Work, like never before.
Talent Connect is where work leaps forward. Those endless AI possibilities now endlessly possible.
Leaders shaping the future of work came together to share transformative insights, sharpen their instincts with AI-powered tools, and reimagine what’s possible.
Content Themes
Attendees discussed and worked to solve the biggest challenges facing talent leaders.
- AI Evaluation & Value Proof
- Workforce Readiness & Change Management
- Building Trust in AI
- Putting AI to Work
AI Evaluation & Value Proof
Sessions explored how to define AI success, connect initiatives to measurable business outcomes, and build credible business cases.
Workforce Readiness & Change Management
Attendees examined what it takes to prepare teams, redesign roles, and evolve operating models so AI can scale effectively.
Building Trust in AI
Conversations addressed data integrity, responsible governance, risk, compliance, and trust.
Putting AI to Work
Sessions explored how to embed AI into real workflows with clear human judgment and accountability.
Keynote Speakers
Our keynote speakers inspired fresh ways to bring talent strategies to life.
Dan Shapero
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, LinkedIn
Brené Brown
Research Professor & New York Times Best Selling AuthorResearch Professor & New York Times Best Selling Author
Scott McGuckin
VP, Global Talent Acquisition, VP, Global Talent Acquisition, Cisco
Leland Melvin
Astronaut & Space Thought LeaderAstronaut & Space Thought Leader
Alyssa Merwin
Global VP, Talent Solutions, Global VP, Talent Solutions, LinkedIn
Dan Reid
VP, Product Management, VP, Product Management, LinkedIn
Mariana Atencio (Host)
Expert on Trust, Communication, & Resilience; Journalist; AuthorExpert on Trust, Communication, & Resilience; Journalist; Author
Featured Breakout Speakers
The 2026 Summit featured leading voices who evaluated what’s possible and put it into practice.
Naphtali Bryant
Managing Principal, Executive & Talent Development Advisor, Managing Principal, Executive & Talent Development Advisor, RAC Leadership
Johnny Campbell
CEO, CEO, SocialTalent
Dr. Cat Hicks
Founder & Principal Scientist, Founder & Principal Scientist, Catharsis Consulting
Jennifer McClure
CEO & Chief Excitement Officer, CEO & Chief Excitement Officer, Unbridled Talent
Programming Formats
The Summit offered a variety of ways to experience the content, tackle challenges, and embrace change alongside peers. Attendees heard from industry leaders and innovators on the topics that mattered most.
Big Ideas
Big Ideas explored what was possible with thought leaders and trailblazers, helping attendees examine important topics and discover insights from LinkedIn.
Solution Rooms
Solution Rooms brought peers, experts, and practitioners together to tackle challenges and build connections.
Executive Exchanges
Executive Exchanges showcased fresh perspectives and real-world case studies through fireside chats and Q&A.
The deep dive you asked for.
Introducing Paths
The 2026 Summit introduced Paths, a three-session experience designed to help attendees go deeper on the topics that mattered most to their organizations.
Each Path followed a structured progression over one day, starting with a Big Idea, moving into a Solution Room for peer-to-peer problem-solving, and concluding with In Practice.
In Practice ended each experience with guided reflection and peer networking, helping attendees leave with actionable takeaways and meaningful connections.
Attendees saw LinkedIn products in action at the InBar.
The InBar gave attendees an interactive way to explore LinkedIn’s latest Hire and Build solutions through consultations, live demos, and customer success stories.
Photo by www.BenRosePhotography.com
Closing Celebration: Tempo at The Tavern
Talent Connect took over Tavern on the Green for a joyful closing celebration in the heart of Central Park. The venue transformed into an exclusive music club, where musicians took the stage solo and in intimate ensembles before joining forces for surprise collaborations.
Photo by www.BenRosePhotography.com
Talent Connect Summit brought talent and HR executives from the world’s largest employers and most valuable brands together with LinkedIn experts and insights.
- 1000+senior talent leaders
- 50%VP-level or above
- 1/3 world’s most valuable brands