How the 2026 GEN Virtual Summit Will Elevate ERG Impact in Organizations

Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 GEN IMPACT Award Winners

The recent 2025 GEN IMPACT Awards celebrated organizations that excel in creating engagement through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Councils, and Executive Sponsors. During the 2025 GEN Conference held in Tucson, Arizona, representatives from over 50 organizations gathered to recognize their innovative efforts under the theme “The ERG & Council Evolution: From Advocacy to Impact.”

“These groups redefine what impact and engagement looks like inside organizations,” stated Anna Ettin, Executive Officer of Innovation and Generational Transformation at Tapestry Partner Solutions (TPS). According to her, these award-winning groups are not just event organizers; they play critical roles in fostering connections that drive innovation and bolster employee retention, resulting in measurable business achievements.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Change

The Global ERG Network (GEN) also debuted its refreshed brand identity during the conference, which reflects a commitment to facilitating long-term cultural and structural adaptations within organizations through ERGs. This visual shift includes human-form iconography designed to symbolize the leaders driving transformation. Furthermore, the GEN's expanded suite of offerings, such as the GEN Co//Lab—a digital hub of tools and best practices—aims at empowering organizations to implement effective strategies with clarity and speed.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Virtual Summit

The excitement doesn’t end with the awards. The upcoming 2026 GEN Virtual Summit is set to explore how ERGs can act as a strategic asset for organizations. By enhancing belonging, cultural strength, and leadership development, ERGs will be spotlighted as essential for cultivating the future workforce. Monica Brunache, Executive Officer of Organizational and Employee Strategy at TPS, emphasized this by suggesting that organizations should view talent as a dynamic system that fosters growth and innovation.

The Virtual Summit will feature engaging tracks such as “Experience into Impact” and “Retention by Design,” designed to link employee experiences directly to organizational success. It represents an opportunity not only for ERG leaders but for all members to engage in professional development that can lead to collective success.

The Importance of ERGs in Shaping Workplace Culture

As we look to the future, the role of ERGs is becoming increasingly significant. In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are paramount, organizations are recognizing that ERGs are not just a benefit but essential to their core operations. These groups are instrumental in creating inclusive environments where all voices are heard, thereby fueling innovation and improving retention rates.

Moreover, the 2026 GEN Virtual Summit prepares to engage forward-thinking leaders in discussions about maximizing the effectiveness of these essential groups. It serves as a platform to reimagine how organizations view and utilize their talent networks.

For those eager to further explore how ERGs can transform workplace dynamics, registration for the summit is open and available at Super Early Bird pricing until December 2. This is an invaluable moment for HR and business leaders to connect and strategize on nurturing a thriving organizational culture.

Join the Movement

In conclusion, the recognition of the 2025 GEN IMPACT Award winners illustrates that impactful cultural change is possible when organizations empower their ERGs. The insights shared at the GEN Conference provide a roadmap for continued growth and engagement within the workforce. Joining the Virtual Summit will not only enhance your understanding of these processes but also contribute to the ongoing journey toward creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.