Future of Work 2027

Opening Keynote: Launch the conference with an inspiring keynote centered on this year's theme, Rooted in Culture. Ready for the Future., exploring how Hawaii can honor its values while preparing today's workforce for tomorrow's opportunities. Hawaii Economic Outlook: Dr. Steven Bond-Smith, Associate Director and Associate Professor at the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO), shares the latest economic outlook and trends influencing Hawaii's workforce, industries, and future economy. Industry Spotlights: Hear from leaders representing Hawaii's key industries as they share workforce priorities, emerging trends, and innovative solutions shaping the future of work across healthcare, construction, public sector, defense, energy, information technology, and tourism. Interactive Breakout Sessions: Participate in collaborative discussions designed to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and inspire action around Hawaii's workforce priorities. Generational Commitment: Join a conversation on how sustained investment, cross-sector collaboration, and shared leadership can strengthen Hawaii's workforce for generations to come. Workforce Heroes Celebration & Panel: Celebrate the individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on Hawaii's workforce while hearing stories of leadership, innovation, and collaboration that inspire action. Networking: Continue the conversation and connect with employers, educators, policymakers, workforce professionals, and community leaders from across Hawaii. Ticket includes self-parking, light breakfast, buffet lunch, and all-day coffee and tea service. Agenda 8:30 a.m. Registration 9:00 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 9:20 a.m. Opening Keynote, Kaina Makua, Co-Founder, Kumano I Ke Ala 9:40 a.m. Hawaii Economic Outlook, Dr. Steven Bond-Smith, Associate Director and Associate Professor, UHERO 10:00 a.m. Industry Spotlights Healthcare: Janna Hoshide, VP Healthcare Workforce Development, Healthcare Association of Hawaii Construction: Cheryl Walthall, Executive Director, General Contractors Association of Hawaii Public Sector: Brenna Hashimoto, Director, State of Hawaii - Department of Human Resources Development Defense: Kimberly Lehn, Executive Director, Pacific Forum Energy: Jackie Ingamells, VP of HR and Chief People Strategist, Hawaiian Electric Company Information Technology: Greg Hester, Executive Director Ulu HI-Tech and President, CIO Council of Hawaii Tourism: Jeffrey Eslinger, Senior Director, Market Insights & CRM, Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau 11:20 a.m. Interactive Breakout Sessions 12:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. Closing Keynote, Generational Commitment, Matt Stevens, Executive Director, Hawaii Workforce Funders Collaborative 1:45 p.m. Workforce Heroes Celebration & Panel 2:45 p.m. Closing Remarks 3:00–4:00 p.m. Networking