SAFE SPACE SUMMIT
October 23, Chicago, IL
Tentative Agenda
The world of work is WILD right now.
Between balancing what’s happening in the world with the day-to-day of what’s happening in your organization, it can get really overwhelming.
But our toughest problems in HR aren’t going away and still require our attention.
That sparked the idea for the Safe Space Summit. HR leaders need a space where we can come together, learn, connect and kick back. A place where we don’t have to have all the answers, be in confidential mode or always watch what we say.
This isn’t your typical “best practices” snoozefest. No generic panels, no surface-level discussions.
Expect raw, honest conversations about the challenges we’re actually facing, like AI, performance, wellbeing and getting your CEO to actually listen to you. (My lifelong mission).
Come for the real talk. Stay for the game-changing strategies. Leave feeling like you’ve got a whole bunch of new connections with people who get it and are happy to support you.
Hope to see you there,
– Hebba
FOUNDER OF I HATE IT HERE
Thanks to our partners
The Toughest Challenges in HR
HR is at a major inflection point. The market is tightening, jobs are shrinking, and big macro shifts are reshaping the micro realities inside our companies. This keynote dives into the toughest challenges we’re facing right now — where leadership is critical but often weak, change is accelerating, companies are getting leaner, and AI is starting to reshape how we work at every level.
Morning sessions
Leading Through Wild Times
As instability becomes the norm, leaders are being stretched to their limits. The weight of constant change, leaner teams, and the emotional toll of the world around us is reshaping what leadership requires. This session explores how stress actually shows up in leadership and how to build awareness, steadiness, and equity into your leadership style.
Grab a quick bite and network with fellow attendees
Meet and greet with fellow attendees and be sure to check out our sponsors while you rest and recharge!
Long Lunch &
Connection Break
Midday
Lunch & Networking Break
Cultivating Safety to Innovate
This era of work calls for radical innovation, yet traditional performance systems reward output over originality. This session reframes VUCA and AI as opportunities to reorient performance cultures: shifting from control to curiosity, from performance management to performance learning, and from individual achievement to collective creativity. You will leave with data, insights and practical strategies to ignite and reward your teams build cultures that not only adapt to AI-driven change, but thrive because of it.
Afternoon sessions
Closing Party
A chance to unwind, meet new friends and not be on HR duty at a party!
This Summit is Made for People Like You
Ready to ditch the status quo and build sharper, more effective HR strategies? This summit is for you—CHROs, VPs of People, and senior HR operators who shape talent, budgets, and organizational design. Join us for candid peer conversations and frameworks that drive real impact.
90%
Decision Makers
Director Level and Above
92%
Healthcare, tech, SaaS, education
Top Industries
Safe Space Speakers
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Not Ready to Lock It In? No Problem!
Drop your email, and we’ll keep you in the loop with updates, speaker announcements, and exclusive event details that will show you why this summit is worth your time (and inbox space).
Partner with Us and Let’s Build Better Workplaces Together.
Showcase your brand to decision-makers, HR leaders, and workplace innovators who are driving meaningful change across industries. Let’s shape the future we want and make an impact together.
Viceroy Chicago
Located in the vibrant River North neighborhood, the Viceroy Chicago offers the perfect backdrop for a day of innovation and connection.
Location
1118 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610 USA
Rates
Book your stay at our exclusive hotel rate and enjoy the summit in style.
Ends Sep. 4
Early rate
For HR leaders ready to transform their workplaces. Limited spots available.
HR Leader Pass
Approval required
$895
Early rate
Ends Sep. 1
$1,045
Regular rate
Ends Oct. 1
SOLD OUT
$1,245
Late rate
Regular rate
Ends Oct. 2
Late rate
Want to be the first to know about next year?
HR in the Time of Change
The pace of change has gone from fast to relentless. This session explores how to navigate constant transformation without losing your people (or yourself) and how to build the storytelling muscles that make change stick.
The CEO-HR dynamic can make or break your people strategy. We’re exploring what great partnership looks like and what happens when it goes off the rails.
Fireside Chat: CEO + HR Relationship
Tactical Use Cases of AI in HR
AI is reshaping the way work gets done and HR has the chance to lead the charge. This session explores real, tactical use cases that cut through the hype and give you back time to focus on the human work.
Closing Reflections + Thank You + Community Call-to-Action
We’ll kick off the day with self-assessments focused on major challenges facing HR leaders in 2026 and beyond. Throughout the day, we’ll pair expert-led sessions with interactive exercises to help you identify problems and craft actionable solutions.
Silver
Gold
SOLD OUT