2025 SIETAR USA National Conference - 12-15 November
Portland, OR | Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
SIETAR USA 2025 Conference:
Inclusive Interculturalism: Purpose, Possibilities, and Progress
- Inclusive Interculturalism in the environment, the communities, and the field(s) we serve.
- Inclusive Interculturalism within the organizations we serve.
- Inclusive Interculturalism within ourselves and the individual we serve.
Through this year's theme, we will confront the challenges that we face in an environment of backlash against multiculturalism and DEIB, and envision the inclusive world we see in the future.
Stay tuned for more information on the in-person 2025 SIETAR USA Conference!
The SIETAR USA National Conference provides the space to:
Engage boldly in the difficult dialogues about what disconnects us.
Bring us closer to a shared understanding and empathy.
Explore together concepts, tools, best practices – and even solutions.
Bridge the gaps and move toward integrating Intercultural and Inclusion.
Who Should Attend
At a time when the world needs the wisdom and work of SIETAR USA members and friends more than ever, the national conference brings together professionals from many regions, ethnicities, occupations and industries for collaborative learning and a stimulating exchange of ideas. This conference is designed for those who teach, train, work, or conduct research in arenas where intercultural competence, bridging differences, and social justice, equity and inclusion are important.
Whether you are new to these fields or an experienced practitioner, the SIETAR USA conference offers learning and personal connections that will enhance your capacity to meet the needs of your students, colleagues, communities, and families.
Do you seek to share your expertise as a presenter and learn from others, or want to meet and greet colleagues and friends? Please plan to join us virtually in 2024! SIETAR USA acknowledges and offers respect to the past, present and future practitioners and supporters of intercultural communications, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging of all forms.
SIETAR USA Conference attendees come from:
✔️ Global Business and Multinational Corporations
✔️ Global Virtual Team Members, Leaders and Facilitators
✔️ Education
✔️ Health Services
✔️ Training, Coaching, and Facilitation
✔️ Intercultural & DEI Writers, Podcasters, Bloggers & Vloggers
✔️ Global Mobility and Relocation
✔️ Research
✔️ Government
✔️ Refugee and Immigrant Support Services
✔️ Domestic Diversity
✔️ Global Diversity
✔️ Cultural Transitions
✔️ Peace and Conflict Resolution
✔️ Tourism
✔️ Communication and Dialogue Professions
✔️ Community Development
✔️ And more...
The 2024 conference theme was 'Acceptance, Belonging, Community'!
Do YOU know your SIETAR USA ABC's?
Acceptance is a crucial aspect of creating a more equitable and just society. It involves recognizing and valuing the differences and unique perspectives of individuals from diverse backgrounds, and creating a culture of respect, openness, and understanding.
Belonging is the sense of being accepted, valued, and included within a community or group, regardless of one's cultural background or identity. It is the perception that one's unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions are recognized and appreciated, and that one has a place in the larger social fabric.
Building a Community that embraces intercultural components and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) requires a deliberate and intentional effort to create a culture of respect, openness, and understanding. It must feature education and awareness, engagement in active listening and empathy, and create inclusive policies and practices.
It is more important than ever that we embrace each of these elements and make every possible effort to incorporate them into SIETAR USA and the world in general. By taking these steps, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
2024 Keynote Speakers
Acceptance • Belonging • Community
Opening Keynote
Thursday, February 22 - 3:00 pm-4:00 pm (US Central)
Presenter: Elmer Dixon
President, SIETAR USA
President, Executive Diversity Services, Civil Rights Activist, Author
"Achieving Social Justice and Change with
Acceptance, Belonging & Community"
Acceptance is about recognizing and valuing the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions of individuals from various backgrounds. Belonging involves creating an environment where everyone feels included, celebrated, and has a sense of connection and ownership. And Community is where the power to drive meaningful change originates.
With his background as a diversity consultant and his role as a former Black Panther member, this year’s Opening Keynote speaker, SIETAR USA President Elmer Dixon, has a keen understanding of the importance of Acceptance, Belonging, and Community in achieving social justice and change.
Building strong communities based on social justice values and collective action is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Elmer’s perspective on our conference theme and how it applies to the SIETAR USA organization and to our world at large.
Closing Keynote
Saturday, February 24 - 1:15 pm-2:30 pm (US Central)
"Found in Translation: Fostering Belonging and Community in a Globalized World of Remote Work and Multicultural Teams"
A Fireside Chat
Presenters:
Diana Zalaquett, HubSpot Change Management Project Manager
Dr. Vrnda "V" Boykin, Senior Program Manager, GTM Enablement
Martijn van Dooren, CEO of WX Digital Agency
Jessica Reyes, Global Strategy Architect: Bridging Cultures for Business Growth
This 'fireside chat'-style presentation will feature discussion on:
• Strategies for overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers in global communication.
• Practical advice for building and managing multicultural remote teams.
• The challenges and opportunities of globalization and remote work in today's world.
• Creating an inclusive work environment in a remote or hybrid setting.
This session promises to be a highlight of the conference, as it offers real-world expertise, relevance, inspiration, actionable insights, and inclusivity—all in line with SIETAR USA's values.
Schedule At A Glance (subject to change)
February 22: Welcome, Opening Keynote, Sessions, Deep Dive Lab #1
February 23: Features a full day of sessions, time with the sponsors & exhibitors, Deep Dive Lab #2, and do NOT miss the Virtual Social Hour!
February 24: Opens with a Wellness event, more concurrent sessions, and concludes with the Closing Keynote.
Detailed Agenda by Day
February 22
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February 23
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February 24
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Thank You to our 2024 Conference Sponsors
& Virtual Exhibitors!
Presenting Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Friends of SIETAR USA
