Southwest (Kitchener): HYBRID AI Now, Next, Never: What HR Leaders Need to Know plus Humans of HRPA


Date and Time:

Starts: 09/15/2026 8:00 AM

Ends: 09/15/2026 12:00 PM

Registration Closes:09/08/2026 8:00 AM

Event Type: Professional Development

1.5 CPD Hour(s)

Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener 30 Fairway Rd S Kitchener, ON

Price:

HRPA Members: FREE (included in membership dues)

Non-Members: IN-PERSON: $90 + tax

Non-Members: VIRTUAL: $35 + tax

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Availability

Additional Information

THIS EVENT WILL NOT BE RECORDED. REMINDER! Our cancellation policy has changed. Click here for more information.

CONNECTORS - To foster connection, support, and engagement within the HRPA community, we wish to pair IN-PERSON Chapter event attendees with experienced member "Connectors".

HELPERS - Interested in helping as a greeter, registration desk helper, speaker support and/or runner at an upcoming IN-PERSON Chapter event.

For both of these volunteer opportunities, you must: 1) select IN-PERSON registration; 2) check off the box during registration indicating how you wish to volunteer (as a Connector OR a Helper); and 3) login to "Volunteer with HRPA" to sign up. Thank you for volunteering to help!

Event Sponsor


This event features two engaging sessions:

AI Now, Next Never: What HR Leaders Need To Know

AI is no longer a technology question. It is a leadership question, and HR sits at the centre of it. Guest speaker Ramy Nassar, cuts through the hype to give HR professionals a clear, practical framework for understanding what AI can do now, what’s coming next, and where human judgment will always matter most.

Through this session you will:

  • Gain a practical framework for evaluating AI tools and making informed decisions about adoption across core HR functions.
  • Understand how AI is reshaping HR roles and skills, and how to position HR as a driver of workforce transformation rather than a reactor to it.
  • Learn approaches for applying AI responsibly in HR contexts, knowing where automation adds value and where human judgment remains essential.

Humans of HRPA    ** THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EXCLUSIVE!! **

In an era where human connection is more essential than ever, we are bringing human resources professionals together for a morning of authentic storytelling, leadership insight, and meaningful connection. 

Join us to hear from HR leaders - Lisa Marko, Anna Micka, Amy Clark - as we shine a spotlight on the untold stories of those who have navigated challenges, celebrated victories and are shaping the future of work. Their unfiltered accounts of real-world experiences, practical perspectives, and lessons on navigating today’s dynamic workplace will leave you with more than just professional insights—you will walk away inspired by the resilience and humanity of those who make organizations thrive. 

Humans of HRPA events foster an environment designed to support your professional growth and connection within the HR community. Don’t miss it!

Lisa Marko - CHRE, PLP

Lisa is a progressive HR leader in the insurance sector with over 25 years of HR experience. Lisa is the Executive VP, Employee Experience at OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan) in Waterloo. Lisa is a CHRE, an active member of the MacKay CHRO Forum and completed the Change Management Certification Program with Prosci in 2022. She volunteers with HRPA on their CHRE Evaluations committee and serves on the Executive Committee for Nutrition for Learning. 

Anna Micka - CHRP, CHRL

Anna is a fractional HR leader and consultant specializing in people strategy, leadership, organizational development, and change management. She partners with organizations to create practical, people-centered solutions that support business success.

Amy Clark - MBA

Amy is the Chief Operating Officer at Panopto, where she leads the company's efforts in enterprise transformation, strategy, operations, and organizational design. Her career spans various industries, including financial services, SaaS, and edtech, where she has led large-scale change and served as a key partner to CEOs to drive growth and performance acceleration. 

AGENDA
8:00am-8:30am Registration & Breakfast
VIRTUAL STARTS HERE:  8:30am-10am  AI Now, Next, Never: What HR Leaders Need to Know 

IN-PERSON EXCLUSIVE:
10:00-10:15am Break
10:15am-11:15am Humans of HRPA
11:15-11:45 Networking
11:45-noon Wrap-up

Registration Difficulties or Questions: Please reach out to Bobbi-Lyn Smith, Specialist, Member Engagement.

Speaker bio(s)
Ramy Nassar

Ramy Nassar helps leaders stop reacting to disruption—and start designing the future. As the former Head of Innovation for Mattel, he harnessed emerging technologies to reinvent one of the world's most iconic brands, including contributing to the production team for the Barbie movie, which grossed $1.5B worldwide. Today, he brings that same builder's mindset to leaders, helping them Navigate What's Next in AI and emerging technology with clarity and confidence. Ramy doesn't watch the future unfold from the sidelines. He's on the court, shaping it. With 25+ years of experience and trusted by more than 250 organizations including Apple, TD Bank, TELUS, Verizon, New Balance, and the Government of Canada, he combines hands-on technical depth, strategic foresight, and powerful storytelling to turn complexity into clarity and disruption into opportunity. Author of the forthcoming The World After AI and a faculty member at universities in Canada and Europe, Ramy equips leaders with practical frameworks to reimagine business models, rewire risk, and accelerate innovation. His work includes building enterprise AI agents, advising AI governance teams, and launching innovation labs focused on real-world implementation. Cutting through the hype, he helps leaders navigate responsible use, emerging risks, and governance implications. A trusted futurist with a global track record, his keynotes and workshops leave audiences energized, empowered, and ready to build what comes next.