Join us for the second edition of Sofia Pride Business Forum 2024, where we’ll delve into the economic significance of fostering inclusive workplaces under the theme “Economics of Inclusion” This half-day event, hosted by GLAS Foundation and Work It OUT, is dedicated to businesses committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments.
Preliminary Agenda:
Registration (09:00 – 09:30)
Opening and Keynotes (09:30 – 10:30)
- Nancy Shiller, CEO, America for Bulgaria foundation (TBC)
- Georgi Ganev, Country GM and Technology Sales Leader, IBM Bulgaria
- Federico Serrano, Senior Global Communications Specialist, Booking.com
- Javier Leonor-Vicente, Global Inclusion and Diversity Senior Manager, Pride at Accenture
- Simeon Vasilev, Chairman, GLAS foundation
- Sofia Municipality representative (TBC)
Economic Cost of Homophobia in Bulgaria (10:30 – 11:15)
- Lucho Bogdanov, Chief Economist, Institute for market Economics, presenting a report on economic cost of homophobia for Bulgaria + open Q&A session on the report
- Magdalena Staneva, Managing Partner, Solent Film/Riff Raff
- Alex Momchev, Managing Partner, Solent Film/Riff Raff
Break (11:15 – 11:30)
Panel 1 – Society of the Future (11:30 – 12:30)
An insightful panel discussion on the role of empathy in business culture and its impact on driving social change through corporate engagement. Our panelists will share practical strategies and insights on embedding empathy into business practices, leveraging diversity to foster equitable workplaces, and engaging with communities to address societal challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how empathy can drive positive outcomes in both business and society.
Petar Torneff, Managing Director Accenture Bulgaria
Milena Dragijska, CEO, Lidl, Bulgaria (TBC)
Tenko Nikolov, CEO, Siteground
Polina Vidas, Mastercard
Ekaterina Ancheva, Head of Identity and Comms, Unicredit bank (TBC)
Paysafe (TBC)
Progress (TBC)
Panel 2 – DEI in Hospitality (12:30 – 13:30)
From fostering diverse and equitable workplaces to engaging with diverse guests, this panel will provide valuable insights and actionable advice for everyone looking to enhance their inclusivity efforts in the hospitality industry. Learn from the pioneers we’ve invited and gain insights about promoting diversity and inclusion in hospitality.
- Federico Serrano, Senior Global Communications Specialist, Booking.com
- Dessislava Sharkova Stoyanova, Director of Marketing, Hyatt Regency Sofia
- Yavor Bachev, Cluster Brand & Communications Manager, Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia, Grand Hotel Sofia and Kings’ Valley Medical & Spa Hotel
- Ministry of Tourism (TBC)
- Board of Tourism (TBC)
- Parliamentary group on Tourism (TBC)
Networking Lunch (13:30 – 14:30)