Elevate NRV

Elevate NRV is a pivotal event aimed at empowering local human resource professionals of all experience levels with insights from thought leaders in talent recruitment and retention. This dynamic event promises to showcase innovative recruitment strategies and cutting-edge retention practices, guiding businesses of all sizes toward success in today’s competitive landscape.

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

1:00 pm - 5 pm

The Inn at Virginia Tech

$25.00

Through an engaging keynote address, enlightening panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to:

Gain invaluable insights on the latest trends and best practices in talent acquisition an detention.
Explore proven strategies for attracting top talent, fostering employee engagement, and nurturing a culture of excellence within their organizations.
Forge meaningful connections with fellow professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing that will drive success in the long term.
Discover the unique advantages and opportunities that our region offers for businesses looking to recruit and retain top-tier talent.

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Structured Networking
1:30 PM – 1:40 PM | Welcome Address + Sponsor Introduction
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM | Keynote Address
2:20 PM – 2:35 PM | Coffee Break #1
2:40 PM – 3:35 PM | Breakout Sessions
3:40 PM – 3:55 PM | Coffee Break #2
4:00 PM – 4:55 PM | Breakout Workshop Sessions
4:55 PM – 5:00 PM | Dismissal

Keynote

Speaker: Dr. Sarah Lyon-Hill, Director of Research Development at the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement

Topic: Thriving in the Forever Labor Shortage: Building Workforce Strategies that Last

Explore innovative ways that employers in the New River Valley can overcome challenges associated with today’s labor shortages and planning for the future demographic cliff.

Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions (2:40 – 3:35)

Participants will have the opportunity to select one of the following breakout sessions to attend:

Option 1 – Supporting Talent Retention Through Change Management

HR professionals are uniquely positioned to lead change – from addressing internal gaps and turnover trends to helping teams stay grounded and engaged during times of broader organizational shifts. This session will explore the ways that HR professionals can identify and begin acting on areas for improvement, guide teams through transition, and maintain employee trust and engagement when change is out of their control.

Lois James

Director of Leadership Development
OpX Solutions, LLC

Rick Clifton

Director, Human Capital
Fahrenheit Advisors

Jakie Lackey

Director of Human Resources
Henritze Dental Group

Option 2 – Hiring Smarter: Balancing Tech with Human Insight

This session will explore how AI and ATS are changing the ways businesses source and hire talent. Speakers will cover the competitive advantages such as saving time and increasing candidate reach, as well as the hidden costs, including over reliance on automation, and the risk of bias. Attendees will learn practical ways to use tech effectively, while keeping human insight at the center of the hiring process to improve efficiency and experience.

Jackie Reid

HR and Organizational Development Manager
Town of Pulaski

Jennifer Majdanik

Principal HR Business Partner
BAE Systems

Bernd Kupka

Assistant Professor at Davis College of Business and Economics at Radford University

Onward NRV is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDC) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

Breakout Workshop Sessions (4:00 – 4:55)

Participants will have the opportunity to select one of the following workshops to attend:

Option 1 – The Talent Magnet: Building Your Employee Value Proposition for Attraction and Retention

Having a strong employee value proposition (EVP) is crucial to attracting and retaining top talent. In this hands-on workshop, participants will identify the unique offerings of their organization and draft an authentic EVP statement and supporting pillars. Following the workshop participants will have a clear foundation to guide their recruitment messaging and strategies to strengthen their overall employer brand.

Tonya Dinkel