The SPARK TALENT 2026 conference, scheduled for October 6–8 at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, moves away from traditional lecture-based formats to emphasize peer-led collaboration. As companies face mounting pressure to integrate artificial intelligence and navigate shifting skill requirements, the event aims to provide HR and talent executives with actionable frameworks for leadership development and succession planning.

Stacey Bailey, Vice President of Product at HCI, noted that talent development has moved from a support function to a central business imperative. The program features speakers from major organizations including Google, Microsoft, Netflix, and LinkedIn, who will share insights on leading through uncertainty. Attendees will focus on topics ranging from AI-powered coaching to measuring the business impact of learning programs. By limiting the audience size and utilizing a collaborative environment, organizers intend to foster direct problem-solving sessions that go beyond theoretical discussion, allowing leaders to return to their organizations with strategies for immediate implementation.