Talent Summit 2026: Stronger Together in Times of Change
Hawaii’s employers face rising costs, evolving workforce expectations, and growing pressure to do more with less while still finding and keeping the right people. These dynamics are reshaping how organizations think about talent, leadership, and the future of work. Talent Summit 2026, hosted by the Hawaii Employers Council, is designed to address these challenges through collaboration and shared learning.
Now in its third year, the Talent Summit is a full-day working session designed for those committed to strengthening their organizations and Hawaii’s workforce during rapid change. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Connecting in Times of Change,” emphasizes shared learning and collective action. The event brings together HR practitioners, business leaders, and workforce development professionals to exchange best practices and collaborate on practical solutions.
“Hawaii’s employers are navigating significant economic, technological, and demographic changes,” says Sarah Guay, President and CEO of HEC. “Talent Summit was created for this purpose. It is a working session where leaders share effective practices, challenge the status quo, and leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately. The results from the past two years show that this collective conversation is more important than ever.”
This year’s program is anchored by a keynote conversation with Kim Scott, the internationally bestselling author of Radical Candor and Radical Respect. Scott has coached CEOs at Dropbox, Qualtrics, and Twitter, served on the faculty at Apple University, and previously led the AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. Her afternoon keynote and Q&A will examine how leaders can build candid, respectful workplaces, a timely subject as teams adjust to new expectations and new technology.
Featured sessions include:
- The Reality We Can’t Ignore: a look at the workforce trends, affordability, and cost-of-living pressures shaping Hawaii’s future, featuring Josh Wisch
- From Challenge to Possibility: a conversation on commitment, innovation, and collective action, featuring Trisha Ramelb
- Human-Centered AI: a main-stage discussion of how artificial intelligence can create space for what matters most, including human connection, leadership, trust, and judgment, featuring Michelle Kim Stone, Sara La Torre, and Katherine von Ja
Interactive breakout conversations dig into the issues local leaders face day-to-day, including human-centered leadership, generational dynamics, flexible schedules, internships as a workforce strategy, labor relations, and recognizing burnout while promoting sustainability. Networking breaks, a networking/connection opportunity, and a closing pau hana celebration are included throughout the day.
This focus on connection is intentional. Talent Summit brings HR professionals, business leaders, educators, and workforce partners together to exchange ideas and solutions. Participants leave with actionable frameworks, tools, and local examples to support talent strategy, team development, or organizational change.
If you lead people, shape strategy, or are responsible for preparing your organization for the future, Talent Summit 2026 is designed for you. The summit will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu.
For the full agenda, speaker lineup, and event details, visit the Talent Summit 2026 event page.