Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Well-Being

Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and well-being are core to JFF’s North Star and mission.  

This translates into how we imagine and design our Horizons experience for staff, attendees, speakers, Ambassadors, and collaborators. Below are some of the practices we are bringing to the Horizons Summit to reinforce our commitment.  

Prayer Rooms

During event hours, a prayer room will be available for prayer and spiritual practices of any faith. This is a quiet, shared space where all religious and spiritual beliefs are welcome.  

Quiet Room/Sensory Room

During event hours, the quiet room will be available for sensory downtime, relaxation, and meditation. The shared quiet room will be equipped with earplugs, sensory and fidget tools, comfortable seating, and activities for downtime.

Lactation Room

During event hours, a shared lactation room is available and will be equipped with a mini fridge, pumping supplies such as milk bags and wipes, dividers, snacks and beverages, and a door sign for privacy. Please bring your own pumping equipment.   

Sensory/Concentration Tools

As part of the Summit check-in process, we will provide all attendees with optional sensory tools (such as fidget spinners and earplugs).

Closed Captioning

We will offer closed captioning and reserved seating closer to the screen on our main stage. Ushers will have signs directing attendees to these seats.

Dietary Accommodations

The menu at the summit will offer food for all dietary needs disclosed at registration. Dietary accommodations include but are not limited to vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, celiac, and halal. 

Inclusion and Accessibility Leads

The Horizons inclusion and accessibility team will be available to answer questions and concerns and will provide support with accommodations for our guests. When registering, please input all of your accommodation needs (access, dietary, etc.). If your needs change, please modify your registration to include those accessibility changes via the registration portal. 

In addition to general event Q&A, we will have a team dedicated to inclusion and accessibility needs on site.   

Content Recordings

While we host the Horizons Summit as a fully in-person event, we will make recordings of many of our plenary sessions available on our Horizons site, and we will post clips with highlights on social media.  

Mobility Accessibility

Summit venues follow ADA standards, and all areas will be accessible via elevators. All session rooms will be wheelchair accessible, and every floor will have at least one accessible restroom.  

Gender Inclusivity

As part of registration, we ask attendees to denote their pronouns, which will be prominently displayed on their name tags (unless the participant prefers not to disclose).  

Receptions and Gatherings

We will offer non-alcoholic beverages and alternative activities during receptions to ensure that all attendees feel safe and comfortable during on-site receptions hosted by our team. 

We also recognize that people's comfort with personal touch varies. We encourage all attendees, regardless of relationship, to ask before touching others, shaking hands, or hugging.   

While we make strides each year to make the Horizons Summit a great experience for everyone, we understand that we’re still learning and value feedback from past, present, and future potential attendees about how we can better meet the needs of all guests.