2026 Talent Connect Summit

Description

Join us on Wednesday, October 7 for the 2026 Talent Connect Summit, featuring a keynote presentation by Mary Messner, Founder + CEO of Highline Creative Group. Mary reframes creativity as the entrepreneurial mindset organizations need to out-innovate competitors, build cultures people want to stay in, and win the future — no algorithm required.

Keynote Session

Creativity Unscripted | The Competitive Advantage No Algorithm Can Replace

The most urgent workforce question isn't which tools to adopt. It's what kind of thinking your organization is building. Mary Messner reframes creativity not as an artistic skill, but as the entrepreneurial mindset that drives innovation, deepens connection, and builds cultures people want to stay in. She names the invisible forces suppressing new thinking and equips leaders with practical tools to break the pattern, leaving audiences with a shared language, a clear framework, and the conviction that the future belongs to organizations willing to think differently.

Key Highlights

• Chamber Resources: The summit will feature an overview of the Chamber's resources related to workforce and talent.
• All in OP Talent Attraction Website: Attendees will receive an update on the Chamber's talent attraction website, "All in OP," aimed at drawing top talent to the Overland Park region.
• Curated Breakout Sessions: Six dedicated breakout sessions will explore workforce resources with dedicated AI, Workforce, and Small Business tracks, offering actionable tools and strategies for immediate implementation.

Schedule

7:45 am | Registration, Breakfast, and Networking

8:30 am | Opening Remarks

8:45 am | Resource Presentations

10:00 am | Breakout Session 1

11:05 am | Breakout Session 2

12:00 pm | Lunch & Networking

12:30 pm | Keynote Presentation

1:30 pm | Event concludes

*If your company is an Opportunity Now Investor, please contact Tanya Rife at trife@opchamber.org or (913) 766-7606. View investors here.