HR Tomorrow 2026: Driving Impact in an AI-Ready World

With a theme of “From Insights to Impact,” the 46th annual HR Tomorrow conference examined how emerging technologies are reshaping work and how human resources leaders can position themselves for impact. Hosted by Minnesota Carlson’s Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies (CHRLS), the event brought together more than 300 professionals at the McNamara Alumni Center to learn from thought leaders and from each other. 

The morning program featured a keynote from Alexandria Smith, ’05 MHRIR, the human capital management (HCM) industry executive director — public sector, at Oracle. She emphasized the critical role HR plays in the integration of AI, noting that in an era of rapid change, HR must serve as a strategic partner when implementing technologies that reshape the employee experience. To navigate this shift, she encouraged the audience to embrace the role of a "digital human architect" — designing a future of work that remains fundamentally human-led while being purposefully AI-enabled. 

Throughout the day, breakout sessions covered technical innovation and strategic workforce planning topics, ranging from legal impacts, AI integration, people analytics, and more. Sessions featured leaders from Allina Health, APi Group, Fredrikson, General Mills, Google, Land O’Lakes, Lumen Technologies, Mortenson, Northrop Grumman, Pioneer Management Consulting, Securian Financial, and U.S. Bank. 

The conference ended with a closing keynote from Brian Welle, vice president of people analytics and performance management at Google. He discussed the evolution of people analytics, which included different opportunities for leaders and organizations at different points on their adoption curve. 

For 46 years, the HR Tomorrow Conference has played a vital role in bringing together HR practitioners and thought leaders to reimagine the future of work, a mission furthered by CHRLS’ commitment to fostering deep collaboration between the business community and academia. As CHRLS grows and accelerates its impact both locally and nationally, it continues to build new partnerships across these professional and scholarly spheres while strengthening the Minnesota Carlson community from within. 

Following the closing remarks from Minnesota Carlson Dean Jamie Prenkert, attendees celebrated the CHRLS’ 80th anniversary with a reception following the conference.

The HR Tomorrow conference was made possible by the CHRLS team, Melissa Donaldson, Brenda Lucy and Colleen Flaherty Manchester, the CHRLS Alumni and Advisory Boards, and the support of the following sponsors: Pioneer Management Consulting, Best Buy, nVent, Land O’Lakes, Polaris, Aon, APi Group, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, C.H. Robinson, CHS and the Minnesota Vikings.

The 47th HR Tomorrow Conference will be held on Friday, April 23, 2027, in the newly transformed Marylin C. Nelson Hall.

Photo by Craig Bares