CHICAGO, Oct. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (Nasdaq: IPDN), the leading online network of US diversity recruitment sites, announced today that it will host its inaugural Professional Diversity Networking Conference in Chicago, Illinois.  The conference, which will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Chicago's historic Navy Pier, offers strategic career development opportunities for African American, Asian American and Hispanic American professionals, as well as Veterans, professionals with disabilities and members of the LGBT community.

The conference is one of Professional Diversity Network's (PDN) ongoing initiatives designed to connect talented candidates with employers that are actively seeking to hire diverse professionals.  PDN's targeted platforms also provide companies with opportunities to identify and recruit top talent, engage passive employees and strengthen their reputation as an inclusive place to work. Participating companies at the Chicago event include Accenture, Boeing and PNC Bank. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' June 2012 report, the US total diversity labor force currently exceeds 56 million individuals, or approximately 36% of the participating workforce.

"Career advancement directly relates to the quality of the professional network you cultivate," said Jim Kirsch, Chief Executive Officer of Professional Diversity Network. "Events like this help the Company significantly expand its visibility in a rapidly growing marketplace, and to provide diverse Chicago and Midwest area professionals with face-to-face access to key decision makers at world-class organizations. The event also is added-value for employers that utilize PDN to help discover new talent and meet both governmental and professional diversity compliance standards."

In addition to networking opportunities, conference highlights include hands-on leadership sessions and a keynote address by Steve Pemberton, recently named among the "Top 20 Chief Diversity Officers" by Fortune Magazine.  The conference will culminate with the UPTOWN Professional Catalyst Awards, which honors individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diversity.  2013 Chicago Catalyst honorees include:

• Pat Harris – Director, External Diversity Partnerships, McDonald's Corporation
• Billy Dexter – Managing Director and Partner, Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
• Orlando Ashord – Chief HR and Communications Officer, Mercer
• Gloria Castillo – President, Chicago United
• Cheryl Pearson-McNeil – Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Nielsen

"The UPTOWN Professional Catalyst Awards recognize those who are leading the charge for diversity in the workplace," said Bob Ingram, President of Uptown Professional Magazine.  "Professional Diversity Network is the ideal partner to demonstrate how incorporating diversity and inclusion best practices as an integral part of your business can give companies of any size a competitive edge.  We salute this year's honorees."

PDN also develops custom diversity-focused job boards and offers proprietary technology to help corporations and governmental entities comply with higher standards for workforce diversity regulations and initiatives.

To register for the Professional Diversity Networking Conference, visit http://www.prodivnet.com/events/chicago-conference. For sponsorship opportunities call 800-390-5561 ext 105.

About Professional Diversity Network, Inc.
Professional Diversity Network develops and operates online networks dedicated to serving diverse professionals in the United States and providing them with access to employment opportunities. Professional Diversity Network offers employers who value diversity an online platform in which to identify and acquire diverse talent for their hiring needs. Professional Diversity Network owns and operates professional networking communities including: iHispano.com for Hispanic Professionals, AMightyRiver.com for African American professionals, WomensCareerChannel.com for Female Professionals, Military2Career.com for Veterans, ProAble.net for Professionals with Disabilities, OutProNet.com for professionals in the Gay Community, and AsianCareerNetwork.com for Asian professionals.

For more information, visit: www.professionaldiversitynetwork.com

Chicago Conference Media Contact:
Lalohni Campbell
SWAY Marketing Group
(404) 593-7145
la@powertosway.com

SOURCE Professional Diversity Network, Inc.