The Future of Work Is Here: Why Workforce Development Matters More Than Ever

The workplace is changing faster than ever before.

Technology is evolving. Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries. Employee expectations continue to shift, and businesses across every sector are navigating new challenges when it comes to hiring, retention, leadership development, and workforce readiness.

As industries adapt, one thing is clear: organizations that invest in their people today will be better prepared for tomorrow.

That’s why the Plano Chamber of Commerce is bringing together business leaders, workforce experts, educators, and community partners for the upcoming Workforce Summit, presented by Yum! Brands, Inc..

This year’s summit will focus on one of the most important conversations happening in business today: upskilling and reskilling the workforce.

What Does Upskilling and Reskilling Mean?

As the needs of the workforce evolve, businesses must evolve with them.

Upskilling focuses on helping employees strengthen and expand their existing skill sets so they can grow within their current roles. This could include leadership development, technology training, AI education, communication skills, or industry certifications.

Reskilling focuses on preparing employees for entirely new responsibilities or career paths as industries and business needs change.

Together, these strategies help organizations create more adaptable, future-ready teams.

Why This Conversation Matters

Across industries, employers are asking similar questions:

• How do we retain strong employees?
• How do we prepare teams for rapidly changing technology?
• How can businesses remain competitive in a changing workforce landscape?
• What role will AI play in the future workplace?
• How do we build stronger talent pipelines?

The Workforce Summit is designed to help address these questions through meaningful conversations and practical insights from leaders who are actively navigating these challenges.

Featured Fireside Chat with Chris Turner

The summit will feature a special fireside chat with Chris Turner, Chief Executive Officer of Yum! Brands, moderated by Ashley Miller.

The discussion will explore leadership, workforce transformation, company culture, and preparing organizations for the future of work.

As one of the world’s largest restaurant companies, Yum! Brands brings valuable perspective on workforce strategy, innovation, and leadership in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Workforce Leaders and Industry Experts

Attendees will also hear from workforce development and innovation leaders during the panel discussion:

“Reskilling & Upskilling a Workforce”

Panelists include:

• Victoria Hortman, Director of Talent Management, CPAL
• Carolyn Humpherys, Head of AI Strategy and Enablement | Innovation and Adoption Leader
• Seth Green, Texas Workforce Commission

The panel will explore workforce trends, AI adoption, employee growth, and strategies organizations can implement to strengthen and support their teams.

Building a Stronger Workforce Together

The Workforce Summit is more than a business event. It’s an opportunity for employers, educators, and community leaders to come together around one shared goal: building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.

Whether you are a business owner, HR professional, operations leader, educator, or community partner, the conversations happening at this summit will help shape the future of work in Plano and beyond.

Join the Conversation

The Workforce Summit will include networking opportunities, leadership discussions, and actionable insights designed to help organizations prepare for the future workforce.

Businesses that invest in workforce development today will be the ones best positioned for tomorrow.

Register today: https://members.planochamber.org/events/details/workforce-summit-24864