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

** For virtual attendees , ZOOM STARTS AT 8:30 AM **

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


IN-PERSON CONNECTION Request - If you want to have a Connector volunteer sit with you at this event, please check that box during online registration.

IN-PERSON Volunteer Opportunities - If you wish to volunteer as a CONNECTOR or EVENT HELPER (ie. greeter, registration desk helper, speaker support, runner) at this Chapter event, please indicate so during online registration and login to Volunteer with HRPA to sign up if not taken directly to the volunteer screen during registration.

Event Sponsor


This event features two engaging sessions:

AI is no longer a technology question. It is a leadership question, and HR sits at the centre of it. Guest speaker Vaseem Baig, aka Vaseem The AI Guy, brings a practical, no-hype framework for understanding where AI genuinely helps, where it doesn't, and where human judgment will always come first.

Through this session you will:

- Learn a simple way to sort AI use cases — augmentation, automation, and agentic — so you can make confident, informed decisions across core HR functions.

- Understand how AI is reshaping HR roles and skills, and how HR can lead workforce transformation in the age of AI.

- Walk away with an approach to applying AI responsibly in HR contexts — grounded in safe & brave leadership, where people can raise real concerns and admit uncertainty without fear.

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)
Vaseem Baig

Vaseem Baig, "Vaseem The AI Guy," helps leaders move from AI curiosity to confident, responsible adoption. Based in Ontario, he works with organizations across sectors — energy, healthcare, financial services, and beyond — to build AI capability from the inside out, without the hype. His approach centres on safe & brave leadership: creating space for real questions, real uncertainty, and practical experimentation. Vaseem believes AI adoption is a human and cultural challenge first, a technology challenge second.