With the theme of “Inclusive Engagement: Uplifting the Power of Community,” Missouri State University’s 2024 Collaborative Diversity Conference aims to connect citizens and foster community around conversations related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Attendees can expect engaging discussions on a variety of topics ranging from violence prevention education to early career mentorship programs.

“This conference offers a great opportunity for people to come and engage with one another, share ideas, feel a space of belonging in terms of their value and have challenging conversations,” said Dr. Algerian Hart, assistant to the president for inclusive engagement at MSU.

Open to the public, the conference will take place April 25-26 at the Glendalough Conference Center – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Springfield.

Engage with the community

Read the full transcript

Conference highlights

Professor Irshad Manji, founder and CEO of the Moral Courage College, will serve as the lunch keynote speaker on April 25. Her organization teaches people to turn contentious issues into constructive conversations and healthy teamwork.

Manji will also lead an in-person interactive workshop focused on “How to Practice Diversity Without Division: The Moral Courage Method® of Communicating.”

The conference will conclude with the Inclusive Excellence Awards Gala on April 26. The cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m., followed by the gala at 7 p.m.

MSU President Clif Smart will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights on the power of inclusion in shaping a brighter future.

Tickets are $80 per person or $500 for a table of eight and can be purchased online.

A variety of options

In terms of sessions, the conference offers a menu of options that will appeal to attendees’ varied interests.

“All of it is specific to uplifting our community,” Hart said.

Among the sessions on the agenda include:

April 25

• Resources for entrepreneurs and (small) business owners in Springfield.
• Better together: Taking action on data-driven community report card.
• Exploring an intersectional approach to violence prevention education and victim services.
• From insight to impact: Crafting inclusive solutions for organizational needs.

April 26

• Resisting divide-and-conquer strategies in education: Pathways and possibilities.
• The impact of cultural capital on student success.
• No offense.
• Commerce in the community: Early career mentorship programs.

Registration and costs

Online registration is mandatory and ticket prices vary. Visit the conference website for more details.

Register for the conference