

Wednesday Speakers
April 8, 2026

Emotional Intelligence Expert & Author
Tara Renze
Interactive Workshop
8:15 - 9:15 AM
THE BUTTERFLY GOAL EFFECT™ (Interactive Breakfast Workshop)
Ignite growth, strengthen culture, and unlock performance with Tara Renze’s inspiring keynote on Butterfly Goals—bold, purpose-driven goals that spark personal and professional transformation. Blending emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and storytelling, Tara empowers individuals to stretch beyond comfort zones, fueling innovation and fulfillment in an AI-driven world. Attendees will leave equipped to Create, Own, and Live their next chapter, supported by a customized digital workbook for continued growth and impact.

People's Chief Officer, Gannett
Samantha Howland
Executive Breakfast
8:15 - 9:15 AM
Executive Breakfast Host
More information coming soon!

Creator, The Check-In Method™, Speaker, Author, Employee Engagement Expert
Jason Lauritsen
Executive Breakfast
8:15 - 9:15 AM
Executive Breakfast Host
More information coming soon!

Keynote Speaker, Mental Health & Burnout Author - A Guinness World
Record-Breaking Pilot
Ryan Campbell
Keynote Presentation
9:45 - 10:45 AM
What's Your Pink Cadillac? The Transformational Power of Prioritizing Joy
Discover joy-fueled resilience with Ryan’s powerful keynote, What’s Your Pink Cadillac? Through his extraordinary journey—from a world-record expedition to surviving a plane crash—Ryan reveals how hobbies and simple pleasures can transform adversity. Blending mental health insights, emotional storytelling, and self-care strategies, he inspires attendees to embrace accessible change. Leave uplifted, equipped with tools for personal growth, and ready to show up better—starting with a smile and a fresh perspective.
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Founder of IQTalent
Chris Murduck
Breakout #4, Session A
11:15 - 12:15 PM
The Brand Impact of AI in Hiring: Opportunities and Risks
More information coming soon!

Chief Product Officer, Energage
Dayon Famakinwa
Breakout #4, Session B
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Winning Workplaces & The Future of Talent Management
Join Kevin and Dayo for a deep dive into how Energage is evolving its approach to connect culture, engagement, and talent management. Based on insights from the Talent Management Strategies of Award-Winning Organizations report, this session reveals how Top Workplaces use talent strategies to drive performance. Attendees will preview 2026 talent management scores, gain practical takeaways, and leave with a roadmap to improve talent experience—answering the key question: “What’s in it for me?"

Chief Growth Officer, Energage
Kevin Sessions
Breakout #4, Session B
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Winning Workplaces & The Future of Talent Management
Join Kevin and Dayo for a deep dive into how Energage is evolving its approach to connect culture, engagement, and talent management. Based on insights from the Talent Management Strategies of Award-Winning Organizations report, this session reveals how Top Workplaces use talent strategies to drive performance. Attendees will preview 2026 talent management scores, gain practical takeaways, and leave with a roadmap to improve talent experience—answering the key question: “What’s in it for me?"

Founder & CEO, Mo
Luke Fisher
Breakout #4, Session C
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
The Moments That Matter in a Winning Workplace Formula
Culture isn’t built through grand gestures—it’s shaped by everyday moments that connect people to purpose. In this session, Luke Fisher, CEO of Mo, explores how consistent appreciation and recognition fuel Top Workplace cultures. Backed by behavioral science and real-world examples, Luke reveals how intentional moments drive engagement, retention, and performance. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to embed appreciation into daily routines and transform good workplaces into award-winning ones through meaningful human connection.

USA TODAY Network Executive Sports Editor
Chris Thomas
Panel Session
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
The Essence of True Leadership – One with the Team a panel presentation
What does it truly mean to lead? “The Essence of True Leadership – One with the Team” explores the profound distinction between managing from above and inspiring from within. This session delves into the philosophy that leadership is not simply about overseeing tasks or issuing directives, but about forging authentic connections, cultivating trust, and creating environments where collaboration flourishes and every voice is heard.

Creator, The Check-In Method™, Speaker, Author, Employee Engagement Expert
Jason Lauritsen
Closing Presentation
2:15 - 2:45 AM
Keynote Presenter
More information coming soon!



