#USA #Las Vegas #Vitalant #HR Conference #Gildan

Gildan and Vitalant Leaders Shine at Signature 2026 in Las Vegas

The upcoming Signature 2026 conference, set for October 4-6, 2026, at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, promises to be a landmark event for HR professionals. This year, it includes two notable figures in the industry: Brooke Ferguson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Gildan, and Manny Ocasio, Chief People Officer at Vitalant. Both executives will be sharing their insights and strategies on the evolving role of HR in the context of organizational transformations.

The theme for this year's conference, "Human-Centric, Future-Ready," encapsulates the focus on aligning human resources with organizational goals while emphasizing the well-being of employees. This is particularly timely as companies face rapid changes in technology, workforce dynamics, and integration challenges.

Keynote Sessions

Manny Ocasio will lead a session titled "From Intent to Impact: Powering HR Transformation." Drawing on Vitalant's journey through a complex Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation, he will discuss the importance of adopting Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) within HR functions. His presentation aims to provide a roadmap for HR leaders on how to maintain focus amidst competing priorities, translate strategic intentions into actionable plans, and effectively communicate progress across various stakeholders.

In parallel, Brooke Ferguson will present "Leading People Through a Company-Defining Transformation." This session will delve into Gildan's recent acquisition of HanesBrands that effectively doubled its size and merged two distinct workplaces. Ferguson will share valuable lessons on aligning leadership, advancing critical agendas amid evolving integration efforts, and fostering a unified culture that thrives even under uncertainty.

Both leaders underscore the message that HR departments are increasingly influential during times of significant organizational change. Jennifer Rozon, President of McLean Company, emphasized, "HR leaders must turn intent into coordinated action to significantly impact their organizations. Manny and Brooke will provide HR leaders with practical insights on fostering alignment and enhancing HR's visibility as they navigate change."

Conference Features

Signature 2026 will gather over 700 HR executives and leaders from various industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and education, illustrating the conference's broad appeal and importance as a networking hub. Attendees can expect a packed agenda that includes mainstage keynotes, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and peer exchanges tailored to delivering research-backed insights and practical strategies.

The conference not only promotes professional development but also provides a platform for collaborative learning. Attendees will engage with seasoned HR professionals and gain exclusive access to McLean Company analysts for deeper insights into industry trends.

With sessions designed to enhance leadership skills and operational effectiveness, the conference is ideal for those looking to elevate their HR practices and tackle contemporary challenges head-on. Details regarding the official schedule and additional speakers will be revealed soon, further enriching the overall experience.

Venue and Registration

The event will take place at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, conveniently located just minutes away from the bustling Las Vegas Strip. The venue is known for its modern facilities that encourage collaboration and comfort, ensuring a productive setting for all attendees.

Individuals interested in participating should visit the McLean Signature event page for more information and registration details.

In summary, the participation of Brooke Ferguson and Manny Ocasio at Signature 2026 will provide unique perspectives on the evolution of HR in managing transformations, making this conference a must-attend for professionals committed to leading their organizations into the future. By attending, HR leaders will not only gain valuable insights but also build a network that will support their initiatives long after the conference ends.