From Beignets to Breakthroughs: Highlights from the Fall HR Management Institute in New Orleans.
What happens when you bring some of the sharpest HR minds to the vibrant city of New Orleans? Magic. The Fall 2024 HR Management Institute wasn’t just another conference; it was an unforgettable blend of big ideas, bold discussions, and that signature Southern flair.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, this fall's gathering had it all—soulful jazz, delicious beignets, and an energy that could only come from passionate HR professionals united by a shared purpose. From the first keynote to the final toast, the Institute delivered moments that inspired, challenged, and delighted.
Panels That Packed a Punch
One of the biggest showstoppers? The "Future Focus: HR Trends, Priorities, and Strategic Visions in 2025" panel. Moderated by our valued partner Lucas Lo from Burnalong, this powerhouse session featured industry leaders Javiel Lopez (CHRO, Alivi Health), Chelle O'Keefe (Chief People Officer, Platinum Dermatology Partners), and Lauren Graham (CHRO, OrthoAlliance).
Their candid conversation covered everything from workforce redesign to AI integration, sprinkling in wisdom about how employee experiences are evolving to encompass “life experiences.” It wasn’t just talk—the actionable strategies shared left the audience buzzing with ideas which they continued to exchange well into networking breaks and other sessions.
Breakouts That Sparked Big Ideas
The breakouts and roundtables were where the magic got personal. Attendees were ablet to uncover insights from Mariel Davis of SPOKN on how to attract and retain Gen Z and Millennial talent, while conversations about caregiving benefits as a productivity boost and education perks as a retention tool hit close to home for many in the room.
And let’s not forget Joe Baker from our valued partners at ThoughtExchange, who reframed how we think about collective intelligence to drive employee engagement. Or Susan Winchester from Applied Materials, who delivered a poignant session on emotional health in the workplace—inspiring every heart in the General Session Room.
A Celebration of Connection
But it wasn’t just about the sessions. Our program was as much about relationships as it was about strategy. The charm of New Orleans infused every interaction, from hallway conversations to lively networking receptions. Picture this: HR pros sharing AI insights over a plate of jambalaya or swapping hybrid team strategies while swaying to live jazz amidst a parade down Bourbon Street. It was that kind of vibe.
The Big Easy’s Bold Legacy
The 2025 HR Management Institute wasn’t just another checkbox on our attendees’ conference calendar—it was a moment to reset, refocus, and reimagine what’s next for HR in an exciting, exclusive and luxury way. It set the stage for a year of bold innovation and meaningful impact, leaving attendees with more than just notes—they left with purpose.
Want to be part of the action next year? Whether joining the Speaker Faculty, Advisory Committee, or taking on a Sponsoring Partner role, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to Jennifer Holmes, Senior Producer, at jholmes@ipmievents.com, and let’s make 2025 even more unforgettable!
Until next time—keep dreaming big, innovating boldly, and making waves in the world of HR!
“The support staff was incredible! Highly organized, they never missed a beat! Well done everyone!”
“Loved this event, exceeded my expectations!”
“The staff at IPMI do a fabulous job organizing these conferences. You make it look simple. The content of the conference was filled with strategic information with a nice blend of actionable takeaways. Establishing connections in other organizations and industries is invaluable.”
“IPMI staff were outstanding and had thought of everything!”
“It was wonderful. Very well-run event and we were treated like gold. Felt very valued throughout the process and enjoyed the caliber of the speakers and their content.”
