2026 Inspiring Workplaces Awards North America Chicago Awards Ceremony
5:30pm, Chicago
June 17, 2026
Headline Sponsor
Time to party and celebrate the Top 100!
The Inspiring Workplaces Awards North American 2026 Chicago Ceremony celebrates organisations recognised as some of the most PeopleFirst workplaces in the region.
This prestigious HR and workplace awards ceremony brings together leaders, finalists and winners to celebrate excellence in culture, leadership, wellbeing, employee experience and more.
This exclusive event will showcase and celebrate the inspiring, PeopleFirst organizations that are leading the charge in transforming the world of work.
Come and join the Inspiring Workplaces team on June 17 in Chicago for an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, and live entertainment.
This event will showcase and celebrate the inspiring, people-first organizations that are leading the charge in transforming the world of work.
Why attend?
- Exclusive Recognition – Celebrate your achievements. Winners will walk away with an official trophy and printed certificates
- Enjoy an unforgettable night out with your team – celebrate, shine on stage, capture the moment with photos and videos, and create memories that last!
- Cocktails, canapés, inspiration and live entertainment hosted by Jason Lauritsen
- Connect with leaders and professionals from other Inspiring Workplaces, expanding your network and gaining insights from industry experts
- Limited Space – Secure early access before we sell out.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to network and learn from the best. Join us and let’s work together to change the world by transforming the world of work.
On the Night
June 17, 2026
5:30pm Arrival: Hors D’oeuvres, Drinks & Music
6:30pm Welcome Address: Matt Manners, Inspiring Workplaces
6:40pm Keynote: Jason Lauritsen
6:45pm Awards Ceremony Begins
7:55pm Awards Ceremony Ends | Band, Drinks & Hors D’oeuvres
9:30pm Service Ends / Bar close
10:00pm Close
Dress Code
We like to celebrate people in their own style. It is a formal event but please feel free to explore any style you wish for such an exclusive event.
Accessibility
Please note that there will be loud music and flashing lights. Please bring noise cancelling earphones or ear defenders if required. If you require assistance with accessibility to the venue or the stage please contact us.
Join the Inspiring Workplaces Finalists Roundtable
Before we celebrate the 2026 North America Inspiring Workplaces Awards, we’re bringing together finalists for an exclusive leadership roundtable designed to spark conversation, share ideas and build connections with fellow award-winning organisations.
An opportunity to exchange challenges, insights and best practice with some of the most people-first businesses in North America. All in a relaxed, collaborative setting before the evening celebrations begin a few hours later.
Roundtable Details
- Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Arrival Time: 1:00pm
- Roundtable: 1.15pm – 2.15pm
- Departure: 2.30pm
- Venue: Allium, Fulton Market, Chicago
- Who’s attending: Finalists, People Leaders & Workplace Culture Professionals
Address: Allium, 333 N. Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60607 (at the corner of Fulton St. and Ogden Ave.). Click here to download a map.
Public Transit: The nearest “L” train stop is stop is the Ashland St. station, which is the Pink and Green Lines.
Parking: Street parking and nearby paid garage parking are available in the West Loop/Fulton Market district. Click here to download a map.
We’d love for you to join us before the cocktail celebration and awards ceremony.
Book Your Table
For bespoke orders or invoicing contact us here.
Your Host – Jason Lauritsen
A dynamic keynote speaker, Jason Lauritsen is a true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement who is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With RelationshipTM. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership.
A firm believer that leadership is most impactful when it’s built on genuine care, support, and respect, he helps organizations reimagine their role in helping people lead fuller, more meaningful lives.
As a corporate executive, Jason cracked the code to doubling company revenue per employee. But it wasn’t until he began working at a company responsible for Best Places to Work contests across North America that he discovered the key that unlocks employee engagement, no matter the organization: People experience work as a relationship.
He is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity. His thought leadership has been featuredin Forbes, Fast Company, Talent Management magazine, HR Executive magazine, and SHRM publications.
The Venue
Celebrate with us at Experience Allium in Chicago’s vibrant Fulton Market. Perched above the energy of the neighbourhood, Allium blends striking architecture and skyline views to create a memorable setting for an evening of recognition and community.
Join us for an awards celebration that lives up to the occasion in one of Chicago’s most distinctive destinations.
- Address: Allium, 333 N. Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60607 (at the corner of Fulton St. and Ogden Ave.). Click here to download a map.
- Public Transit: The nearest “L” train stop is stop is the Ashland St. station, which is the Pink and Green Lines.
- Parking: Street parking and nearby paid garage parking are available in the West Loop/Fulton Market district. Click here to download a map.
Hotels
Our exclusive rate at The Hoxton, Chicago has now expired but is still available to book.
Booking link: https://thehoxton.com/
The hotel is in the heart of Fulton Market District in, one of Chicago’s most creative neighbourhoods and just over 1/2 mile walk from our Awards Venue.
Thanks to our event sponsors
