SEPT 17, 2026Free Virtual Conference · 1 Day

RecognitionWorks

The leading virtual conference for HR leaders shaping the future of recognition. Connect with industry experts, leading organizations, and HR peers for a day of practical workshops and forward-thinking ideas that create lasting impact.

Watch the sessions on demand

SHRM & HRCI Certification Approved Event

Agenda

Recognition Works 2026

September 17, 2026

*Times are in Pacific Time

7:00 AM PT

7:45 AM PT

Keynote

Do I Matter Here? Why Recognition Changes How People Perform, Contribute, and Stay

Presented by Sarah McVanel

7:45 AM PT

8:15 AM PT

Keynote

Recognition Matters. What It Builds Matters More.

Presented by Jason Lindstrom • Bucketlist Co-Founder & CEO

8:15 AM PT

9:00 AM PT

Research

The Recognition Impact Gap: Why Some Programs Change Behavior and Others Don’t

Presented by Yannick Provencher • I/O Psychology Advisor, Bucketlist Rewards

9:00 AM PT

9:15 AM PT

Break

9:15 AM PT

10:15 AM PT

2 concurrent sessions · choose one

Panel

Recognition Works for Performance: Turn Business Priorities Into Behaviors That Drive Results

Presented by Eric Clark, Becky Krekelberg

Panel

Recognition Works for Retention: Turn Signals Into Action Before People Leave

Presented by Nicole Tenneyuque, Katie Kleyla

10:15 AM PT

11:00 AM PT

Workshop

Build Your HR AI Operating Model: What to Automate, Assist, and Keep Human

Presented by Phil Strazzulla and Paul Carney

11:00 AM PT

11:15 AM PT

Break

11:15 AM PT

12:15 PM PT

2 concurrent sessions · choose one

AMA

AMA: Building a Recognition Strategy That Works

Presented by Zech Dahms, Vanessa Cannizzaro

AMA

Hot Seat: Bring Your Biggest Recognition Challenge

Presented by Rodrigo Ortega

12:15 PM PT

1:00 PM PT

Panel

Never Miss a Moment: Recognition, Coaching, and What Executives Need to Measure

Presented by Sarah Sheehan and Maureen Kennedy

1:00 PM PT

1:30 PM PT

Keynote

Motivation in Action: A First Look at the Future of Bucketlist

Presented by Joe Marconato and Day Kirby

1:30 PM PT

1:45 PM PT

Closing Remarks

Why attend?

Use the day to sharpen strategy, compare notes with other HR leaders, and leave with ideas your team can act on immediately.

Practical Ideas You Can Use

Learn research-backed strategies, real-world examples, and practical frameworks you can apply to your recognition and engagement programs right away.

Earn While You Learn

Earn HRCI and SHRM professional development credits while learning from leading HR practitioners and industry experts.

Join Thousands of HR Leaders

Over the years, Recognition Week has brought together 10,000+ HR professionals and 50+ renowned speakers to learn, connect, and exchange ideas.

Hear from the best

Sarah McVanel

MSc, CSP, PCC, CHRL, CSODP

Recognition Expert & Keynote Speaker · Greatness Magnified

Eric Clark

Chief Culture and Communications Officer · JRI Hospitality

Becky Krekelberg

Vice President of Talent Strategy · Nexus Family Healing

Nicole Tenneyuque

Senior Global Engagement & Impact Manager · Storable

Phil Strazzulla

Founder, Head of People · SelectSoftware Reviews

Maureen Kennedy

MA, PCC

Head of Coaching · Bravely

Paul Carney

SPHR, MBA, WSET

Founder, President | Former CHRO · Ishtot

Jason Lindstrom

CEO · Bucketlist Rewards

Vanessa Canizzaro

Vice President, Talent Management & Operations · Intelerad

Katie Kleyla

Director, Teammate Experience · Esler Companies

Yannick Provencher

I/O Psychology Advisor · Bucketlist Rewards

Rodrigo Ortega

Manager, Customer Success · Bucketlist Rewards

Sarah Sheehan

CEO · Bravely

Zech Dahms

MBA

President · Achieve Network

Why HR leaders love Recognition Works

“

I absolutely loved everything about the conference! It was very engaging, with so much great information, great interactions, and the speakers were very personable.

Helen

Recognition Works attendee

“

I really enjoyed connecting and exchanging ideas with the other attendees! Gaining fresh perspectives is always valuable—especially when working with a limited budget.

Andrea

Recognition Works attendee

“

Every speaker that I saw had great energy and very interactive with the group, which can be challenging for virtual events. The content was great. Every session I attended had at least one takeaway that I could apply to my company.

Anonymous Attendee

Recognition Works attendee

About our Partners

Recognition Works is brought to you in partnership with the best in employee experience.

SSR helps HR teams find and buy the right software through transparent in-depth reviews, 1:1 support and direct vendor introductions, and community events.

www.selectsoftwarereviews.com ↗

Bravely is a coaching and training platform that provides employees with personalized, professional development—fueling higher levels of engagement and performance.

workbravely.com ↗

Achieve is the community-rooted enablement and advisory partner for the future of work. We combine peer community, research, and strategic advisory to turn the collective intelligence of people leaders into the frameworks and counsel that help organizations navigate what's next and achieve their highest aspirations.

www.achievenet.org ↗

SSR helps HR teams find and buy the right software through transparent in-depth reviews, 1:1 support and direct vendor introductions, and community events.

www.selectsoftwarereviews.com ↗

Bravely is a coaching and training platform that provides employees with personalized, professional development—fueling higher levels of engagement and performance.

workbravely.com ↗