Annual Conference
Online Registration is open. (log in for member rates)
The Academy of Human Resource Development's 2027 International Research Conference in the Americas invites scholars and practitioners to explore how HRD can develop human potential and power new possibilities in a world defined by rapid change, complexity, and transformation. Providing a powerful backdrop for this conversation, Houston is one of the most economically dynamic, diverse, and globally connected cities in the United States. As organizations navigate the accelerating forces of technological disruption, demographic shifts, and evolving expectations around work and learning, HRD is uniquely positioned to serve as both an anchor and a catalyst for developing people with the capacity to adapt, lead, and thrive in these environments. This year's theme calls us to examine how HRD can expand what is possible for individuals, organizations, and communities by building systems and cultures that invest in human capability at every level.
Requests for accommodations are in the registration form and due by January 20, 2027. We will do our best to accommodate requests.
| Early Bird 1/9/2027 |
Regular Rate After 1/9/2027 |
Late Rate After 1/20/2027 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| FULL CONFERENCE RATES: | |||
| *Conference Plus Current and New Member (includes one year of AHRD Membership) | $798 | $848 | $898 |
| *Conference Plus Student Member (includes one year of AHRD Membership) | $568 | $619 | $669 |
| AHRD Member | $529 | $579 | $629 |
| AHRD Student Member | $439 | $489 | $539 |
| Non-Member and Non-Member Students | $809 | $859 | $909 |
| ONE DAY ONLY RATES: | |||
| AHRD Member | $399 | $449 | $499 |
| AHRD Student Member | $259 | $309 | $359 |
| Non-Member and Non-Member Students | $429 | $479 | $529 |
| OTHER PROGRAMS/ADD-ONS: | |||
| Future Scholars & Leaders Colloquium | $99 | $119 | $139 |
| **NextGen Summit Only | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Additional Lunch Tickets | $85 | $85 | $85 |
| **Virtual Day Only: (January 29, 2027) | |||
| AHRD Member | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Non-Member and Non-Member Students | $250 | $250 | $250 |
*Please note that it may take up to 5 business days for your membership to be activated with the purchase of Conference Plus. Please note: If renewing, print journal subscriptions will be invoiced separately. All members will have access to all online journals as part of their membership.
**These programs are included in the Conference registration for no additional charge. There is a separate registration for non-conference attendees.
Submit a Proposal Call for Reviewers
Call for Submissions - Click here for info
- Exordo Submissions open July 2026
- All manuscripts due August 31, 2026 11:59 PM PST
- Decision notifications to authors on October 12, 2026
- Camera-ready submissions due November 2, 2026
- At least 1 author must be registered for conference January 1, 2027
- Note: All authors attending conference must register for the conference.
Preliminary Schedule at a Glance
Tuesday, February 9, 2027
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Registration
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Care Room
12:00 PM-4:00 PM PEN Meeting
2:00 PM-6:00 PM Future Scholars and Leaders Colloquium (FSLC)
12:00 PM-5:00 PM Exhibits Set Up
3:00 PM-7:00 PM AHRD Board Meeting
7:30 PM-9:00 PM Game Night
Wednesday, February 10, 2027
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Registration
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Care Room
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Exhibits Open
8:00 AM-12:00 PM Research Meets Practice Breakfast Workshop (Separate Registration)
8:00 AM-Noon PEN Case Competition
8:00 AM-11:30 AM FSLC Doctoral Session
8:00 AM-11:30 AM FSLC Masters Session
2:00 PM-5:00 PM Poster Sessions
8:00 AM-10:00 AM Sessions
10:45 AM-Noon Ambassador/First Time Attendee Sessions
12:30 PM-1:45 PM Opening Keynote
1:45 PM-5:00 PM Sessions
5:00 PM-6:15 PM Arts-Based Scholarship Showcase
8:30 PM-9:30 PM Graduate Student SIG
6:30 PM-8:30 PM Cocktail Reception
Thursday, February 11, 2027
7:00 AM-7:45 AM Morning Wellness Session-Zumba
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Registration
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Care Room
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Sessions
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Exhibits Open
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Poster Sessions
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Scholar Roundtables & Meet the Board of Directors
4:15 PM-5:30 PM SIG Mixer
5:30 PM-7:30 PM KAHRDA Meeting
Friday, February 12, 2027
7:00 AM-7:45 AM Morning Wellness Session-Yoga
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Registration
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Care Room
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Sessions
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Exhibits Open
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Poster Sessions
8:00 AM-9:30 AM Mentoring Partner Meeting
8:30 AM-11:30 AM Next Gen Summit
9:30 AM-10:45 AM Combined Journal Boards Meeting
11:00 AM-12:15 PM Meet the Journal Editors
10:45 AM-12:15 PM AHRD Gives Back - Group Volunteer Project
12:30 PM-2:15 PM President's Lunch + Awards
Requests for accommodations are in the registration form and due by January 20, 2027. We will do our best to accommodate requests.
| Early Bird 1/9/2027 |
Regular Rate After 1/9/2027 |
Late Rate After 1/20/2027 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| FULL CONFERENCE RATES: | |||
| *Conference Plus Current and New Member (includes one year of AHRD Membership) | $798 | $848 | $898 |
| *Conference Plus Student Member (includes one year of AHRD Membership) | $568 | $619 | $669 |
| AHRD Member | $529 | $579 | $629 |
| AHRD Student Member | $439 | $489 | $539 |
| Non-Member and Non-Member Students | $809 | $859 | $909 |
| ONE DAY ONLY RATES: | |||
| AHRD Member | $399 | $449 | $499 |
| AHRD Student Member | $259 | $309 | $359 |
| Non-Member and Non-Member Students | $429 | $479 | $529 |
| OTHER PROGRAMS/ADD-ONS | |||
| Future Scholars & Leaders Colloquium | $99 | $119 | $139 |
| **NextGen Summit Only | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Additional Lunch Tickets | $85 | $85 | $85 |
| **Virtual Day Only (January 29, 2027) | |||
| AHRD Member | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Non-Member and Non-Member Students | $250 | $250 | $250 |
*Please note that it may take up to 5 business days for your membership to be activated with the purchase of Conference Plus. Please note: If renewing, print journal subscriptions will be invoiced separately. All members will have access to all online journals as part of their membership.
**These programs are included in the Conference registration for no additional charge. Separate registration will be provided for non-Conference attendees.
Sponsor/Exhibitor Opportunities >> Register Online
AHRD_2027_Sponsor_Exhibitor_Opportunities_Form (PDF)
The Academy of Human Resource Development's 2027 International Research Conference in the Americas invites scholars and practitioners to explore how HRD can develop human potential and power new possibilities in a world defined by rapid change, complexity, and transformation. Providing a powerful backdrop for this conversation, Houston is one of the most economically dynamic, diverse, and globally connected cities in the United States. As organizations navigate the accelerating forces of technological disruption, demographic shifts, and evolving expectations around work and learning, HRD is uniquely positioned to serve as both an anchor and a catalyst for developing people with the capacity to adapt, lead, and thrive in these environments. This year's theme calls us to examine how HRD can expand what is possible for individuals, organizations, and communities by building systems and cultures that invest in
human capability at every level.
Why Sponsor or Exhibit at AHRD 2027
The AHRD Annual Conference attracts over 400 attendees, including HRD researchers, practitioners, and students dedicated to fostering growth and excellence in the field. As a sponsor or exhibitor, organizations gain access to a vibrant, engaged community eager for new partnerships and solutions that advance human resource development worldwide.
Enhanced Brand Visibility
- Logo Placement: Prominent display of sponsor logos throughout conference platforms—including mobile app, program book, signage, and digital proceedings—maximizes exposure before, during, and after the event.
- Social Media Recognition: Your brand will be actively promoted across AHRD’s channels, driving engagement and awareness.
- Program Advertising: Sponsors benefit from impactful advertising opportunities such as full, half, or quarter-page ads in conference materials.
- Networking & Engagement Opportunities
- Exhibit Tables: Dedicated space providing direct access to attendees during all breaks, lunches, and receptions.
- Exclusive Events: Sponsorship levels include recognition at signature conference gatherings such as keynote sessions, President’s Lunch, Town Hall, and networking breaks.
- Complimentary Registrations: Most sponsor packages offer complimentary full conference registrations for company representatives and students, ensuring your team’s access to every facet of the event.
Secure Your Spot
All sponsorship and exhibiting bookings must be completed and paid in full by January 25, 2027. Exhibit booths will be allocated in order of receipt, with higher-level sponsors receiving priority placement for maximum exposure.
Available Sponsor Opportunities
Premier Partner Sponsor - $7,500
BENEFITS
- Sponsor recognition at keynote and president’s lunch
- Recognition on AHRD website, conference emails, and social media before, during, and after conference
- Logo in the conference mobile app, signage, and program book
- Exhibit table
- Full-page program ad (design provided by sponsor)
- Two (2) complimentary full conference registrations
- 10 student full conference registrations
President’s Lunch Sponsor (4 available) - $3,500
BENEFITS
- Recognition on AHRD website, conference emails, and social media before, during, and after conference
- Logo in the conference mobile app, signage, and program book
- Exhibit table
- Half-page program ad (design provided by sponsor)
- Two (2) complimentary full conference registrations
Proceedings Book Sponsor - $2,750
BENEFITS
- A digital collection of technical submissions, the conference proceedings are a valuable reference document for attendees
- Your branding will be featured on the downloadable eBook supplied to attendees
- Your company logo displayed on the eBook proceedings
- One (1) full page advertisement in the eBook proceedings
- Logo in the conference mobile app, signage, and program book
- Exhibit table
- 1/4-page program ad (design provided by sponsor)
- Two (2) complimentary full conference registrations
Keynote Sponsor (3 available) - $1,500
BENEFITS
- Recognition on AHRD website, conference emails, and social media before, during, and after conference
- Logo in the conference mobile app, signage, and program book
- Exhibit table
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
Awards Sponsor (2 available) - $1,500
BENEFITS
- Recognition on AHRD website, conference emails, and social media before, during, and after conference
- Logo in the conference mobile app, signage, and program book
- Exhibit table
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
Welcome Reception Sponsor (3 available) - $1,500
BENEFITS
- Recognition on AHRD website, conference emails, and social media before, during, and after conference
- Logo in the conference mobile app, signage, and program book
- Exhibit table
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
Mobile App Sponsor (5 available) - $1,200
BENEFITS
- The conference app is frequently referred to throughout the conference, and is used for:
- connecting delegates, sponsors and exhibitors
- viewing the conference program, speaker profiles and proceedings
- keeping up to date with notifications and important announcements - Recognition on AHRD website, conference emails, and social media before, during, and after conference
- Logo in the conference mobile app, signage, and program book
- Exhibit table
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
Break Sponsor - $1,200
BENEFIT
- Recognition on AHRD website, conference emails, and social media before, during, and after conference
- Logo in the conference mobile app, signage, and program book
- Signage during all networking breaks
- Exhibit table
- One (1) full conference registration
Virtual Pre-Conference Sponsor (5 available) - $1,000
BENEFITS
- Recognition during the virtual pre-conference
- Recognition on AHRD website, conference emails, and social media before, during, and after conference
- Logo in the conference signage, and program book
General Sponsorship - $750
BENEFITS
- Recognition on AHRD website, conference emails, and social media before, during, and after conference
- Logo in the conference mobile app, signage, and program book
Exhibit Table Space Details
Your dedicated, 6' table with one chair is an effective, convenient and inexpensive way to increase your visibility and meet with attendees. The ballroom will be the hub of attendee activity during all refreshment breaks, lunches, and receptions.
Cost
Exhibit Table = $595
Add Electricity = $50
Tabletop exhibit includes:
- 6’ table and one chair
- AHRD will assign tabletop exhibits with higher level sponsors receiving highest exposure
- One (1) complimentary staff exhibit registrations (does not include full conference registration)
- $100 off One (1) full conference registration
Exhibit tables will be allocated in order of receipt by AHRD and payment must be received in full to secure your booth placement.
Full exhibitor details will be sent with your confirmation packet. Exhibitors have the option to give away door prizes at their booths. Exhibitors are responsible for contacting the winners directly. AHRD is not responsible for any prizes that are won and not collected.
Hotel Location
Houston Marriott Westchase
2900 Briarpark Dr., Houston, TX 77042
Hotel Reservations
Houston Marriott Westchase for $169.00 USD per night
Last Day to Book: Sunday, January 24, 2027
About the Virtual Conference Day - Included in all in-person conference registrations.
New for 2027, AHRD is introducing a dedicated Virtual Conference Day on Friday, January 29, 2027, one week prior to the in-person conference in Houston. This addition reflects AHRD's commitment to global inclusion and its desire to reduce barriers to scholarly participation across borders.
The Virtual Day is specifically designed to welcome international scholars and practitioners who wish to present their work and engage with the AHRD community but are unable to travel to the United States. AHRD recognizes that visa restrictions, travel costs, and logistical barriers can prevent talented scholars from participating in the conference, and the Virtual Day is one effort to close that gap.
What to Expect on the Virtual Day:
- Virtual Research Presentations: Selected submissions across all submission tracks and categories will be considered for presentation on January 29 via the conference's virtual platform. Authors who wish to be considered for virtual day scheduling should indicate this preference at the time of submission. The Program Committee will make final scheduling decisions based on overall program needs.
- AHRD Annual Business Meeting: The AHRD Annual Business Meeting will be held virtually on January 29 and is open to all current AHRD members and all 2027 conference attendees.
- Session Chair Training: All volunteers serving as session chairs for the in-person conference will complete the required orientation session on the Virtual Day. More details will be provided for the session chair volunteers following the Call for Session Chair Volunteers opening on November 9, 2026.
Virtual Day sessions will be hosted on a platform to be announced. All registered conference participants, including those registered for Virtual Day participation only, will have access to the Virtual Day program.
Additional technical details and platform information will be made available approximately four weeks before the conference.
2027 AHRD Future Scholars and Leaders Colloquium
The 2027 AHRD Future Scholars and Leaders Colloquium (FSLC) is an opportunity for graduate students (master's and doctoral) to engage in professional development activities focused on evaluating research quality, promoting evidence-based HRD practices, and developing a professional identity. FSLC attendees will also be invited to network with HRD faculty and practitioners. These activities will take place across two half-day sessions during the 2027 AHRD pre-conference program:
● Tuesday, February 10th: 2:00 – 6:00 PM (CST)
● Wednesday, February 11th: 8:00 – 11:30 AM (CST)
Graduate students interested in registering for the colloquium are encouraged to add the FSLC during their conference registration. All students should also contact their advisor and/or program coordinator to inquire about opportunities to earn degree credit for participating in the FSLC.
HRD faculty who are interested in participating in the FSLC and/or would like to learn how to offer course credit to students, please contact the colloquium coordinator, Dr. Stephanie Sisco at pleasant@umn.edu.
NextGen Summit: Bridging Research and Practice - Included in conference registration.
The AHRD NextGen Summit (NextGen Summit) provides master’s and undergraduate students with teamwork experience at the annual conference. The NextGen Summit emphasizes the application and integration of HRD research and practice, as well as professional development and networking.
Learning Objectives: By participating in the NextGen Summit, students will be able to:
- Synthesize key themes and insights from HRD research into coherent takeaways relevant to HRD practice and future study
- Bridge the gap between academic research and organizational practice by engaging in teamwork exercises
- Collaborate with peers and practitioners, as well as facilitators, to examine real-world HRD challenges
NextGen is free for attendees or attend the FSLC only for $75.
NextGen Chairs: Consuelo Waight, University of Houston, Kelly Moore, The University of Texas at Tyler, and Yonjoo Cho, The University of Texas at Tyler
Purpose: To provide undergraduate and graduate students with teamwork experience in bridging research and practice at the annual conference. The NextGen Summit emphasizes the application and integration of HRD research and practice, as well as professional development and networking.
Summit Agenda
Welcome (10 min)
- A brief welcome from AHRD leadership
- Introduction to facilitators
Icebreaking Exercise (20 min)
- Icebreaking exercises to get to know attendees
Overview of the Research-Practice Gap and Strategies (15 min)
Break 1 (10 min)
Teamwork (1 hour)
- Instructions on what and how students work through teamwork: choose one out of three workplace scenarios (below)
- Formation of teams of five to eight students, depending on the size of the attendants
- Introduction to facilitators (HRD scholars, scholar-practitioners, and practitioners) as resources for teams
- Teamwork
Three Scenarios: Choose one to work on
- Should we ask employees to return to their office from remote work? (Yonjoo)
- How can we use AI ethically in the workplace? (Consuelo)
- How can we deal with generational differences in the workplace? (Kelly)
Break 2 (10 min)
Gallery Walk on Team Outcomes (30 min)
Reflection (30 min)
- What went well?
- What challenges have teams faced? How did they tackle the challenges?
- What would you do differently?
- What is one thing to take away from this workshop? Why?
Closing (10 min)

Tomika W. Greer, Ph.D., University of Houston
Conference Chair & AHRD President-Elect

Amin Alizadeh, Ph.D., University of Southern Mississippi
Program Chair

Shinhee Park, Ph.D., University of Southern Mississippi
Proceedings Editor

Bethany A Hager, Ph.D., Louisiana State University
Associate Proceedings Editor
| Track | Track Chair Editor | Associate Track Chair Editor |
| Assessment, Evaluation, and People Analytics | Beixi Li | Walid El Mansour |
| Career Development, Mentoring, and Lifelong Learning | Ahmed Al-Asfour | Adetutu Fabusoro |
| Global and Cross-Cultural HRD | Gertrude Hewapathirana | Smita Padmanabhan |
| HRD Teaching, Student Engagement, and Faculty Development | Sumi Lee | |
| Leadership Development and Strategic HRD | Heesun Kim
|
Omaima Hajjami |
| Organization Development and Change | Yvonne Hunter | |
| Virtual HRD, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence | Shyamal Pandya | Wesley Wilson |
| Workforce Development, Economic Mobility, and Community Partnerships | Ajit Prasad Bhattarai
|
|
| Workplace Diversity, Social Justice, and Critical HRD | Nicole Dillard
|
Hoda Parvaneh Shirazi |
| Workplace Learning and Talent Development | Mohan Yang | Sami El-Ahmadie |
| Workplace Well-being and Engagement | Melika Shirmohammadi | Qingyang Xu |
During the 2027 conference, AHRD is continuing the Ambassador program aimed at promoting collegiality and inclusivity. The purpose of the Ambassador program is to facilitate networking, help members connect, and help build community among conference attendees.
Ambassadors are current members who are committed to developing a community of professionals and who are passionate about creating a welcoming conference environment. One of the expectations of an Ambassador is being highly visible during the conference and offering assistance as may be needed to those in attendance. The Ambassador Program plays a significant role in relating, reconnecting, and advocating so that all members and potential members feel welcome and invited in.
An orientation session is planned for February 10.
AHRD is calling student member volunteers to assist with registration desk support for the AHRD 2027 International Research Conference in the Americas in Houston, TX. Volunteers will have their conference fees reimbursed in accordance with their work hours as follows:
- 5 hours = $50 reimbursement
- 10 hours = $100 reimbursement
The primary responsibilities at the registration desk will include assisting people with check-in, registration, providing materials, and general AHRD staff assistance. AHRD will have a staff member present at the registration desk at all times to provide guidance, answer questions, etc. Volunteer shifts are available in 5-hour increments. Reimbursements will be provided after the conference is complete and your total number of volunteer hours has been determined.
The volunteer times that are available for the desk are:
- Wednesday, February 10 from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Wednesday, February 10 from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Thursday, February 11 from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Thursday, February 11 from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Friday, February 12 from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Friday, February 12 from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Note: This opportunity is available on a first come, first served basis. You must be registered to attend the conference in order to be assigned a volunteer slot. Because of the high number of volunteers who typically sign up we may not be able to provide you with the full number of hours requested. Preference will be given to those presenting at the conference.
You will receive a formal confirmation with details at the end of January. If you have any specific questions about this opportunity, please contact the AHRD office at office@ahrd.org.
Session Hosts
The Conference Committee will be seeking volunteers to host breakout sessions for the 34th AHRD International Research Conference in the Americas in Houston, TX. Please check back for more info.
Use the invitation letter to support your application for a U.S. Visitors Visa. This letter is not a substitute for your actual Visa. You must still comply with the formal visa application process.
At least one of the following criteria MUST BE met to use the letter of invitation:
- Be an author of an accepted abstract and/or paper
- Have paid the registration fee for this conference
NOTE: Completing this form does NOT register you for the 2027 AHRD Conference in the Americas.
FAQs/Helpful Links
This Registration Agreement (this “Registration Agreement” or “Agreement”) sets forth the terms and conditions upon which Academy of Human Resource Development, together with its respective subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, “AHRD,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), conducts and provides access to AHRD conferences, webinars, trainings, meetings, golf events, receptions, social events, or other sponsored events (each an “Event”). By registering online or otherwise agreeing to register for an Event, or by attending such an Event, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Registration Agreement. If you do not agree to this Registration Agreement, do not register for or attend an Event.
Registration Information
You are responsible for paying the registration fee and any tax for your purchase as noted on the Site’s shopping cart or final sales page. Online registration requires credit card payment; AHRD accepts American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. If you want to pay by check, please contact office@ahrd.org. Payment is required prior to the Event. AHRD will not allow participation in this Event if there is an outstanding receivable to AHRD.
To edit your registration, please contact AHRD HQ at or 1+ (952) 545-6291
Attendance Policies
Attendee Cancellation
All cancellation requests must be submitted through the Cancellation/Refund Request Form on or before January 11, 2027, to be eligible to receive a refund of the registration fee. All cancellations are subject to a $50 per person administrative processing fee. No-shows will not be refunded. Cancellations received prior to January 11 will be refunded in full, less a $50 administrative processing fee. Requests for refunds after the deadline will be reviewed by the AHRD Board of Directors on an individual basis two to three weeks after the conference. Special requests must be received before January 11, 2027 through the Cancellation/Refund Request Online Form. Please include an explanation of any extenuating circumstances and upload supporting documents. Refund requests will be reviewed two to three weeks after the conference. Refund requests received after January 11, 2027 will NOT be reviewed.
Registrations can be transferred to another person within your organization with the same membership status by contacting office@ahrd.org
Any questions? Please contact the AHRD office at office@ahrd.org.
Privacy
AHRD is committed to data privacy and protecting your personal information. Information on how AHRD collects, processes, and uses your data is included in the AHRD Privacy Policy that is hereby incorporated into this Registration Agreement.
If you are a member and register for one of our Events, we will access the information in your member account to provide you with information and services associated with the Event. If you are not a member and you register for one of our Events, we will collect your name and contact information, which we will store in our database and use to provide you with information and services associated with the Event. If you are a presenter at one of our Events, we will collect information about you, including your name, employer and contact information, and photograph, and we may also collect information provided by Event attendees who evaluated your performance as a presenter. As an attendee, speaker, or sponsor/exhibitor, we will keep a record of your participation to provide you with post-Event information, including details on upcoming events you may be interested in.
AHRD uses the personal data you provide in the registration for administering your participation in this Event. This may include information about the Event’s content, logistics, payment, updates, and additional information related to the Event.
AHRD may disclose your personal data to third party service providers engaged by AHRD to assist in the processing of your registration and conducting the Event. Your contact information may be shared via an Event mobile app or attendee list as part of your participation in the Event. Your hotel reservation information may be shared between AHRD and the hotel. Information you provide when registering for or participating in an Event managed or co-sponsored by parties other than or in addition to AHRD may be shared with those parties, and the treatment of such information is subject to the privacy polices of those parties. AHRD will not disclose your personal data to any other third party without your consent except where required to do so by law.
You may contact us at any time about any concern or question you have about our use of your information.
Payment Terms and PCI Compliance
The registration payments are processed by third party provider(s) processing payments on behalf of AHRD. If you elect to pay for your registration by credit card, you are responsible for providing a valid credit card number at the time you register to pay. You represent and warrant that you are an authorized user of the credit card number provided, and you agree to pay all charges resulting from your order, including any unauthorized charges incurred prior to your notice to us of such charges. You agree that we may pass your credit card information and personally identifiable information to our designated third-party provider(s) for its use in processing the credit card payment for the registration. We will comply and will ensure that our designated third-party provider(s) comply, with any credit card processing rules and privacy regulations.
Please do not email forms with credit card information. To protect your data and to comply with PCI standards, the AHRD office will not accept emailed credit card information.
Photo/Audio/Video Release
By registering for or attending this Event, you acknowledge and consent to be recorded or photographed and authorize AHRD to use your likeness, personal characteristics, and any other proprietary and publicity rights for any such purposes without the requirement of further notice, royalty, payment, or other compensation to or consent from you. This includes photographs, video, recordings, screenshots, written text or verbal comments/questions on the virtual platform, social media or emails (“Recording(s)”). By registering for or attending this event you also acknowledge that all Recordings are the property of AHRD.
We reserve the right to use any Recording taken at our Events, without the expressed written permission of those included within the Recording. We may use the Recording in publications or other media material produced, used, or contracted, including, but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, social media, emails, etc. Consenting to Recording includes the use, editing, copying, publishing, and/or exhibition of the Recordings that may include your voice, name, and/or likeness, in any and all forms of media. To ensure the privacy of individuals, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject.
Code of Conduct
AHRD Event Code of Conduct
By registering for or attending the Event, you agree to comply with the following Code of Conduct at all times during the Event and any Event-related gatherings.
The AHRD leadership and staff are committed to providing a safe, productive, welcoming, and vibrant learning environment to all participants, including staff and vendors, at all of our Events. We welcome people from as many diverse backgrounds as possible. We expect our Events to be a respectful, harassment-free environment for people of all race, gender and trans identity, sexual orientation, ability, nationality, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and beliefs. We have no tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any form at an Event for any reason, including on account of a person’s age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religion, gender, sexual or affectional orientation, gender identity, appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Participants are expected to adhere to these principles and respect the rights of others.
We’re grateful that our community is positive, friendly and supportive of one another — it’s what makes our events such a draw each year.
In that spirit, the staff, supporters, volunteers, attendees and speakers at AHRD Events are expected to:
- Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
- Keep conversations professional, respectful and consider other parties’ points of view. In short, don’t make it personal. Passionate conversations are part of solving problems. Disagreements happen all the time and are necessary to consider difficult questions.
- Remember that the boundaries of good taste, humor, personal space and physical interaction differ from person to person; if you sense someone feels uncomfortable — whether they explicitly state it or not — be respectful of those boundaries.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behavior. Harassment and inappropriate behavior may include, but are not limited to:
- Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or otherwise discriminatory jokes or language, physical intimidation, stalking or following sustained disruption of talks or events.
- Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent material; if for any reason you may need this material for an educational session, please contact AHRD staff first and we can discuss how to give an appropriate warning to participants
- Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes sexualized comments or jokes; inappropriate touching, groping and unwelcome sexual advances.
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
Website Terms
Access to and use of the Site and any other AHRD websites linked to or referenced during the Event or any materials distributed by AHRD during the Event shall be subject to the terms of the applicable Terms of Use and Privacy Policy made available on the AHRD website.
Liability Waiver, Release and Indemnity
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Registration Opening Soon.
Hybrid Intelligence and Enhancing Performance Breakfast Workshop
The HR AI questions your organization is already facing, worked through with scholars and practitioners who are facing them too.
Most HR teams are now being questioned about their plans regarding AI. This half-day session considers people and machines as a unified system that must be intentionally designed. It presents two key questions: how to structure the work effectively and what leaders need to do once a true team operates within that framework.
Topic One 9:10 – 10:05
Redesigning work, not roles
Most organizations respond to AI by rewriting job descriptions. This session looks deeper. Using sociotechnical systems as the framework, a scholar and a practitioner redesign the combined human-machine system itself: how tasks are allocated between people and machines, where human judgment must remain non-negotiable, and how the workflow is structured once both are in it.
Topic Two 10:15 – 11:15
Integration of AI to drive leadership success
Adoption is a decision. Integration is a practice. This session addresses what AI integration requires from leaders: sponsoring efforts and preparation to ensure successful adoption, deciding where the machine's input ends and the leader's influence begins, and understanding the impacts at the team level, including trust, voice, and performance.
What you leave with
- A clearer understanding of how AI and employees can work together to improve performance.
- A closer look at how scholars and practitioners collaborate to solve today's workforce challenges.
- A view of how others in your field are addressing the same topic.
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Date |
Wednesday, February 10, 2027, 8:30–11:55 a.m. |
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Venue |
Houston Marriott Westchase, 2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas |
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Format |
Half-day preconference, seated at working tables. Breakfast included. |
Register by January 29th
This preconference requires separate registration from the main conference.
Seats are limited to first 100, and the session works best with full tables.
$75 members, $95 non-members
For HRD scholars and practitioners working on AI adoption, work design, or leadership development, and for anyone currently being asked what their organization plans to do about AI. The session is built to put the OD side and the T&D side at the same tables.
Keynote:
Powering Human Potential: Leading, Learning, and Growing in the Age of AI
Dr. Charles D. Shaw, Vice President of Talent Management, Proofpoint
Artificial intelligence is transforming work at an unprecedented pace—but technology alone will not determine organizational success. Organizations that thrive will be those that intentionally develop people alongside technology. Drawing from executive leadership experience leading AI fluency and transformation, Dr. Shaw explores how leadership, learning, and talent development must evolve to prepare organizations for the future of work. The keynote examines how AI is reshaping workforce planning, leadership expectations, career development, and organizational capability while reinforcing why human potential remains in every organization's greatest competitive advantage. Bolstered by research, attendees will leave with practical insights into developing leaders, investing in middle-skilled talent, strengthening internal mobility, and building organizations where innovation and human development reinforce one another.

Dr. Charles D. Shaw is Vice President of Talent Management at Proofpoint, where he leads enterprise talent strategy, including leadership development, succession planning, workforce planning, performance management, career development, and AI-enabled talent transformation. Throughout his career, Dr. Shaw has held senior talent and human resources leadership roles at Yum! Brands (supporting KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut), Amazon, Meta, SoFi, and Proofpoint. He has partnered with executive leadership teams to build leadership capability, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and develop talent strategies that enable business growth during periods of significant transformation. Dr. Shaw's expertise spans leadership development, talent management, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, executive coaching, and the application of artificial intelligence to improve organizational performance. He serves on the University of Houston Human Resource Development Advisory Board and holds a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development. He is a frequent speaker on leadership, talent strategy, AI-enabled work, and the future of human potential.
