2026 Event Details

Event Details

This event brings together professionals for a day of learning and cross-industry collaboration focused on the evolving role of data and technology in human resources. Sessions will cover AI-enabled HR, how people analytics connects to business outcomes, and how organizations are using AI and data to guide workforce planning and execution.

Keynote Speakers

Alexandria Smith

HCM, Industry Executive Director, Public Sector
Oracle

Brian Welle

Vice President, People Analytics and Performance Management
Google

2026 Speakers

Meet the 2026 speakers leading this year’s conversations. Each brings practical experience and perspective on AI, people analytics, and the future of workforce strategy.

Learn More about Speakers

Event Schedule

8:00 a.m.

Conference check-in & breakfast

9:00 a.m.

Welcome Remarks

Opening Keynote
Alexandria Smith, HCM Industry Executive Director, Public Sector, Oracle

10:00 a.m.

Break

10:20 a.m.

Session Breakout I

HR Accelerating Lumen's HR Transformation - RJ Jadhav,VP, Human Resources, Lumen Technologies

AI Is Easy. Adoption Is Hard. Lessons from a Copilot Rollout - Tab Cronin, Naite Grave, Shannon Jackelen (Mortenson) & Holly Stang-Williams, Nika Issaenko (Pioneer Management Consulting)

The AI Transformation of Law: Inside the Profession's Biggest Shift - Ann Rainhart, Chief Operations Officer and Norah E. Olson Bluvshtein, Chief Legal Operations Officer

The Future of Work and AI Integration - A Google Perspective - William Mujica, Global HR Lead Android Ecosystem and Pixel Engineering

11:20 a.m.

Lunch

1:10 p.m.

Breakout Session II

Creating Impact in People Analytics: Designing for the Full Path to Value - Jack Kostal, Sr. Manager, Advanced HR Analytics

HR in the Age of Algorithms: Rethinking Total Rewards Panel

Co-creating the next chapter of work and roles - Becca Hagen, VP, Human Resources, Securian Financial

Driving Change with Data: Connecting Insights to Strategy - Petra Noble, SVP, People Analytics, Workforce Planning, and Data Governance

2:10 p.m.

Break

2:15 p.m.

Closing Keynote and fireside chat

Brian Welle, VP, People Analytics & Performance Management, Google

3:05 p.m.

Closing Remarks: Minnesota Carlson Dean Jamie Darin Prenkert

Reception: The Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies 80th Year Anniversary Celebration!