CHRO Fall Forum – Washington, DC

Boards own the process—but CHROs shape its success or failure

CEO succession is one of the board’s most high-stakes responsibilities—and CHROs are essential partners in guiding the process. From shaping the plan to advising the board, the CHRO’s influence can make or break a successful transition. In this session, longtime CHRO Sheri Bronstein and board director Michael White unpack the findings of a joint study by HRPA and the Center for Executive Succession, offering a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what works, what fails, and how trusted CHROs help boards get it right.

In today’s high-stakes environment, a strong CEO-CHRO partnership isn’t just nice to have—it’s a strategic advantage. In this candid fireside chat, Join newly appointed Duke Energy CEO Harry Sideris and CHRO Cameron McDonald in conversation with Marc Feigen for a candid fireside chat on how they keep strategy, technology, and people moving in sync at America’s largest electric utility. This session delivers hard-won lessons and practical moves to elevate HR’s impact at the highest level.

Kellyanne Conway and David Axelrod on the forces reshaping America's workforce

What happens in Washington doesn’t stay in Washington—and in an era of political uncertainty, HR leaders can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. In this unfiltered conversation, insiders Kellyanne Conway and David Axelrod bring their contrasting worldviews to a candid, cross-partisan exchange on the future of business and society.

From the ripple effects of the second Trump Administration to a Democratic party in transition, these veteran strategists will surface the key political currents CHROs must watch—and what they mean for workforce strategy, corporate risk, and executive leadership in the months ahead.

Real-World Wins—and the Guardrails That Make Them Work

AI is here—and CHROs are leading the charge. Learn how top HR leaders are partnering across the business to pilot and scale AI initiatives with purpose and precision. Hear real-world use cases delivering measurable value, and explore the practical governance strategies companies are using to protect people, data, and brand. Then, dive into peer-to-peer roundtables to compare experiences, swap lessons learned, and walk away with actionable insights tailored to your organization’s AI journey.

Fresh Insights on Developing Tomorrow’s HR Leaders

As the CHRO role becomes more strategic, complex, and high-stakes, succession planning has never been more important. In this session, seasoned leaders and newly minted CHROs explore the realities of leadership turnover, share lessons on expanding the talent bench, and spotlight the capabilities that define today’s top candidates. Whether you're grooming a successor or planning your own transition, walk away with clear, practical steps to future-proof your HR leadership pipeline.

Adapting Strategy Amid Public Policy Shifts and Workforce Change

Immigration and DEI policies are evolving—and with them, the foundation of workforce strategy. In this timely discussion, leaders share how they’re responding to shifting regulations and public expectations, rethinking global talent pipelines, and future-proofing their approach to hiring, mobility, and development. Gain insight into how companies are staying compliant, inclusive, and competitive in a fast-changing environment.