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Adapting to a Changing Workplace: Human Skills That Matter in the Age of AI

In-person
Seattle, Washington, United States
Adapting to a Changing Workplace: Human Skills That Matter in the Age of AI
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The workplace is evolving at lightning speed and AI is only accelerating that change. But while technology reshapes our workflows, it’s the human skills that remain at the core of how we collaborate, innovate, and thrive.

Join Expedia Group and PowerToFly on Thursday, October 16th for an engaging in-person evening of networking and conversation in Seattle. This invite-only event will spotlight the uniquely human strengths, including creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, that are shaping the future of work.

During this experience, you’ll:
🗣️ Hear insights from Expedia Group leaders on the role of human skills in an AI-driven world
💡 Learn practical strategies to future-proof your career in a rapidly changing workplace
🤝 Connect with peers, recruiters, and professionals across industries
🚀 Build relationships with recruiters and your fellow Seattle-based professionals that could spark your next big opportunity

Both professionals curious about career growth and those actively exploring new roles are encouraged to attend. This is your chance to connect face-to-face with Expedia Group recruiters and expand your network in an inspiring environment.

Agenda (PT):
  • 5:00 – 5:30 PM: Networking & light refreshments
  • 5:30 – 5:35 PM: Opening remarks from PowerToFly
  • 5:35 – 5:45 PM: Keynote with Giselle Doolan, Director, Strategy
  • 5:45 – 6:10 PM: Panel discussion with Expedia Group leaders
    • Hilary Lurie-Malina, Sr. Director, Machine Learning
    • Richard Kocher, Senior Director, Global Media Insights & Planning
    • Mani Najmabadi, Director, Machine Learning Science
  • 6:10 – 6:25 PM: Audience Q&A
  • 6:25 – 6:30 PM: Closing remarks
6:30 – 7:00 PM: Networking

About Expedia Group:
Expedia Group powers global travel through technology, partnerships, and a shared passion for connecting people to the world. With trusted brands like Expedia®, Hotels.com®, and Vrbo®, the company helps millions of travelers explore while supporting partners with innovation and scale. At Expedia Group, we believe travel is a force for good—and we’re committed to building a more connected, inclusive future.

About PowerToFly:
PowerToFly is a women-run career platform connecting talent with companies that prioritize inclusion. With 2,000+ events hosted in partnership with leading brands like Meta, Salesforce, and Deloitte, PowerToFly helps professionals unlock new opportunities and thrive in workplaces built for everyone.

Accessibility Note:
All RSVP’d attendees are welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, or age. If you need assistance to fully participate, please contact hi@powertofly.com

Meet The Speakers

Mani Najmabadi
Mani Najmabadi
Director, Machine Learning Science, Expedia Group

I am a seasoned AI/ML professional with over 16 years of experience, including more than a decade in leadership roles. My expertise encompasses unstructured data applications such as natural language processing (NLP), computer vision (CV), and multimodal systems, with a particular focus on generative AI (GenAI). I hold multiple publications and patents, underscoring my contributions to cutting-edge innovation, and I have successfully guided companies in strategically adopting GenAI to drive tangible business outcomes. Known for bridging technical expertise with business strategy, I have delivered widely recognized conference talks on practical GenAI applications, helping organizations unlock its transformative potential. At Expedia Group, my team has played a central role in developing products powered by generative AI.

Richard Kocher
Richard Kocher
Senior Director of Media Insights & Planning, Expedia Group

Richard is senior director of Media Insights & Planning. His team is responsible for mining Expedia Group’s exclusive first-party search and booking data and market insights to inform partners’ strategies, product selection, and audience targeting. Prior to overseeing the global Media, Insights, and Planning team, Richard led Business Development and Account Management teams in display and sponsored listings across EMEA and APAC. He has postgraduate degrees in Anthropology from the University of Sussex and Business Administration from Warwick Business School – and lives with his family in Redmond, Washington.

Giselle Doolan
Giselle Doolan
Director, Strategy, Expedia Group

Giselle has 17 years of experience in technology, with a background in program management, operations, and strategy. Her past employers include The New York Times, Ancestry, Vivint Smart Home, and Google. She has been with EG for 2.5 years, and is currently the Director of Business Operations for the Data & AI organization at Expedia Group, and the Chair of EG's Women in Data Community Group.

Hilary Lurie-Malina
Hilary Lurie-Malina
Sr. Director, Machine Learning, Expedia Group
I lead teams that build intelligent, end-to-end solutions that power smarter, safer, and more seamless travel experiences for millions of customers and partners worldwide.