Future of Work 2027
If you are a DOE District Resource Teacher or a UHCC point-of-contact looking to register a group of educators using Perkins Funding, please email Lord Ryan Lizardo at lrlizardo@cochawaii.org.
Below is a bullet point agenda of what to expect. Check back for updates!
Rooted in Culture. Ready for the Future.
Shaping Hawaii's workforce through culture, collaboration, and innovation.
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