Shonda Rhimes and Marc Benioff Headline Indeed FutureWorks 2026
Indeed, described as the world's #1 job site and a leading hiring platform, will host its annual Indeed FutureWorks conference on September 2–3, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ. Registration is now open at IndeedFutureWorks.com for both virtual and in-person attendance, bringing thousands of HR professionals and talent leaders together for two days of candid conversations around the biggest questions in hiring, labor economics, and workplace technology.
Headlining this year's event are the award-winning writer, producer, author and Chief Executive Officer of Shondaland, Shonda Rhimes, and Salesforce Chair, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder Marc Benioff. Attendees will also experience Indeed's AI-powered matching tools up close, built to make hiring faster, more efficient, and fundamentally human.
"Human connection remains the ultimate workplace advantage, even as artificial intelligence shifts from a technological novelty to an operational necessity."
— James Whitemore, Chief Marketing Officer, IndeedBeyond the Script: A Conversation with Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes, the visionary creator behind Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton, will join Indeed Chief Revenue Officer Maggie Hulce for a candid conversation titled "Beyond the Script: Shonda Rhimes on Storytelling, Ambition, and Leading with Purpose." Together, they will explore what it means to bet on yourself, and how embracing bold choices can transform not just a career, but an entire industry.
"This year's FutureWorks explores this exact tension, helping leaders navigate the shift without losing the human element driving business growth."
— James Whitemore, Chief Marketing Officer, IndeedThe Next Era of Work: The Human Advantage
Marc Benioff, Chair, CEO and Co-Founder of Salesforce, will participate in a fireside chat with Indeed CEO Hisayuki "Deko" Idekoba. Moderated by TIME CEO Jessica Sibley, the conversation "The Next Era of Work: The Human Advantage" will explore how leaders can navigate the next era of AI innovation while keeping human value at the center of work.
Additional speakers include Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun, who will appear in conversation with Glassdoor President Owen Humphries on leading culture through transformation. Across two days, FutureWorks aims to give talent leaders a direct look at how AI, leadership, and human connection are together shaping the future of work.
Date & location. Indeed FutureWorks 2026 takes place September 2–3, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ, with registration open for both virtual and in-person attendance.
Star headliners. Shondaland CEO Shonda Rhimes and Salesforce Chair & CEO Marc Benioff lead the speaker lineup.
Central theme. The conference focuses on the tension between rising AI adoption and preserving human connection as the ultimate workplace advantage.
Marquee sessions. Rhimes joins Maggie Hulce for "Beyond the Script," while Benioff appears in "The Next Era of Work: The Human Advantage," moderated by TIME CEO Jessica Sibley.
Deeper lineup. Additional voices include Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun and Glassdoor President Owen Humphries, plus a showcase of Indeed's AI-powered hiring tools.