HR Challenge: What does AI do to people at work? And therefore, to you as well?
HR challenge: Do entry-level professionals still have a future in the job market?
How do you build a future-proof talent pipeline when AI is increasingly taking over junior-level tasks?
This event is in Dutch.
AI is taking over more and more routine tasks, while organisations are increasingly opting for smaller, more experienced teams. As a result, it is becoming much harder for recent graduates to gain the experience employers expect.
During this edition of the HR challenge, we will explore answers to an increasingly urgent question: is there still a place for recent graduates in the job market?
Together, we will examine thought-provoking dilemmas. Is junior-level work really disappearing, or is it simply evolving? Is developing talent becoming more important than recruiting it? And who is responsible for nurturing young talent: organisations, educational institutions, the government, or the graduates themselves?
What is the HR Challenge?
The HR Challenge is a recurring evening of inspiration and debate organised by Antwerp Management School for HR professionals and people managers. Each edition focuses on a current issue in people management that brings together a range of different perspectives.
Through real-world cases, thought-provoking statements, and interactive discussions, you will engage with academics, HR experts, recent graduates, and fellow professionals. Rather than a traditional keynote, the HR Challenge offers an evening where different perspectives come together, challenge one another, and spark new insights.
After the event, you will leave with:
new insights into a current HR topic, fresh perspectives from both academia and practice, inspiring conversations with fellow professionals facing similar challenges, and practical ideas you can apply within your own organisation.
Event programme
5:00 pm - Welcome and registration
5:30 pm - Setting the scene with Professor Lou Van Beirendonck
5:45 pm - Challenge session I
6:30 pm - Break with sandwiches and refreshments
7:00 pm - Challenge session II
8:00 pm - Networking and open bar
Spreakers
Prof. Dr. Lou Van Beirendonck – host and moderator, Antwerp Management School
Prof. Dr. Peggy De Prins – professor Sustainable HRM, Antwerp Management School
Prof. Dr. Sofie Jacobs – professor Sustainable Career Development, Antwerp Management School
Wim Van der Linden – Corporate Communications - Randstad Group
Frank Vander Sype – Director HR Trends & Insights - Securex
Kirby Vandenbrande – The Genius Hub
Lien Meuleman – Chief HR Officer - Barco
Additional speakers will be announced soon.
Practical information
Date: Thursday 24 September 2026, registration from 4:00 pm
Location: Antwerp Management School, Boogkeers 5, 2000 Antwerp
Tickets: €45 (excluding VAT) for AMS alumni | €65 (excluding VAT) for non-alumni
The number of places is intentionally limited to ensure the reflection sessions remain engaging and personal.