Workforce Summit

AI isn’t a future trend—it’s already changing the way we work. Join us for Elevate Rapid City’s second Workforce Summit as we take a closer look at how artificial intelligence is impacting jobs, hiring, and the policies that shape our workforce.

This half-day event will feature a keynote speaker, an expert panel, interactive tabletop discussions, and updates on local labor trends and unemployment insurance changes. You’ll walk away with insights, ideas, and real strategies to help you and your team navigate the AI shift.

Whether you’re already using AI tools or just trying to figure out where to start, this summit is for you.

8:00 am – Doors open/Check-in Begins/Breakfast Buffet Open - LaCroix C
We encourage you to come when the doors open and enjoy valuable networking!

8:30 am – Welcome

8:35 am – Keynote Address - The AI Shift: Preparing for the Future of Work | Dr. Lane Freeman, State Director of Online Learning, NC Community College System

9:40 am – Networking Break 

9:50 am - Panel + Tabletop Breakouts: AI, Policy & Talent

- Autumn Hughes | Director of People, Property Meld
- Jason Lambert | Director of Intelligence, Monument Health
- Caleb Arceneaux | CEO, LIV Hospitality

- Moderator: Alexis Benne | Athena HR Consulting, LLC

10:50 am – Networking Break

11:00 am – Local Workforce Landscape | Taylor Davis, Senior Workforce Development & Partnerships Director, Elevate Rapid City

11: 40 am - Unemployment Insurance Policy Update | Garth Wadsworth, Senior Public Policy Director, Elevate Rapid City

11:50 am - Closing Remarks

12:00 pm - Conclude Event

Registration closes on July 7th!

About the Speakers: 

Dr. Lane Freeman is a nationally recognized leader in instructional innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) integration in education. As the State Director of Online Learning for the North Carolina Community College System, he leads transformative initiatives that help educators harness the power of AI to enhance teaching, learning, and workforce alignment.

With more than two decades of experience spanning high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) and higher education leadership, Dr. Freeman brings a unique perspective to preparing students and workers for an AI-driven future. He has trained over a thousand educators across the country, equipping them with the tools and strategies to integrate AI into the classroom and beyond.

Dr. Freeman is the architect of the TrAIT Framework (Transparency in AI and Teaching), a nationally adopted model for responsible AI use in education. His work has been featured by Inside Higher Ed, NISOD, and the Online Learning Consortium. A frequent panelist, presenter, and workshop facilitator, Dr. Freeman is committed to helping communities understand the practical implications of AI on workforce readiness and innovation.

Whether guiding educators in crafting AI-enhanced lesson plans or advising industry partners on practical AI adoption strategies, Dr. Freeman is a passionate advocate for ethical, future-ready education.

Taylor Davis is the Senior Workforce Development and Partnerships Director at Elevate Rapid City and focuses her efforts on military engagement, workforce development and talent attraction initiatives. Davis is passionate about supporting business growth and eliminating barriers in her community through economic and workforce development. Within Workforce Development, Davis enjoys bringing key industries together for creative problem-solving with like minds and providing individualized support to enhance their experience with doing business in the Rapid City region. Since joining Elevate Rapid City, Davis’s work has contributed to the creation of two new workforce grants, a talent attraction toolkit, the establishment of the Ellsworth AFB & Camp Rapid Military Spouse Professional Network, a Hiring Our Heroes program, workforce assessment survey and more.

Sponsorships are available

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