Elevating Human Resources

The Human Edge in a Changing World

The SHRM Northstate Annual HR Summit brings together HR professionals, business leaders, managers, supervisors, and workplace decision-makers from across Northern California for a full day of learning, connection, and practical insight. Last year’s Summit welcomed more than 140 attendees and over 20 sponsors and exhibitors—and this year promises to be even better.

Centered on our chapter’s mission to Elevate Human Resources, the 2026 Summit will explore The Human Edge in a Changing World and the evolving role of HR and workplace leadership.

Throughout the day, attendees will gain timely insights and practical strategies related to leadership, talent strategy, employee engagement, workplace compliance, organizational culture, managing change, and the future of work.

This year’s program will feature an amazing opening speaker, an equally engaging closing speaker, insights from legal and HR experts, plenty of opportunities for meaningful connection, and a whole lot of fun along the way.

Designed for both HR and non-HR professionals, the HR Summit offers valuable training, fresh perspectives, and real-world tools to help organizations build stronger workplaces, lead and support people more effectively, navigate change with confidence, and create meaningful impact within their organizations and communities.

For many attendees, the Summit is also an opportunity to step away from the demands of the day-to-day, connect with peers, exchange ideas, and return to work feeling refreshed, encouraged, and reenergized.

We hope you’ll join us—and bring your team!

HERE IS A GLIMPSE AT OUR SPEAKER LINEUP! 

AMAZING KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Kassy La Borie - MORE HUMAN THAN EVER - What Artists, Performers, and Creators can Teach us About Showing Up Fully in a Digital World

AMAZING LEGAL SPEAKER  - Ann Wicks -  How AI is Transforming the Way People Work and Creating More Risk

AMAZIMG LEGAL SPEAKER - Eric De Wames - Cutting Edge Insights surrounding the legislative trends and implications for HR and business professionals in the coming year(s)

AMAZING CLOSING SPEAKER  - Reanette Etzler - Drive the Employee Experience in an Era of Digital, Disrupted, and Determined Workplaces

Get ready to enjoy some AMAZING speakers, meet your SHRM Northtstate Board, meet equally amazing attendees, and have some fun!

SIGN UP NOW! 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Kassy La Borie

More Human Than Ever - Showing Up Fully in a Digital World

Today's workplace is more connected than ever, and yet many people feel increasingly disconnected.

We communicate through screens. We collaborate across distance. We rely on technology to work faster, learn faster, and make decisions faster. And now, with artificial intelligence rapidly becoming part of our daily lives, many people are beginning to ask an important question:

As technology becomes more capable, what becomes more important about being human?

For HR professionals, this question sits at the center of everything.

• How do we create belonging in hybrid workplaces?
• How do we foster connection across distance?
• How do we support well-being, engagement, trust, creativity, and collaboration in an increasingly digital world?

And perhaps most importantly:

• How do we help people bring more of themselves—not less—to work?

While exploring these questions through conversations on The Spark Konnect podcast, Kassy LaBorie discovered something unexpected. The artists, performers, athletes, musicians, and creators she interviewed weren't simply sharing stories about their craft. They were offering powerful lessons about courage, self-expression, resilience, creativity, presence, and human connection.

In a time when many organizations are navigating rapid technological change, these distinctly human qualities are becoming more important than ever.

The very qualities organizations need most today.

In this uplifting and interactive keynote, Kassy shares the surprising lessons these individuals taught her about showing up fully, embracing our unique gifts, and creating meaningful connection in a rapidly changing world.

Because while technology continues to evolve, the qualities that make us human become more valuable, not less.

Participants will leave inspired to reconnect with what makes them uniquely human, recognize the gifts only they can contribute, and bring more of that humanity into their work, relationships, leadership, and communities.

PARTICIPANTS WILL DISCOVER

• Why human connection remains our greatest advantage in an increasingly digital world
• What becomes more important about being human as technology becomes more capable
• Lessons from artists, performers, and creators that can strengthen presence, creativity, and resilience
• How belonging, trust, and engagement are created through small moments of human connection
• Practical ways to bring greater authenticity and humanity into the workplace
• How to identify and contribute your unique gifts to the people and communities you serve

Kassy LaBorie is a keynote speaker, author, consultant, and connection strategist who has spent more than 25 years helping people create meaningful human connection in increasingly digital environments.

Known for her engaging style, practical insights, and contagious enthusiasm, Kassy has worked with organizations including PepsiCo, Canon, American Express, and hundreds of learning and leadership professionals around the world.

She is the bestselling author of Interact and Engage! and Producing Virtual Training, Meetings, and Webinars, host of The Spark Konnect podcast, and recipient of the 2026 ATD Outstanding Professional Award, one of the talent development profession's highest honors.

Kassy believes that while technology continues to evolve, the qualities that make us human remain our greatest source of connection, creativity, and impact.

KASSY LABORIE CONSULTING, LLC  www.kassylaborie.com keynote trailer  https://youtu.be/t4_G3bWhIsw?si=KmoMyvMFtYzScRIc