Event Schedule
Thursday, March 20,
– In-Person Conference
Location: Bank of America Career Services Center, University Park, PA
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Overview
The in-person conference on March 20 provides attendees with hands-on opportunities to engage with industry leaders, network with peers, and gain practical insights into workforce education and development. This is the perfect chance to connect with experts and experience the latest trends in organizational development and workforce technology.
Key Highlights of the Day
Keynote Presentations: Delivered by distinguished speakers, focusing on topics such as embracing technology and the future of workforce development.
Professional Headshots: These are available for attendees to enhance their professional profiles.
Networking Opportunities: Engage with fellow participants and experts during breaks and sessions.
Career Fair: A dedicated session to connect with employers and industry professionals, discover job opportunities, and explore workforce trends.
10:00 am -11:00 am | Embracing Technology in the Learning Environment
Mark Johnsoon | KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Description: In this highly dynamic presentation, the presenter will provide numerous examples of why workforce teachers and trainers must embrace and model technology’s professional and ethical use in the learning process.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
12:30 pm -1:30 pm | The Future is Now: Emerging Technological Industrial Revolutions and Keys to Developing Organizations for the Next Century
Dr. Anton Shufutinsky | KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Description: The 4th, 5th, & 6th industrial revolutions and related emerging technologies continue to disrupt how organizations are defined, conduct work, and develop workers. This presentation delves into the sociotechnical systems in this era of rapid change, including human factors, integration of human systems, digital transformation, and strategic foresight, and how they are pivotal for effective OD work.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
Friday, March 21 – Virtual Conference
Location: Online (Zoom and Other Virtual Platforms)
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Overview
The virtual conference on March 21 offers a comprehensive lineup of global speakers and interactive sessions, allowing attendees to participate from anywhere in the world. This format is designed to expand accessibility and provide a diverse perspective on workforce education, technological innovation, and organizational change.
Key Highlights of the Day:
Live Keynote Presentations: Topics include social impacts of artificial intelligence, organizational development, and the future of work.
Breakout Tracks: Tailored sessions on cutting-edge themes
Track 1: Social Impacts of Artificial Intelligence.
Track 2: Technological Innovations and Social Change.
Interactive Workshops: Project-based sessions led by experts to develop actionable skills.
Why Attend the Virtual Conference?
Access global thought leaders and industry professionals.
Participate in flexible, interactive sessions tailored to your interests.
Gain insights into international workforce trends without the need for travel.
9:00 am - 10:00 am | Using Organization Development Methods to Facilitate Social Change in an Age of Artificial Intelligence
Professor William Rothwell | KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Description: In a world where technological advances—especially artificial intelligence (AI)—are accelerating at an unprecedented pace, the challenge for organizations and communities is not simply about keeping up; it is about ensuring that this wave of innovation is harnessed for the greater good. AI, while powerful, has the potential to either deepen divides or create opportunities for unity and progress. How we manage change, build resilient systems, and foster inclusivity will define our success in this new era.
This keynote presentation will examine how the principles and practices of Organization Development (OD)—with its focus on human-centered change, collaboration, and ethical leadership—can guide people through the complexity of social change and transformation. The session will review how OD methods, when combined with the capabilities of AI, can empower organizations to address social inequities, enhance human potential, and drive sustainable change.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
| TRACK 1
10:00 am - 11:00 am | The Future of Work and the Workforce Explained by Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)
Yu-Ling “Abby” Chang
Description: While Artificial Intelligence (AI) significantly contributes to the uncertainty of the future of work, this research uniquely leverages Explainable AI (XAI) to explain the future of work and the workforce by 2031. This presentation will introduce the award-winning dissertation, honored by AHRD and ATD in 2024, showcasing how XAI enhances understanding of the future of work and workforce dynamics.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
11:15 am - 12:15 pm | Human-Centered Human-AI Interaction in the Workplace
Dr. Sehoon Kim
Description: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming HRD by enhancing efficiency and precision across various tasks. Key areas include ethical design, integrating human intelligence for control, and optimizing human factors for utilization. HRD’s role is pivotal in ensuring human control and improving human values through AI, thereby supporting employees effectively in AI adoption.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | AI Research in Human Resource Development
Dr. Sunyoung Park
Description: The purpose of this virtual presentation is to review and summarize the current AI research in human resource development (HRD) and suggest future research agenda in this area.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Building Coaching Capabilities: People Leaders as Coaches
Speaker: John Bennett
Description: People leaders support team members in their development, performance, and transitions. In this interactive session, we will explore the role of managers in coaching others, address some of the challenges managers face when coaching team members, and identify opportunities to develop people leaders to coach others. Participants will leave with tools they can use as managers to coach others. Professional coaches will leave with an understanding of how they can support managers in coaching team members.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
| TRACK 2
10:00 am - 11:00 am | Smart Learning: How AI is Redefining Work-Related Learning and Development
Dr. Carolin Grassmann
Description: Explore research on the impact of AI in work-related learning and development. This presentation provides an analysis of how AI can help create personalized learning environments to improve learning outcomes and support organizational growth.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
11:15 am - 12:15 pm | Bringing Sociology (Back) In to Organizational Change Thinking and Doing
Todd L. Matthews
Description: Sociology has significant potential to enhance thinking and practice around organizational change, yet the field is generally ignored in organizational change work. I seek to remedy that by highlighting several areas where sociology can enhance this work, particularly in this “brave new world” of AI and machine learning and doing.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | Quiet Leadership: Valuing Different Ways of Leading and Creating Innovation
Tojo Thatchenkerry
Description: Based on the research published in his co-authored book on invisible leadership, Tojo Thatchenkery will show that the time has come to value quiet leadership again. Most of our understanding of leadership comes from research and theories developed in the United States. The assumption is that leaders are highly charismatic and very visible. However, genuine leadership is not about charisma or visibility. A significant number of noteworthy accomplishments in organizations are made possible by “quiet leaders,” those who complete their tasks with commitment and often go above and beyond the call of duty, without seeking visibility. Such leaders often create innovation and new products and services because they are good in creating positive relational synergy in teams, valuing others, and building a collaborative and relational climate. Smart organizations must embrace a global view of leadership which values multiple styles and cultural practices. I will share approaches and tools to recognize, grow, and sustain quiet leadership. Examples will be shared from highly innovative organizations where quiet leadership has played a key part in their growth and success.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Social Change with Technology: Let’s Get Projects Started
Dr. Joanne Preston
Description: There will be a presentation of past social change work, a discussion of how technology could help, and a brief interaction about why people should get involved in social change. The last hour will involve participants in planning and implementing projects using technology, with the best-written articles published in a future ODJournal special issue.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | OD Essence to Carry Forward Into Our Future
Dr. David Jamieson | KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Description: After decades of difficulties understanding OD, we need to clarify what is the core of OD and what is necessary for us to be doing OD. And with all the new challenges, present now and coming in the future, we need to work on all the types of change we face with OD clarity.
Contact Information: LinkedIn
Register Today!
