As Hawai'i's business landscape continues to shift-economically, technologically, and socially-employers are being asked to do more than just "get through uncertainty." They need to adapt. That's the driving force behind Talent Summit 2025, a gathering designed to equip Hawai'i's leaders with the insight, tools, and partnerships needed to navigate the future of work.
Hosted by the Hawai'i Employers Council this summer, the Talent Summit is not a typical conference. It's a collaborative working session for people who are serious about strengthening their organizations-and Hawai'i's workforce-through these times of change.
"Employers are facing real questions right now: How do we demonstrate resilience when our "usual" strategies that we've leaned on in the past are no longer available or viable? How do we support our teams while managing constantly shifting operational demands? What new skill sets and tools might be needed in the next evolution of work?" says Sarah Guay, President & CEO of HEC. "Talent Summit was created to bring people together around those questions–and to offer real strategies that work."
What makes Talent Summit different? It's grounded in the realities our local employers are navigating today while keeping a clear eye on what's coming next. Participants interact with each other through ample networking time but also engage with the content throughout the day. With a program that blends big-picture trends with practical solutions, the Summit provides space for reflection, planning, and shared learning. "That's why I love the Talent Summit," shares Sherri Okinaga, EVP of Organizational Development. "From engaging lunch discussions to brainstorming sessions, we react to at the pau hana; Talent Summit invites us to engage and take collective action."
Topics this year include:
- AI and the Workforce - how artificial intelligence is reshaping job roles, employee resilience, and leadership
- Strategies for Disruption - building operational resilience in the face of uncertainty
- Workforce Trends & Policy - understanding where the local labor market is headed and how to prepare
Sessions are led by a mix of national thought leaders and local changemakers and designed to encourage open dialogue and cross-sector collaboration. One of this year's featured speakers, Matt Stevens, underscores the importance of coming together during times of transition: "Hawai'i's workforce is evolving quickly. Whether you're in business, government, or education, there's value in stepping back, comparing notes, and working toward solutions together. There's real opportunity for Hawai'i to rethink and reshape our workforce."
This emphasis on collaboration is central to the event's design. Talent Summit is intentionally built to bring together HR professionals, business leaders, educators, and workforce partners-recognizing that no single entity can solve workforce challenges alone.
Participants will leave with more than inspiration. They'll gain frameworks, tools, and local examples they can apply immediately-whether they're focused on talent strategy, team development, or organizational change.
If you're responsible for leading people, shaping strategy, or preparing your organization for what's ahead, this event is built for you.