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November 18, 2025

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Hartford, CT

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Discover the Future of Work

| November 18, 2025 | Hartford, CT | Discover the Future of Work

November 18, 1-7 PM
Infinity Hall - Hartford, CT

Welcome to the Future of Work

The NextGen Summit equips both leaders and young professionals with essential tools and insights. Young professionals can advance their careers, while leaders learn to manage and mentor the next generation, fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace. Join us to thrive in the evolving work environment.

What You’ll Gain From Attending

Industry
Insights

Gain inspiration from leading voices and rising stars shaping the future of work.

Understand the priorities, desires, and working styles of Gen Z and Millennials. Debunk the myths and discover how to build a collaborative and successful future together.

Decoding the
Next Generation

Powerful
Networking

Connect with like-minded peers, potential employers, and valuable mentors who can guide your career path.

Develop valuable skills and practical knowledge to propel your career forward. Learn how to boost team engagement and create impactful work experiences - no matter the location!

Interactive
Workshops

We have exciting surprises planned to make this an unforgettable experience.

And More!

PS: Need to convince your boss to send you to this year’s NextGen Summit? Check out our presentation you can use here.

Agenda

12:30 PM
Doors Open & Registration

1:00 PM
Program Begins & Welcome

Speaker: Kate Baumann, COO, MetroHartford Alliance

1:05 PM
Welcome & Keynote Introduction
 
Speaker: Lauren Zevetchin, Executive Director, HYPE

1:10 PM
Keynote Speaker

The Future Is Human: Leading with Authenticity, Empathy, and Impact
The rise of human-centric leadership is more than a trend; it’s a reminder that it’s people who power business success. This keynote invites attendees into a conversation about what it really means to lead with authenticity, empathy, and impact in today’s workplace.

Speaker: Andi Campbell, Fractional Executive and Leadership Coach

1:50 PM
Introduction to Panel Discussion
 
Speaker: Amir Johnson, Director of External Relations & Programs at The iQuilt Partnership & HYPE Ambassador

1:55 PM
Keynote Panel

Breaking Through: Career Insights & What It Takes to Stand Out Today
An engaging conversation with Greater Hartford leaders as they reflect on their own career journeys—the challenges, turning points, and breakthroughs that shaped their paths—and share what they look for in today’s young professionals. This panel offers an inside look at the realities of leadership while highlighting the skills, mindsets, and habits that help rising leaders stand out and thrive in today’s evolving workplace.

Moderator: Ashlyn Lower, Associate Director, Marketing and Communications, Governors Prevention Partnership.

Panelists:

David Alan, Owner, David Alan Hospitality Group
Leander Dolphin, Managing Partner at Shipman and Goodwin LLP
Laura Zucker, Management Consulting Senior Manager, Accenture
Martin Guay, Vice President, Business Development, Stanley Black & Decker
Jamie Roshka, AVP Emerging Talent Aquisition, Travelers

2:35 PM
Buzz Break

15-minute break - refreshments and networking

2:50 PM
Workshop Introduction
Speaker:
Steven Lopez, Strategy & Management Consultant at Accenture & HYPE Ambassador

2:55 PM
Interactive Workshop #1

Leadership and Influence: Grow People, Build Trust, Lead from Where You Are
Leadership isn’t just about position—it’s about influence. This session will dive into the skills individuals need to lead through influence, not authority—fostering trust, accountability, and growth across all levels of an organization.

Participants will: 

  • Learn core coaching skills such as active listening, intentional questioning, constructive feedback, and giving and receiving constructive feedback.  

  • Understand emotional intelligence and how to build trust effectively  

  • Practice these skills through real-world scenarios and role-plays 

  • Leave with tangible takeaways they can apply immediately in their work 

Facilitator: Peter Callahan, PCC, Engagement Manager, Leadership Greater Hartford

3:40 PM
Workshop Introduction
Speaker:
Arek Wtulich, Real Estate Agent William Raveis Real Estate & HYPE Ambassador

3:50 PM
Interactive Workshop #2

The Future of; Standing out, Showing Value, and Defining Your Professional Signature

In this session, attendees will explore how to stand out in business by leading with meaning and cultivating a learning mindset. We will introduce three key drivers of meaningful work — knowing yourself, knowing your value, and building meaningful relationships - as the foundation for personal and professional growth. Building on this, we will discuss how a learning mindset will empower professionals to become more adaptable, reliable, and proactive, while strengthening communication and collaboration throughout their careers. Through guided reflection and actionable steps, participants will leave prepared to bring more meaning and measurable value to their work.

Facilitators: Kelly Kennedy Ed.D., Director of Transformative Learning, UConn School of Business, Michael Bozzi Ed.D., Director of MBA Student Services, UConn School of Business

4:35 PM
Introduction to Hartford Mayor
Speaker:
Jesse Imse, HYPE Chair and Head of Marketing, North America, TRUMPF

4:40 PM
Hartford Mayor’s Speech
Speaker:
Arunan Arulampalam, Mayor, City of Hartford

4:50 PM
Closing Remarks
Speaker:
Lauren Zevetchin, Executive Director, HYPE

5:00 - 7:00 PM
NextGen Connect Reception

7:00 PM
Event Ends

Thanks to Our Sponsors

  • Travelers

    Lanyard Sponsor

  • UConn School of Business

    Sponsor

  • Leadership Greater Hartford

    VIYP Sponsor

  • Accenture

    Future Power Partner

FAQs

Are You A Young Professional?

At the NextGen Summit, you’ll discover how to leverage your unique skills and talents to skyrocket your career. Gain valuable insights into leadership challenges in fast-paced organizations, enhance your problem-solving abilities, and learn strategies to effectively navigate workplace dynamics. Network with industry leaders and peers, and leave with actionable advice to advance your professional journey.

Do You Lead and Manage?

Discover powerful insights on how to effectively manage and mentor the next generation of talent at the NextGen Summit. Learn how Gen Z and Millennials balance work and life, and acquire strategies to foster an inclusive, forward-thinking workplace culture. Gain practical tools to enhance team engagement, drive innovation, and build a collaborative environment that supports both personal and organizational growth.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Learn about our sponsorship opportunities below and fill out our form below to get the process started!

Interested in Sponsoring?

Fill out the form below and a member of our team will respond shortly!

We’d love to connect

Send us a message and a member of the HYPE team will get back to you shortly.