As Europe searches for a competitive edge amidst rising political instability and social tensions, the recipe for economic resilience may lie in the strength of its workforce. On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Hilton Prague will serve as a vital strategic hub for European leadership, dedicated to fostering inclusive and resilient workplaces. The EPBN – WISE Conference & Awards Ceremony: Protect Workplace Inclusion in Europe will gather over 300 motivated participants from 24 countries, including business leaders, policymakers, and activists, to share the “know-how” required to safeguard workplace rights in an increasingly polarized climate.
With close to 40 million LGBTIQ+ people living in Europe, this event marks a critical milestone in turning authentic inclusion into a measurable business advantage. While data from the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) indicates that 45% of LGBTIQ+ individuals in the EU still hide their identity at work and 18% report experiencing discrimination, the EPBN – WISE (Protect Workplace Inclusion in Europe) program — active across Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Italy — provides the tactical tools necessary to ensure every worker is welcomed and accepted. When employees can truly be themselves, they drive the innovation and productivity essential to Europe’s competitive standing. Presented by the European Pride Business Network (EPBN) and the Pride Business Forum, the day-long event concludes two years of intensive cross-border work under the EPBN – WISE project, funded by the EU’s CERV programme.
A Roadmap for Resilience: The Conference (09:00–17:00)
As organizations navigate legal and social shifts across the EU, the conference segment offers a pragmatic deep-dive into economic resilience. Attendees from over 100 companies will engage with the latest data, including a groundbreaking survey of 3,600 individuals from 5 EU countries regarding workplace microaggressions.
The speaker lineup features a prestigious blend of institutional authority and business leadership, including:
- Institutional Experts: Irena Moozová (European Commission), Miltos Pavlou (EU Agency for Fundamental Rights), Monika Ladmanová (EC Representation in CZ), and Aaron Giardina (Human Rights Directorate, Republic of Malta).
- Business & Legal Visionaries: Representatives from global giants including Rohitraj Pandey (SAP), Mirsad Aljusevic (Erste Group Bank AG), Lucie Benešová (Philip Morris), and Michaela Havel Švarcová (MSD).
- Advocacy Leaders: Martine Roy (LGBT Purge Fund), Roman Samotný (Inakosť Initiative), and Tereza Kadlecová (Pride Business Forum).
To explore the full program and learn more about the speakers shaping the future of inclusion, visit our partners at Pride Business Forum.
Celebrating the Frontlines: The Awards Ceremony (18:30–23:00)
The evening transition honors those leading the change in 23 European countries. The ceremony will celebrate 28 Role Models from 10 countries, 14 inclusive companies, and 25 mentees who have successfully transitioned into Ambassadors for equality.
The Awards Ceremony will feature high-level addresses from:
- Matthias Weber, EPBN Chairman.
- Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner (via video-message).
- Jean-Marc Berthon, French Ambassador for LGBTQAI+ rights.
- Lucia Urciuoli, EPBN Vice Chair and EDGE President
- Christophe Margaine, EPBN-WISE project manager, and EPBN board member.
Beyond the Event: PLANET EPBN
The conference marks the official expansion of the PLANET EPBN: Plan for Sustainable Advancement of LGBTIQ+ Workplace Equality in Europe initiative, a pan-European project of 27 member organizations across 23 countries dedicated to long-term workplace equality. Moving beyond a single ceremony, the program serves as a year-round “Impact Engine,” bridging the gap between EU policy and business reality. By connecting member associations and firms with institutional partners, EPBN facilitates the exchange of data-driven best practices and addresses the economic “Inclusion Dividend,” ensuring that authenticity, fairness, acceptance and psychological wellbeing at work remains a structural priority for a sustainable European economy.
Thank you for helping protect workplace inclusion in Europe
Consortium organizations: L’Autre Cercle (France), EDGE (Italy), Berufsverband VK (Germany), Pride Biz (Austria) and Pride Business Forum (Czech Republic).
Sponsors: The EPBN – WISE Conference & Awards Ceremony is made possible thanks to Legrand, Orange, Sephora, Société Générale, AV Media, Hilton Prague, and Paris Label Europe. The EPBN – WISE project is funded by the European Commission’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme.
Patronage: Held under the official patronage of the European Parliament, and the French & Irish Embassies in the Czech Republic.
