Yellow banner with purple text reading: NZ Disability Employers' Conference, 2023 Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference, 10-11 August, Auckland. Tickets available now

Conference dates and location

  • Thursday 10th and Friday 11th August 2023
  • Spark Conference Centre, Auckland
    Spark New Zealand Corporate Office, 167 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD (Google Maps)

About the Conference

The NZDEN ‘Disability Inclusive Pathways’ Conference offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with others. All attendees are committed to improving disabled and neurodiverse people's career, inclusion, and belonging outcomes.

Hear from leading disability experts, experienced practitioners and people with lived experience, including inspiring international and local speakers.

This year's conference theme, ''Collectively Stronger'' is about exploring the strength of disabled people, the value they bring to organisations, and breaking the narratives that have formed in societyAs an attendee you will explore how we can all support and empower disabled and neurodiverse New Zealanders in their employment, and ways to foster organisational cultures of true belonging for disabled people in the workplace.

Join our powerful network of business leaders, diversity and human resources professionals, industry experts, and influencers from the public, private, and for-purpose sectors. Share and discover innovative solutions to apply to your organisation and learn how to support career development and foster a culture of true belonging for disabled and neurodiverse people.

Our Sponsors and Key Partners

The NZ Disability Employers' Network would like to thank the following sponsors and key partners for their support of the 2023 Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference.

Speaker and Panellist line-up

Our presenters for 2023 feature a diverse blend of experts from both New Zealand and abroad, disabled and neurodiverse people, and people who have excelled at putting advice into practice.

A pakeha lady with short blond hair smiling at the camera

Master of Ceremonies: Korrin Barrett

We are pleased to announce Korrin Barrett as our conference MC for 2023.

After her outstanding presentation at the 2022 DIPC Conference, we are thrilled to welcome back Korrin for 2023.

Why you should attend

  • Experience a broad range of workshops and presentations, including both local and international guest speakers participating in inspirational presentations and panels.
  • Share insights and connect with a powerful network of business leaders, diversity practitioners, international speakers, industry experts, and influencers.
  • Take away practical, effective strategies you can apply in your organisation.
  • Learn tested and pioneering practices that facilitate employment, retention, and inclusion of disabled and neurodiverse people in the workforce.
  • A uniquely New Zealand event relating to the employment of disabled and neurodiverse people and business in Aotearoa.
    The only one of its kind.

Sponsor this event

Would your organisation benefit from becoming a sponsor or exhibitor at this year's conference?

The NZDEN ‘Disability Inclusive Pathways’ Conference offers an exceptional opportunity for organisations to connect with other organisations committed to advancing disability and neurodiversity career and inclusion outcomes and fostering a culture of true belonging for disabled and neurodiverse people in the workplace.

In addition to the reputational benefits, the conference also provides significant opportunities to network with and influence decision-makers from leading New Zealand businesses.

For further information, read our sponsorship proposal (PDF 818KB).

NZDEN 2023 Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference Sponsorship Proposal cover

Register to receive email updates on the 2023 Conference

Register for conference updates

Enter your details below to receive updates and notifications about the 2023 NZDEN Conference and events. Should you experience any accessibility challenges using this form, please email us on info@nzden.org.nz or call 09 242 051.

More information
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What people have said about the Disability Inclusive Pathways conference

"Great panellists and presenters. Wonderful sense of camaraderie in the room. I left with practical information to take back to my employer."

"Thank you for putting together an amazing event. Last year I said that it was the best conference I had ever been to, but I think it was even better this year."

"As someone currently without a physical disability or neurodiversity, I was humbled to be in a space where I could hear from disabled people in a safe environment."

"Everything was done very well! Very professionally pulled together, great speakers, great venue (and catering), great networking opportunity. All in all it was very enjoyable and gave me some great insights/resources to take back to my organisation."

"It was inspiring and life-changing and has given me information and steps to take to actively make my workplace more accessible to staff and customers. World class."

"Fidget toys were very helpful! Probably the best work conference I've ever been to."

"[Loved] connecting with like-minded people, the workshopping and re-energising me in this work and reminding me why we do what we do."

"It was an incredible experience. The venue, the way the days were planned, the people on the panels, and the length of the talks were all just right. I have taken away so many ideas to implement in my practice. The thing I liked most was how inclusive the entire experience felt, it was hard going back to normal life and readjusting after being in a lovely bubble surrounded by amazing, kind people who are motivated to support the disabled community."

"The mix of people with accessibility needs and people working with people with accessibility needs/employers [was great] - a great blend of perspectives. The range of topics covered was excellent."

"The speakers were all great, I especially liked hearing from disabled people and the struggles and successes they have had. The location was great."

Photo highlights from previous conferences

NZ Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero MNZM speaks to delegates from the stage at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference
Keynote speaker at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference, NZ Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero MNZM, speaks to delegates from the stage.
A panel of disabled people sit on seats on the stage. The topic for this panel is 'Finding a job - the good, the bad and the ugly'
A panel of disabled people sit on seats on the stage. The topic for this panel is 'Finding a job - the good, the bad and the ugly'.
Room of delegates with attention on a video-presentation
Sharon Caroll, Australia Post during a live video link presentation.
Table of delegates at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference. One person is interpreting the conversation using NZ Sign Language.
Table of delegates at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference. One person is interpreting the conversation using NZ Sign Language. On stage presenting is 'That Blind Woman' Julie Woods.
Table of delegates engage in discussion around a table at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference
A round table of delegates from various organisations engage in discussion around a table at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference.
Four people seated in on a stage with a screen behind them. A woman stands at a lectern at the far end of the stage.
The Disabled Persons Panel of Jake Ryan, Sarah Mitchell, and Stew Sexton, facilitated by Sandra Budd.
A man sitting in a red armchair, speaking into a microphone. Beside him sits his wheel chair, and a purple banner reads '2022 Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference'
Stew Sexton speaking from the stage during the Disabled Persons Panel at conference 2022.
A group of people having a discussion in NZ Sign Language at the NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference 2021
A group of people engaged in conversation using NZ Sign Language.
Callum McKirdy presenting at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Pathways Conference
Callum McKirdy presenting on Harnessing the Power of Neurodiversity in our Workplaces' at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Pathways Conference.
Speaker, Korrin Barrett, sits on a chair holding a microphone on stage. A large screen is behind her.
Keynote Speaker, Korrin Barrett answers questions from attendees after her presentation 'The value of work'.
Room of people waving hands in the NZSL sign for applause.
Room of attendees applaud in NZ Sign Language.
Two people engaged in a conversation using Sign Language
Two people at the conference, engaging in a conversation in NZ Sign Language.