In a world defined by constant change, information overload, and competing demands, it’s easy to focus only on results, metrics, and outputs. As systems scale and speed up, employees are left navigating burnout, disengagement, and the weight of continuous transformation.
But real culture isn’t built by algorithms—it’s shaped in the human moments that bring people together.
Join thousands of HR and culture leaders as we explore how to re-center the human experience. Discover how recognition can re-humanize the employee experience in an increasingly automated world.
The moments we choose to recognize today shape the culture we’ll lead tomorrow.
Day 1: Wednesday, September 24th
Explore sessions from Day 1
From Strangers to Stories: Why Every Moment of Recognition Counts
Learn how to create recognition-rich moments that multiply in any workplace, home base and community space.
Presented by:
- Sarah McVanel, President & Founder of Greatness Magnified
Recognition Science: What the Data Tells Us About Engagement, Burnout, and Turnover Intent
Gain actionable insights into how recognition frequency, timing, and method influence employee outcomes.
Presented by:
- Yannick Provencher, I/O Psychology Advisor at Bucketlist Rewards
- Charlyne Fothergill, Fractional HR Leader, Community and Partnerships at Tech & People Network
Session Resources
Yannick’s Slides | Download
Welcoming New Hires: Recognition in Onboarding
Learn how recognition, woven into training, team introductions, and milestone moments, sets the tone for a positive, productive experience that keeps new hires excited and committed from day one.
Presented by:
- Jay Graves, Founder & CEO at Leadership Canvas
- Jenna Reycraft, Training & Development at Lakewood Health System
- Michelle Twombly, Total Rewards Specialist at Ahold Delhaize USA
Fueling Engagement: Recognition in Performance and Growth
Learn how to create a culture where recognition fuels motivation, builds skills, and supports long-term career growth.
Presented by:
- Wes Hodgson, CEO at Crunch Fitness Canada
- Nicole Tenneyuque, Manager, Global Engagement & Impact at Storable
- Audrey Hanken, Sr. Manager, Design and Strategy at HearUSA
Shaping Behavior, Shaping Culture: Coaching Managers to Recognize with Purpose
Discover how intentional recognition strengthens trust, reinforces values, and drives the behaviors you want to see across your organization.
Presented by:
- Yennie Rautenberg-Loya, Bravely Leadership Coach
- Mark Turner, Bravely Coach & Leadership Development at LinkedIn
Session Resources
Book: The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
Day 2: Thursday, September 25th
Explore sessions from Day 2
Designing a Recognition Program That Delivers Moments That Matter
Take away proven tactics you can adapt for your own team in 2025 and beyond.
Presented by:
- Rodrigo Ortega, Manager, Customer Success at Bucketlist Rewards
- Jessica Hessels, Manager, Customer Onboarding at Bucketlist Rewards
Session Resources
Session Slidedeck | Download
Attracting Talent: Recognition in Recruitment and Employer Branding
Discover how public celebrations of employee success, from LinkedIn shout-outs to “Top Workplace” awards, can help candidates envision themselves thriving in your workplace.
Presented by:
- Tara Gusmanis, Director, People & Talent at Crunch Fitness Canada
- Christina Schmit, VP, Talent & Culture at Esler Companies
- Chris Schubert, Talent Operations Partner at APi Group
Creating Belonging: Recognition for DEIB and Culture Building
Learn how to design inclusive recognition programs that honor different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while strengthening a shared sense of community.
Presented by:
- Tonya Richards, VP of Human Resources & Organization Development at Maimonides Health
- Mary Newville, Director, People Experience at Arctic Wolf
- Mindy Montgomery, Director of Global Culture & Communications at KEEN
Recognition in the Age of AI: Building Human-Centered Culture in 2026 and Beyond
Learn how forward-thinking companies are using emerging tools to personalize appreciation, streamline culture-building, and keep human connection at the heart of the workplace.
Presented by:
- Annapoorni Kishore, Senior Director of Product Management at Bucketlist Rewards
- Kim Cyphers, Director of Product Adoption & Solution Consulting at PeopleFluent
- Stephanie R. Smith, Chief People Officer at Tagboard
In the spirit of recognition…
Our speakers are so generous with their time and wisdom – If something they said resonated with you during Recognition Week, please give them a shoutout!
