Jessica BirdERG Blueprint, created by the Inclusion and Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) and people intelligence company Howlett Brown, is set to host a one-day conference aimed at professionals focused on employee networks and workplace inclusion.
The in-person event will take place on Tuesday 28th April 2026 at Leonardo Royal St Paul’s in London and will bring together ERG leaders, HR and DEI professionals, executive sponsors and inclusion advocates from across the UK.
The conference will be hosted by television presenter AJ Odudu and will feature speakers including Richard Etienne of The Introvert Space, Charlene Brown of Howlett Brown and Vanessa Vallely of We Are The City.
The event was designed to support employee resource group (ERG) leaders at a time when networks face increasing pressure to demonstrate impact, navigate political tension and align with evolving business priorities, while also responding to declining employee engagement nationally.
Ajay Mistry, co-chair of iCAN, said: “Employee networks are powerful engines for change – but the people running them are often under-resourced, under-supported, and expected to deliver extraordinary impact.
“This conference is designed to change that – giving leaders the tools, strategy and support they need to succeed.”
The programme will include sessions focused on future-proofing strategies, influence and persuasion, conflict navigation, data, branding and resilience.
Workshops will explore identifying challenges and barriers, framing the value of ERGs for chairs and sponsors, and defining measurable impact.
Charlene Brown, co-founder and managing director of Howlett Brown, said: “We know that network leaders sit at the intersection of culture, strategy, and lived experience, making them the true catalysts of inclusion and belonging.
“They are not just volunteers – they are strategists, influencers and connectors. This conference equips network leaders to future-proof their networks, scale their impact, and deliver measurable value aligned to organisational purpose.”
The event is open to ERG chairs and core team members, HR and DEI professionals, executive sponsors, aspiring ERG founders and consultants working alongside employee networks, with organisers stating it is designed to encourage cross-industry collaboration.
