Building a More Welcoming Washington: Seattle’s FIFA World Cup Inclusion Training - April '26
Building a More Welcoming Washington: Seattle’s FIFA World Cup Inclusion Training - April '26
Monday, April 6, 2026 (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM) (PDT)
Description
Inclusion Training Initiative: Building a More Welcoming Washington
As Washington prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026™, local businesses will be on the front lines of hospitality—serving visitors, supporting staff, and representing the values of our region every day.
GSBA is partnering with SeattleFWC26 to offer Inclusion Training workshops designed to help small businesses and organizations feel prepared, confident, and welcoming. These sessions provide practical, real-world guidance on allyship, gender inclusion, and LGBTQ+ cultural competency, with a focus on everyday customer and workplace interactions.
About the Inclusion Training Initiative
As part of SeattleFWC26’s commitment to ensuring every fan, visitor, and resident feels welcome, the Inclusion Training Initiative—delivered in partnership with GSBA—equips local businesses and organizations with tools to create authentically inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ customers, employees, and communities.
About River Teslar
River (she/her) is a trans woman and nonprofit professional with four years of experience at GSBA developing and facilitating LGBTQ+ Inclusion Trainings through a social justice– and trauma-informed lens. Drawing from lived experience and community-based work, she creates learning spaces grounded in empathy, curiosity, and practical application, where participants feel supported engaging at any level.
Key Activities
- ⚽ Four Inclusion Workshops: Hosted by GSBA and tailored for small businesses, nonprofits, and frontline teams.
- ⚽ Interactive Learning: Sessions focus on allyship, gender inclusion, and LGBTQ+ cultural competency in the workplace, with real-world scenarios and discussion.
- ⚽ Accessible Participation: Two in-person workshops hosted at GSBA’s Capitol Hill office (or other community venues) and two virtual workshops open to participants statewide.
- ⚽ Practical Tools: Participants receive actionable guidance and resources to help strengthen inclusive policies, communications, and customer experiences.
Outcomes & Benefits
- ⚽ More Inclusive Businesses: Participating organizations gain the knowledge to create spaces that welcome all genders, identities, and relationships.
- ⚽ Community Visibility: Strengthens Washington’s reputation as a leader in inclusive tourism and community hospitality ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™.
- ⚽ Economic Impact: Inclusive environments encourage repeat visitation, word-of-mouth referrals, and stronger customer loyalty.
- ⚽ Sustained Legacy: Builds long-term capacity for inclusion that extends beyond the tournament, leaving a lasting mark on Washington’s business and tourism ecosystem.
Workshop Schedule
Virtual Workshops
- ⚽ Thursday, January 15 — 10:00 AM
- ⚽ Wednesday, March 4 — 3:00 PM
In-Person Workshops
- ⚽ Monday, February 9 — 10:00 AM
- ⚽ Monday, April 6 — 3:00 PM
Learn more about the initiative: SeattleFWC26 Inclusion Training Initiative
400 E Pine St Ste 322
Seattle, WA 98122 United States
GSBA Hosted Event