2025 Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference
Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference 2026
The 6th annual ‘Disability Inclusive Pathways’ Conference, is being held at the Pullman Hotels & Apartments, Auckland on 4th-5th August 2026.
DIPC 2026 puts the productivity case for disability inclusion front and centre. It examines what organisations stand to gain when they close the gap, and sets that conversation in the context of what employers are actually navigating right now, including the ongoing effects of global uncertainty and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on how work gets done and who it works for.
You'll hear from organisation leaders, HR and diversity professionals, and sector influencers from across the public, private, and for-purpose sectors, including a strong line-up of international speakers. Sessions are practical and evidence-based, built around a single organising question: what is the missing advantage in your organisation, and how do you find it?
Hosted by the New Zealand Disability Employers’ Network (NZDEN), this conference provides a unique opportunity to connect and build lasting professional relationships with business leaders, HR and DEI professionals, government and policy leaders, accessibility professionals, and industry pioneers, while exploring practical pathways for meaningful inclusion.
In addition, in partnership with Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People we are proud to host the Disability in the Public Sector - Working Session on 6th July - a complimentary third day event for public service attendees.
Past Conferences
2025
In July 2025, we gathered in Auckland for the 5th annual Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference, where attendees connected with leading voices in disability and neurodiversity inclusion through keynotes, expert panels, and interactive workshops.
The theme, “Fuelling Strengths. Delivering Impact”, examined how organisations are moving beyond compliance to embed disability and neurodiversity inclusion as a strategic advantage – strengthening business performance, driving innovation, delivering positive impact for organisations, disabled and neurodivergent communities, and society as a whole.
2024
In August 2024, we returned to Rotorua, where conference attendees were presented with an exceptional opportunity to gain insights from a strong line-up of speakers and panellists, including international guest Susan Scott-Parker OBE from the UK.
Together we explored the theme, "Orchestrating a disability inclusive workplace culture" and discussed coordinating the elements of workplace cultures to facilitate the inclusion of disability and neurodiversity, the opportunities that disability inclusion provides, and the success that it brings to the organisation, the disabled community, and the individual.
2023
In August 2023, our conference was held at the Spark Conference Centre in Auckland, where we hosted almost 150 people. The theme, 'Collectively Stronger' embarked on a journey of exploration, uncovering strategies to support and empower disabled and neurodiverse New Zealanders in their professional paths, and confronted prevailing societal narratives.
2022
In August 2022, themed 'Unlocking True Potential', we hosted 120+ people at the Novotel Lakeside Rotorua - doubling the size of our inaugural 2021 Conference.
2021
July 2021 was our inaugural conference, 'Disability Inclusive Pathways' in Rotorua. With a top-class range of international and local speakers and panellists.
