Join Us for the 2026 LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Summit!
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Amegy Tower, 1717 W. Loop S., Houston, TX 77027
Are you ready to connect with peers from across the region, exchange ideas, and strengthen the impact of your work?
Join us for the 2026 LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Summit!
The LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Summit is the Chamber’s annual professional development and networking event bringing together LGBTQ+ and Allied Business/Employee Resource Group (B/ERG) leaders, human resources professionals, talent and recruitment teams, supplier access professionals, and others advancing belonging and inclusion within their organizations.
With both in-person and virtual opportunities to participate, the Summit offers a dynamic forum to learn from industry leaders, share best practices, build meaningful connections, and gain practical insights to take back to your workplace and grow your leadership skills. This year’s theme is:
"The Authentic Advantage: Leading with the Power of Your Own Brand"
Our Keynote Speaker
Lisa Trapani Shumate (she/her), Founder, Maximum Q
HOST
Thank you to our host and Chamber Equity Impact Partner, Amegy Bank, for providing the space for our Summit.
This event will fill up quickly! Register today to reserve your seat.
If you have multiple registrations from one company and would like to be invoiced, please email ryan.wilson@houstonlgbtchamber.com.
Early bird pricing (in-person and virtual) ends on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The last day to register to attend the Summit (in-person or virtual) is Friday, October 30, 2026.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Professionals across all industries
- Talent and leadership development professionals
- Business/Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders and team members
- Chamber Impact Partners seeking to engage with the community
- Allies looking to grow and learn
- Guests welcome!
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND
- Gain practical tools for career and leadership growth
- Learn from professionals shaping workplace culture
- Connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships
- Celebrate changemakers at the Workplace Alliance Awards
- Leave reenergized and inspired
FACILITATOR AND SPEAKER
Lisa Trapani Shumate (she/her), founded Maximum Q with a simple belief: Leadership isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you inspire growth and positive change in the people around you.
With more than three decades of leadership experience at Disney/ABC, TEGNA, PBS, and NPR media organizations, Lisa has built a career around helping teams navigate change, unlock potential, and lead with purpose. Her book, You’ve Got This: The Real Skills You Need for Career Success (Wiley, 2022), has reached over 15,000 students across the U.S. and Canada, empowering the next generation of professionals to thrive in their careers and lives.
Early bird pricing (in-person and virtual) ends on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The last day to register to attend the Summit (in-person or virtual) is Friday, October 30, 2026.
PROGRAM
- 8:30 AM - Registration and Networking
Coffee & light refreshments will be provided
- 9:00 AM - Welcome and Introductions
- 9:30 AM - Keynote by Lisa Shumate: “Wired to Succeed"
Drawing on 25+ years of executive leadership and coaching experience, Lisa explores the mindsets and habits that separate leaders who plateau from those who keep growing - offering practical habits members can apply immediately, regardless of industry or career stage.
- 10:15 AM - Self-Awareness Assessment & Exercise
Attendees will take a guided assessment to help members identify their strengths, blind spots, and personal leadership style. Followed by an activity to apply what you've just learned.
- 11:05 AM - BREAK
- 11:20 AM - Panel Discussion: "Identity, Brand, and Beliefs"
Leaders from different industries and backgrounds come together to share how they've navigated identity, authenticity, and personal brand throughout their careers.
- 12:00 PM - Workplace Alliance Awards + Closing
- 12:45 PM - Optional Networking Lunch
Keep the conversations going and join us after the summit for a group lunch at Chamber Member Maggiano’s Little Italy, located at 2019 Post Oak Blvd., just a mile away (lunch not included in Summit registration).
Early bird pricing (in-person and virtual) ends on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The last day to register to attend the Summit (in-person or virtual) is Friday, October 30, 2026.
LGBTQ+ WORKPLACE ALLIANCE LEADERSHIP AWARDS
We’ll also celebrate excellence with the Workplace Alliance Awards—honoring individuals, companies, and organizations making a meaningful impact in cultivating empowering and inclusive workplaces.
We will be recognizing four outstanding companies and individuals with the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Leadership Awards in the following categories:
- B/ERG Executive Sponsor Impact Award
Awarded to an executive leader who champions their company’s LGBTQ+ Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG), advances LGBTQ+ inclusion, and serves as a role model for other Executive Sponsors and leaders.
- Rising Star B/ERG Award
Awarded to an LGBTQ+ Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG) in its first one to five years that is making a meaningful impact on LGBTQ+ inclusion through demonstrated commitment, positive outcomes, and efforts that foster greater belonging within the company and beyond.
- B/ERG Outstanding Leadership Award
Awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership within their company’s LGBTQ+ Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG), serves as a role model for others, and actively champions the Chamber’s mission both within their company and across the community.
- B/ERG Service Impact Award
Awarded to an LGBTQ+ Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG) that demonstrates meaningful community impact through service, volunteerism, and support of local organizations.
Self-nominate or nominate someone from your B/ERG or another Chamber Impact Partner. Submit your nomination today!
🕛 Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 18, 2026.
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
A virtual attendance option will be available, but in-person attendance is strongly encouraged.
Member/Partner Rates:
- $20 early bird (virtual) - ends October 9th at midnight
- $35 early bird (in-person) - ends October 9th at midnight
- $25 member/partner rate (virtual)
- $45 member/partner rate (in-person)
Non-Member Rates:
- $35 (virtual)
- $65 (in-person)
Note: Tables of up to 7 are available as part of sponsorship opportunities.
Early bird pricing (in-person and virtual) ends on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The last day to register to attend the Summit (in-person or virtual) is Friday, October 30, 2026.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Attire: Business casual.
Parking: Complimentary parking is available in the Amegy Bank garage.
Virtual attendees: If you registered to attend virtually, the Zoom link will be emailed to you 24 hours in advance of the Summit.
Questions? Contact us at info@houstonlgbtchamber.com or (832) 510-3002.
💼 ABOUT THE LGBTQ+ WORKPLACE ALLIANCE
The LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance was developed exclusively for Chamber Impact Partners to facilitate engagement and learning between LGBTQ+ & Allied Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG) leaders, human resources, talent recruitment, supplier access, and leadership professionals engaged in belonging and inclusion efforts within their companies in Houston and beyond. Learn more here.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Thank you to our generous sponsors for helping to make the Summit possible.
Champion Sponsor
Leader Sponsor
Advocate Sponsor
Host & Sponsor
2026 LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Sponsors
SPONSOR THE SUMMIT
Sponsoring the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Summit is a powerful way to align your brand with a regional professional development event connecting LGBTQ+ and allied professionals.
Show your support for inclusive workplaces and professional growth while engaging your team in this unique event.
For questions about sponsorship opportunities, contact Ryan Wilson, Director of Corporate Relations, at ryan.wilson@houstonlgbtchamber.com or (832) 510-3002 for more information.
By registering and/or attending a Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce program or event, you agree to the Chamber's Terms of Use & Policies.