Future of Work 2027 Conference

Presented by Hawaiian Electric Company

​Rooted in Culture. Ready for the Future.
​Shaping Hawaii's workforce through culture, collaboration, and innovation.'

REGISTER HERE! 

​Building Hawaii's future workforce by honoring our culture, strengthening partnerships, and embracing innovation.

​Opening Keynote
Kaina Makua, Co-Founder, Kumano I Ke Ala
Grounded in this year’s theme, Rooted in Culture. Ready for the Future., Kaina Makua will open the conference with a conversation on how Hawaii can remain rooted in its culture, values, and sense of place while preparing our people and communities for the opportunities ahead.

Economic Outlook
Dr. Steven Bond-Smith, Associate Director and Associate Professor, University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO)
Explore the economic forces shaping Hawaii’s workforce and future economy. Dr. Steven Bond-Smith will share the latest outlook and key trends influencing our industries, employers, and workforce needs.

Industry Spotlights
Hear directly from leaders across seven of Hawaii’s key industries as they share workforce priorities, emerging trends, challenges, and innovative solutions shaping the future of work.

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

Interactive Breakout Sessions
Move from ideas to action through collaborative discussions focused on Hawaii’s workforce priorities. Exchange perspectives, explore solutions, and build connections with partners from across industries and sectors.

Closing Keynote - Generational Commitment
Matt Stevens, Executive Director, Hawaii Workforce Funders Collaborative
Explore what it takes to build a workforce system that lasts. This conversation will examine how sustained investment, cross-sector collaboration, and shared leadership can create opportunities for Hawaii’s people for generations to come.

Workforce Heroes Celebration & Panel
Celebrate the individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on Hawaii’s workforce and hear stories of leadership, innovation, and collaboration from those driving meaningful change across our communities.

Networking
Continue the conversation and build connections with employers, educators, policymakers, workforce professionals, and community leaders from across Hawaii.

Your ticket includes self-parking, a light breakfast, buffet lunch, and all-day coffee and tea service.


Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Jeannie Lum, Associate Director of Workforce Development, jlum@cochawaii.org