBLN®
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM	Breakout: Marketplace Sing, Shout & Dance – at the Movies? Speaker: • *Keith P. Wiedenkeller, SPHR, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer, AMC Entertainment, Inc., Marketplace Track Chair, Board member, USBLN® Description: Many children with autism have sensory issues with light, noise, and staying quiet or still in groups – making going to the movies an unattainable dream. The solution: AMC‘s .Sensory Friendly Films. – special screenings that allow kids with autism to be kids! Learning objectives: 1. Best practices for grassroots community programs. 2. Selecting the right community partner for your organization. 3. Utilizing your core business resources for program success.
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM	Breakout: Supply Chain (D&I leaders and professionals , supply chain and other procurement representatives, supplier diversity professionals, DOBE®s and non-certified disability-owned businesses) Current Supplier Diversity Policies and Federal Regulations You Should Know Speakers: • Moderated by Michael Ruiz, Director of Supplier Diversity, Fannie Mae • Major Clark III, Office of Advocacy, Chief Counsel for Procurement, US Small Business Administration (SBA) • Linda J. Denny, Linda Denny & Associates, President Emeritus, Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Description: This session will focus on exploring and reviewing current policies and legislations at the federal level that govern and influence compliance and voluntary Supplier Diversity programs in the disability space, including the impact on veteran-owned businesses. There will be a significant number of regulatory challenges facing disability-owned and service disabled businesses and major businesses who must comply as government contractors. Improve your knowledge on this topic - Knowledge is power!
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM	Breakout: Workplace USBLN® Affiliates 101 Speakers: • Lynn Trew Kirkbride, Director of Affiliate Relations, USBLN® • Maggie Roffee, Senior Corporate Relations Manager, USBLN® Description: Are you thinking of starting a Business Leadership Network (BLN) and becoming an affiliate? Or maybe you are in the early stages of development? This session is for you to learn the philosophy of the BLN movement and guiding principles to launch a BLN. We will cover starting a BLN in rural, mid-size and metropolitan communities.
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM	Afternoon Break
~ Breakout Sessions ~
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM	Breakout: Workplace Driving “Talentism” with Creative Solutions: Project Ability and Think Beyond The Label Speakers: • Moderated by *Martha C. Artiles, Partner, C5 Consulting LLC, Board Vice-chair, USBLN® • Kathleen West-Evans, MPA, CRC, Director of Business Relations, The NET: National Employment Team, CSAVR • Laura Wilhelm, Senior Policy Advisor, Health & Disability Advocates • Susan Fontana, Regional Director, Boston, Manpower, Inc. • Priscilla Azcueta, Regional Director, San Francisco Bay Area, Manpower, Inc. Description: As the world enters the Human Age, .Talentism. will replace Capitalism as the driving force of economic growth. Optimizing human potential and tapping into all levels of talent, including people with disabilities, will become the key differentiator for business success. Learning objectives: 1. Understand how optimizing human potential will be the most influential determinant of future business success and growth. 2. Begin integrating all sources of talent, especially people with disabilities, into a company‘s talent pool. 3. Learn how to leverage creative approaches, like Project Ability and Think Beyond the Label, to develop a pipeline of skilled, marketable talent.
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM	Breakout: Workplace Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace Speakers: • Leslie Wilson, M.S., President/CEO, Wilson Resources, Inc. • Pat Wear, M.S., Senior Vice President, Wilson Resources, Inc. Description: It is estimated that four people in a typical office of 20, 1-out-of-5, can be expected to suffer from a mental condition this year. Depression alone annually costs U.S. businesses $70 billion in lost productivity, medical outlays and other costs. This employer focused presentation will provide tips and techniques for the early identification and appropriate management of mental health issues in the workplace through the use of Mental Health First Aid training. An employer representative will describe how the training has impacted his workforce. Learning objectives: 1. Learn the prevalence, effects and costs of mental health crises in the workplace. 2. Learn techniques for early identification and appropriate management of mental health issues in the workplace. 3. Identify how companies are taking advantage of Mental Health First Aid in their workplaces.
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM	Breakout: Workplace Careers that Welcome America’s Wounded Warriors Home Speakers: • Moderated by Elaine E. Katz, Vice President of Grant Programs & Special Initiatives, Kessler Foundation • Carol Glazer, President, National Organization on Disability • Robert J. Vetere, Human Resource Specialist, EEO/Compliance & ADA Coordinator, Northrop Grumman, Corporate Advisory Board, USBLN® • Ed Blair, General Manager, The Oxford Hotel Description: Innovative public-private partnerships and business-led initiatives are providing solid career paths for returning wounded and injured military men and women. Program lessons and the assets that our wounded warriors bring to the workplace will be shared. Learning objectives: 1. Increase understanding of today‘s returning wounded and injured military and what they offer employers. 2. Be aware of innovative approaches to transition these wounded warriors to successful civilian careers. 3. Learn steps your company can take to welcome these heroes.
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM	Breakout: Workplace Unlocking the Talent of Students with Disabilities Speakers: • Moderated by Paul Fogle, Chair, Student Advisory Council, USBLN® • Stephanie Hammerman, Secretary, Student Advisory Council, USBLN® • Daman Wandke, Member, Student Advisory Council, USBLN® • Loren Mikola, Disability Inclusion Program Manager, Microsoft - Global Diversity & Inclusion, Corporate Advisory Board, USBLN® • Alan D. Muir, Executive Director, Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities (COSD) Description: Attendees will have a chance to interact with each other to explore the challenges and successes of including students with disabilities in internship programs and Affiliate activities. Attendees will also have the chance to learn about internship promising practices directly from students with disabilities. Learning objectives: 1. Learn from first-hand experience, successful ways of incorporating students with disabilities into the workforce. 2. Gain insight into best practices in regards to internship and job opportunities for students with disabilities. 3. Engage in discussions with peers to be able to share successes and challenges when recruiting and promoting entry-level staff with disabilities.
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM	Breakout: Networking Speed Networking & Business Card Exchange Description: Join us for this dynamic and fast-paced networking session which encourages you to meet and speak with several new people in a structured setting. Participants will have four minutes to connect and exchange business cards before the bell rings, attendees rotate and you meet someone new! Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards and will have the opportunity to meet and chat one-on-one with up to 15 people during this exciting session.
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM	Breakout: Supply Chain (D&I leaders and professionals, supply chain and other procurement representatives, supplier diversity professionals, DOBE®s and non-certified disability-owned businesses) The Etiquette of Winning and Building Sustainable Relationships with Disability-Owned Business Enterprises Speakers: • Sue Pistone, Success Coach, Sue Pistone & Associates (DOBE®) • Tom Prinske, Vice President, T. Castro Produce Inc (DOBE®) Description: There are misconceptions and barriers in the marketplace that must be dealt with daily by disability-owned businesses. It is vital that supply chain organizations and other business decision-makers increase their awareness of these constraints and focus on positive behaviors when building relationships with disability-owned businesses and businesses owned by service disabled veterans. This session will discuss how supply chain organizations and business decision makers can utilize the right approaches to position these suppliers for success starting with marketplace assessment and ending with contract award. Gain insight on how to create and influence successful win-win scenarios in today‘s business climate and marketplace from two of our successful Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBE®s).
4:30 PM  --	Attendee Networking Evening - on your own
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM	Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) Private Reception - by Invitation Hosted by Ernst & Young - Ruby Partner Welcoming remarks delivered by *Lori Golden, Associate Director, Inclusiveness; AccessAbilities Leader, Americas People Team, Ernst & Young, Board member, USBLN®, Philip DeVliegher, Director, Global Supplier Diversity, Marriott International, Supply Chain Track Chair, USBLN®, Cindy Ulven, President/CEO, Accelerated Engraving & Signage, Patricia J. Richards, Director, Disability Supplier Diversity Program®, USBLN® & Jill Houghton, Acting Executive Director, USBLN®
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Homeless Veterans Service Project Description: Join us in preparing kitchen start-up packages for homeless veterans who are transitioning into housing through the Kentucky VA Veterans Transition Program. This service project is supported by the Kentucky AmeriCorps program through the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service. The USBLN® Student Advisory Council will be working collaboratively to lead the project. It will provide conference attendees an opportunity to make a contribution to the Louisville community, and to learn more about service as a road to employment for people with disabilities. Start-up packages will provide veterans with the basic kitchen supplies they'll need to get settled into their new home. You can contribute by spending a few minutes packing up supplies, or you can work with teams of other volunteers for the length of the networking event. Hope you can join us!
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM	“Dinner Meet Up” Lounge Description: Designated spot for affiliates and attendees to meet up with new people to go to out dinner with that evening. Louisville restaurants, attractions, maps and city-related materials will be provided by the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Enjoy the vibrant city of Louisville!

 

Tuesday, October 18:
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7:30 AM - 5:00 PM	Registration Open
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM	USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) Business Exchange Lounge
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Speaker & Press Room
8:00 AM - 10:15 AM 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM	Exhibit Hall Open
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM	Expo Opening Event - Breakfast served Taped welcoming remarks delivered by Robert W. Williams, Associate Commissioner, Office of Employment Support Programs (OESP), Social Security Administration (SSA) An entertaining performance by Stephen J. Szilagyi, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Conference Chair, USBLN® & Randy Lewis, Senior Vice President - Distribution, Walgreens followed by remarks delivered by Jill Houghton, Acting Executive Director, USBLN® Description: As an entertaining way to open the Exhibit Hall we welcome you to attend this special opening soiree while enjoying a Continental breakfast. This is your opportunity to network with peers and meet experts in all areas of the community. Our Exhibit Hall theme is "Power of Partnerships" with exhibitor partners featuring products, services and technologies that attending companies are encouraged to collaborate with to develop strategies for business success across their workplaces, marketplaces and supply chains. Visit each exhibitor and collect stamps on your Exhibit Hall map for your chance to win fabulous prizes!
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Coffee Break
~ Breakout Sessions ~
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM	Breakout: Workplace Disability ERGs: Leveraging for Increasing the Bottom Line – Part I Speakers: • Lynn Alba, PHR, Global Diversity & Inclusion, Merck • Karen Bristoe, Business Analyst Senior and Co-Chair of ABLE, WellPoint‘s Associate Resource Group for People with Disabilities • Linda Jimenez, Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President - Diversity & Inclusion, WellPoint, Inc., Corporate Advisory Board, USBLN® Description: A well designed Employee Resource Group (ERG) is an extremely valuable tool to enhance business practices. Disability ERGs are the newest "kids on the block" and industry leaders have discovered how to successfully utilize this beneficial resource. In this first of two breakout sessions on Disability ERGs, topics of discussion include the medical and social models of disability and the effective methods for engaging Disability ERG membership in recruitment, community relations and other business initiatives. Learning objectives: 1. Understand the ways in which Disability ERGs can enhance business objectives. 2. Learn the basic building blocks for a productive Disability ERG through best practices from industry leaders. 3. Engage in discussions with peers to share successes and challenges with Disability ERG initiatives.
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM	Breakout: Workplace Moving Talent to the Marketplace – Today and Beyond Speakers: • Moderated by Kathleen West-Evans, MPA, CRC, Director of Business Relations, The NET: National Employment Team, CSAVR • *Beth Butler, Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Lowe‘s Companies, Inc., Board member, USBLN® • James Kraemer, Ph.D., IBM Research Master Inventor – Human Ability and Accessibility Center, IBM Corporation • Cassandra Shoffler, Management and Program Analyst, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Department of Education Description: This panel will share information on innovative approaches that are moving people with disabilities into the competitive market place. They will showcase successful practices meeting employer‘s needs, demonstrate partnerships with businesses while identifying national strategies and business resources. Learning objectives: 1. Share strategies that assist employers in meeting employment demands. 2. Identify information regarding national strategies that are supporting business and business recourses. 3. Reflect on successful practices and demonstrated partnerships with businesses.
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM	Breakout: Workplace F.O.C.U.S. on my Abilities! Speaker: • *Keith P. Wiedenkeller, SPHR, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer, AMC Entertainment, Inc., Marketplace Track Chair, Board member, USBLN® Description: AMC‘s F.O.C.U.S. Program creates a workplace for individuals with a disability to contribute as a visible, vital, and valued associate. Learn how the program‘s universal design, tactics and methodology provide a strong model that AMC readily shares with other organizations. Learning objectives: 1. Best practices for grassroots employment programs. 2. Selecting the right partner(s) for your organization. 3. Measuring program success beyond the financial return on investment (ROI).
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM	Breakout: Supply Chain (DOBE®s and non-certified disability-owned businesses) Prepping for the Business Exchange Matchmaker Meetings Speakers: • Patricia J. Richards, Director, Disability Supplier Diversity Program®, USBLN® • Philip DeVliegher, Director, Global Supplier Diversity, Marriott International, Supply Chain Track Chair, USBLN® • Brenda Burke, Director Supplier Diversity, WellPoint, Inc. Description: Attend this session if you want to know what corporations are looking for in suppliers today. What are the current and emerging trends that govern corporate supplier selections and buy decisions? Perfect your elevator speech and learn how to concisely state your capabilities and value proposition of your company. Identify strategies to utilize from initial introduction to follow up and follow through. This will be a highly interactive session that will include group breakouts to practice your skills. Be sure to attend this session to prepare for the Business Exchange Matchmaker meetings with corporate and government representatives as well as other disability-owned business enterprises.
10:15 AM -   11:30 AM	Breakout: Workplace Designed to Achieve Workplace Goals and Objectives Speaker: • Marilyn Carroll, Ph.D., Group Vice President/Director, SunTrust Bank/ Georgia Business Leadership Network Description: This session will help attendees learn best practices associated with job design to reach workplace goals, objectives and increase employee satisfaction and engagement. The session highlights 12 key objectives managers should consider for successful implementation of an inclusive talent environment. Learning objectives: 1. Learn how to build the right job design for an ABILITIES inclusive environment. 2. Identify tools for talent selection. 3. Learn about avenues for increasing total staff satisfaction and engagement through job design.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM	Attendee Networking Lunch - lunch served
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM	USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) Founding Partners & Corporate Partners Private Meeting – by Invitation
~ Breakout Sessions ~
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM	Breakout: Workplace Working with ADHD – Accommodations, Challenges, Success at Work Speakers: • Jay Carter, MBA, ACG, Professional ADHD Coach, Hyperfocused Coaching Systems, LLC • Robb Garrett, MA, MCC, ACT, Professional ADHD Coach, ADHD Works Description: An insider's view of working with ADHD. Through case studies, personal examples, and fact-based information, master certified coach Robb Garrett and professional coach Jay Carter lead the participants to an understanding of ADHD and the challenges that people with ADHD face on a daily basis. Learning objectives: 1. Understand the dynamics of ADHD in the Workplace. 2. Take away an overview of successful ways to increase productivity and effectiveness of your ADHD employees. 3. Understand the components that lead to success for the individual with ADHD, which leads to success for their employers.
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM	Breakout: Workplace Ensuring Inclusion: Accessible Conference and Meeting Planning Speaker: • Marian Vessels, Director, Mid-Atlantic ADA Center Description: Ensuring disability access to meetings and conferences requires forethought and preparation. Participants will discuss full inclusion for people with disabilities, including location, logistics, room configuration, communication, lodging, and transportation challenges. Tools and resources will be provided. Learning objectives: 1. Identify and describe 3 critical areas to consider when planning accessible meetings and conferences. 2. Conduct an accessibility assessment of a meeting facility. 3. Respond to individual requests for accommodations.
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM	Breakout: Workplace Creating A Sustainable Business Leadership Network Through Ticket to Work Speakers: • Leslie Wilson, M.S., Ticket to Work Specialist - CSI Team; President, Wilson Resources, Inc. • Michael Yozzi, Ticket to Work Senior Account Manager, MAXIMUS Description: Social Security's Ticket to Work Program and the BLNs share a common mission -- to create a culture of opportunity for people with disabilities and their employers. Many sources of BLN funding are ending. If your BLN is looking for a viable revenue source or your company is looking for a way to assist your BLN to become financially sustainable, this session will provide details on generating revenue when Ticket Holders with disabilities go to work. The presenters will explain how to become a Ticket to Work Employment Network (EN) and share BLN success with the Ticket Program.
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM	Breakout: Workplace Disability ERGs: Leveraging for Increasing the Bottom Line – Part II Speakers: • Avalyn Jackson, AT&T Mobility Associate Director, Disability and Mature Marketing, Chair of AT&T Advisory Panel on Access and Aging, AT&T • Laura Antal, Sr. Instructional Designer, Chair SOAR (Sodexo Organization of disAbilities Resources), Sodexo Description: This is the second in a two part series of sessions on Disability Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). This session continues the discussion on effective ERGs strategies that support business initiatives with a special emphasis on global ERG efforts, collaborative endeavors with other ERGs, and ERG leadership development best practices. Learning objectives: 1. Understand the ways in which Disability ERGs can enhance business objectives. 2. Learn the basic building blocks for a productive Disability ERG through best practices from industry leaders. 3. Engage in discussions with peers to share successes and challenges with Disability ERG initiatives.
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Breakout: Supply Chain (Supply chain, procurement representatives, D&I, supplier diversity professionals, DOBE®s and non-certified disability-owned businesses) Business Exchange Matchmaker Meetings – by Invitation Description: These matchmaker meetings will bring together disability-owned business and business owned by service disabled veterans with corporate and government supply chain and other business representatives. The focus is information exchange and inclusion: learn about bid opportunities, identify suppliers with key capabilities, and start building relationships for today and the future!
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM	Afternoon Break
~ Breakout Sessions ~
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM	Breakout: Workplace Becoming Disability Confident: A Global Perspective Speaker: • Mousumi Das, Senior Manager, Global Diversity, KPMG International Description: Learn about the varying strategies and initiatives to build a disability inclusive workplace across a global organization. Explore the underlying framework used at KPMG and how our member firms are becoming disability confident in the different cultural and social environments our firm operates. Learning objectives: 1. Gain an understanding of the global business case for disability inclusion; its variances, challenges, and its underlying similarities across different cultural and social environments. 2. Understand the framework needed to assess individual environments, build a vision, and the unique definition of what it means to become disability confident in a global context. 3. Learn how different KPMG member firms are breaking barriers and perceptions while encouraging the economic participation of people with disabilities.
2:45 PM -   3:30 PM	Breakout: Workplace The Tsunami is About to Hit: New ADA Requirements on Accessible Information Technology Speaker: • Janet Peters, Project Coordinator Great Lakes ADA Center, Great Lakes ADA Center Description: This session will discuss the Department of Justice‘s call for public comments on revising the regulations of the ADA for making public accommodations via the Internet accessible to individuals with disabilities, including what questions they are asking and what it might mean for your business. Learning objectives: 1. Describe What Accessible Electronic and Information Technology is. 2. Discuss the Department of Justice‘s Questions Regarding requiring Accessible IT. 3. Know where to go to learn more and keep a watch on these important developments.
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM	Breakout: Workplace Workplace Diversity - A Strategic Business Advantage Speakers: • *Debra Ruh, CEO and Founder, TecAccess, Board Secretary/Treasurer, USBLN® • Tammie McNaughton, Senior HR Accessibility Consultant, TecAccess, Corporate Advisory Board, USBLN® • Lou Orslene, Co-Director, Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Description: Learn to access people with disabilities – the second largest minority group in the US to positively impact your bottom line and elevate your brand. A team of experts will guide you through an action plan to gain this strategic advantage. Learning objectives: 1. Maximize your talent pipeline. 2. Diversify your workforce. 3. Expand your customer base.
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM	Breakout: Workplace Rock Recruitment & Retention with Successful Internships Speakers: • Moderated by Colet Mitchell, Employer Policy Team, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) • Kathleen Lee, Business Outreach Specialist, Cornell University • Judy Young, Assistant Director of Training & Development, Cornell University Description: Discover how to increase diversity recruitment and retention by on boarding today‘s young talent with interactive and experiential internships. Learn best practice strategies for incorporating Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) interns, leadership development, student engagement, and employee resource groups. Learning objectives: 1. Maximize internship opportunities as a recruitment and retention tool. 2. Learn best practices on incorporating ERG‘s and internships. 3. Have a greater understanding of how to build effective mentoring relationships.
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM	Breakout: Workplace Universal Design: Expanding Markets and Increasing Workplace Productivity Speakers: • Moderated by Ronnette Smith, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Stores, Inc. • Crosby Cromwell, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Foundation, Workplace Track Chair, Corporate Advisory Board, USBLN® • Josh Heintz, Esq. Founder and Treasurer for Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC) • Joan Leon, Development Consultant, Ed Roberts Center • Greg Patterson, GUDC Facilities Implementation Leader, Procter & Gamble Description: Universal Design enabled the creation of the Ed Roberts Center, an award winning barrier-free building that integrated sophisticated design and environmentally sustainable development. Learn why corporate America is studying Universal Design to achieve a high performance work environment. Learning objectives: 1. Know what the term "Universal Design" really means. 2. Understand the economic benefits of Universal Design. 3. Learn how Universal Design results in a High Performance Work Environment.
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM	Breakout: Workplace National Service: Pathway to Employment Speakers: • Sheila Fesko, Ph.D., Director, National Service to Employment Project , Institute for Community Inclusion • Nancy Keel, Training Associate, National Service to Employment Project, Institute for Community Inclusion • Jewel Bazilio-Bellegarde, Sr. Training & Disability Inclusion Officer Corporation, National and Community Services Description: Break the cycle of inexperience resulting in joblessness by building experience, skills, networks, and preparing for employment through national and community service. The National Service to Employment Project (NextSTEP) will lead a session on how service prepares people – with and without disabilities – for employment and shapes career pathsthrough service experiences with AmeriCorps (AmeriCorps*State/National, AmeriCorps*NCCC, and AmeriCorps*VISTA), Learn and Serve, and Senior Corps. This session will cover the basics of national service, steps to getting involved with national service, and the success stories of those who have. Learning objectives: 1. Develop an in understanding of the types of service programs available to individuals with disabilities. 2. Understand the role service programs can play in the vocational development of individuals with disabilities and how service can be part of an employment plan. 3. Understand how state vocational rehabilitation agencies have begun to partner with national service programs and have used service as a tool in the transition of students in special education.
3:30PM - 3:45 PM	Break
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM	General Plenary Session Hosted by IBM - Sapphire Partner Presentation of USBLN® Employee Resource Group (ERG) of the Year Award by Crosby Cromwell, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Foundation, Workplace Track Chair, Corporate Advisory Board, USBLN® Welcoming remarks delivered by  Frances West, Director, IBM Human Ability & Accessibility Center How to Make Accessibility a Company-wide Initiative: A CIO Perspective Keynote: • Steve Wright, Vice President, Enterprise Solutions and Web Enablement, IBM Office of the CIO Description: Today's chief information officers spend an estimated 55 percent of their time on activities that spur innovation. They are direct contributors to and executors of business strategy, driving value across complex, global business ecosystems. Exceeding expectations in this new environment is increasingly dependent upon a CIO team's ability to enable inclusive social collaboration to support the unique skills and functional requirements of every individual across the enterprise. In this session, learn how a seasoned executive of the IBM Office of the CIO is leveraging a globally-integrated accommodations solution, Accessible Workplace Connections, along with new versions of IBM Rational Policy Tester (to drive compliance) and Lotus Connections 3.0 (for enterprise collaboration) to drive innovation and inclusion across IBM's global business. Learn how you can drive similar CIO initiatives across your enterprise. * Prize drawing from Monday session evaluations.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM	Private VIP Pre-awards Dinner Reception – by Invitation Hosted by McKesson Corporation - Sapphire Partner Welcoming remarks delivered by Janice Little, Senior Director, Diversity & Inclusion, McKesson Corporation, Corporate Advisory Board, USBLN® & Stephen J. Szilagyi, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Conference Chair, USBLN®
6:00 PM - 7:15 PM	Attendees Pre-awards Dinner Reception Hosted by Marriott International - Sapphire Partner Welcoming remarks delivered by Philip DeVliegher, Director, Global Supplier Diversity, Marriott International, Supply Chain Track Chair, USBLN®
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM	USBLN® Annual Leadership Awards Dinner: “Black Tie Optional” Event Hosted by AMC Entertainment, Inc. - Diamond Presenting Partner Welcoming remarks delivered by Keith Wiedenkeller, SPHR, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer, AMC Entertainment, Inc., Marketplace Track Chair, Board member, USBLN®, Stephen J. Szilagyi, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Conference Chair, USBLN® & Jill Houghton, Acting Executive Director, USBLN® Awards Presenter: • *Deb Russell, Manager, Outreach and Employee Services, Walgreens, Board Chair, USBLN® Description: Networking continues as black ties, elegant evening wear and accoutrements illuminate the night. This is your chance to shine as we celebrate the Leadership Award recipients that embody the highest ethical standards and values in our community. This dinner is a memorable way to recognize our Corporate Partners, Volunteers, BLNs and Organizational Allies for their demonstration of outstanding commitment to promoting disability diversity across the enterprise. Awards will be presented by Deb Russell, Manager, Outreach and Employee Services, Walgreens and Board Chair, USBLN®. Leading Your Way to the Workplace of the Future Master of Ceremonies and Keynote: • John D. Kemp, Esq., President & CEO, Abilities! Description: As the population grows and the planet shrinks, corporate workforces and customer bases are becoming more diverse than ever. By incorporating people with disabilities, your company's experience with diversity will be transformed and lay the foundation to respond to the future of work. John D. Kemp will discuss how the workplace is changing, the importance of leadership and why hiring people with disabilities helps employers, employees and customers broaden their visions of diversity and how that expanding perspective prepares them for the future. Closing remarks delivered by Stephen J. Szilagyi, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Conference Chair, USBLN®

Wednesday, October 19:
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7:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Registration Open
8:00 AM - 9:45 AM 11:15 AM - 2:00 PM	USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) Business Exchange Lounge
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM	Speaker & Press Room
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM	Exhibit Hall Open
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM	General Plenary Session - Breakfast served Hosted by Merck - Sapphire Partner Presentation of the USBLN® Supplier Diversity Corporation of the Year Award by Philip DeVliegher, Director, Global Supplier Diversity, Marriott International, Supply Chain Track Chair, USBLN® Remarks delivered by Tiffany Levy, Supplier Diversity Officer, U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission Welcoming remarks delivered by *Deborah Dagit, VP and Chief Diversity Officer, Merck, Board member, USBLN® The Future Health Care Consumer: Starring Role - People with Disabilities Part I Keynote: • Mary O'Hara-Devereaux, Founder and CEO, Global Foresight Description: As health care transforms over the next 10 years consumers will be major drivers of change in the system. People with disabilities; have an historic opportunity to play a =starring role‘. Look through the futures lens to see how they do it and get a preview of the impacts that await them. * Prize drawing from Tuesday session evaluations.
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM	Break
~ Breakout Sessions ~
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM	Breakout: Workplace The Future Health Care Consumer: Starring Role - People with Disabilities Part II Speaker: • Mary O'Hara-Devereaux, Founder and CEO, Global Foresight Description: As health care transforms over the next 10 years consumers will be major drivers of change in the system. People with disabilities; have an historic opportunity to play a 'starring role'. Look through the futures lens to see how they do it and get a preview of the impacts that await them.
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM	Breakout: Workplace Understanding and Applying the ADAAA and Its Regulations Speaker: • Linda Batiste, J.D., Principal Consultant , Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Description: Learn the basic changes the ADAAA made to definition of disability. Understand what the final regulations added. Leave the session understanding how you can successfully apply these changes in your workplace. Come and see what you need to know about the ADAAA and the Job Accommodation Network (JAN)! Learning Objectives: 1. Learn the basic changes made by the ADAAA. 2. Hear what the final regulations added. 3. Understand how the ADAAA applies to your workplace policies and procedures. 4. Learn about JAN as a resource.
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM	Breakout: Workplace Certification to Promote Competency, Collaboration and Assurance Speaker: • Christine Moranda, LSC, CDMS, CCM, Manager, Disability Services, Associate Health and Wellness, OhioHealth Description: Learn how certification promotes competency, collaboration, and assurance as employers pursue workforce health and productivity goals. The Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) credential attests to the knowledge and expertise of those designing and implementing today‘s workforce management programs. Learning objectives: 1. Understand the purpose of certification, which is to protect the public/consumers, and how using Certified Disability Management Specialists attests to the competency of those implementing and managing workforce programs. 2. Appreciate the professional diversity of Certified Disability Management Specialists, which fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, inside and outside the organization. 3. Establish a balance between business concerns and workforce realities through the specialized knowledge and expertise of Certified Disability Management Specialists, which provides assurance to employers and employees.
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM	Breakout: Marketplace Unlocking Workplace, Marketplace, Supply Chain Potential ~ Rethink Possible Speaker: • Avalyn Jackson, AT&T Mobility Associate Director, Disability and Mature Marketing, Chair of AT&T Advisory Panel on Access and Aging, AT&T Description: AT&T‘s disability-inclusive holistic approach to Workplace, Marketplace and Supply Chain diversity, proves that Universal Design, innovation, strategic marketing, collaborative alliances and commitment to accessibility in products, services, supplier diversity, recruiting and career advancement are the business drivers that unlock success. Learning objectives: 1. Discover a full spectrum of employment tools, from recruiting to career advancement. 2. Bundle inclusive employment and accessible products to increase the Bottom line. 3. Build an accessible pipeline toward disability-inclusive diversity.
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM	Breakout: Workplace Building Technical Accessibility Skills within Organizations Speaker: • Daniel Hubbell, Technical Evangelist – Accessibility, Microsoft Corp. Description: Microsoft has developed Accessibility Training Courses designed to help IT organizations create more accessible software products. These developer training modules are designed to help medium and large organizations train their IT development teams on how to improve the accessibility of their websites and in-house software technologies. Learning objectives: 1. Know where to find accessibility training. 2. Overview of the training modules. 3. Other tools for creating accessible documents.
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM	Breakout: Supply Chain (D&I leaders and professionals, supply chain and other procurement representatives, supplier diversity professionals DOBE®s and non-certified disability-owned businesses) Business Exchange Matchmaker Meetings Continued – by Invitation
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM	Coffee Break
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM	Closing Plenary Session Hosted by Walgreens - Sapphire Partner Welcoming remarks delivered by Deb Russell, Manager, Outreach and Employee Services, Walgreens, Board Chair, USBLN® Walgreens: A Diversified Workforce Emphasizing Abilities Keynote: • Randy Lewis, Senior Vice President - Distribution, Walgreens Description: At Walgreens, hiring people with disabilities is not just the right thing to do - it makes good business sense. They have found that people with disabilities drive opportunity, efficiency and productivity at their distribution centers. Now, they are taking the tools and techniques, used in distribution, and bringing them to the store level to help create and maintain a truly diversified workforce across the company. Join Randy Lewis as he shares these inspiring, yet practical success stories. He will challenge you to think big and be confident that whatever industry you work in, when you emphasize people's abilities, their strength will help everyone succeed! Remarks delivered by Linda Engstrum, Manager of People, Southwest Airlines & Richard Moore, Supplier Diversity Manager, Southwest Airlines. *Grand Prize drawings from Wednesday session evaluations and Exhibit Hall map conducted by Karen Price-Ward, Community Affairs & Grassroots Manager, Southwest Airlines. Closing remarks delivered by Stephen J. Szilagyi, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Conference Chair, USBLN® & Jill Houghton, Acting Executive Director, USBLN®.
12:15 PM - 2:00 PM	Attendee Networking Lunch - Boxed lunches "to go" with limited quantities available
12: 30 PM - 1:30 PM	Conference Planning Committee Debrief Meeting – by Invitation
2:00 PM - -	Attendee travel departures
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM	Exhibitor Teardown

(*) denotes USBLN® Board Members.
DOBE denotes a firm that has been through the USBLN® certification process and has received
Disability-Owned Business Enterprise Certification from USBLN®.