Edison State to Host 2026 Summer Symposium for Human Resource Professionals

The Office of Workforce Development & Work-Based Learning at Edison State Community College will host the 2026 Summer Symposium for HR Professionals on Thursday, August 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Edison State’s Piqua Campus. Check-in will begin at 8 a.m.

Attendees of the one-day conference will explore ways to build the next generation through workforce strategy, learn about workplace legal trends, and more. Participants can also network with other professionals, share best practices, and gain new partnerships.

The Human Resource Association of Western Ohio and the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education are sponsoring the event, which will feature a keynote address from Elle Zimmerman titled “Emotional Intelligence: The Human Advantage in the Age of AI.” The keynote will show how self-awareness, empathy, and thoughtful communication build trust, strengthen collaboration, and elevate influence. Participants will learn to stay composed under pressure, navigate tough conversations, and build the foundation for confident, effective leadership.

Zimmerman is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and leadership consultant with over two decades of experience coaching executives at Fortune 100 companies—Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s, Vera Bradley, Crocs, and Bacardi USA—as well as leaders in the private club, government, and hospitality sectors. She equips professionals with the tools to lead and present at the highest level, communicating with clarity, confidence, and authentic influence.

A senior member of the Enneagram in Business Network, Zimmerman holds advanced certifications in executive communication, emotional intelligence, and the Enneagram for leadership. She integrates these disciplines to help leaders strengthen trust, navigate conflict, and lead with greater self-awareness and composure.

Conference participants will also hear from other industry professionals. In addition to the keynote, the program includes:

• “Own Your Authority: Confidence and Influence at Work,” from Elle Zimmerman
• “Workplace Legal Trends,” from Colleen Gong
• “Building the Next Gen Through Workforce Strategy,” from Cassie Barlow
• “5 Brave Conversations for Effective HR Leadership,” from Rebecca Detling

The Society for Human Resource Management recognizes Edison State to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for attending.

Event registration is open until Sunday, August 2, at 11:59 p.m. The cost to attend is $125 per person. Register by visiting www.edisonohio.edu/hrsummer. For more information, email Trisha Elliott or call 937.778.7811.