Conference Agenda
12th Annual AAIM Leadership Conference
May 15, 2026 | St. Louis, MO
This year’s agenda is intentionally designed to give leaders clarity, perspective, and practical insight—without wasting a minute.
Across keynotes, breakout sessions, and meaningful connection time, you’ll explore what leadership looks like now and what it must become next—from navigating AI and engagement to preparing for demographic shifts, cultural change, and workforce realities already underway.
Whether you’re a senior executive, people leader, or emerging manager, the day is structured to meet you where leadership is showing up most in your work right now.
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Registration & Continental Breakfast
Arrive, connect, and settle in for the day ahead.
8:30 – 8:40 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Todd Thomas, Emcee
8:40 – 9:00 a.m.
Setting the Stage for Today’s Leaders
Phil Brandt, CEO, AAIM
A grounded look at the current workplace landscape—and the leadership demands shaping what comes next.
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Opening Keynote
Leadership at Scale: Navigating Growth, Pressure, and Change
Rob Unnerstall, CEO, National Cart
What it takes to lead decisively when complexity, growth, and constant change collide—and how strong leaders stay steady without standing still.
10:00 – 10:20 a.m.
Networking Break
10:20 – 11:20 a.m.
Morning Breakout Sessions
Choose the session that best aligns with where your leadership is being challenged—or stretched—right now.
Keeping the Human in the Workplace: Driving Engagement in an AI World
Tanya Zion, Business Manager, Engagement Services, AAIM
Exploring how leaders can preserve trust, connection, and engagement as AI reshapes how work gets done.
The Corporate Shock Absorbers: The Evolving Role of Middle Managers
Jim Morgan, Vice President, Business Development & Workforce Strategies, MRA
Why middle managers are under more pressure than ever—and how organizations can better equip them to absorb, translate, and lead through change.
Leading by Serving: Servant Leadership
Nikki Garry, Chief Evolution Officer, Resolve to Evolve, LLC
Reframing leadership through service, accountability, and impact—without sacrificing results.
Dual Fluency: The Leadership Blueprint for the Human + AI Workforce
Lauren Patel, Engagement Manager, AAIM
Why tomorrow’s leaders must be fluent in both people and technology—and how to lead confidently at the intersection of the two.
The Coming Population Squeeze: Aging, Slowing Growth, and the Workforce Future
Ness Sandoval, Professor of Demography & Sociology, Saint Louis University
What demographic trends mean for talent, leadership pipelines, and workforce planning—especially in the Midwest.
11:20 – 11:40 a.m.
Networking Break
11:40 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Lunch
12:20 – 12:30 p.m.
Midday Welcome & Leadership Perspective
Todd Thomas, Emcee
Phil Brandt, CEO, AAIM
A brief reflection on the morning sessions and a transition into the afternoon’s keynote conversation.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch Keynote
Future-Proofing Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World
Jay Samit
A forward-looking perspective on innovation, disruption, and what leaders must be willing to rethink to stay relevant and resilient.
1:30 – 1:50 p.m.
Networking Break
1:50 – 2:50 p.m.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Designed to broaden perspective, challenge assumptions, and deepen leadership capability.
Empathy Is Your Leadership Superpower
Holly Pyatt, Principal, Pyatt Consulting Company
How empathy strengthens trust, decision-making, and performance—without softening expectations.
Courageous Commitment: Re-Igniting Ownership in a Disengaged Workforce
Kendra Mack, Keynote Speaker & Corporate Trainer
What leaders can do when engagement slips—and how to restore ownership and accountability.
Uncovering Leadership Blind Spots: The Benefit of Seeing Differently
Jenny Beilsmith, Coach, Author, Speaker
Why even strong leaders miss critical signals—and how new perspectives create better outcomes.
Driving Results Through Conscious Change
Betsy Grzybinski, Founder & CEO, One Percent Today
Turning intention into action and change into measurable results.
The AI Litmus Test: When to Ship, When to Skip
2:50 – 3:10 p.m.
Networking Break
3:10 – 4:10 p.m.
Closing Keynote
Speaker and topic to be announced
4:10 – 5:00 p.m.
Hospitality & Connection
Continue the conversation, strengthen relationships, and close the day with connection—because leadership doesn’t stop when the sessions end.
Ready to Join Us?
Secure your seat and experience a day designed to be time well spent.
The Countdown Begins!
The day will be here before we know it!
Make sure to reserve your seat or table as this event will sell out!
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