Chicago Agenda
Tuesday May 5 2026
YMCA of the USA, 101 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
8:00 – 9:00
Registration, Networking, Meeting and Connections
9:00 – 9:15
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Mark Rix
CEO, Wellbeing at Work
9:15 – 9:30
Introduction from our Host Venue Partner
Speaker to be announced shortly
09:30 – 10:15
Panel: Wellbeing as the Power Behind Performance, Culture and Human Connection
What is the association between workplace wellbeing and company performance. Where does human connection fit when building positive workplace cultures for business impact? What is the value of designing wellbeing programs as integrated experiences that are embedded throughout the employee journey? How can employers implement programs that help support people thrive and grow? Wellbeing as a strategic lever to 'double down' on in times of volatility & change and quicker innovation cycles.
AJ Brow
Chief Human Resources Officer, White Lodging
Katherine Laggos
Chief People Officer, Chartbeat
Victoria Hill
VP of People & Culture, Advanced Resources
10:15 – 10:45
Morning Networking Break
10:45 – 10:55
Deepening Your Personal Sense of Support, Safety, and Wellbeing
A 10-minute guided experience and original music by singer-songwriter, national speaker, and author
10:55 – 11:30
Panel: The Future of Work – Key Challenges and Opportunities
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions to the experts on the key challenges facing the future of work, including: How do we deal with stress and burnout in demanding workplaces? Why should organizations consider reducing time at work? How can employers combat unaddressed menopause symptoms in the workplace? How the future of wellness drive ROI?
Speakers to be announced shortly
11:30 – 12:30
Leadership Round Table Discussions
Attendees choose their preferred discussion to join from the following list:
1) Better mental wellbeing starts with better measurement and insight. Psyray sets the new standard
2) Additional workshops to be announced shortly
12:30pm – 1.15 pm
Lunch, Meetings and Connections
1.15pm – 1:30 pm
Post-Lunch Audience Energiser
1.30pm – 2:00pm
Session to be announced shortly
2:00pm – 2:45pm
Panel: Equitable Well-Being Outcomes in an Increasingly Complex Workplace
As workplaces become more complex - hybrid environments, increasingly multi-generational/multi-cultural/neurodiverse – how should cultures ensure people and performance thrive together? One size does not fit all – what is the perceived backlash against wellbeing programs in organizations? How are organizations still falling short in delivering equitable wellbeing outcomes? As AI and automation will disproportionately affect different workgroups, how should employers adjust their wellbeing strategies to mitigate the psychological risks and skill gaps for specific employee groups facing major job transformation or increased workload demands?
Loreal Flowers
Former HR Manager, Department of Health & Human Services
Keysha Taylor
Manager of Talent & Culture, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
Stef Murray
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Radius Recycling
Aaron Eubanks
Head of Talent Acquisition, City of Chicago
2.25pm – 2.45pm
Networking Break
2:45pm – 3.10pm
Talk Saves Lives for Workplace Settings
This session will discuss the information from research on what causes people to consider suicide, how certain communities are impacted by suicide differently, as well as contributors to suicide risk. Based on AFSP's flagship suicide prevention education program, Talk Saves Lives: Construction is a new program that has been adapted for the construction industry. This program will provide a 20-minute overview of suicide in the construction industry, risk factors and warning signs of suicide, and strategies to prevent it. The remaining time will be followed by Q&A and information on how construction companies across the U.S can bring this presentation to jobsites and offices.
Angela Cummings
Executive Director, Illinois Chapter American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
3:10pm – 3:35pm
Fireside chat: Leadership – Empower, Evolve, Excel
This fireside chat will discuss how can leaders drive impact at every level
Chris Powell
CEO, Talmetrix and Board Chair, Project ReDirect
Darryl A. Smith
Chief Executive Officer, Das & Associates
3:35pm – 4.00pm
Session to be announced shortly
4.00pm – 4.10pm
Closing Remarks
Mark Rix
CEO, Wellbeing at Work
4.10pm – 5.00pm
