CHRO Fall Forum Agenda

CHRO FALL FORUM – WASHINGTON, DC

Business & Talent Strategy in an Era of Constant Change 

September 3–4, 2025

This two-day event brings CHROs and senior HR executives together in the heart of Washington, DC for timely, strategic conversations on practice, policy, and executive leadership in a dynamic labor and regulatory landscape.

Special thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, Spencer Stuart

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Ballroom Foyer/Salons II–III)

Welcome Reception & Dinner
Brought to you by Deloitte and UnitedHealthcare

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Salons II–III)

Differing Perspectives, Shared Implications: Political Insights for Business Leaders
Brought to you by Deloitte and UnitedHealthcare

Two veteran Washington strategists bring their contrasting worldviews to the CHRO Fall Forum for an unfiltered discussion of the issues in play and the implications for CHROs. With firsthand insight into the second Trump Administration's ripple effects across business and society, and a Democratic party seeking to rebuild, these insiders offer unique perspectives on the forces shaping America’s future—and what it means for the workforce, corporate risk, and corporate leaders.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 4

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. (Ballroom Foyer/Plaza)

Check-In & Breakfast
Brought to you by Goldman Sachs Ayco

Pick up your name badge and meeting materials, grab a coffee, and ease into the day with a breakfast buffet and informal conversation among fellow attendees.

8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. (Salons II–III)

Welcome & Opening Remarks

8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. (Salons II–III)

The CEO-CHRO Partnership Playbook: Duke Energy

In today’s high-stakes energy landscape, a strong CEO-CHRO partnership equals strategic advantage. Join newly appointed CEO Harry Sideris and Chief Human Resources Officer Cameron McDonald in conversation with Marc Feigen for a candid fireside chat on how they keep strategy, technology, and people moving in sync at America’s largest electric utility.

9:15 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. (Salons II–III)

The New Talent Landscape: Workforce, Mobility & the Future of Business
Brought to you by AMS 

Established approaches to DEI and immigration policies are under the microscope, leaving business to grapple with serious implications for talent strategy and workforce mobility. This panel explores how these changes are shifting talent strategies and reshaping hiring and recruitment, cross-border hiring, talent development, and long-term workforce planning. Learn how leading companies are adapting to maintain access to global talent, remain compliant, and build inclusive, future-ready workforces.

10:20 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. (Ballroom Foyer)

Morning Break
Brought to you by EHE Health

Recharge with coffee and light refreshments in the foyer while connecting with peers between sessions.

10:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. (Salons II–III)

Leading the AI Shift: CHRO Collaboration, Use-Case Wins & Governance Guardrails
Brought to you by PwC

CHROs are increasingly at the center of enterprise AI adoption—shaping strategy, championing responsible use, and aligning talent with new technology. Learn how CHROs from leading companies partner with business-unit leaders to pilot and scale AI. Discover concrete use cases delivering value today, and the guardrails in place to protect people, data, and brand. After the panel, join facilitated table discussions to compare experiences, swap lessons learned, and gather practical ideas you can take back to your own organization.

12:10 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. (Plaza)

Informal Networking Luncheon
Brought to you by Carver Edison and Guild

Get to know or reconnect with fellow attendees over lunch during this informal networking luncheon—an easy opportunity to make connections and ease into the afternoon’s discussions. 

Dessert brought to you by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

1:10 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. (Salons II–III)

CEO Succession: Top Pitfalls Boards Face—and the 
CHRO Practices That Support Success
Brought to you by People Results

CEO succession is one of the board’s most high-stakes responsibilities—and CHROs are becoming essential partners in guiding the process. From shaping the plan to advising the board, the CHRO’s influence can make or break a successful transition. In this session, a longtime CHRO and board director unpack the findings of a joint study by the Association and the Center for Executive Succession, oering a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what works, what fails, and how trusted CHROs help boards get it right.

2:10 p.m. – 2:25 p.m. (Ballroom Foyer)

Afternoon Break
Brought to you by Navigate Forward

Grab a beverage and a quick snack in the foyer as you pause and reconnect before the final session of the day.

2:25 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Salons II–III)

Securing the Next-Gen CHRO: Optimizing the CHRO Succession Pipeline
Brought to you by Maven Clinic

As the CHRO role has elevated in importance and complexity, CEOs, Boards and other stakeholders have higher expectations for the next generation. This makes succession planning even more critical for sitting CHROs and their CEOs. Our concluding session explores the latest turnover trends and focuses on the capabilities of incoming CHROs in different succession scenarios and from different backgrounds. The panel also examines development pathways designed to expand the bench and motivate high-potential talent, as well as develop a knowledgeable and supportive team. Gain fresh ideas from newly minted CHROs and wisdom from leaders who have successfully passed the torch. Leave with practical step

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. (Salons II–III)

Concluding Remarks

Unlock a successful conference experience with Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. – proud sponsor of our hotel room keys.

Stay refreshed and ready to connect, thanks to Oracle Cloud HCM – proud sponsor of our water bottles