2026 HR Lunch Bunch-NOVA: A Mastermind for HR Professionals

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how organizations plan for talent, recruit candidates, evaluate applicants, and make hiring decisions. At the same time, AI enabled tools have made it easier than ever for candidates to find and apply for jobs, creating new challenges for HR professionals who must manage higher applicant volume while still identifying qualified talent.

This session explores how HR and talent leaders can modernize recruiting and interviewing practices without losing the human judgment that is critical to effective hiring. Participants will examine how AI is influencing headcount and workforce planning, compensation strategy, candidate sourcing and screening, and the interview process. The session will also address the growing challenge of AI assisted applications and increased applicant volume, including strategies for efficiently identifying qualified candidates without over relying on automated screening.

Participants will leave with practical strategies for using AI and technology to improve recruiting efficiency while preserving the human judgment and connection essential to effective hiring.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate the impact of AI on workforce and headcount planning and identify how changing roles, skills, and organizational needs should influence future hiring decisions.
• Develop competitive compensation packages in an AI influenced labor market by considering market data, evolving skill requirements, internal equity, and the total employee value proposition.
• Implement strategies for managing increased applicant volume resulting from AI assisted job searching and application tools while improving the organization's ability to identify qualified candidates efficiently.
• Identify where AI can enhance sourcing, screening, communication, interviewing, and selection—and where human judgment must lead instead.
• Assess current recruiting and interviewing practices to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality of hire while maintaining the human element of talent acquisition.

Map

38.8834307,-77.1180226

1100 N. Glebe Road, Second Floor , Arlington, VA 22201

Arlington Economic Development

1100 N. Glebe Road, Second Floor , Arlington, VA 22201

2026 HR Lunch Bunch-NOVA: A Mastermind for HR Professionals

1100 N. Glebe Road, Second Floor, Arlington, VA 22201 | View Map