The Center for Effective Organizations (CEO) at the USC Marshall School of Business, in partnership with Presenting Sponsor Ecolab Inc., invites you to participate in the in-person edition of the 2025 Strategic Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leadership Summit, taking place on July 22-23, 2025, and virtually, September 25-26, 2025. View the in-person agenda, here.
Now in its 13th year, this data-driven learning event continues to be a premier gathering for ERG leaders and executive sponsors. Whether you’re attending in person or joining us virtually for the first time, the summit offers a dynamic platform for collaborative learning and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with peers, gain valuable strategic insights—and earn Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification (16 PDCs in person | 13 PDCs virtual).
Need help getting approval to attend?
Download our Convince Your Manager letter to make the case.
The Innovation and Success Sharing Competition serves as a dynamic platform for ERG leaders to develop strategies and collaborate on ideas that align their initiatives with broader organizational goals and business strategy. Companies or individuals wanting to be part of the Innovation and Success Sharing Competition start by visiting the StartupWind platform to begin their application. To facilitate the process, we will be hosting pre-event workshops, already included in the Summit, where they receive guidance on developing a strategy and their ideas and putting together their success or innovation stories. These submissions will then be presented and judged during the virtual component of the summit, allowing participants to showcase their achievements and compete.
The Strategic ERG Leadership Summit includes leaders from organizations who have established Employee Resource Group (ERGs) or are just getting their programs started. Attendees include:
Affiliated Senior Research Scientist
Dr. Theresa Welbourne’s work focuses on human capital and leadership strategies that drive growth, innovation and high performance. She is known for her work on employee energy and how energy, direction and confidence come together to stimulate and sustain high sense of urgency cultures and organizational growth.
When you sponsor the Strategic ERG Leadership Summit, you bring actionable insights and innovative strategies back to your organization, backed by the expertise and partnership of the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business, and its Center for Effective Organizations, a top 20 business school and leader in ERG research since 2009.
By supporting ERG development and fostering collaboration, you strengthen your organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent, develop future leaders, enhance organizational agility, and drive business outcomes. Sponsorship demonstrates your commitment to empowering ERGs as strategic resources that contribute to measurable success and long-term growth.
CEO/Founder
Shine Scout, Inc.
Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I)
Ecolab
Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
Minnesota Vikings, NFL
Bestselling Author, Consultant, and Leadership & Workplace Culture Expert
Chairman
The CDO PowerCircle
Director of Corporate Relations & Executive Education
Center for Effective Organizations
Global Head of Connection and Belonging
Xerox
Global ERG Program Manager
Ecolab
Affiliated Senior Research Scientist
Center for Effective Organizations
Director, Program Management IR&D
Textron Aviation Defense
Event Dates
In-Person: July 22-23, 2025
Virtual: September 25-26, 2025
Individual Pricing
In-person Price: $1,195
Virtual Price: $695
15% Discount for teams of 5 or more. Contact us for discount. Virtual registration ends July 7, 2025.
Location
Omni Viking Lakes Resort
St. Paul – Minneapolis
2611 Nordic Way, Eagan, MN 55121
Attire: Business Casual
Need approval to attend? Click here to download a sample email to ask your manager.
The Center for Effective Organizations (CEO) is world-renowned for its breakthrough research and insights on organizational performance, effectiveness, and talent management. CEO has been at the forefront of research on ERGs, since 2009, including the business impact they have on complex and newer or smaller organizations.
A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Center for Effective Organizations operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Vivian Jimenez. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.