2026 Talent Forward Summit

Talent Forward Summit 2026 will convene Houston’s top HR and People and Culture leaders for a high-impact, half-day experience focused on the future of work and the strategies shaping tomorrow’s workforce. As talent needs evolve and new technologies reshape how organizations compete, this Summit will offer timely insight, meaningful connection and forward-looking ideas to help employers attract, develop and retain the people who power business growth.
Designed for leaders across industries, the program will explore the trends redefining workforce strategy, from AI and skills-based talent models to employee experience, engagement and regional competitiveness. Attendees will gain perspective on:
The growing role of AI in talent strategy, workforce planning, and employee experience
The shift toward skills-based work, mobility, and more equitable access to opportunity
The increasing importance of employee experience and engagement in driving retention and performance
What it will take to ensure the Houston region remains competitive, innovative, and opportunity-rich amid ongoing workforce transformation
This half-day convening will feature mainstage conversations, interactive elements and intentional networking designed to spark dialogue, share practical insights and strengthen the people and culture community across the region.

Summit speakers include:
Rafa Alvarez, Senior Vice President, Regional Workforce Development, Greater Houston Partnership
Victoria Chen, Co-Founder and Executive Director, BridgeYear
Stacy Eng, Senior Vice President, Head of People & AI Innovation, NRG Energy
April Ramirez Fabre, Vice President, Talent Management, CenterPoint Energy
Holly Heard, SVP, Research, Greater Houston Partnership
Courtney Holladay, Associate Vice President, MD Anderson
Corey D. Jackson, JD, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, Texas Children’s
Steve Kean, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership
Joanna Lacey, EVP Managing Director of Culture & Experience, Stellar Bank
Holly Price, Associate Partner, McKinsey
Summer Reeves, Vice President, Regional Workforce Development, Greater Houston Partnership
Mary Sizemore, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Quanta Services, Inc.
Christina Tobin, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Work-Based Learning, Industry Partnerships, & Innovation, HCC
Hayward Williams, General Manager of People, Phillips 66
with more to be announced in the coming weeks!
Who Should Attend?
CHROs, CDOs, Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, and leaders of Workforce Development, Organizational Development, and Learning and Development across industries and sectors in the Houston region.
The day’s content is organized around the themes of work, workforce, and organization and culture. Through a dynamic mix of strategic conversations, peer learning, and actionable insights, the summit empowers leaders to shape change within their organizations and across the region.