Inclusive employment in hospitality is Aug. 7 topic

The Delaware Restaurant Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Delaware Restaurant Association, will present AccessAbility in Hospitality: A Statewide Conference on Inclusive Employment Practices, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7, in Newark.

The focus will be on building a more inclusive hospitality workforce. Designed for restaurant managers, human resources professionals, supervisors and business owners, the free event will equip employers with practical tools to hire, support and advance workers with disabilities, thereby expanding opportunity, access and equity in Delaware’s largest small business sector.

Conference programming will feature expert-led panels, real-world case studies and engaging conversations on accessibility, workplace accommodations and inclusive human resources strategies. Attendees will hear from workforce development leaders including the Food Bank of Delaware, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Community Integrated Services, and have access to resources from these participating agencies. A new inclusive hospitality toolkit, packed with adaptable policies, training modules and actionable resources, will also be unveiled during the event.

“Delaware’s hospitality industry is powered by people,” said Meghan Gardner, vice president of the Delaware Restaurant Foundation. “This conference ensures those opportunities are truly open to all while continuing to give employers the tools to lead with equity, intention and results.”