REST [or] Reform Conference:Honoring Our Presence,Transforming Our Practice

Where collective wisdom meets courageous change — centering diverse voices to reimagine leadership and build better systems together.
About this Event

The REST(or) Reform Conference 2026: Honoring Our Presence, Transforming Our Practice

aims to bring together professionals, leaders, and direct service personnel to engage in conversations around equity, brainstorm solutions for organizational change, and build on one another’s promising practices. Set in the beautiful Ajax Convention Centre the conference is hosted in collaboration with the Kujipenda Cultural Arts Centre, Ifarada: Centre for Excellence.

REST(or) Reform is grounded by the principles of centering diverse identities and experiences from those working towards equity through the method of storytelling.

The conference’s key themes will include topical discussions delivered by transformative leaders from a cross-section of disciplines and lived experiences. Throughout the conference, speakers will be engaging the audience in critical questions about the current climate of the work of equity and its impact on those tasked with moving the needle towards change. The conference aims to highlight promising practices in institutions and pathways for employers to drive meaningful change in ways that can restore well-being and reform the status quo.

The conference boasts sought-after keynote speakers, a policy forum in collaboration with and over ten dynamic facilitators and presenters from a range of disciplines.

REST (or) Reform offers translation services and accessibility. As you register for the event, please indicate whether you may require any translation services and accessibility for the event.

REST or Reform offers translation services and accessibility. As you register for the event, please indicate whether you may require any translation services and accessibility for the event.

Agenda

🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration Packages, Networking & Breakfast

Info: Attendees will receive their registration packages, network with peers, and enjoy a light breakfast. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants and start the day with a warm introduction.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Ceremony & Welcome

Info: Join our opening ceremony with special guests and performers who will open the event in a good way.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Opening Keynote Speaker

Info: Keynote Speaker [to be announced]

🕑: 11:30 AM
Small Group Discussions

Info: [To be announced]

🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Plenary Sessions & Seminars

Info: Five interactive plenary sessions, seminars and fireside chats.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Plenary Sessions & Seminars

Info: Five interactive plenary sessions, seminars and fireside

🕑: 04:15 PM
Community Closing

Info: Even Closing: The event will conclude with a community-focused closing, featuring a performance that could include dance, drumming, or another cultural expression. Appreciation and thanks will be extended to all participants, followed by an Africentric or Indigenous closing ceremony.