Live 2025: Austin

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

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8:30AM CT - 5:30PM CT

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TOPIC

In a Time of Conflict, an Opportunity for People Leaders to Embrace Positive Change

People leaders face a welter of challenges right now, from employee disengagement to financial pressure to policy uncertainty from Washington. Yet HR professionals can seize the moment as an opportunity for transformative change, guided by positive values and an investment in their people. Companies will be primed for future growth if they embrace an environment of trust, continuous learning, advanced technology, purposeful leadership, data-driven insights, and a skills-based talent strategy.  In our conference of HR leaders and colleagues, we’ll explore breakthroughs in thinking about how to make work fulfilling, create a sense of community, help employees increase their competencies and performance, and produce better managers. You’ll discover the most innovative approaches in such fields as talent acquisition, employee benefits and total rewards, learning and development, employee engagement, AI and HR technology, and inclusion and belonging.

From Day One is a Recertification Provider for SHRM and HRCI. This session is eligible for 4 credits.

Agenda

All times shown below are U.S. Central Time

Morning

8:30am - 11am

Whataburger's Family Values, Career Growth, and Networking

After breakfast and opening remarks, we’ll kick off the day  with a fireside chat featuring Peggy Rubenzer, chief people officer at the beloved, Texas-based Whataburger, a company known for its strong culture, employee development, and deep community roots. Then leaders from Google, Gainwell Technologies, and others will take the stage for an executive-panel conversation, “How Leaders Are Developing Career Growth for Today’s Workforce.” Panelists will share how they’re using people-first strategies and tools like AI coaching and talent marketplaces to offer flexible, personalized growth opportunities. After the morning sessions, attendees will have an opportunity to connect with each other during a structured networking activity. 

Session Highlights

BREAKFAST
BREAKFAST
FIRESIDE
FIRESIDE
PANEL
PANEL
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
STRUCTURED NETWORKING
STRUCTURED NETWORKING

Midday

11am - 2:30pm

Workshops, Lunch, and a Fresh Look at Employee Benefits

After taking part in an interactive workshop, with three to choose from, attendees will enjoy a buffet-style lunch with more chances to connect. Designated tables will focus on topics like L&D and DEI, each with discussion questions to spark conversation. Next, attendees will select a workshop to join from the second set of concurrent sessions. After workshops, leaders will share insights on the topic “Employee Benefits, Balancing Cost Efficiency With Good Employee Outcomes.” We’ll learn how they’re changing their benefits strategies to improve access, tackle rising costs, and better support the health and well-being of a diverse workforce, all while aiming to boost employee satisfaction and drive better business results. 

Session Highlights

FIRESIDE
FIRESIDE
PANEL
PANEL
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
STRUCTURED NETWORKING
STRUCTURED NETWORKING
LUNCH
LUNCH

Afternoon

2:30pm - 5:30pm

Employee Experience at Whole Foods and Dell, the Power of Inclusion, and Book Signing at Reception

In our final part of the day, leaders from Whole Foods, Dell, and other major organizations will discuss “How to Turn Employee Experience Into a Recruitment and Retention Strategy.” They’ll share ideas for building employee experiences that deepen engagement, strengthen mission connection, and improve retention.We’ll end the day with a conversation featuring Anne Chow, author of Lead Bigger: The Transformative Power of Inclusion, which explores how inclusive leadership drives innovation, impact, and growth. Following the session, Anne will sign complimentary copies of her book during our evening reception, which will have refreshments and more opportunities to connect.  

Session Highlights

FIRESIDE
FIRESIDE
PANEL
PANEL
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
COCKTAIL RECEPTION

VENUE

The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center

The conference will take place at AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, the grand hotel of the University of Texas at Austin.

1900 University Ave, Austin, TX 78705
Sep 24
8:30AM - 5:30PM