Conference Schedule: Wednesday, October 23, 2024​

Just when we think we have HR (mostly) figured out, along comes Artificial Intelligence to throw wrenches into the best laid plans! AI might seem intimidating to some, exciting to others, or somewhere in-between to the rest, but the truth is we have all been using AI in our lives for a long time and in many different ways, both at work and at home. In an era where technology transforms the workplace, understanding the fundamental concepts of AI and how they play into the organizational and employee journey is essential for HR practitioners. Join this voyage through the basics of AI, emphasizing practical applications tailored specifically for HR throughout key moments in the employee life cycle.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Explore the concepts of AI, (machine learning and deep learning, etc.), and how these technologies can be applied to HR functions.
2. Discover AI tools, prompts, tips, and tricks for several key parts of the employee lifecycle and learn how to implement methods of practical application
3. Gain insights into the ethical considerations surrounding AI in HR, including bias mitigation, transparency, and privacy concerns

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Julie Develin (She/Her/Hers)
Sr. Partner HCM Advisory & Human Insights
UKG

Julie Develin is a Sr. Partner, HCM Advisory & Human Insights at UKG. A sought-after speaker in the world of human resources, she was recognized as a top 100 HR Influencer for 2023 and has delivered countless keynote, general, and breakout sessions to HR, payroll, talent management, and business audiences of all sizes in the US and internationally. Develin co-hosts “The People Purpose Podcast,” a show dedicated to exploring all facets of the dynamic world of work.

Having worked for over 20 years in the human resources field as an executive and advisor, Develin is committed to exploring new ways to find the intersection of humanity and technology to enhance employee relations and foster talent development to help make every workplace great. Additionally, she is passionate about improving experiences and enhancing the overall relationship HR professionals have within their company.

Develin is a SHRM-SCP and holds a Global Talent Management Leader (GTML) credential. She has an M.S. in human resources development from McDaniel College and continues to work as an adjunct professor in the human resources management and human services management programs there.

Technology moves at a breakneck pace and is showing no signs of slowing down. The current elephant in the room is AI. In this session we will talk about how AI is impacting modern work, your workforce and our day to day lives. We will go over how you can use these new tools to help you accelerate the day-to-day work of your workforce, your HR department and your organization, but most importantly we will go over potential security and ethical issues with these tools.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Identify risks and benefits of using AI tools
2. What are the ethical issues with using these tools
3. Finding ways to use AI in your day-to-day work
4. Gain insight into making AI work for you and your organization

Intended Audience: Private Sector

Cory Gideon (He/Him/His)
Manager Consultant
Sogeti CapGemini

I have been a software engineer and consultant for over 10 years. During this time I have seen lots of different companies and technologies come and go. During this time I have developed a sense for finding technologies that once released are not going to go away. I have worked in the manufacturing, finance, professional services, and SaaS industries. In recent years I have started focusing on sharing my learnings and experience at various conferences and have spoken both domestically and internationally.

AI is a marketer’s favorite buzz word right now, and for good reason. The world of generative AI is exploding, and it’s changing how we work and create. But diving in can be intimidating, especially when you don’t speak “tech.”  This presentation is your translator, your bridge to collaborating with your IT department to leverage AI safely and effectively. We will discuss the terms you need to know, practical questions for getting started, how to separate the hype from the reality, why you need IT involved at all, and look at some real-world examples and tools. AI isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformative technology. By understanding how to communicate with your IT department, you’ll unlock opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and growth. Don’t get left behind – join us to learn how to speak AI confidently and collaboratively.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Overcoming the Jargon Barrier: Learn the essential AI terms you actually need to know, and how to ask questions that get you actionable answers.
2. The IT Department as Your AI Partner: Discover why IT is critical for your AI journey, and how to build a partnership focused on innovation.
3. Demystifying the Hype: Separate the AI reality from the hype, so you can make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
4. Uncover the avenues that will make AI a strategic tool in your organization.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Aaron Horn
Chief Information Officer
Benchmark, Inc.

Aaron Horn is the Chief Information Officer at Benchmark, Inc., a roof and pavement consulting company headquartered in Cedar Rapids. Prior to Benchmark, Aaron was the Executive Director at the nonprofit NewBoCo. Aaron earned his degrees in Management Information Systems and Entrepreneurial Studies at Iowa State University. He has also led the IT teams at the Iowa Interstate Railroad, healthcare startup Radiology Protocols, and global ag companies Becker Underwood and BASF in Ames. Aaron serves as Board Chair for Candlelighters NYC in New York City, Co-founder and President of Beat Cancer Today in Cedar Rapids, Board Secretary for NewBoCo in Cedar Rapids, and District 9EC Childhood Cancer Chair for Lions Club International. He is also on the Board of Directors for Miracle Travel Works in Des Moines and the Hawkeye Area Council, Boy Scouts of America in Cedar Rapids.

Artificial Intelligence news is everywhere we turn. Promises of efficiencies permeate our daily lives. From partners, vendors, and industry think tanks alike, we are inundated with opportunities to explore how AI will shape our future. But with these promised capabilities, comes risk and worker-related concerns. Will this impact my job? What skills will I need? What about my privacy? What happens if AI is wrong?   In this session, we will explore what AI is (and isn’t), how AI may impact our daily lives, the skills necessary for your future workforce, and what you can do to prepare your organization for this coming wave.

 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand and distinguish AI terminology such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Large Language Models.
2. Ten ways AI may impact the workplace and your workforce.
3. A three-pillar approach you can use to plan for AI in your workplace.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Jake Gibson (He/Him/His)
VP, CISO
F&G

Jake Gibson is a seasoned business executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in Information Technology service management, operations, information security, risk management, and regulatory compliance. He currently holds the position of CISO / VP IT Operations at F&G Life.

Throughout his career, he has led teams of up to 200 members, focusing on client satisfaction and communication. He’s known for his expertise in creating robust information security programs, implementing effective policies, and fostering a security-conscious culture. Jake is knowledgeable in both cloud and traditional technologies, having managed data center relocations and transitions. He has navigated complex compliance frameworks and is well-versed in regulatory standards.

As a thought leader on topics like Information Security, Cloud Security, and Compliance, Jake offers a unique perspective on the changing technology and security landscape.

Today most HR professionals of us are being asked to do more with less and Generative AI is a great tool for helping you on that mission. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and CoPilot are a good start, but did you know that you can customize them or even create your own assistant tailored to your needs? Join Brandon as he shows you how you can create both organizational as well as your own personal AI assistant to make your life just a bit easier and amp up productivity along the way. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Roll your own AI assistant
2. Basics of Generative AI
3. What to watch out for
4. How these AI tools can be implemented into your organizational workflow.

Intended Audience: Private Sector

Brandon Carlson (He/Him/His)
IT Nerd
Lean TECHniques

A self-proclaimed nerd, Brandon Carlson works for Lean TECHniques, Inc., a consultancy that helps organizations transform to deliver high-value, high-quality products to market. Since starting his career in 1995, Passionate about developing both people and products, he and his team at Lean TECHniques have helped countless organizations from startups to Fortune 100 companies improve their product development and delivery systems. Brandon can be reached on Twitter @bcarlso and pretty much everywhere else on the web as “bcarlso.”

In this session, we will discuss how the introduction and evolution of AI has an impact on organizations’ talent strategies. We will discuss workforce management challenges and emerging trends that are shaping the future of talent acquisition. We will share insights on the rapidly evolving landscape of workforce management and hiring practices. From emerging trends in attracting top-tier tech talent, we’ll also explore key factors shaping the future of talent acquisition and retention. Whether you’re an HR professional or business leader, this session offers valuable insights to stay ahead in today’s dynamic workforce landscape.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The role of both business and technology when creating a talent strategy
2. Effective strategies for standing out in a crowded talent market
3. How can HR professionals & business leaders stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in workforce management
4. Building AI into your organizational talent acquisition strategy

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Holly Veeder (She/Her/Hers)
President of Aureon Consulting
Aureon Consulting

Holly is a highly experienced senior leader accomplished in strategic planning, business development and operations. She is passionate about understanding her clients environments and culture so she can partner with them to move their business goals forward. Holly has a proven track record of managing cross-functional teams and delivering on strategic goals through her expertise in leading business, technology, and operations teams. Holly’s unique combination of financial acumen, entrepreneurship, and human resources expertise has helped Aureon Consulting achieve predictable, consistent, and profitable growth. Prior to becoming the President at Aureon Consulting Holly spent over 10 years leading M&A integration initiatives for top-tier wealth management and financial advice organizations. She specialized in data migrations/conversions, client on-boarding, IT application and infrastructure integrations, HR, risk and compliance work streams.

As AI juggernaut continues to reshape the future of workforce, the question we should be asking is what would the capabilities look like in the future? Biology mostly limits machines today to the thinking intelligence realm. When AI performs many thinking tasks, human workers would need to gravitate more toward interpersonal and empathetic tasks. This is the main reason for the emergence of the Feeling Economy. It is imperative for workforce thinkers and leaders to be ready for the Feeling Economy.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Explore the evolution of economies
2. Discuss the strengths and limitations of AI
3. Understand the concept of feeling economy
4. Discover techniques to maximize your workforce and develop your existing “thinkers and leaders”.

Intended Audience: Private Sector

Raj Agnihotri, PhD (He/Him/His)
Assistant Dean for Industry Engagement and Professor of Marketing
Ivy College of Business-Iowa State University

Dr. Raj Agnihotri is the Mary Warner Fellow and Morrill Professor of Marketing at Iowa State University. He is the founding director of Ivy Sales Forum and the Assistant Dean for Industry Engagement for Ivy College of Business at Iowa State.

Currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal Marketing Theory & Practice, Raj has published over 75 articles in leading scholarly journals, including several FT-50 publications. A prolific researcher in sales technology, Raj is considered a global authority in digital mediation in the sales processes. He has been ranked #5 in research productivity among marketing scholars worldwide based on publications in journals listed as A* in the Australian Business Deans Council’s (ABDC) Marketing Journal Quality List during the last five years (2018- 2023).

He has been actively involved in executive education and has guided industry professionals from North America, Brazil, Europe, and India. Raj has done training and consulting work with senior-level executives in dozens of organizations in the past decade, including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Cleveland Clinic, Iowa Department of Public Health, Wipro, KENT Corporation, Vermeer Corporation, NIIT, etc.

Raj is a co-author of ABCs of Relationship Selling (McGraw Hill, 13 ed.), a global market leader in sales classes, and its contents can be found in four international versions. Numerous sales trainers worldwide use its selling process to prepare their salespeople.

We need to think of AI as a partner, not a replacement for what we want to achieve in recruiting. AI can add value and save time, but humans are still in control. It’s critical to remember that AI has been around for a long time, predating the recent innovations making headlines. Your judgment and review cannot be replaced by AI; rather, AI should complement and enhance your work. As jobs continue to evolve with potential AI-driven changes, AI will help address labor shortages by speeding up hiring processes. The key is to leverage technology responsibly, ensuring it genuinely enhances the hiring process, creates more matches between job seekers and employers, and contributes to a more human and inclusive hiring process. Candidates still crave human interaction in the recruiting process so find the balance in your organization between technology and understanding.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Your company isn’t too big or too small to use a portion of AI, find what is right for you
2. Learn the three keys to making AI recruiting work: Sourcing, Screening and Scheduling
3. Learn the importance of keeping the human interaction in recruiting alive

Intended Audience: Private Sector

Jim Roy (He/Him/His)
CEO
Percipio Workforce Solutions

Jim Roy has nearly 30 years of staffing industry experience. Starting as a receptionist for a staffing firm in Minneapolis, MN, Jim has held virtually every role in the staffing industry. From receptionist to senior vice president of a $60 million dollar Midwest region, Jim has experienced most of what the staffing industry has to offer. Sales has always been Jim’s strongest passion, hiring and developing over 50 business development professionals in his career. Jim estimates he has sold over $100 million of recruiting services in his career.

In 2021, Jim started a consulting firm to assist staffing firms with their growth strategy. He travels the country helping organizations find and develop the right talent. He also helps organizations drive new client revenue and gross profit improvement strategies.

Jim is the proud husband of Amy and the father of three daughters. He loves live music and is a terrible golfer but still tries to play. He lives in Kansas City and has adopted the bbq culture of the region!

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have been developing rapidly in the last decade. Currently, AI systems can process human speech and images faster, and more accurately than humans. Speech synthesis technologies can convert written text into spoken words as well as create natural sounding speech in many languages. Wearable technologies are being introduced as well. Apple has patented a new AirPods design that includes a sensor system that can measure brain activity and other biosignals. Google’s wearable Google Glass was removed from the market but in included on their roadmap and will be infused with AI in newer iterations.    As the promise of rapidly developing AI, coupled with an increasing dispersed workforce, truly transformational assistive technologies capable of compensating for mobility and speech difficulties. As a result of technologies such as these that are rapidly becoming commonplace, prospective employees whose physical disabilities may have inhibited them from participating in the workforce will have additional opportunities. The purpose of this session is to overlay emerging trends in the technology areas of Artificial Intelligence, Speech Synthesis, and Bio-Signal Sensing as they pertain to workforce participants with disabilities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. How AI is commonly used by the workforce today. A basic primer.
2. AirPods and Google Glass; what are bio-sensing devices?
3. Emerging AI technologies that may be leveraged by workforce participants with disabilities, now or in the near-term future

Intended Audience: Private Sector

Chuck Fritz (He/Him/His)
Principal Consultant, Owner
Chuck Fritz Consulting, LLC

Chuck has 40 years of experience in the information technology industry, including an extensive background in infrastructure technologies, strategic sourcing, and supplier diversity.

Chuck has worked extensively in the Insurance and Financial Services industries, having served as a technology director, manager, and individual contributor in many different areas of focus. Over the years Chuck has represented two companies on the board of directors for the Technology Association of Iowa and has represented the technology industry on the Iowa Department of Economic Development’s commercialization subcommittee.

Outside of work, Chuck became involved in adaptive sports when asked to guide a blind athlete in the Des Moines Marathon more than a decade ago. That initial collaboration has led to participation with adaptive events and organizations such as RAGBRAI, the Adaptive Sports of Iowa cycling program, and Team Run Free. This collaboration with athletes and participants of many different levels of ability has impacted Chuck’s perspective of ability and the potential use of technology to improve lives for people with disabilities.

Chuck is a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Computer Sciences School in Quantico, Virginia and served four years as an active-duty Marine and non-commissioned officer.

This session explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in HR training and development. Participants will learn how AI is personalizing learning paths, enhancing content delivery, and providing data-driven insights to improve employee training outcomes. The discussion will cover the latest AI tools and technologies, and best practices for integrating AI into existing HR training programs to foster continuous learning and development.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand AI’s Role in Personalized Learning
2. Explore AI Tools for Training Efficiency
3. Implement Data-Driven Training Strategies

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Shereen Bender
Chief Human Resources Officer
Brownells

Shereen Bender, Chief Human Resources Officer, joined 2nd Adventure Group in March 2022 to maximize our People (Human Capital) Strategic Value. She brings nearly 20 years of experience leading the people element across multiple sectors, including the technology, financial, Health Care, and educational industries. Her unparalleled passion for people fuels her objective of aligning an engaged, agile, and upskilled workforce with our core purpose of delivering a world-class customer experience. Within her first 100 days, Shereen focused on assessing, benchmarking, and positioning the primary foundational blocks of the Human Capital element for scalability and growth.

Shereen is completing a second Masters in Business Administration from the University of Iowa, and holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Jordan, a Graduate Certificate in Optimizing Learning from Samford University, and a BA in Education. She also holds the EOS Integrator Master Certificate, and the NACD Directorship certification. She served on several Diversity and people-centric boards, including AVIXA Diversity Board, Toastmasters Board, and Ignite 2.0. She is a certified analyst with Predictive Index (PI) and Satmetrix (NPS). Shereen also volunteers as a registered interpreter (English to Arabic).

She lives in Clive, Iowa, with her husband, Joseph, and two daughters, Dana and Eva. While not working, Shereen enjoys playing the cello following years of involvement with the Amman Symphony Orchestra in Jordan as a cellist. Shereen’s ultimate purpose and passion is to empower people to lead their lives and not “wait for it to happen” by giving them the tools to grow in their personal and professional journeys.

Over roughly the past two years, a wide range of conversational AI tools have been released to the public, including ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Anthropic’s Claude, as well as a host of open-source models. What are the pros and cons of each of these tools? How should we determine which of these tools we should use? Which option will move with us to the strategic vision of our organization? This presentation will provide a practical overview of the various conversational AI tools with tips for using them to boost your productivity and creativity. This is a decision which can and will impact the movement and productivity of your organization.  Let’s ensure that you have the knowledge necessary to have a seat at the decision table. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. To learn the basic features of the different conversational AI tools.
2. To understand the pros and cons of working with various conversational AI tools.
3. To learn how to effectively harness conversational AI tools to boost productivity and creativity to move your organization forward.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Chris Porter
Director, Artificial Intelligence Program Drake University

Chris Porter is the director of the artificial intelligence program at Drake University and an associate professor of computer science. He is also co-founder of Innovation Profs LLC, a company that provides training and consulting on generative AI. Prior to coming to Drake in 2016, Chris held postdoctoral positions at the University of Paris Diderot and the University of Florida. He received a joint PhD in mathematics and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame and an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Gonzaga University.

We are delving into the crucial intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Employee Well-Being. In an era where AI is rapidly shaping our world, it’s pivotal to understand how it can enhance our overall well-being. Join us as we uncover the potential within the realm of AI to identify, assess, and enhance employee well-being.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The employer’s role in employee well-being
2. How AI identifies and assesses employee well-being
3. AI strategies to enhance employee well-being

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Nataliya Boychenko Stone, Ph.D. (She/Her/Hers)
Sr. Vice President, Employee Benefits
Holmes Murphy & Associates

Nataliya Boychenko Stone, Ph.D., serves as the Senior Vice President of Employee Benefits at Holmes Murphy & Associates, where she joined in 2006. A Ukraine native, fluent in three languages, she excels in implementing diverse employer-sponsored benefit programs. An active speaker on health care topics, Nataliya is also an adjunct professor at Drake University, teaching employee benefits to graduate students. Nataliya has a strong passion for lifelong learning and constantly explores cutting-edge solutions for her clients. Nataliya is a recognized leader, having received accolades such as the 2020 Emerging Woman of Influence, Business Record’s Forty under 40, Community Vision Award and others.

Sarah Bradshaw (She/Her/Hers)
Vice President, Employee Benefits
Holmes Murphy & Associates

Sara Bradshaw is a Vice President and Shareholder at Holmes Murphy & Associates and has been with Holmes Murphy for 15 years. Sara provides employee benefits consulting services for employers in a variety of industries and locations with a passion for helping organizations bring valuable benefits to their workforce, while balancing their overall financial goals. As an advocate for all healthcare consumers, Sara serves as President on the Board for the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), Iowa chapter. Here, she uses her industry experience and empathy for others to advocate for healthcare policy change.

This session will delve into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and the dual realms of cybersecurity and personal privacy. As AI technologies become more embedded in our daily lives and business operations, the potential for misuse grows, necessitating a vigilant approach to protect sensitive information and maintain individual privacy. This talk will explore how AI technologies, while presenting new forms of cyber threats, also serve as pivotal assets in defending against such threats. It will cover the implementation of AI to bolster cybersecurity defenses, improve data privacy, and enhance cyber literacy among users.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understanding AI’s role in cyber threats and defense
2. Explore tools and techniques for AI Security
3. Understand how AI can be used for cyber literacy and training
4. Understand how AI and cyber threats can potentially compromise and impact your organization.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Doug Jacobson (He/Him/His)
Professor
Iowa State University Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach

Doug is the Director of the Iowa State University Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach and a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Doug works with state and local governments on cybersecurity issues and tabletop exercises. Doug also created the Iowa Cyber Hub, which is dedicated to increasing the cyber workforce in Iowa. He has worked for years on ways to include cybersecurity in courses and the general population. Doug has given over 300 presentations in the area of computer security. He also created the cybersecurity ambassador program targeted at the general public, K-12 students, post-secondary students, and employees.

AI is impacting every industry today by revolutionizing how we conduct business. While it has many benefits, such as efficiencies and allowing professionals to focus on higher-level tasks, AI also raises a variety of concerns around liability, privacy, risk management, and more. This presentation will bring awareness to the current state of AI in the legal and human resources context and introduce attendees to best practices for using AI in the workplace.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Provide an overview of AI in the legal environment.
2. Provide an overview of AI and the legal issues involved in various use context in the workplace as it relates to human resources strategies.
3. Provide a framework for best practices for employment policies and workforce practices on use of AI.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Julie Oeth
Vice President, Employee Benefits
Cottingham & Butler

Julie previously held the role of Vice President and Head of Human Resources at Cottingham & Butler for seven years before joining the Employee Benefits division. In her role, Julie was responsible for driving the strategic vision for Human Resources and lead the function through double digit headcount growth and navigated challenges through COVID-19. Julie has served as a member of the Executive Team, Benefits & Retirement Committee, and lead the Human Resources functions of Training, Organizational Design, Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting and Employee Relations.

Julie graduated from University of Northern Iowa. She spent time living in Boston developing her recruiting and HR generalist skills before moving back to Iowa in 2005. She spent over 10 years in Des Moines and has experience working in HR consulting and held roles in corporate procurement as well as HR Leadership in the financial services industry. She now resides in Dubuque, IA with her husband and three children. About Cottingham & Butler Cottingham & Butler is the top five independently held brokers in the U.S. and a recognized leader in offering innovative property & casualty and employee benefit insurance solutions. The company is headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa, and employs over 1,300 employees across the U.S.

Chris Williams
Assistant Vice Preisdent – Employee Benefits Services
Cottingham & Butler

Chris Williams is an Assistant Vice President in the Employee Benefits division for Cottingham & Butler. Chris began his career with Cottingham & Butler in 2014. Before joining the Employee Benefits division, Chris served as Cottingham & Butler’s first corporate counsel, responsible for managing ongoing litigation and serving as in-house counsel to the Cottingham & Butler family of businesses. Chris offers consultative advice to business decision-makers regarding employee benefits, human resources issues generally, and state and federal compliance issues. Before joining Cottingham & Butler, Chris practiced law in private practice in Dubuque, IA, and in the public interest space (veteran and active service member advocacy) in Chicago, IL.

We will provide an introduction to AI and how it can be used in various businesses and industries, including demonstrations of the capabilities of Generative AI. We’ll then move into the dangers and risks of using various AI systems before moving into the laws and regulations that will affect companies who use AI in employment and IP. This will include federal and state privacy laws, data use, fraud, and cybercrimes. We will end the presentation with discussing best practices when using AI and what should go into company policies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. What is AI and how can it be used
2. What laws and regulations are governing common uses of AI for businesses
3. How to safely use AI systems

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Zachary Pratt (He/Him/His)
Shareholder
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

Zach primarily focuses on the prosecution of software patents in addition to providing litigation support on software-related patents. He assists technology-driven clients with developing effective strategies to maximize the protection that intellectual property can provide to companies both large and small. Zach uses his legal experience and computer science background to advise clients on how to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their intellectual property strategies. Zach is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Additionally, Zach has used his technical knowledge to counsel clients on a variety of their software needs, including open source code requirements, artificial intelligence use policies, data rights and use, and code review.

Katie Atkinson Overberg
Of Counsel
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

Katie Overberg is an employment attorney with Fredrikson & Byron who works with employers and educational institutions of all sizes to support the organizations in managing their workforce, compliance, and business through advising, trainings, and investigations. Katie has served in employment roles in private practice, in-house, and compliance. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa Law School and Washington University in St. Louis.

Unlock the future of training with Frank Russell, a trailblazer in innovative learning technologies, in an exclusive session designed for forward-thinking HR professionals. Discover how AI can elevate your training programs from concept to completion without draining your budget. Learn to streamline course development with a virtual assistant and see how avatars and photars can add a personal touch to your content. Frank will also share insider tips on making your training more dynamic and adaptable for today’s fast-paced world and modern learners. Don’t miss this chance to revolutionize your approach to learning and development!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Learn how to make your content more engaging and accessible to today’s modern learners with AI.
2. Discover a proven process to produce polished training programs from “script to screen” with AI.
3. Use avatars and photars to bring your training scripts to life with a human-like presence.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Frank Russell (He/Him/His)
CEO
Prositions, Inc.

Frank has over 35 years of experience as a speaker, trainer, and talent development professional. He is also a serial entrepreneur, having founded four successful H.R. technology and training content companies. Frank’s companies have won numerous awards, including ranking on the prestigious Inc. 500/5000 lists of fastest-growing companies in the U.S. for seven consecutive years, six years on the Software 500 list, and 14 Stevie Awards for business innovation and excellence.

Frank’s current organization, Prositions, Inc., is a rapidly growing talent development company. DashTrain_TM, its flagship software application, is revolutionizing how organizations use microlearning to engage, train, and develop employees. His talent development software has been used by over six million users globally in 16 different languages.

His peers voted Frank to the Training Industry’s list of the Most Influential Training Professionals, and eLearning Magazine awarded him the prestigious Learning Champion Award for his lifetime of contributions to the learning industry. Frank received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in the Business Services category for the Central Midwest Region and was named Small Businessperson of the Year for the State of Iowa by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Early in his career, Frank did research at the Center for Advanced Computation at the University of Illinois, where the first Internet browser was invented. He also worked for Control Data Corporation with the PLATO System, the first commercially viable computer-based training authoring system. He was also the Chief Learning Officer for a Fortune 500 company and State Training Administrator for the State of Iowa.