Upstate Talent Forum

Harnessing AI for a Future-Ready Workforce
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Closing the Talent Gap

The Upstate Talent Forum is a dynamic, two-day forum hosted by USC Upstate, bringing together leaders in industry and education to help shape the region’s workforce future. Engage in interactive sessions and thought-provoking panels discussing critical issues facing South Carolina and the Upstate region.

Join us for the second annual event, where we’ll explore innovative strategies for integrating AI into education and workforce development, shaping a smarter future for our students and communities.

What to Expect:

  • Visionary Leaders: Gain insights from top experts on workforce development and AI’s impact on our economy.
  • Interactive Sessions: Engage in collaborative workshops with actionable takeaways.
  • Enhanced Experience: Building on last year’s success, expect even greater value and networking.

2024 Co-Conveners

Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D.
Chancellor
USC Upstate

Allen Smith
President & CEO
OneSpartanburg, Inc.

Carlos Phillips
President & CEO
Greenville Chamber of Commerce

Katie Collins
President & CEO
Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce

2024 Speakers

John Uprichard
CEO
Find Great People

Christina Gardner-McCune, Ph.D.
Associate Professor University of Florida

Matt Sigelman
President
Burning Glass Institute

Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D.
Chancellor
USC Upstate

2024 CEO Panels

John Uprichard
CEO
Find Great People
Moderator

Katherine O’Neill
Chief Economic Development Officer OneSpartanburg, Inc.
Moderator

Dr. Jeff Perez
President and Executive Director
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education

Don Bent
Former COO, Oshkosh Defense, and Executive in Residence USC Upstate

Jack McBride
Founder and CEO
Contec, Inc.

Sam Konduros
President and CEO
Greenville City Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC)

Phil Feisal
President
Spartanburg Medical Center, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Paul Sinanian
Department Manager, Qualification, Apprentice & Future Talent Programs
BMW Mfg. Co., LLC

Art Seaver
CEO
Southern First Bank

2024 Facilitator

Christopher Taylor
Vice Chancellor
External Affairs
USC Upstate

Barbara Fowler
Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff
USC Upstate

Dr. Kaliym Islam
Director Office of Continuing Education and Industry Certification
USC Upstate


Schedule of Events

Morning

Tuesday, November 12

8:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast

8:30 a.m. Welcome

8:45 a.m. Keynote: John Uprichard, Find Great People

9:30 a.m. CEO Panel Discussion 1

10:15 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. Keynote: Matt Sigelman, BGI

11:15 a.m. Implementation Team Reports

Afternoon

Tuesday, November 12

Noon

Lunch 

1:00 p.m.

Keynote: Dr. Christina Gardner-McCune, UF

1:45 p.m.

CEO Panel Discussion 2

2:45 p.m.

Break

3:00 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

3:45 p.m.

Breakout Session Report Outs

4:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Talent Pledge Framework

USC Upstate contracted Lightcast to assist in developing the Upstate Talent Pledge. Through breakout sessions, the first event resulted in findings available here in the Talent Pledge Framework. The framework also includes collective actions for employers and the university.

Learn more from the Upstate Talent Pledge Framework (PDF)

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