Keynote Speakers

Get to know the 2026 Indiana HR Conference keynote speakers!

Rollins Headshot

Opening General Session Keynote Speaker | Wednesday, April 29 at 8:30 a.m.

MAKE MOMENTS MATTER: Creating a Culture of Belonging Through the Ripple Effects of Human Connection

Chris Rollins, Speaker | Coach | Consultant, Creator of The Ripple Effect Leader

Belonging isn’t built by big initiatives alone – it’s created in the small, everyday moments where people feel seen, heard and valued. But when those moments are missed, something else builds in their place: Invisible Friction™, the quiet tension, mistrust and disconnection that quietly erodes culture and collaboration. In this keynote, Chris Rollins helps audiences Make Moments Matter by showing how small, intentional actions – like genuine check-ins, active listening and empathy – can create ripple effects of trust and create a welcoming environment. Through powerful stories and a simple framework, participants learn how to build a culture where everyone feels like they belong.

Areces Headshot

Morning General Session Keynote Speaker | Thursday, April 30 at 8:30 a.m.

Leading the Shift: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders Before They’re in Charge

Amanda Areces, President, HRD* | A Leadership Development Company

As experienced leaders retire, organizations face an urgent readiness gap: Emerging professionals are being promoted faster than they’re prepared. The answer isn’t more classes after the promotion – it’s developing leadership before the title. In this inspiring and practical keynote, Areces shares an approach to equipping future leaders early so they build the mindsets and behaviors that drive performance on day one. Drawing on her career in leadership development, she reveals what rising leaders need most – clarity, confidence and connection – and how HR can hardwire these qualities through simple, repeatable routines leaders actually use. Attendees leave with a blueprint to close the readiness gap, accelerate leadership pipelines and sustain culture through generational transition – without adding bureaucracy or blowing up budgets.