Talent Connect: Shaping the Future Together

Oct 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Join the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development at Talent Connect: Shaping the Future Together on October 22! This half-day summit is dedicated to exploring the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in talent development and workforce strategy. Designed for business leaders, HR professionals, educators and community stakeholders, the summit will feature a keynote speaker, interactive panel discussions and networking opportunities. As Lincoln continues to grow and evolve, the need for innovative talent solutions has never been more critical. Together, we’ll dive into key topics such as workforce attraction and retention, the future of work, and strategies for building a resilient talent pipeline that meets the demands of our local economy. Whether you’re looking to enhance your recruitment strategies, stay ahead of industry trends, or connect with other leaders in the field, Talent Connect is your opportunity to engage with thought leaders and peers, share best practices, and drive meaningful change in our workforce ecosystem.

Event Agenda

1:00-1:30 | Registration and Networking

1:30-2:15 | Opening Keynote: The Future of Talent

2:15-3:00 | Panel Discussion: Workforce Development

Moderator:

Clover Frederick

Panelists:

Chad Mares, The Work Lab

Nathan He, Nebraska Alumni Association

Bryan Seck, Lincoln Literacy

Georgann Roth, Food Bank of Lincoln

3:00-3:15 | Break

3:15-3:30 | CareerPathway.com Demonstration

3:30-4:00 | Facilitated Roundtable Discussions: Topics by Table

Enhancing Employee Experience and Retention Through Childcare Solutions
Campus Relations
Economic Instability
Employment Resilience
Internships
Supportive Workplace Culture
Sponsorship & Visas with Brown Immigration
Well-being in the Workplace
AI and Automation in the Workplace

4:00-4:45 | Closing Keynote: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

5:00-6:00 | Networking

We invite you to stay for a hosted networking hour with drinks, appetizers, and conversation prompts.

Opening Keynote: The Future of Talent

Cyndi Wenninghoff, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of Employee Success at Quantum Workplace

Cyndi Wenninghoff is a seasoned, entrepreneurial-spirited professional and self-starter with more than 13 years of human resources and people experience. Her HR career spans various industries including advertising, insurance, and technology.

As the director of employee success at Quantum Workplace in Omaha, Wenninghoff oversees the department, which encompasses employee engagement, recruiting, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), onboarding and retention. Previously, she was director of human resources at SilverStone Group, a HUB International (insurance broker) company and head of talent at Bailey Lauerman, an advertising agency.

Wenninghoff is a published author, contributing her expert insights to HR.com, People Managing People, SmartBrief, and others to share her expertise and help guide HR leaders in improving the employee experience, emphasizing employee impact, and creating organizational magnetism. She serves as an advisory board member for the University of Nebraska Omaha CBA Management Program. She’s also a member of the advisory board for the Management, Marketing, Accounting, and HR committee at Iowa Western Community College. Wenninghoff is also the Director as a volunteer for the HR Nebraska State Council. She has two HR certifications: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from HRCI and she is a SHRM-certified Professional (SHRM-CP) by the Society for Human Resource Management.

Closing Keynote: Inclusion in the Workplace

Dr. Karen Kassebaum, Global Inclusion Lead at Hudl and Intentional Inclusion Specialist at Dr. K Consulting

Dr. Karen Kassebaum serves on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands and The Voices of Hope Boards. Dr. Kassebaum developed an inaugural Inclusive Excellence Institute at the University of South Carolina for staff and faculty which increased the capacity of the campus community to engage across differences. Kassebaum currently serves as the inaugural Global Inclusion Lead at Hudl. Kassebaum also serves as a professional mentor for individuals who are new to the DEIAB (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging) space. She is the founder of Dr. K Consulting, where she assists organizations in integrating, intentional inclusive practices into their core values, making inclusivity a natural part of their ethos. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and the Omaha Chapter of The LINKs, Incorporated. She received the 2017 Chancellor’s Fulfilling the Dream Award for contributing to the university or community by promoting the vision of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. She is the 2024 winner for the Inspire award for excellence in Business-Large. Dr. Karen Kassebaum believes that intentional inclusion must be woven into the fabric of our daily lives.