Introducing the Keynote Speakers!

Register for a Tuesday or Thursday Village to attend that day’s keynote.

2026 keynotes presented by:

2026 keynotes generously supported by:

Tuesday, January 20 | 7:45am - 8:30am

The Purpose Pursuit
Amanda Brinkman

In today’s workplace, where presenteeism, economic challenges, and heightened stress dominate, morale has taken a hit. Amanda Brinkman believes it’s time to think differently about purpose. Too often, we shy away from addressing purpose and meaning in the workplace, seeing these concepts as overly abstract or “soft.” Amanda’s message? We’re missing a critical opportunity. In this inspiring keynote, Amanda Brinkman – a seasoned marketing visionary, corporate leader, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and globally sought-after speaker – will challenge you to rethink purpose. With her trademark authenticity and warmth, Amanda will take the stage not to tell you how to “find” your purpose, but to break down why that might be the wrong approach altogether. Purpose, she asserts, isn’t a destination we someday reach; it’s woven into the small, powerful moments that make up our lives right now. With fresh insights, real-life stories, and a call to redefine purpose, Amanda will leave you with a new mindset on what it means to truly live – and work – with meaning. She urges leaders at all levels to embrace the smaller, often overlooked moments and values that make up the core of their organization’s identity, building stronger teams who are fully engaged, connected, and inspired.

Thursday, January 22 | 7:45am - 8:30am

Generations @ Work: Learning to Leverage Our Differences
Sarah Sladek, XYZ University

Generation gaps curb inclusion, collaboration and innovation. In fact, research indicates generations-based workplace hostility is at an all-time high. This is contributing to increased turnover in workplaces worldwide. If you want work to work better, Sarah has the answers.

  • Bring your multi-generational teams closer together.
  • Gain a unique approach to relationship-building and ability to improve employee retention.
  • Learn when and why conflicts emerge, and how best to resolve them.
  • Build trust, empathy, and get to a place of easily enjoying working together.

Amanda Brinkman is a sought-after speaker and storyteller, known for her fresh perspective on purpose and her ability to bring heart and humor to any stage. As a corporate leader, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and marketing innovator, Amanda has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique approach to blending purpose and business. Her career began in marketing, where Amanda quickly rose to prominence by helping major brands connect with consumers in ways that matter. She then took her talents to the screen, where she hosted and produced “Small Business Revolution,” an Emmy-nominated series on HULU that highlighted the resilience and spirit of small business owners across America. Through this, Amanda built a reputation not just as a speaker, but as a storyteller who brings real-life inspiration to audiences everywhere. Amanda’s speaking engagements have earned her critical acclaim for their mix of authenticity, humor, and actionable insights. She has spoken on stages around the globe, from Fortune 500 conferences to intimate workshops to TED Talks, connecting with audiences on what matters most: living and working with purpose. Whether she’s sharing stories from her career or discussing the importance of finding joy in everyday moments, Amanda has a natural talent for inspiring listeners to lead with heart, courage, and integrity. With a message that resonates across industries and audiences, Amanda is a guiding voice for those ready to build lives—and businesses—that are both purposeful and powerfully impactful.

Sarah Sladek is a global leader in strategy and a talent economy influencer. Organizations worldwide have relied on her insights to plan their futures, foster cultures of relevance and belonging, and realize growth. Leaders who seek Sarah’s expertise tend to want a different outlook for their organizations, but they aren’t sure how to make it happen. They feel stuck. Overwhelmed by change, turnover, conflict, and decline. Sarah has the solutions to these challenges and more. Since 2002, she has dedicated her career to understanding the concepts of engagement and belonging and answering these core questions:

  • Why are organizations experiencing more turnover, disengagement, and decline than ever before?
  • Why are younger generations less likely to feel like they belong?
  • Is sustainable change possible?

Sarah studies belonging through the lens of social change and generational influences, alongside trends and shifts in organizational cultures, workforce development, consumerism, and economics. She refers to this comprehensive approach as Next Gen Intelligence. Using this approach, Sarah has successfully turned organizations around, bringing them to a place of increased relationship-building and revenue generation. Sarah is the founder and CEO of XYZ University, a training and consulting firm advising organizations worldwide. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, MemberShift: Why Members Leave and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back, hit the market in late 2023 and received the Silver Nonfiction Book Award. In addition, Sarah is a web show host, podcaster, member of Forbes Business Council, and contributing writer for Boardroom magazine.  Backed by years of experience and supported by solid research, Sarah Sladek is committed to helping organizations plan for their futures and prosper in the new economy.