Breakout Session 1: Developing Early Talent Pipelines with K-12 Partners

Building a strong workforce starts well before college or career entry. This panel discussion will highlight how businesses can engage with K-12 schools to create meaningful real-world learning experiences that connect students to future career opportunities while strengthening your talent pipeline. Panelists from Trane, Paymore, and Olathe Public Schools will share proven strategies, available resources, and the ROI organizations are realizing through these partnerships. Attendees will walk away with practical insights on the “why” and the “how” of collaborating with schools to invest in the next generation of talent.

Breakout Session 2: Creating Systems for Veteran Hiring

Veterans bring valuable skills, discipline, and leadership to the civilian workforce—but tapping into this talent pool requires intentional systems and strategies. In this session, attendees will gain insight into the “why” behind veteran hiring, along with innovative approaches employers are using to successfully integrate transitioning service members into their organizations. Featuring hiring insights from Evergy and a current Service Member, this session will provide attendees with practical tools to strengthen their hiring practices while building a more diverse and resilient workforce.

Breakout Session 3: Tech Talent by the Numbers: KC Insights for HR

Staying ahead in technology-driven industries requires up-to-date insights on workforce trends, skills gaps, and emerging opportunities. This session will offer an in-depth look at the TechSpecs Report from the KC Tech Council, highlighting key data and actionable takeaways for talent strategy and workforce planning. Attendees will learn how to leverage these insights to make informed hiring decisions, develop skills pipelines, and position their organizations for long-term success in the Kansas City tech ecosystem.

Breakout Session 4: Maximizing Your Chamber Membership for Workforce Development

Your Chamber membership is more than a networking tool—it’s a gateway to workforce development resources that can strengthen your talent attraction and retention strategies. In this session, attendees will gain insights into programs, partnerships, and tools offered by the Overland Park Chamber that support workforce growth and organizational success. Attendees will leave with practical ideas on how to leverage Chamber resources to build a stronger, more competitive workforce.

Breakout Session 5: Workforce Insights: Peer Roundtables on Talent Strategies

Collaboration drives innovation in talent management. This interactive roundtable session will give participants the opportunity to share experiences, challenges, and solutions with peers while exploring current trends and resources in workforce development. Attendees will discuss hot topics in talent attraction and retention, gaining actionable ideas and best practices to implement within their own organizations.

Breakout Session 6: Effective Human Performance through Successful Innovation

Productivity often rests on the ability to deliver on innovative ideas.  What if we knew at the beginning of a process which ideas would be effective?  Come learn four key questions that define effective performance and the five elements to analyze when considering whether or not to move forward with an innovation.  Together, these tools will enable you to provide a structure for delivering on the investment in innovation.