UNLEASH America 2024: Courageous HR leadership and AI – Where next?

The International Festival of HR returns to Caesars Forum, May 7-9 in fabulous Las Vegas!

As we gear up for UNLEASH America 2024, I’m thrilled to share my ultimate guide for this year’s trailblazing show and now the fastest growing HR event in the world (expanding from 65,000 sq ft to 250,000 sq ft in 18 months).

After resounding successes last year in Las Vegas and Paris, our incredible team and partners have outdone themselves yet again, further enhancing our steps towards a future vision of what has now become ‘The International Festival of HR’.

We’ve tailored this year’s show to include even more groundbreaking sessions, speakers, and experiences. Prepare for a journey that goes beyond the future of work, delving into transformative solutions and insights that will accelerate your professional growth.

What’s new at UNLEASH America 2024?

Building on last year’s acclaim, we’ve listened to your feedback and introduced new features to alleviate the “too much great content, too little time” dilemma. Expect more interactive sessions, diverse discussions on the tradeshow floor, and structured networking opportunities, ensuring that you don’t miss out on the moments that matter most.

The Magic of UNLEASH America 2024

• Keynotes: Drawing from last year’s highlights, we’ve invited industry leaders and pioneering thinkers who challenge the status quo and inspire new ways of working. Join discussions led by the most influential names in HR, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of Work. 250+ Speakers include: The FBI’s CHRO Michael H, Schneider, Thinkers 50 Kerstin Ferguson on Courageous Leadership,  AI and Future of Work Futurist Ethan Mollick, as well as NBA Legend Magic Johnson!
• Experience Networking: With our newly designed networking spaces and events, connect with peers, thought leaders, and potential partners in a more meaningful way.
• Tailored Experiences: Dive into sessions that resonate with your interests and professional challenges. Our streamlined schedule and personalized event app will help you maximize your time.
• Breakthrough Technology: Discover cutting-edge technology and solutions from global vendors, revolutionizing how we approach HR and workforce management.
• Unique Hospitality: You can’t beat face to face. We’ve upped the ante, everyone finds friends and new ideas amongst the unforgettable entertainment that is, Las Vegas.

As we count down to UNLEASH America 2024 at Caesars Forum, remember it’s an experience designed to leave you informed and inspired to take intelligent action. Visit our website to deep dive into the program and secure your ticket to the Future of Work.

Special thanks to our awesome sponsors and the heartbeat of the HR World. These industry leaders help ensure UNLEASH is the go-to global event for HR Leaders here in the US: ADP, Atlas, Docebo, Eightfold, Experian, Greenhouse, HireVue, HiredScore, hireEZ, indeed, Mercer, Oracle, Paradox, Reejig, SAP SuccessFactors, Sense, SmartRecruiters, UKG, Visier, and Workforce Software.

UNLEASH Report 2024 – The 10 big trends shaping HR

• Adoption of AI: There’s a recognized need for HR leaders to embrace artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and organizational agility.
• Dynamic Roles and Structures: The future of work is moving towards more fluid roles and organizational structures to adapt to rapidly changing business needs.
• Strategic Decision-Making: HR is evolving to play a more strategic role in business decisions, harmonizing technology, human values, and business requirements.
• Skills-Based Careers: There’s a trend towards skills-based careers, allowing for more mobility across industries and roles.
• Employee Activation: Emphasis on leveraging real-time insights into employee behavior to foster engagement and productivity.
• Change Management: Recognizing the challenges of adapting to change in organizational culture and the need for HR to guide this transformation effectively.
• Retention and Upskilling: With the labor market’s fluctuations, there is a call for companies to act more decisively on retention and upskilling strategies.
• Well-being and Burnout: Addressing employee burnout and promoting wellbeing is becoming increasingly important for retention and productivity.
• Pay Equity and Work Models: The focus on improving pay equity and continuing hybrid work models as part of high-retention work strategies.
• Learning in the Flow of Work: There is an importance placed on integrating learning and skills development into the daily workflow.

The overarching theme is that HR is stepping into a more integral, technology-empowered role that intersects with strategic business outcomes and needs deeper partnership with both the CIO and CFO. HR leaders are encouraged to foster adaptability, resilience, and a forward-thinking approach to meet these evolving challenges and opportunities in a world of exponential change.

The conference

For those arriving early and eager to maximize their networking and learning opportunities, UNLEASH enhances our Pre-event and Partner events on Tuesday, May 7, with an array of stimulating summits, masterclasses and partner events. Our lineup includes The 2^nd Annual Vendor Summit, Talent Acquisition Summit, HR Tech Summit, and NEW – The Strategic Alliances Summit.

Don’t miss this incredible chance to connect with industry leaders, learn from the best, and celebrate the future of HR at UNLEASH’s exhilarating Kick-off Party, graciously sponsored by our friends at ADP.

Speakers

250+ Speakers join this year’s show, here are some of faces you will meet:

Ethan Mollick is recognized as a visionary in the intersection of artificial intelligence and the Future of Work. As an Associate Professor at Wharton University, Mollick has contributed significant research on the effects of AI on work and education. He directs programs that equip leaders with strategies for business scaling, navigating the intricacies of AI in business transformation, and advanced risk management. His pioneering research and dynamic teaching have carved out new pathways for understanding the role of AI in shaping our future.

Dr. Kirstin Ferguson is a distinguished global leadership expert, recognized for her significant contributions to business and gender equality, earning her a place among the top 50 management thinkers in the world – Thinkers50. As an experienced board chair and director, she has provided leadership across diverse sectors, including Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Her work as an author and columnist reflect her deep commitment to leadership and empowerment. Kirstin holds a PhD in leadership and culture and has been honored with the Member of the Order of Australia for her work​​​​​​.

Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson is regarded as the best point guard player of all time. The undisputed master of the ‘blind pass’ and the king of “Showtime”, Magic Johnson’s narrative is one of ground-breaking achievements and, famously, selfless contributions. From his legendary basketball career to pioneering strides in business and philanthropy, Johnson has become a beacon of empowerment. His leadership strategies and partnership models with globally recognized brands have spurred community growth, embodying the spirit of UNLEASH and the American Dream.

Michael H. Schneider is Director of the FBI’s Human Resources Division where he serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer and is responsible for supporting and developing the FBI’s world-class workforce from recruitment through retirement. Formerly, Mr. Schneider was Special Agent-in-Charge at an FBI Field Office, leading 450 special agents to address all national security, cyber, and criminal threats. Additionally, he directed the FBI’s Critical Incident Response and he was the FBI Lead at the 2018 Winter Olympics and the Acting Section Chief for International Operations.

Deanna Jones is the Executive Vice President of People, Communications & Transformation at Baker Hughes, having joined in January 2020. Her rich career in HR and leadership spans various roles, including Senior VP at Marathon Oil and VP roles at Newfield Exploration and Schlumberger’s Reservoir Production Group. With an educational background in commerce from the University of Calgary and executive courses from the University of Michigan and IMD Business School. She’s also served on several boards, contributing to community and financial organizations.

Salim Ismail is a prominent figure in the field of exponential technologies and innovation. He is the founder of OpenExO and former CEO of Singularity. Known for his insights on technology’s potential to drive massive shifts in various industries, including HR, Ismail’s work  has significantly contributed to the understanding of how organizations can leverage technology for growth and transformation. He has a track record of leading organizations to think and act on an exponential scale when it comes to technological capabilities.

Rebecca Pearce as the Chief People Officer at Autodesk, orchestrates the company’s people strategy. Her leadership in evolving the employee experience aligns with Autodesk’s vision, impacting over 11,500 employees globally. Her expertise is shaped by senior roles at Dyson and Microsoft, driving talent strategies and fostering Autodesk’s hybrid-first workplace program. Autodesk itself stands at the forefront of software for architecture, engineering, and entertainment, driving innovation for a better world.

Professor Mark Blyth is a renowned international economist at Brown University, where his work focuses on the political economy of the developed world. He’s well-known for his critical examination of global economic policies and his insights into the implications of macroeconomic trends. His thought leadership extends to how HR can harness technology to meet the challenges posed by political and demographic shifts.

Day 1 Pre-Summits – Tuesday, May 7, 2024

TALENT ACQUISITION SUMMIT

• AI and Candidate Honesty: John Vlastelica of Recruiting Toolbox, Inc. examines the future of talent assessment in the age of AI.
• Recruiting Reinvented: Join DJ Norman from Atlassian and Kylie Kingston from FedEx as they discuss reshaping recruitment teams in an AI-driven era, moderated by John Vlastelica of Recruiting Toolbox, Inc.
• Executive Expectations of TA: Lewis Brown of Comcast, Sarah Zibbel of The Andersons, and Annie Rihn of Voray reveal what business leaders expect from talent acquisition, guided by John Vlastelica.
• Deciphering Hiring Quality: Kelly Cartwright from Splunk and Tyler Weeks from Marriott International discuss the new challenges of measuring hiring success, led by John Vlastelica.

HR TECH SUMMIT

• Digital Transformation in HR: Kyle Lagunas of Aptitude Research illustrates how embracing digital platforms revolutionizes talent management.
• Payroll Progression: Kimberly Carroll, Managing Principal at IA, dives into HR tech’s transformative impact on payroll management.
• HR as Transformation Catalyst: Liz Almeida from Panasonic North America, Andrew Winnemore from Microsoft, Jaime Nielsen from Trimble, and moderator Gary Bolles of Singularity University explore HR’s evolving role.
• AI Elevates HR: Microsoft’s Prerna Ajmera and Crocs’ Shannon Sisler discuss AI’s role in improving the employee experience and performance, moderated by Gary Bolles.

STRATEGIC ALLIANCES SUMMIT

• Partnership Paradigms: Dive into successful collaboration strategies with Paul Martin, Senior Director of Technology Alliances at Firstup; Adam Bickford, Global Head of ISV at SAP SuccessFactors; and Leslie Guido, Director of Partnerships at Greenhouse.
• Cultivating Trust in Alliances: Learn about trust at the Alliance Core and culture in partnerships from Jim McCoy, CEO of Atlas; Daniel Chait, CEO at Greenhouse; and Diane Smith, CEO and Founder at GR8 People.
• Alliance Mastery: Discuss the importance of alliance capabilities with Mary Faulkner, Principal at IA.
• Forging Future Alliances: Franz Gilbert, Managing Director at Deloitte, highlights the significance of strategic HR alliances in business success.

THE 2nd ANNUAL VENDOR SUMMIT

• HR Tech Transformation: Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Advisory, uncovers how innovative technologies are reshaping HR functions and enhancing the talent journey.
• Industry CEO Insights on HR Tech: The CEOs’ HR Tech Vision: Learn from Siobhan Savage, CEO, Reejig; Nicky Hoyland, CEO, Huler; and Elaine Orler, Managing Director, Consulting, Cielo Talent
• Ethics of AI in HR: AI Ethics in Focus: Navigate the ethical landscape of AI in HR with insights from Jason Averbook, Senior Partner, Mercer; Sujit Goswami, CEO and Founder, Flexday; Jeanie Cole, Workforce Strategies, Deloitte; with Moderator: Rebecca Wetterman, CEO & Analyst, Valoir
• HR Tech Update 2024-2025: Through an Investors’ Lens: Jim Holzer, Managing Partner, Drake Star Partner; Paul Daley, Managing Partner, Oconic; Erica Briody Executive Advisor Culture Index.

UNLEASH Report 2024 – Job market trends in the US

• Job Market Changes: The Future of Jobs Report suggests that 23% of jobs are expected to undergo changes, with a net decrease of 14 million jobs. Despite this, it remains a job seeker’s market​​. Unemployment rose to 3.9% in February, with 353,000 jobs added in January and 275,000 jobs consecutively added to the market in February and March. 67,000 jobs were added from healthcare, 52,000 from Government (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Hiring Challenges: Hiring in the US was down 23.8% year-over-year in 2023, with almost all industries facing unique hiring challenges​​.
• Health Care and Social Assistance Growth: Total employment is projected to grow by 4.7 million from 2024 to 2032, primarily driven by the health care and social assistance sector​​.
• Growing Job Vacancy Rate: The job vacancy rate increased from 4.5% in 2020 to 6.5% in 2023, indicating a challenge in filling jobs​​.
• Fastest-Growing Jobs: Autonomous and electric vehicle specialists are among the fastest-growing jobs, influenced by the digital revolution and the push towards green technologies. AI and smart technologies such as cryptocurrency are bringing us back to a cashless society and rendering traditional roles like tellers and cashiers obsolete​​.

These trends demonstrate a complex and evolving job market landscape, influenced by the advancements, shifting worker preferences, and broader economic factors. Businesses and employees alike must adapt to these changes to thrive in the future job market.

Workforce 2024-2026: Economists decode a tough labor puzzle

One of my favorites sessions last year at UNLEASH America was the economist session at the Pre-event Vendor Summit, a crystal ball for HR leaders seeking to navigate the future. Discover the essential trends with three of the world’s leading chief economists as they offer insight and tactics for thriving amid the exponential change of economy and workforce, all whilst in the safe hands of one of the world’s leading analysts and moderator, Kathi Enderes.

Sania Khan shines as Chief Economist at Eightfold AI, where her role extends beyond traditional economic analysis to embrace the intersection of AI, the future of work, and economic trend research. A former labor economist for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Khan’s expertise uniquely positions her to provide forward-looking analyses, especially relevant as organizations harness AI in shaping the labor market.

Daniel Zhao brings a robust analytical perspective as Chief Economist at Glassdoor. His insights are instrumental in shedding light on the intricacies of the labor market, providing clarity on trends that matter to both employers and policymakers. Zhao’s contributions are highly regarded, especially given his role at a platform that directly connects employers with job seekers and reflects real-time market dynamics.

Svenja Gudell, as the Chief Economist at Indeed, is known for her deep dives into the labor market’s ebbs and flows. She has a distinguished track record, having also served as Chief Economist at Zillow Group. With her extensive experience, Gudell offers valuable perspectives on applying economic insights to business, enriching her analyses with both theoretical depth, rigor and practical nuance.

Together with moderator Kathi Enderes, Senior Vice President of Research at The Josh Bersin Company, this panel promises to unravel the complexities of today’s labor market and forecast the transformative trends that will define the future of work for the next 2-3 years. Enderes’ work focuses on making work more meaningful, leveraging her extensive experience to offer evidence-based insights into HR, talent, and technology.

There’s something for everyone at UNLEASH!

The Who’s Who of HR make up the UNLEASH community, reward your team with an unparalleled experience! This year 250+ speakers have been handpicked to fuel 15 Stages, 4 Summits, 6 Boardrooms, where innovation, lifelong learning, and inspiration collide. Witness the best in HR and future-proof your organization where your team can dive into the ultimate HR adventure!

• Main Stage: Unleash the future of HR today! Witness the best speakers and experts on the planet and redefine work at our famous Main Stage.
• HR Tech Stage: Revolutionize HR with cutting-edge tech. Join us and discover the future of human-centric solutions.
• Recruitment Stage: Elevate your hiring game with next-gen recruitment technology. Don’t miss the secrets to a dynamic workforce.
• Learning & Skills Stage: Master the skills needed for tomorrow, today! Bridge the gap and future-proof your organization.
• Talent Stage: Redefine talent management with advanced solutions. Join the revolution for the ultimate HR breakthrough.
• eXperinece Stage: Unlock the secret to employee experience mastery. Learn game-changing approaches beyond money.
• Innovation Stage: Discover ground-breaking tech and witness the future at the Innovation Stage.
• Spotlight Stages – Stage 1-4: Explore the latest HR tech solutions, unveiled first at UNLEASH.

UNLEASH Boardroom

Step into the world of innovation, executive experience and exclusivity at UNLEASH’s extraordinary boardrooms – ELVIS, BRITNEY, ELTON, U2, SINATRA and ADELE. Gain vital insights on strategic system selection from CHROs, discover the future of work with select analysts and influencers, and uncover investment trends in HR tech.

The exhibition

As we come together to celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of the HR community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our phenomenal sponsors for their dedication and vision. Their support has reinvigorated the industry and paved the way for a brighter future. Visitors and buyers at UNLEASH America this year will have the opportunity to connect with market-leading companies and explore the cutting-edge solutions that are transforming the HR landscape.

UNLEASH Startup – ‘The Network Never Stops’!

Celebrating a decade of our powerful tagline, ‘The Network Never Stops’ is the driving force behind UNLEASH Startup. It embodies the perpetual growth and dynamism of our ever-evolving community. As innovative startups emerge year after year, they invigorate, diversify, and strengthen the connections within our network. At the core of UNLEASH Startup is an unwavering commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem that fosters collaboration, inspiration, and endless possibilities.

Competition time!

The HR industry’s longest-running and most prestigious startup competition, The UNLEASH Startup Awards 2024, kick off the year in Las Vegas and the competition is stirring considerable excitement within the HR technology sector. Celebrating its 13th year globally and 6th in the US, this competition highlights the most innovative and valuable contributions to HR technology. Finalists are vying for a significant prize, with a $50,000 package awarded to the winner.

The finale is set for May 8, where the five finalists will present a four-minute pitch and engage in a Q&A session with the judges at The International Festival of HR at UNLEASH America 2024.

The fantastic Rebecca Carr is back to moderate. As the Chief Product Officer at SmartRecruiters, her illustrious career spanning over 15 years in HR technology makes her an exceptional asset. Carr’s prowess shines in her ability to understand customer needs and innovate in product development, having honed her skills at notable companies including Checkr, Jobvite, and Playdom.

The judging panel of the UNLEASH Startup Award 2024 includes several other distinguished professionals in the HR and technology fields:

• Kathi Enderes PhD SVP Research The Josh Bersin Company: With 20+ years of experience, Kathi’s passion is making work more meaningful, and her research supports clients with evidence-based insights in HR, talent, and technology.
• Mike Bollinger: As VP of Strategic Initiatives at Cornerstone OnDemand, Mike’s 20-year career is decorated with achievements in strategic workforce planning and human capital management technologies.
• Jim Holzer: As Drake Star’s Managing Partner, Jim excels in M&A and financing transactions, leveraging over 25 years of experience in guiding software and technology-enabled service companies.
• Sadie Bell: VP of People Systems and Automation at HPE, Sadie is instrumental in enhancing people experiences through innovative systems and automation solutions.
• Chris Hoyt: With over 25 years in recruiting and HR, Chris Hoyt, the President & Co-Owner of CareerXroads, is a renowned keynote speaker and an authority in building some of the best recruiting communities in the world.
• Benjamin Visser: The Founder and CEO of allygatr, Benjamin has invested in multiple digital startups, creating a significant impact in the HR tech ecosystem over the past 20 years.

Participating in this competition offers an unparalleled opportunity for HR tech startups to gain visibility and connect with leading HR analysts, thought leaders, and investors. This event is a can’t-miss opportunity for anyone interested in the future of HR technology and the innovative trends shaping this dynamic field​​​​​​.

Fail to plan, plan to fail

DOWNLOAD THE UNLEASH EVENT APP!

Get ready to maximize your UNLEASH America experience with the award-winning UNLEASH App! This innovative platform is your one-stop shop for seamless event navigation, tailored networking opportunities, and exclusive content. Seven reasons to download the UNLEASH App.

• Personalized Agenda: Customize your event schedule by registering for sessions that align with your interests and goals. Stay up-to-date with real-time notifications and never miss an insightful discussion, audience sentiment or keynote presentation.
• One-to-One Meetings: Take advantage of UNLEASH’s smart matchmaking feature to connect with vendors that fit your unique needs. Schedule private meetings, explore product offerings, and build lasting partnerships.
• Efficient Navigation: Effortlessly navigate the complexity of UNLEASH America with UNLEASH’s interactive floor plan. Pinpoint exhibitor booths, conference rooms, and amenities with ease.
• Exclusive Content: Access speaker bios, presentation materials, and other valuable resources to enhance your understanding of the event’s key topics and themes.
• In-App Networking: Grow your professional network by connecting with fellow attendees, speakers, and exhibitors. Engage in discussions, share insights, and foster meaningful connections that last beyond the show.
• Real-Time Updates: Stay informed with live event updates, announcements, and last-minute changes to ensure you get the most out of your UNLEASH America experience.
• Post-Event Engagement: Continue the conversation and access event content even after UNLEASH America has concluded, allowing you to revisit critical takeaways and maintain connections.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your UNLEASH America experience! Download the UNLEASH app now and unlock a world of unparalleled event engagement, networking, and insights.

There is so much more to choose from and the only way you can decide is by diving into the event website yourself and registering today.

See you in Vegas! Marc.

Founder & CEO of UNLEASH, Marc Coleman is leading the charge in revolutionizing the human resources industry through the power of community, technology and AI. His passion for creating dynamic event experiences focused on the future of work drives the formation of powerful connections, that inspire intelligent action, valuable industry alliances, lifelong learning and friendship. With his unique blend of human insight and major event expertise, Marc’s vision is to positively impact and shape the future of work and AI for the greater good.

FUTURE DATES:

UNLEASH AMERICA 2025 – THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HR!
May 6-8, CAESARS FORUM, LAS VEGAS

UNLEASH WORLD 2024 – THE MOST INFLUENTIAL HR EVENT IN THE WORLD
16-17 October, PARIS CONVENTION CENTRE