HRO Today Association Past Events Archive
Our members come together each month for exclusive professional development webinars that spark ideas, share best practices, and build community. Catch up on past sessions below, visit our Calendar of Events to see what’s ahead, and check out the full On-Demand Library.
June 18, 2026
Ilhaam van der Schyff, Group Head of Talent Acquisition for Absa Bank, shared practical reflections on leading talent transformation within a large, complex, multi-market organisation. Ilhaam explored where talent strategies most often stall between design and delivery, the leadership behaviours that enable adoption at scale, and how TA leaders are balancing innovation with operational realities as expectations shift faster than capability. Attendees left with a clearer picture of how to move beyond frameworks and tools to drive real, lasting behavioural change.
June 10, 2026
Simon Kent, Editor-at-Large at HRO Today EMEA, unpacked the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which came into force on June 7th, 2026, and what it means for businesses operating in and beyond the EU. Simon explored where implementation gaps remain, how multinationals can navigate conflicting compliance standards across borders, and how to get ahead of the employee relations challenges that greater pay visibility can surface. Whether the Directive represents a step forward for workplace equity or a recruiting headache in the making, attendees left with a clearer picture of what best practices are emerging — and what to watch next.
May 26, 2026
Low turnover doesn’t always mean a healthy culture. Laura Muir, CHRO of Polaris Transportation Group, introduced attendees to two emerging workforce trends reshaping how HR leaders think about engagement: job hugging, where employees stay out of fear rather than connection, and quiet cracking, where sustained stress leads to gradual mental and emotional withdrawal. Laura shared how Polaris built an award-winning culture by developing a structured approach to spotting these patterns early, before they become retention crises. She walked through her Identify → Manage → Build framework, explored how disengagement shows up differently across generations, and offered practical tools leaders can use right now to strengthen confidence and connection across their workforce.
May 21, 2026
Retaining talent starts with investing in the people you already have, but that requires infrastructure, buy-in, and a clear path forward. Gwendolen Mcpherson, Director of Talent Development & Learning at Piedmont Healthcare, shared how she built and scaled Career Concierge, an internal mobility program that helps employees define their career path, develop job-seeking skills, and grow within the organization rather than leaving it. She walked attendees through how the program evolved from a new initiative into an org-wide movement, including how she won over internal stakeholders, turned department leaders into active program champions, and expanded the framework into workforce upskilling and AI readiness.
May 4, 2026
As AI continues to reshape talent acquisition, this session offered a practical roadmap for TA leaders navigating the pressure to modernize. Quincy Valencia, VP of Talent Transformation at Korn Ferry, and Jennifer Smith, Global Leader of Staffing & RPO at Joveo, argued that retrofitting AI onto broken hiring processes only compounds existing problems. They walked attendees through what it means to design workflows that are AI-first by design (not just AI-enhanced) while preserving the human judgment candidates and stakeholders still expect, and shared what ethical, transparent AI hiring looks like in practice.
April 16, 2026
As AI continues to reshape performance management, this session cut through the noise with practical clarity. Gaya Gnidenko, Fractional HRD, walked attendees through what AI can realistically deliver today – from documentation automation and pattern detection to calibration support – and where it still falls short. Drawing on her hands-on HR leadership experience, Gaya addressed the risks, data quality dependencies, and governance considerations every HR leader needs to understand, while making the case for keeping human judgment firmly at the center of meaningful performance conversations and decisions.
April 7, 2026
As the pressure of sustaining performance without burning out weighs on leaders everywhere, this session offered a practical reset. Keynote speaker and leadership expert Mike Mannix, co-author of “The 5Ls – The Gift of a Balanced Life”, walked attendees through his globally proven framework built around Love, Laughter, Labor, Leisure, and Leave. Drawing on decades of executive experience, Mike shared how leaders can build resilience and engagement without sacrificing their own well-being. The session was anything but passive — interactive exercises and real conversation gave attendees tools they could put to work immediately, turning a science-backed approach to balance into a confident path forward for the rest of the year.
March 19, 2026
As multinational organizations struggle to balance consistency with local nuance, this session offered a practical look at how to build a global people strategy that actually holds together. Alexandra Martinkevich, Manager, HR Business Partner at PandaDoc, shared how PandaDoc runs its HR function across more than 20 countries under a single guiding philosophy: one global strategy, localized execution. From defining non-negotiables like performance expectations and talent standards to adapting compensation structures and hiring models by market, Alexandra outlined how HR leaders can maintain equity and headcount discipline without sacrificing the flexibility a global workforce demands.
March 4, 2026
As organizations wrestle with turning AI investment into measurable results, this session offered a data-driven look at where HR stands today. Stacey Cadigan, Partner, ISG, shared findings from ISG’s latest State of HR Technology and Service Delivery report, revealing that only 22% of organizations have realized their AI ROI goals — and breaking down why. From the limitations of a use-case-by-use-case approach to the promise of fully reimagined AI-centered operating models, Stacey outlined what separates organizations gaining traction from those getting stuck, and what HR leaders should prioritize to move from transformation to continuous, measurable value.
February 23, 2026
As organizations look to move beyond AI buzzwords, this session offered a grounded look at what real adoption requires. David Mcmullan and Catherine Schranz shared how Marriott Vacations Worldwide is helping HR teams build confidence with AI through clear communication, thoughtful change management, and practical early use cases that make the technology feel accessible rather than overwhelming. Their discussion highlighted how steady, people‑focused implementation can turn AI into a trusted part of everyday HR work rather than a future promise.
February 19, 2026
Ahmed ElAttar, Senior Leader, Global Talent Acquisition at TeKnowledge, leads members through a practical, 30-minute session on the challenges and lessons of scaling talent acquisition across multiple regions. Ahmed will share real-world insights on what works, what often breaks, and how senior TA leaders can navigate complexity to drive consistent, high-impact hiring.
January 15, 2026
As AI accelerates change across every industry, HR leaders face a new challenge: ensuring people, not technology, remain at the center of transformation. Join Amy Bouque, Chief People Officer at Kelly, for a fast‑paced conversation on how “human fluency” is becoming essential to navigating what’s next. Discover why the most future‑ready organizations are those strengthening analytical thinking, empathy, adaptability, and leadership, and how HR can proactively shape talent strategies that keep pace with an AI‑driven world.
December 18, 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, what lessons will shape HR’s future – and which priorities will define the year ahead? Join Debbie Bolla, Senior Vice President and Editorial Director at HRO Today, for a 30-minute session blending reflection with foresight. Explore why AI adoption anxiety and “job hugging” dominated 2025, uncover the growing importance of wellness and skills-based hiring, and learn practical steps to start 2026 with clarity and purpose.
November 20, 2025
Character isn’t just a trait – it’s a hiring advantage. Join Jericho Urmenita, Talent Consultant at Orion Talent, as he reveals how military recruitment principles can help organizations thrive in today’s competitive job market. Learn why a character-first mindset builds stronger teams, how speed and operational tempo give you an edge, and practical strategies to set conditions for success before engaging candidates.
October 29, 2025
Aligning performance across generations takes more than awareness—it requires strategy, flexibility, and inclusion. Join Simon Kent, Editor-at-Large for HRO Today EMEA, as he explores how to unify performance management across a multi-generational workforce. Learn how to engage employees of all ages, adapt feedback styles, and build systems that support both individual and organizational success.
October 16, 2025
Leading hybrid teams takes more than flexibility—it requires structure, communication, and trust. Join Brian Bules, CEO and Founder of Breakthrough Business Strategies and Solutions (BBSS), as he explores how to set clear expectations, strengthen collaboration, and build a culture where both individuals and teams can thrive.
September 18, 2025
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the HR landscape—from recruitment and engagement to recognition and retention. In this forward-thinking session, Jeff Gelinas, President, Employee and Consumer Engagement & Incentives, and Darren Findley, President, Recruitment Solutions, of Engage2Excel explored real-world applications of AI that streamline hiring, personalize employee experiences, and transform how organizations attract and retain talent.
August 21, 2025
One in three working-age Americans has a criminal record, yet many remain excluded from employment due to outdated hiring practices. In this powerful session, Marvin Figaro, Director of DEI Strategic Partnerships at KellyOCG+Sevenstep, shared how initiatives like Kelly 33 and Equity@Work are helping employers remove barriers, embrace second chance hiring, and build stronger, more inclusive workforces.
August 12, 2025
Performance management is evolving – and so should your approach. In this insightful session, Laura Muir, CHRO at Polaris Transportation Group, explored how to replace outdated reviews with flexible, feedback-driven systems that support employee development and retention, even in resource-constrained environments.
July 24, 2025
From AI anxiety to leadership gaps, today’s talent landscape is full of pressure – but also possibility. In this roundtable discussion, Michele Capra, Senior Client Partner & VP Talent Acquisition Client Services at Korn Ferry and fellow HR leaders explored how to turn emerging workforce trends into winning talent strategies that strengthen alignment, readiness, and retention.
July 17, 2025
Not all hiring tech was built to last – but the future looks bright. Explore the evolution of HR technology with insights on what flopped, what flourished, and why. The HRO Today Association’s Zachary Misko and Connor Feeney reveal today’s top AI hiring tools and a simple framework to help you build (or rebuild) better tech solutions.
June 19, 2025
BRGs aren’t just community groups – they’re culture shapers and business drivers. Learn how leading organizations are turning Business Resource Groups into engines of engagement, innovation, and growth. Hear firsthand from Kizmet Moore, AVP Inclusion & Belonging at NFP, an Aon Company as she shares practical strategies and inspiring success stories.
May 28, 2025
As tens of thousands of federal employees transition into the private sector, organizations have a unique opportunity to tap into a highly skilled talent pool. In this session, Kadiatou Cesaire, Chief People Officer at the Atlantic Council, and Lewis McIlwain, Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant, explored how to translate federal experience for corporate roles and integrate these professionals into thriving workplace cultures.
May 15, 2025
Building future-ready teams starts with intentional leadership development. In this 30-minute session, Dan Chappell, EVP & CHRO of Seacoast Bank, explores practical ways to grow talent from within, align development programs with succession goals, and prepare your organization – and its people – for what’s next.
April 11, 2025
Inclusive workplaces benefit everyone – and neurodiverse talent brings unique strengths that can drive innovation and performance. Leah Brome, Global Human Resources Director, and Elza Palinkas, Associate Director, Global Communities Leader, of Kyndryl explored how supporting neurodiverse employees enhances retention, boosts engagement, and strengthens the connection with customers.
April 1, 2025
The talent landscape is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead requires insights and collaboration. In this session, Cristine Kane, Global VP of Client Success at Hudson Talent Solutions shared key workforce trends shaping 2025 and beyond, offering actionable strategies for talent acquisition, management, and development.
