The Licensing Racket

Rebecca Haw Allensworth, David Daniels Allen Professor of Law, Vanderbilt University Law School 

Description: Rebecca Hall Allensworth, author of  The Licensing Racket, How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work, and Why It Goes Wrong, will speak to changes in educational trends, eligibility requirements impact, changes in how job are defined.

Lifelong Learning

Sierra Hampton-Simmons, CPMAI+E, ICE-CCP, Vice President of Certifications & Learning Innovations, Institute of Management Accountants

Dr. Guangming Ling, Research Director, Center of Global Higher Education and Workforce, ETS Research Institute

Pamela Brown Senior Manager, Product Management, Amazon Web Services

Moderator: Isabelle Gonthier, PhD, ICE-CCP, Chief Assessment Officer, PSI Service

Description: As work, learning, and credentialing become increasingly global, digital, and fast-paced, credentialing organizations must adapt to recognize the full spectrum of skills, knowledge, and experiences individuals gain throughout their lives. Panelists will examine how credentialing can evolve to embrace lifelong learning, shifting from static, point-in-time evaluations to dynamic, continuous measures of growth.

This interactive discussion will include innovations in assessment formats and skill measurement, strategies for aligning credentials with rapidly changing workforce needs, and novel approaches to capturing evolving job requirements. Explore how technology can transform assessment processes, creating a more agile and responsive credentialing ecosystem that supports ongoing development and career advancement.

Human Learning

Dr. Naomi R. Boyer  Senior Vice President, Digital Transformation, DesignLab

Description: Human (durable) skills are increasingly critical in the workplace. Validating these skills effectively is a challenge that credentialing systems must address. During this discussion, Dr. Naomi Boyer will discuss the importance and value of durable skills in the modern workforce; methods, tools, and innovation for assessing soft skills; and credentialing of durable skills through validation within existing credentialing systems.

Alternative Education and Assessment Tools

Jennifer McNamara, Vice President,BreakAway Games

Dr. Timothy Muckle  Chief Assessment Officer, National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

Moderator: Rachel R. Schoenig, President and CEO, Cornerstone Strategies LLC

Description:This panel will discuss how education and assessment are changing, with new methods for educating, training, measuring and assessing providing new insights and opportunities for testing programs. Explore immersive learning and longitudinal assessment tools and their impact on the future of education, training, and credentials.

Aligning Skills with Market Demand: A Data-Driven Approach for Credentialing in Today’s Rapidly Changing World

Josh Gage Vice President of Social Impact & Government, Lightcast

Description:The skills landscape is changing faster than ever before, and often at a rate making it challenging for certification programs to adapt, creating a critical mismatch between employer needs and validated learner competencies. This session, led by an expert in labor market intelligence, will explore data-driven approaches to align and close this widening skills gap. Leveraging dynamic labor market data and intelligence from Lightcast.io, we will analyze current and future employer skills demand to inform and evolve the future of credentialing. Attendees will learn how different stakeholders—associations, employers, credentialing organizations, government, and others—can leverage data to gain more dynamic insight and create stronger partnerships to ensure skill taxonomies truly reflect market needs. The discussion will feature practical case studies and approaches focused on the value of credentials and preparing individuals for the jobs and skill evolution projected for 2030.

Non-Degree Credentials: Using Data to Define the Future of Program Value

Jenifer Karan, Vice President of Communications, CredLens

Kate Smalkin, Vice President of Engagement, CredLens

Description: Everyone is talking about non-degree credential data and the challenge of defining 'credentials of value,' but the needs, intentions, and goals are different from conversation to conversation and organization to organization. This interactive presentation will discuss some of the broader data challenges, opportunities, and themes in the non-degree credential ecosystem. We will explore specific ways credentialing bodies can better use data to gain visibility into their programs and outcomes, providing the evidence needed to navigate the complex 'credentials of value' discussion. The session will include a demonstration of data dashboards that organizations can leverage to understand and improve how credentials provide value to the organization, to learners, and ultimately, to employers.

Embedding Credentials in Higher Education

Kate Giovacchini, Executive Director, Trusted Learner Network and Pocket, Enterprise Technology, Arizona State University

Tyson Heath, MA, MSML, Director, Academic Standards and Policies, Western Governors University

Moderator: Tony Ellis, ICE-CCP CAE, Executive Director, Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation

Description: Learn innovative approaches to embedding certifications and credentials within a variety of learning and career pathways. From integrating industry-recognized certifications into degree programs—rather than treating them as stand-alone or capstone experiences—to designing stackable, laddered credentials that provide fast, entry-level workforce access and ongoing advancement opportunities, examine models that align education with evolving employer needs. Gain insights into strategies for driving recognition and employer adoption of certifications, supporting skills-based hiring practices, and reducing reliance on degrees as the primary filter for talent.

The Strategic Importance of Credentialing in HR

Scott Cawood, Ed.D., CCP, GRP, CSCP, CBP, CEO, World at Work

Kathy Claytor, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP CHRO, Delta Dental

Shaun Mayo, MBA, SPHR,Chief People Officer, Arizona Cardinals Football Club

Moderator: Amy Dufrane, EdD, SPHR, CAE, CEO, HRCI

Description: Three Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) will share their perspectives on the strategic role of credentialing in strengthening recruitment, enhancing workforce capability, and improving retention. The discussion will highlight how verified skills and micro-credentials empower employees with greater confidence, support career mobility, and increase organizational agility. Panelists will also offer practical strategies and best practices for embedding credentialing into talent development frameworks to drive sustained business growth and competitive advantage.