Home » Events » Cheers to change – Raising the bar on belonging

Cheers to change – Raising the bar on belonging

Hosted by:Join fellow DEI and ERG leads across academic and educational publishing for an energizing afternoon of discussion, reflection, and connection.

Target audiences: DEI leads and leads of employee resource groups across academic and or trade/education publishing

Capacity is limited to 40 participants. We welcome those shaping inclusive futures in publishing. Please ensure that you register by Tuesday, July 1st.

As a precursor to London Pride, this low-key gathering offers:

A brief panel conversation on advancing belonging in today’s climate
Space to share insights, challenges & inspiration
Drinks, networking, and new connections

Event description:
What does it truly mean to belong—and why does it matter now more than ever?

In a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives face growing political pushback and legal uncertainty, this energizing industry mixer explores how we can sustain and protect the work of inclusion and belonging in a shifting landscape.

Whether you’re leading a D&I strategy, managing an employee resource group, or seeking to deepen your inclusion impact, this gathering is your opportunity to connect with others who are doing the work. Set in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, the event offers space not only to celebrate progress but to share challenges, exchange insights, and strengthen cross-sector alliances. Expect meaningful conversations, new connections, and a collective focus on advancing belonging across all identities and dimensions.

Let’s come together to reflect, reimagine, and raise a glass to the inclusive futures we’ve been building—one relationship, one initiative, one conversation at a time.

Draft program

15.30	Arrival & Registration Guests check in, receive name badges, and enjoy light refreshments.
16:00	Welcome Remarks Sarah Phibbs, STM’s Director of Equity & Inclusion, welcomes guests, introduces the context, and outlines the evening’s flow
16:05	Panel Discussion + Q&A Moderated panel of 3–4 experts exploring deeper questions around belonging, the business case for DEI, and what’s next. Suggested questions: Belonging is often talked about as the feeling of being seen, heard, and valued, but it encompasses a wide range of identities. Today, belonging is viewed as the next frontier in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). What does belonging mean to you in a workplace context, and why is it critical for the future of inclusive business practices? In a climate where some organizations are rolling back DEI initiatives, how can leaders continue to make a compelling case, especially to sceptics, that belonging is not just a moral imperative, but also a business one? How can we maintain the momentum that has been built up for creating inclusive environments that go beyond optics? What does the future of belonging look like in the workplace? What are the urgent actions we should take now as individuals, leaders, and supporters? Audience Q&A in the final 10–15 minutes.
16:55	Closing Reflections: A summary of key insights and a call to action from STM/Elsevier
17:00	Networking & Drinks Reception
18:00	Event Close

Please note: The below-mentioned T&Cs do not apply to this event

Event Terms & Conditions

Cancellation

Where an event has registration fees, cancellations made in writing up to 30 days before an event are eligible for a 50% refund. No refunds can be made for cancellations received on or after 30 days prior to the event date, however, substitutions may be made free of charge at any time.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance. Participants are advised to take out adequate personal insurance to cover travel, accommodation, cancellation and personal effects.

Privacy

For more information about the personal data processed by STM Services, please refer to our Privacy statement