Virginia Beach - Workforce 2040: AI and The New Rules of Talent Development
Workforce 2040: AI and The New Rules of Talent Development
Details:
Workforce 2040 is a summit on how people and intelligent tools will shape Fayette County’s economic future. This year focuses on augmentation over replacement, showing how AI can boost productivity, creativity, and decision‑making across key industries. Attendees will learn about: Responsible AI adoption — how employers can stay competitive Future‑ready skills — what workers need next Education‑industry alignment — how schools, businesses, and policymakers can accelerate talent readiness Through case studies, panels, and cross‑sector discussions, the event highlights real AI use cases—from construction and trades to film, entertainment, and tech—while addressing the growing gap between AI‑fluent and lagging organizations. The goal is a shared playbook for people‑centered, future‑ready adoption. Today shorten this for an event description Workforce 2040 explores the evolving partnership between people and intelligent tools and what it means for Fayette County’s economic future. This year’s theme centers on augmentation, not replacement, highlighting how AI can elevate productivity, creativity, and decision‑making across the region’s most important industries. Attendees will gain practical insight into: How employers can adopt AI responsibly and competitively The new skills portfolio required for tomorrow’s workforce Ways educators, business leaders, and policymakers can align to accelerate talent readiness Through case studies, panels, and cross‑sector conversations, the summit will spotlight what’s working right now from construction and skilled trades to film, entertainment, and technology while addressing the widening performance gap between AI‑fluent and lagging organizations. The goal: a shared playbook for people‑centered, future‑ready adoption. Program Agenda 1:00 – 1:30 PM | Networking & Light Refreshments 1:30 – 1:40 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks Speaker: Leonardo McClarty, President & CEO, Fayette Chamber Overview of the summit theme, goals, and the future of regional workforce development. 1:40 – 2:00 PM | Stand‑Alone Speaker #1: Technology & Infrastructure Innovation Format: 20‑minute keynote High‑level insights on innovation priorities and Georgia’s workforce future. 2:00 – 2:30 PM | Panel #1: The Generational Workforce Divide & Productivity Gap
2:30 – 2:50 PM | Solo Presenter #2: Smart Adoption—Using AI to Compete in a Divided Marketplace
Understanding the widening gap between AI‑adopting and lagging businesses. Practical strategies for small‑business adaptation.
Speaker: Josh Lee, MBA – Chief Operating Officer & Co‑Founder, Content Talent South & Trilith Institute
2:50 – 3:00 PM | Break
Refreshments and networking.
3:00 – 3:30 PM | Panel #2: AI Beyond ChatGPT—Real Use Cases
Showcasing practical AI adoption across local industries (construction, HVAC, film/entertainment, healthcare, and more). Discussion includes platforms, strengths, and applications beyond administrative tasks—such as reducing human error and increasing productivity.
Panelists:
Richard Andrews – VP of Economic Development, Southern Crescent Technical College
Braden Fargo – Business Development Manager, Southtree Commercial
Michelle Wisz – Director, Forecasting & Organizational Effectiveness, Southern Company Gas
Where education and business align to deliver workforce solutions. Exploring emerging skills, technology access challenges, and opportunities across K‑12, technical colleges, and universities.
Speaker: Doug Hooker – Former Executive Director, Atlanta Regional Commission; Former Interim Director, CareerRise
3:50 – 4:20 PM | Panel #3: The Future of Creative, Skilled Trades & Technical Workforc
Exploring opportunities in entertainment, skilled trades, and technology‑enabled industries.
Moderator: Dennis McGourik – Regional Director, South Metro, Atlanta Gas Light
Panelist: Dr. Irvin Clark – Southern Crescent Technical College (Post‑Secondary)
4:20 – 4:40 PM | Closing Keynote
A forward‑looking message tying together the day’s insights and opportunities.
Speaker: Jamal Jessie – Regional Workforce Development, Google
4:40 PM | Closing Remarks & Transition to Engage After Hours Networking
Workforce 2040 is a summit on how people and intelligent tools will shape Fayette County’s economic future. This year focuses on augmentation over replacement, showing how AI can boost productivity, creativity, and decision‑making across key industries.
Attendees will learn about:
Responsible AI adoption — how employers can stay competitive
Future‑ready skills — what workers need next
Education‑industry alignment — how schools, businesses, and policymakers can accelerate talent readiness
Through case studies, panels, and cross‑sector discussions, the event highlights real AI use cases—from construction and trades to film, entertainment, and tech—while addressing the growing gap between AI‑fluent and lagging organizations. The goal is a shared playbook for people‑centered, future‑ready adoption.
Program Agenda
1:00–1:30 PM | Networking
Light refreshments and connections.
1:30–1:40 PM | Welcome
Leonardo McClarty sets the stage for the day’s theme and goals.
