Human Resources Forum

Two days of information sharing, problem-solving, and networking!

ACEC's Human Resources Forum brings together professionals from engineering firms for two days of open discussion and roundtables where they share best practices, explore problems and solutions, and gain valuable insights into industry trends.

Network with professionals in the A/E space

Attendees are connected to a network of their peers to share best practices, discuss emerging trends, and problem-solving in the workplace.

Roundtable Discussions

The HR Forum agenda is built around interactive roundtables so attendees can dive deeper into session topics and share personal challenges and triumphs in their work.

Access to the Forums online communities

ACEC National members of engineering firms can join online communities and continue receiving valuable insight with their peers year-round.

Thank you to our sponsor!

“The annual ACEC HR forum continues to help grow my career. It is a unique group of leaders working in the same or similar role, and in the same industry. It is impactful to discuss with peers who are working to grow their firms the challenges, failures and triumphs facing the industry. The HR Forum builds a network of trusted advisors long after the conference is over. “

Angie Koester
Human Resources Manager
Crawford, Murphy, & Tilly

“I found immense value in the sessions, networking opportunities, and thought-provoking discussions. It’s incredibly helpful to be surrounded by others in the same industry!

This is a conference I make sure to attend each year. As I return to my workplace, I carry with me fresh insights, renewed enthusiasm, and a network of supportive colleagues.“

Jessica Nyce
Director of Human Resources
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.

"The ACEC HR Forum offers a great place to network and learn from other HR leaders in the same industry. I look forward to it every year.

There are very few conferences where you can learn from others in your field as well as your industry.

The round table discussions offer everyone equal opportunity to ask their most pressing questions or bring up concerns and get feedback and advise from others struggling with the same issues. I come back with valuable insights every year!"

Laurie Cybulski
Director of Human Resources
George Butler Associates

Forum Highlights

Cognitive Equity: Understanding Neurodiversity at Work
Workforce of the Future
Navigating Immigration in Engineering Workforces: Visas, Compliance, and Risk
Workforce and DEI&B Policy Update
Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Succession Planning and Knowledge Transfer
AI in Recruitment: Balancing Innovation, Compliance, and the Human Touch
Open Roundtable Discussions

Working Agenda

Session Spotlight

Cognitive Equity: Understanding Neurodiversity at Work

The Human Resources Forum is excited to host a three-part session on Neurodiversity at Work lead by People & Culture Strategist Dr. Victoria Verlezza and featuring a panel discussion from your peers.

This session will be an introduction to neurodiversity, establishing terminology, the umbrella of neurodivergence, and what falls under it. We’ll review history and how exclusion can come up day-to-day during the employee lifecycle. During the session, we’ll cover Cognitive Equity and how it applies to human resources, talent development, as well as people and culture.

Learning intentions:

Learn language for neurodiversity, neurodivergence, Cognitive Equity
Review barriers to inclusion
Strategize ways to to ensure access and to embed neuroinclusion in day-to-day practice

Dr. Victoria Verlezza

People & Culture Strategist

Meet Your Presenter

Dr. Verlezza is an inclusion, equity, access, belonging strategist and educator with 20+ years of experience supporting individuals and organizations in building more inclusive, accessible, and equity-driven cultures. As a scholar-practitioner with lived experience, She brings both expertise and empathy to my work, especially around neurodivergence and systemic change.

With a PhD in Human Development and master’s degrees in Social Justice Education, Higher Ed Administration, and Human Development, she help teams grow through reflection, accountability, and action.

Registration

ACEC Member Rate

$799 Early Bird

$999 after 6/30/2026

Non-Member Rate

$1,099

Not an ACEC Member? Click here to join!

*Registration for the HR Forum is limited to employees of engineering firms. Affiliate Member Firms or Non-Member vendors are not eligible to attend.

Hotel

Hilton Cleveland Downtown

The ACEC room rate is $259-289 per night plus tax for a standard or higher floor room. Reservations must be received by August 14, 2026. Reservations received after this date, or after the group block sells out prior to this date, will be on a space and rate available basis. The hotel is expected to sell out over our event dates so please reserve your room as soon as possible.

Reserve Your Room