BECOME A MEMBER
Become a member of D&I Shapers
DEI Forum
Prague
Prague
Save the date 1.10. 2026
Prague, Czech Republic
DEI Forum
The largest international DEI conference in Central and Eastern Europe, held in Prague. We are currently putting together a fabulous lineup of speakers from the Czech Republic and abroad. Registration and ticket sales will open in March 2026.
What Is Waiting For You?
FULL DAY OF KNOW HOW, NETWORKING and
300 ATTENDEES
We will fill up your day with 8 hours content, an accompanying program and networking.
20 + EXPERTS from Czechia and abroad
Actual DEI trends and topics from diverse professionals across industries operating in the Czech and international markets.
INSPIRATIONAL LIGHTNING TALKS
Stories to be told and shared. Stories that can lift you from the chair.
CONSULTING SPOTS
An opportunity to deep dive and discuss hot topics 1:1 with someone from the field.
WORKSHOPS
A choice of number of topics with experts, in the afternoon program.
CHILD CARE & ACCESSIBILITY
We will make sure that the conference is fully accessible and takes into account the needs of parents, diabetics, vegetarians or people with disabilities.
How Was The Conference Last Edition?
8:20 - 9:15
8:20 - 9:15
Open Doors, Registration and Networking
9:15 - 9:40
9:15 - 9:40
Welcome and Introduction
Stephen Jonathan Ridgway | moderator
Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková | Commissioner for Human Rights at Office of the Government of the Czech Republic
Jana Tikalová | CEO and DEI Consultant at OPIM
Cultural Infusion Atlas at DEI Forum 2025
Peter Mousaferiadis | CEO at Cultural Infusion | Australia
9:40 - 9:50
9:40 - 9:50
Leading in Uncertain Times: Commitment, Courage and Consistency
Victoria Parra | Head of Hub Management, SAP, ASC Finance & Spend: Procurement | California
9:50 - 10:20
9:50 - 10:20
Current Global Challenges
Keynote & Interview
Keynote & Interview
Keynote
Kurt Merriweather | VP, Global Marketing for Workplace Options | North Carolina
Interview
Dinah Richter Spritzer | Director of Inclusion Stars | Czech Republic
10:20 - 11:05
10:20 - 11:05
Panel Discussion:
Current Challenges and Role of Leaders
Current Challenges and Role of Leaders
Roman Ružbacký | Principal DEI Consultant at Roman Ruzbacky & Associates, Australia
Victoria Parra | Head of Hub Management, SAP, ASC Finance & Spend: Procurement | California
Erika Boucharechas | Head of Operations & Community at Inspire & Impact Network
moderator
11:05 - 11:30
11:05 - 11:30
Networking with Coffee, Tea or Snacks
11:30 - 11:40
11:30 - 11:40
Impro & Energy Bar
Michaela Raiserová | Talent Management Director at Emplifi | Czech Republic
11:40 - 12:10
11:40 - 12:10
Interview:
What business leaders can learn from the role of a monastery in today’s world?
What business leaders can learn from the role of a monastery in today’s world?
Monlan Lama | Buddhist Monk and Manager at Nyanang Phelgyeling Monastery | Nepal
Interviewed by Hana Součková | Managing Director at SAP ČR
12:10 - 12:20
12:10 - 12:20
Inspirational Lightning Talk by
Rohitraj Pandey | Senior Services Manager at SAP | Czech Republic
12:20 - 12:30
12:20 - 12:30
Inspirational Lightning Talk by
Irena Grimová | Head of Human Resources for Central Europe at Citi | Czech Republic
12:30 - 12:40
12:30 - 12:40
Inspirational Lightning Talk by
Tomáš Mazůrek | Sr. Manager Research & Development at Thermo Fisher Scientific | Czech Republic
12:40 - 13:00
12:40 - 13:00
Value Based Leadership Journey
Interview
Interview
Fabio Costa | Managing Director Czechia & Slovakia at Philip Morris International
Michala Kozinová | Executive Coach and Leadership Mentor
13:00 - 13:25
13:00 - 13:25
Driving the Change Through Actions
DEI Academy and Employer's Human Rights Ten Commandments
DEI Academy
Andrea Weinbergerová | Educational Program Manager at OPIM
Signing the Employer's Human Rights Ten Commandments
Radan Šafařík | Director of the Gender Equality Department at Office of the Government of the Czech Rep.
Petra Ondrušová | Chief Sustainability Officer at Česká spořitelna
Jana Tikalová | CEO and DEI Consultant and Trainer at OPIM
13:25 - 13:35
13:25 - 13:35
Live Reveal: Cultural Infusion Atlas at DEI Forum 2025
Peter Mousaferiadis | CEO at Cultural Infusion | Australia
13:35 - 13:45
13:35 - 13:45
Introduction of Afternoon Workshops
Closing First Part of the Conference
Closing First Part of the Conference
Stephen Jonathan Ridgway
Jana Tikalová | CEO and DEI Consultant and Trainer at OPIM
13:45 - 15:00
13:45 - 15:00
Lunch
Photoshoots
Networking
Photoshoots
Networking
15:10 - 16:00
15:10 - 16:00
Workshops - 8 topics in total
In parallel we run 4 topics. Each workshop is 50 min.
In parallel we run 4 topics. Each workshop is 50 min.
Workshop topic 1
Beyond the DEI Headlines: Resistance to Action
Beyond the DEI Headlines: Resistance to Action
Roman Ružbacký | Principal DEI Consultant at Roman Ruzbacky & Associates | Australia
The purpose of the workshop is: Reconnection - A timely opportunity to wrap our arms around and support our DEI community and sharpen our shared vision. Understand Resistance ... read more
Workshop topic 2
Age Management Practically: Turning Czech Republic's Demographic Reality into a Competitive Advantage
Age Management Practically: Turning Czech Republic's Demographic Reality into a Competitive Advantage
Michaela Raiserová | Talent Management Director at Emplifi | Czech Republic
In this workshop, we will explore practical approaches to Age Management. You will get inspired by best Age Management practices of other employers. Leave with a clear roadmap to address this complex challenge through simple, incremental steps... read more
Workshop topic 3
The Parallels of European and Buddhist Perspectives
The Parallels of European and Buddhist Perspectives
In this workshop, we will go deeper into the life of Monlan Lama, discovering how Buddhist traditions shape everyday choices, values, and ways of seeing the world. We will draw parallels with the European worldview and reflect on what they can teach us in our personal lives. Also we will hear practical tips for those wishing to explore Nepal ... read more
Monlan Lama | Buddhist Monk and Manager at Nyanang Phelgyeling Monastery | Nepal
Prakash Lama | Owner and CEO of Hotel Jampa | Nepal
Workshop topic 4
Self-care: Inner Work With Uncertainty and Fear & Cultivating Courage
Self-care: Inner Work With Uncertainty and Fear & Cultivating Courage
Jana Kyriakou | CEO of SEMwell, wellbeing expert, yoga & mindfulness teacher | Czech Republic
Strong emotions like uncertainty and fear naturally arise in difficult times - in us, in our teams, in people with different opinions and agendas too. Come and get inspired on how to address difficult emotions ... read more
16:10 - 17:00
16:10 - 17:00
Workshop topic 5
Beyond the Backlash: Rethinking Diversity Through Data
Beyond the Backlash: Rethinking Diversity Through Data
Peter Mousaferiadis | CEO at Cultural Infusion | Australia
We will explore the growing pushback on DEI across the globe—why this has happened, the forces driving it, and the real impact it has had on organisations, including ...read more
Workshop topic 6
From Blank Stares to Buy-In: Making the Case for Inclusion Across the Workplace Hierarchy
From Blank Stares to Buy-In: Making the Case for Inclusion Across the Workplace Hierarchy
Dinah Richter Spritzer | Director of Inclusion Stars | Czech Republic
The interactive workshop is designed for individuals who need to effectively communicate about the value of inclusive behaviors, emotional intelligence and support for historically marginalized groups ...read more
Workshop topic 7
Bridging The Generational Divide: How Inclusive Leadership Fuels High-Performing Teams
Bridging The Generational Divide: How Inclusive Leadership Fuels High-Performing Teams
Kurt Merriweather | VP, Global Marketing for Workplace Options | North Carolina, USA
In today’s evolving workplace, multigenerational collaboration is both a challenge and a strategic advantage when done well. Yet generational dynamics, particularly around Gen Z ...read more
Workshop topic 8
DEI in Uncertain Times Using the LEGO® Serious Play® method
DEI in Uncertain Times Using the LEGO® Serious Play® method
Katarína Kabáth | Cross Culture Expert | Czech Republic
In this workshop, we will use bricks and modeling to explore answers to the following questions: What does uncertain times, courage, commitment and ...read more
17:00 - 19:00
17:00 - 19:00
Afterparty & Networking
Workshops Topics in 2025
The purpose of the workshop:
- Reconnection: A timely opportunity to wrap our arms around and support our DEI community and sharpen our shared vision.
- Understand Resistance: acknowledge feelings of frustration and current challenges to the profession around resistance to DEI.
- Reflection: on a current overview of the DEI pressures and ways of working with a strategic mindset – leading self, teams and organisations.
- Action: Reigniting feelings of inspiration and passion, building on existing momentum and meaning as a connected community with head, heart and hands.
The Challenge is Real – And So is the Opportunity. By 2030, workers aged 50 and over will constitute nearly 30% of the Czech workforce. However, many employers are unprepared for this significant demographic shift. Forward-thinking organizations are recognizing that age-inclusive practices are not merely ethical considerations; they are strategic imperatives that foster innovation, reduce turnover costs and improve productivity.
In this workshop, we will explore practical approaches to Age Management. You will:
In this workshop, we will explore practical approaches to Age Management. You will:
- Get inspired by best Age Management practices of other employers
- Leave with a clear roadmap to address this complex challenge through simple, incremental steps.
- Gain practical tips and tools that can be implemented immediately, with minimal or no budget
In this workshop, we will go deeper into the life of a Lama, discovering how Buddhist traditions shape everyday choices, values, and ways of seeing the world. By exploring these experiences, we will draw parallels with the European worldview and reflect on what they can teach us in our personal lives. The session will also provide practical tips for those wishing to explore Nepal, including what to be aware of culturally and spiritually to make the journey both respectful and enriching.
Strong emotions like uncertainty and fear naturally arise in difficult times - in us, in our teams, in people with different opinions and agendas too. Come and get inspired on how to address difficult emotions within us, how to find calm and grounding in difficult conversations, how to proactively build personal resilience, and prevent burnout. We will offer and try simple evidence-based practices together, which are based on mindfulness and positive psychology. We will also discuss concrete situations from the workplace and how to respond to them with calmness and courage.
We will explore the growing pushback on DEI across the globe—why this has happened, the forces driving it, and the real impact it has had on organisations, including Cultural Infusion. This segment will be highly interactive, inviting participants into dialogue and concluding with a Q&A.
We will build on the principles of the Cultural Infusion Atlas methodology. Through case studies and examples, participants will explore why granular diversity data matters, how flattening identity can fuel conflict, and why measurability is the missing link in unlocking humanity’s greatest asset: our cultural diversity. Participants will then break into smaller groups to apply these principles, generating their own innovative ideas and solutions.
Key Takeaways: A recognition that identity is layered and multifaceted; First-hand experience of a clear, multifactorial definition for cultural diversity; Awareness of the risks of oversimplification and the power of measurability; Inspiration on how diversity data can spark innovation and support intercultural understanding.
We will build on the principles of the Cultural Infusion Atlas methodology. Through case studies and examples, participants will explore why granular diversity data matters, how flattening identity can fuel conflict, and why measurability is the missing link in unlocking humanity’s greatest asset: our cultural diversity. Participants will then break into smaller groups to apply these principles, generating their own innovative ideas and solutions.
Key Takeaways: A recognition that identity is layered and multifaceted; First-hand experience of a clear, multifactorial definition for cultural diversity; Awareness of the risks of oversimplification and the power of measurability; Inspiration on how diversity data can spark innovation and support intercultural understanding.
The interactive workshop is designed for individuals who need to effectively communicate about the value of inclusive behaviors, emotional intelligence and support for historically marginalized groups with people who might not understand the business or personal benefits of an inclusive culture. This workshop can help you develop methods we use to communicate any cultural change. It centers on providing practical strategies and tools to navigate challenging conversations and situations with every level of hierarchy, from the CEO to front-line workers.
The aim is to empower participants to effectively advocate for inclusion by helping them to understand and address resistance, and to ultimately build support and allyship.
The workshop provides actionable advice and a chance to practice how to communicate inclusion effectively to diverse audiences.
The aim is to empower participants to effectively advocate for inclusion by helping them to understand and address resistance, and to ultimately build support and allyship.
The workshop provides actionable advice and a chance to practice how to communicate inclusion effectively to diverse audiences.
The interactive workshop is designed for individuals who need to effectively communicate about the value of inclusive behaviors, emotional intelligence and support for historically marginalized groups with people who might not understand the business or personal benefits of an inclusive culture. This workshop can help you develop methods we use to communicate any cultural change. It centers on providing practical strategies and tools to navigate challenging conversations and situations with every level of hierarchy, from the CEO to front-line workers.
The aim is to empower participants to effectively advocate for inclusion by helping them to understand and address resistance, and to ultimately build support and allyship.
The workshop provides actionable advice and a chance to practice how to communicate inclusion effectively to diverse audiences.
The aim is to empower participants to effectively advocate for inclusion by helping them to understand and address resistance, and to ultimately build support and allyship.
The workshop provides actionable advice and a chance to practice how to communicate inclusion effectively to diverse audiences.
In today’s evolving workplace, multigenerational collaboration is both a challenge and a strategic advantage when done well. Yet generational dynamics, particularly around Gen Z, are often misunderstood, leading to missed opportunities for innovation and cohesion. This session will focus on how culturally intelligent, compassionate leadership can unlock performance and engagement across all generations.
Key session elements include: Reframing assumptions about Gen Z and harnessing their unique strengths; Developing collaborative leadership styles that transcend generational barriers, build trust, and create psychological safety; Case examples of organizations driving results through generational inclusivity; Practical tips and strategies from the Inclusive Leadership Handbook that can be put into practice right away.
Key session elements include: Reframing assumptions about Gen Z and harnessing their unique strengths; Developing collaborative leadership styles that transcend generational barriers, build trust, and create psychological safety; Case examples of organizations driving results through generational inclusivity; Practical tips and strategies from the Inclusive Leadership Handbook that can be put into practice right away.
SPEAKERS
-
Monlan Lama
Buddhist Monk and Manager at Nyanang Phelgyeling Monastery | Nepal
Keynote and Interview
-
-
-
- Kurt MerriweatherVP, Global Marketing for Workplace Options | North Carolina, USA
BIOKeynote and Interview
- Victoria ParraHead of Hub Management, SAP, ASC Finance & Spend: Procurement | California, USA
BIOKeynote and Panel Discussion - Martin SiebenhandlGeneral Manager Czech Republic & Slovakia at the LEGO Group | CZ
BIOPannel Discussion
-
-
- Peter Mousaferiadis
CEO at Cultural Infusion | Australia
Presentation of Cultural Infusion Atlas Workshop - Stephen Jonathan RidgwayCreative arts and international business at Stephen Jonathan Ridgway | CZ
BIOConference Moderator - Klára Šimáčková LaurenčíkováCommissioner for Human Rights, Office of the Government of the Czech Republic | CZ
BIO - Tomáš MazůrekSr. Manager Research & Development at Thermo Fisher Scientific | CZ
Lightning Talk
-
-
- Erika BoucharechasHead of Operations & Community - Inspire & Impact Network | CZ
BIOModerator of Panel Discussion -
- Petra OndrušováChief Sustainability Officer at Česká spořitelna | CZ
BIOWorld Café
Understanding ESG Interrelations -
Tickets for next edition
Purchase will start March 1st 2026
Purchase will start March 1st 2026
Thanks to Our Partners 2025
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Bronze Partners
Media & Other Partners
Be Our Partner for DEI Forum 2026
By inserting your email you agree with the data processing according to GDPR (In Czech).
Would you like to be part of our team as a volunteer?
Contact Us info@opim.cz
Past conference topics
-
2025
Leading in Uncertain Times
- Current Global Challenges
- Role of Leaders
- Commitment, Courage and Consistency
- What business leaders can learn from the role of a monastery in today’s world?
- Value Based Leadership Journey
- Driving the Change Through Actions
Workshops
- Beyond the DEI Headlines: Resistance to Action
- Age Management Practically
- The Parallels of European and Buddhist Perspectives
- Self-care: Inner Work With Uncertainty and Fear & Cultivating Courage
- Beyond the Backlash: Rethinking Diversity Through Data
- From Blank Stares to Buy-In
- Bridging The Generational Divide: How Inclusive Leadership Fuels High-Performing Teams
- DEI in Uncertain Times Using the LEGO® Serious Play® method
-
2024
Resilience and Persistence
- The Journey of a DEI Leader
- The Role of Male Allyship
- DEI Backlash from Employees
- Minority Representation
- Generation Z and Millennials
- Age Management Reality
- What Can Make Generations More United
- The Road to Develop ERG
Workshops & Side program
- Hacking the human behaviour through the power of habits
- Living Library: Don't judge a book by its title
- Equal Pay Consultation spot
- Childcare Solutions in the Workplace
- Self-care and self-regulation
-
2023
DEI How
- AI and Diversity
- Impact of Equity on Organizations
- Scaling up DEI
- Digital Accessibility
Hands-on Workshops
- Inclusive Language
- Data Driven DEI organizations
- Top 5 Indicators That Your DEI Strategy Works
- Non-Binary at the Workplace
- Algorithmic Bias and Ethics
-
2022
DEI why
- Inclusive design
- Accessibility
- Women in (still) untraditional job positions
Hands-on Workshops
- VR reality and diversity
- Microagressions through drama technique
- E-learning on biases and authenticity
The Audience Sees the Added Value
- Barbora ValenčíkováCommunity Engagement Manager at AtaccamaI would like to thank the organizers for their efforts and professionalism that made the DEI Forum very beneficial for my professional and personal life and I am very much looking forward to this year's edition. I was most impressed with the panel discussion on inclusive design. It was a truly enriching discussion that brought me many "aha" moments.
- Jarek KotalHead of Learning and Development CZ/SK/GE/AU at Plzeňský PrazdrojGreat and inspiring conference - full of interesting guests, good energy, excellent discussions. There are plenty of conferences where you get an invitation, but you really can't go wrong with this event. The time spent at the conference makes up for the value added from it. I keep D&I Shapers fingers crossed so the second year is also the TOP!
- Gabriela LabíkováCZ&SK CSR Senior Coordinator at DeloitteI would like to thank for the opportunity to participate in the DEI Forum, which was not only inspiring, but in many moments breathtaking. I came to it full of expectations and I was leaving with strong believe that there is no need to wait and delay my dreams any longer - it's time to invest my energy into making them a reality.