GVFHRA Summit 2026 | The Power of People: Beyond the Bot
October 16, 2026
7:15 AM EDT - 4:30 PM EDT
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Penn State Great Valley
30 E Swedesford Rd
Malvern, PA 19355-1488
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As technology continues to transform the workplace, one thing remains true: organizations succeed when people do.
Join HR professionals, business leaders, and workplace innovators at SHRM Greater Valley Forge's 2026 Summit, The Power of People: Beyond the Bot, for a day of practical learning, meaningful connections, and forward-thinking conversations about the future of work.
Explore how AI, leadership, culture, wellbeing, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and human-centered workplaces intersect to shape organizational success. Through inspiring keynote presentations, interactive sessions, and actionable takeaways, you'll gain fresh ideas and proven strategies to help both your people and your organization thrive.
We've intentionally designed the day to encourage more than just learning. Thirty-minute breaks between sessions provide time to network with peers, connect with sponsors, update your professional headshot, and continue the conversations that matter most. During lunch, attendees can recharge with mindfulness activities led by Jessica Hallahan of Journey to Yourself and movement sessions with Anthony Russomano of Mano Wellness, creating an experience that is both energizing and impactful.
Throughout the day, you'll also have the opportunity to learn more about SHRM Greater Valley Forge through our GVF HUB, discover ways to get involved, and see how we're making a difference in our community through our annual charitable partners, Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard and Well Rooted.
And because we believe professional development should be engaging and fun, we'll wrap up the day with exciting attendee giveaways.
Attendees will earn 5.0 SHRM PDCs + 5.0 HRCI Credits (Business/General HR, including 1 Ethics credit).
Whether you're leading change, developing talent, strengthening culture, or preparing for what's next, you'll leave with the tools, insights, and connections needed to navigate the future of work with confidence.
Speakers
Opening Keynote | Jonathan Segal, Esq. HR: Don’t Over HR
Session Speakers
- Aileen Axtmayer, MS, INHC | Wellbeing Within: Recharging People, Purpose, and Performance in the Age of AI
- Christina M. Reger, Esq. & Denise Hackendahl, MBA, SHRM-CP | ChatGPT, Copilot, or Claude AI - Oh My! HR & Legal Risks You Can't Deny
- Dana Scarcella | Workplace 2030: Designing the Future of Work
- Eddie Stewart, MBA | Recruiting Reimagined: The Rise of the Concierge
- Jeremy Doran | DEI: The Business Case for Cognitive Diversity
- Jim Carchidi, CSP | Leadership Habits: Little by little, a little becomes a lot
- Krishna Powell | Recruiting in a Robotic World: Attracting Talent in the Age of AI
- Lauren Yellin Weinberg, MS, NBC-HWC | Four Powerful Questions that Make Leaders and Teams Amazing
- Melinda Haas ACC | Unshakeable: How to Stay Confident When You’re Being Overlooked, Dismissed, or Criticized
Closing Keynote | James Ferguson Confetti Culture - 8 Powerful principles that elevate the way you Live, Lead, and Lift your Teams
And remember—this is a come-as-you-are event. We encourage you to bring your authentic self and, if you're feeling inspired, embrace the vibrant colors and energy that make the SHRM Greater Valley Forge Summit experience uniquely ours.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.

Tickets
$265.00 GVFHRA Members
$225.00 Earlybird rate before September 30
$315.00 Non-Member
$275.00 Earlybird rate before September 30
$100.00 Students
$265.00 Affiliated SHRM Chapter Ticket
$225.00 Earlybird rate before September 30

