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Disney-ABC Television Group executive, Kevin Brockman, joins Summit keynote lineup

A rising star in the entertainment industry—Kevin Brockman [15], executive vice president of global communications for Disney-ABC Television Group—will be among the impressive keynote speakers at the 2009 Out & Equal Workplace Summit, the world's premier conference on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workplace equality.

Brockman is considered an innovator in the entertainment industry, having played a key role on the executive team that launched UPN before he moved to Disney-ABC Television Group, where he now oversees all worldwide corporate, news and entertainment communications.

"This is an incredible opportunity for everyone at the Summit to directly hear from an out gay executive who is working to achieve equality for all," says Out & Equal Executive Director Selisse Berry.

Brockman will deliver his keynote address during the Summit's Wednesday plenary, which is one of several inspiring sessions planned throughout the Summit—set for October 6-9 in Orlando, FL—that will feature some of the world's most influential business leaders.

He applauds Out & Equal’s work, saying it "challenges and encourages" millions of people to be themselves at work, helping create workplaces where diversity is valued and everyone can be treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

"I accepted the challenge and share their commitment, because I believe everyone has the right and responsibility to live fully and honestly, and I’m honored to be part of this year’s conference to highlight that message," says Brockman.

Brockman oversees worldwide corporate, news and entertainment communications for Disney-ABC Television group, which includes the ABC Television Network that is comprised of ABC Daytime, ABC News and ABC Entertainment; Disney Channels Worldwide that is comprised of a portfolio of kid’s TV businesses; Walt Disney Television Animation; ABC Family and SOAPnet; Radio Disney; Buena Vista Productions; ABC Studios; international distributor Disney-ABC-ESPN Television; Hyperion publishing; and ABC Corporate Initiatives.

He is part of an impressive list of highly-accomplished leaders—including Sharon L. Allen [16], chair of Deloitte, and John Berry [17], the highest–ranking LGBT person in President Barack Obama’s administration—helping shape this year's Summit into the best yet.

Share best practices from your workplace or collaborate with colleagues from other organizations to teach one another the approaches that make your companies among the most successful. In addition to plenary sessions and workshops [6], the Summit offers a rich series of networking luncheons and receptions, including:

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6

WELCOME RECEPTION [12]: 6 to 8 p.m.

Join us at the 2009 Out & Equal Workplace Summit with our welcome reception, where you’ll be able to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as we kick off the event. Open to all registered Summit participants.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

LUNCHEONS [18]: 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Human resources luncheon sponsored by IBM

Build valuable connections at this annual program targeted specifically to human resources professionals. This networking opportunity will feature guests discussing the influences of corporations beyond our borders. Lunch is included with $40 ticket.

Women's leadership luncheon sponsored by Ernst & Young

Join us for the fourth-annual lunchtime program focused on women in the workplace, including inspirational and informative special guests. Open to everyone, but focused on the needs and concerns of women, this luncheon offers great opportunity to make valuable connections. Lunch is included with $40 ticket.

CU4LNCH: Generations X, Y and millennium networking luncheon

Megan Wallent, a general manager at Microsoft, will share her experiences and insights on leadership, for an audience of attendees from Generations X, Y, and Millennium, those ages 18 to 35. The program will include time for questions and answers. Lunch is included with $40 ticket.

RECEPTIONS [12]: 4:30 to 6 p.m.

People of color reception

Out & Equal’s People of Color Advisory Committee will host a casual networking reception that celebrates cultural differences. Open to all registered Summit participants. Light appetizers will be served.

Transgender reception

Join Out & Equal’s Transgender Advisory Committee and other special guests at this casual reception. Open to all registered Summit participants. Light appetizers will be served.

Regional affiliate reception

Don’t miss the networking reception organized by leaders of Out & Equal’s 17 regional affiliates and hosted by Out & Equal Tampa Bay. Regional affiliates produce educational and networking programs throughout the year. This reception is designed to engage you in the work affiliate members are doing in your area. Open to all registered Summit participants.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

LUNCHEONS [18]: 1 to 2 p.m.

Regional affiliate luncheon

Recommended for current and prospective regional affiliate participants and those interested in starting a new affiliate in their home town, this event is an opportunity to mingle and share ideas for bringing Out & Equal programs and LGBT workplace equality to life beyond the Summit. Lunch is included with $20 ticket.

RECEPTIONS [12]: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Awards Dinner reception

Start your night of celebrating workplace equality by taking part in our reception and networking before the annual Out & Equal Workplace Awards Dinner, commonly known as "the Outies."

AWARDS DINNER [19]: 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Out & Equal Workplace Awards Dinner sponsored by Disney, HP and Visa

Don’t miss the Out & Equal Workplace Awards Dinner, which honors the dedication of individuals and organizations working toward equality, while providing the business and LGBT communities with examples of innovative approaches and unwavering commitments to being out and equal.

The Out & Equal Workplace Awards, known as “the Outies” and are among the most recognizable honors of LGBT workplace equality, are given in five different categories, with two recognizing individuals and three recognizing organizations.

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