2027 AEC HR Summit Agenda
Wednesday, March 31, 2027
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pre-Summit Workshops
**Separate from general registration.
Register Here
Pre-Summit Workshop A
HR Unplugged: 15 HR Case Studies from the Trenches – Now with AI in the Mix
Bob Kelleher – Author/Speaker/Founder | AEC Workplace Solutions
Meaghan Anderson – Program Director | AEC Workplace Solutions
Step into the role of HR decision-maker as you work through 15 real-world workplace case studies covering employee relations, hiring, compensation, performance management, and more. In this highly interactive workshop, Bob Kelleher and Meg Anderson will guide participants through complex scenarios before comparing group recommendations with responses generated by AI tools like ChatGPT. Explore where AI adds value, where human judgment still matters most, and leave with practical case studies, AI prompts, and decision-making frameworks you can immediately apply in your organization.
Pre-Summit Workshop B
Managing Your Managers to Manage Within the Law
Mike Cohen – Partner | Duane Morris Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group
Great managers don’t happen by accident. This interactive workshop focuses on the practical skills, legal awareness, and coaching strategies managers need to lead effectively while reducing organizational risk. Bob Kelleher will explore today’s evolving employment landscape and provide actionable guidance HR professionals can use to better prepare managers for real-world leadership challenges. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies to develop stronger leaders, improve management practices, and create a more legally compliant workplace.
6:00 PM
Dine Around
Sign up for a group dinner at one of several nearby restaurants. It’s a great chance to connect and unwind. (Please note: meals are self-paid.)
*Sign-up sheets are at the registration table.
Thursday, April 1, 2027
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Welcome and Introductions
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening Keynote Presentation
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Networking Break
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Concurrent Breakout Sessions 1:
Session 1A
Session 1B
Session 1C
11:30 AM – 11:45 PM
Networking Break
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Lunch
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Keynote Presentation
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM
Networking Break
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Concurrent Breakout Sessions 2:
Session 2A
Session 2B
Session 2C
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Networking Break
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
AEC Connections Cafe
This participant-driven session relies on the passion of attendees for the topics discussed. You will have the opportunity to attend multiple topic groups to discuss what’s important to you and your organization right now.
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Comments
Join us as we walk through the logistics of the evening and close the first day.
5:00 PM
Adjourn
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Welcome Cocktail Reception
Join us for a fun Summit kickoff! Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of mingling with your hosts, sponsors, and fellow attendees.
*OR Choose a dine around option.
6:00 PM
Dine Around
Sign up for a group dinner at one of several nearby restaurants. It’s a great chance to connect and unwind. (Please note: meals are self-paid.)
*Sign-up sheets are at the registration table outside the main ballroom.
7:30 PM
Chicago Tavern Tour
Renew old acquaintances and make new ones – an always popular event!
*OR choose a dine around option
Friday, April 2, 2027
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Opening Comments and Live Summit Poll with Bob Kelleher
8:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Keynote Presentation
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Networking Break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Concurrent Breakout Sessions 3:
Session 3A
Session 3B
Session 3C
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Networking Break
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Lunch
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Closing Keynote Presentation
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Closing Comments and Adjourn
3:30 PM
A Surprise Social Activity!
Attendees of the AEC HR Summit are able to earn both HRCI and SHRM professional development credits. The AEC HR Summit is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM. The use of the HRCI seal is not an endorsement by the HR Certification Institute of the quality of the program. It means that this program has met the HR Certification Institute’s criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit.
