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Introducing the 2026 Workplace Innovation Summit

Fortune has officially announced the highly anticipated return of its Workplace Innovation Summit, scheduled for May 19-20, 2026, at the luxurious St. Regis hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. This exclusive, invitation-only event aims to unite senior executives, Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs), technologists, and visionaries in the workplace to discuss and explore groundbreaking innovations that redefine how we work.

The 2026 Summit marks its second year, bringing together leaders from prominent Fortune 500 companies, vibrant disruptors, and public institutions. The main aim is to address the pressing challenges and significant opportunities that are currently reshaping the modern workplace. In an era where remote work and flexible arrangements are becoming the norm, this event seeks to unpack bold strategies and innovative models that not only enhance business performance but also significantly improve employee experiences.

The spotlight of this year's summit will be on utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI), next-generation human resources technology, and forward-looking people strategies to help foster resilient, high-performing workplace environments. Co-chaired by Fortune’s Editorial Director Kristin Stoller, Senior Features Editor Indrani Sen, and Senior Writer Phil Wahba, the summit promises to offer a wealth of insights and valuable discussions gleaned from industry leaders.

Kristin Stoller emphasized the urgency of the summit's discussions, stating, “Work is being reinvented in real time—by technology, by culture, and by the expectations of a new generation of employees and leaders. We’re convening the people driving that change and creating bold future-of-work experiments.” Those in attendance will have the opportunity to dive deep into how leaders can adapt to intense pressure while staying true to their core values.

Key Sessions and Discussions

The event will kick off with a captivating mainstage session titled "Holding the Line: Leadership Under Pressure." This session will feature discussions led by Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, and Theresita Richard, Chief People and Culture Officer of Patagonia. This discourse aims to shed light on how executives can navigate their leadership roles with integrity and purpose, despite the challenges and high-stakes environments they often face.

Day One will continue with a unique exploration of the connection between Hollywood and workplace culture. Notable figures including Brian Stelter, CNN's Chief Media Analyst, and Denise Shull, Founder of The ReThink Group, will examine how real-world organizational dynamics influence fictional narratives and the vital insights business leaders can extract from these productions.

Additionally, Ryan Breslow, CEO of Bolt, will provide an intriguing case study on why he decided to roll back employee benefits like unlimited paid time off and a four-day work week while maximizing performance without compromising employee well-being. This direct approach towards leadership will offer valuable lessons for HR professionals.

The lineup also showcases influential voices like Arvind Jain, the CEO at Glean, and Hannah Pritchett, CHRO at Anthropic, discussing how organizations are increasingly leveraging AI agents as collaborators rather than replacements, showcasing a shift in workplace productivity paradigms.

Other highlights include a fireside chat featuring Andrea Lucas from the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, offering essential insights into current regulatory priorities affecting business leaders.

A Gathering of Esteemed Leaders

The summit will attract confirmed speakers from various sectors, including Beck Bailey, Global Chief Diversity Officer at Accenture; Hayden Brown, President and CEO at Upwork; and Maria Colacurcio, CEO at Syndio, among many others. They will contribute their insights, sharing experiences and strategies that reflect today’s shifting organizational landscape.

As the workplace continues to evolve, the Fortune Workplace Innovation Summit serves as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration among leaders. James Whitemore, Chief Marketing Officer at Indeed, expressed the importance of the summit, stating, “We’re in a period of real disruption in the world of work, with AI accelerating shifts in leadership, culture, and how organizations support their people.”

In collaboration with Indeed and McKinsey & Company, the summit aims to foster a robust community of HR leaders dedicated to shaping the future of work.

Conclusion

The 2026 Workplace Innovation Summit promises not only to reignite conversations about future work models but also to empower leaders with the tools, strategies, and networking opportunities crucial for navigating the complexities of the evolving workplace landscape. Join the conversation and witness firsthand how industry titans are adapting to and shaping the future of work.