BRANDON HALL GROUP INC.

https://www.scheer-imc.com

Brandon Hall Group is an independent human capital management (HCM) research and advisory firm that provides professional development services. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, the company's mission is to continuously inspire and enable organizations worldwide to achieve greatness through its research and tools, fostering a better workplace experience.

The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services including membership access to its extensive research library, advisory support, and strategic marketing services for solution providers. It is widely recognized for its industry recognition programs, such as the HCM Excellence Awards, Technology Excellence Awards, Education Technology Awards, and Excellence in Action Awards, often referred to as the “Academy Awards of Human Capital Management.” Additionally, Brandon Hall Group provides certification programs across various HCM domains, including Learning, Leadership Development, Talent Management, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), Human Resources, and Talent Acquisition.

Recent initiatives highlight the company's focus on emerging trends in human capital. Brandon Hall Group launched a significant research initiative exploring AI transformation in HR, examining how organizations are moving beyond basic automation to strategic AI implementation. The firm also released its 2026 Women in Leadership Magazine, drawing insights from its Women in Leadership Summit, and continues to open submissions for its prestigious Excellence Awards. Its HR Outlook 2026 report delves into how organizations are adapting leadership, learning, inclusion, talent acquisition, and talent management strategies in the evolving AI landscape.

Latest updates

Brandon Hall Group Launches 2026 Awards for Employee Voice Impact

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group opened submissions for its 2026 Excellence in Action Awards on May 4, 2026.
  • The awards recognize organizations that translate employee feedback into measurable business outcomes.
  • Winners will be announced on November 12, 2026, and receive global recognition.
  • Categories include employee engagement, leadership, innovation, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The big picture

The Excellence in Action Awards reflect a growing emphasis on employee feedback as a strategic asset in human capital management. As organizations increasingly recognize the link between employee engagement and business performance, this program could set a new benchmark for measuring cultural impact. The awards align with broader industry trends toward data-driven HR practices and inclusive workplace cultures.

What we're watching

Program Impact
Whether the awards will drive meaningful changes in how organizations prioritize employee voice.
Industry Trends
The pace at which companies adopt people-centric cultures as a competitive differentiator.
Recognition Value
How the global press campaign and digital assets will influence the perceived value of winning organizations.

Brandon Hall Group Partners with Instructure to Quantify Workforce Learning Impact

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group, an HCM research firm, has designated Instructure as an Eminence Partner.
  • The partnership will focus on research into the future of work, lifelong learning, and workforce learning’s impact.
  • A joint 'Bellwether Research Report' will examine trends and challenges in workforce capability building, expected to be released in the future.
  • Instructure has also been recognized as a Smartchoice® Preferred Provider by Brandon Hall Group.

The big picture

The partnership underscores the growing recognition that continuous workforce learning is no longer a 'nice-to-have' but a strategic imperative for organizational resilience. With the accelerating pace of technological change and the shrinking half-life of skills, organizations are under pressure to invest heavily in reskilling and upskilling initiatives. Brandon Hall Group's reputation as an HCM research leader lends credibility to Instructure's offerings, but the success of the collaboration hinges on delivering actionable insights and measurable impact for clients.

What we're watching

Research Focus
The forthcoming Bellwether Research Report will be critical; its methodology and findings will reveal the specific areas of workforce learning Brandon Hall Group and Instructure deem most pressing, potentially highlighting overlooked areas or biases.
Eminence Partner
The designation as an Eminence Partner suggests a deeper, potentially financially significant, relationship between Instructure and Brandon Hall Group; the terms of this partnership and any associated revenue sharing will be important to monitor.
Market Validation
Whether Instructure can leverage this partnership to demonstrably accelerate adoption of Canvas Career and solidify its position within the increasingly competitive workforce learning market remains to be seen.

Brandon Hall Group Opens 2026 Awards, Signaling Continued HCM Tech Scrutiny

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group has opened submissions for its 2026 Excellence in Technology and Education Technology Awards, commencing April 20, 2026.
  • The awards recognize innovation and measurable impact across Human Capital Management (HCM) technology, including learning and development, talent management, and sales enablement.
  • The program, established in 1993, has a legacy of recognizing organizations demonstrating measurable business results through technology.
  • Submissions are reviewed by an international panel of industry experts and Brandon Hall Group analysts, evaluated on innovation, design, usability, and outcomes.
  • The submission deadline is September 4, 2026, with winners announced December 3, 2026.

The big picture

The Brandon Hall Group awards program, a long-standing institution in the HCM space, underscores the ongoing demand for demonstrable value from technology investments. As organizations face increasing pressure to innovate and show business impact, these awards serve as a key indicator of which solutions and strategies are gaining traction. The program's continued existence and prestige reflect the critical role of HCM technology in driving organizational performance and talent development.

What we're watching

Award Rigor
The emphasis on 'measurable outcomes' suggests increasing pressure on HCM technology providers to demonstrate tangible ROI, potentially impacting smaller firms lacking robust measurement frameworks.
AI Integration
Given the focus on AI advancements, the awards will likely highlight vendors successfully integrating AI into HCM workflows, creating a benchmark for adoption and differentiation.
EdTech Convergence
The combined Technology and Education Technology Awards signal a growing convergence of HCM and learning solutions, which could accelerate consolidation or partnerships within the EdTech space.

Brandon Hall Group Elevates Scheer IMC with Eminence Partnership

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group, an HCM research firm, designated Scheer IMC as an Eminence Partner.
  • The partnership involves a joint Bellwether Research Report focused on enterprise learning readiness, to be released alongside a webinar, summit, and content series.
  • Scheer IMC is also recognized as a Smartchoice® Preferred Provider by Brandon Hall Group.
  • Scheer IMC, founded in 1997, supports over 12 million learners across 1,300+ organizations globally.

The big picture

The partnership signals a growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making within Human Capital Management, with Brandon Hall Group seeking to deepen its influence through collaborative research. Scheer IMC, a significant player in the enterprise learning space supporting over 12 million learners, is positioning itself as a thought leader and gaining validation for its technology. This collaboration highlights the increasing convergence of learning technology and business outcomes, as L&D departments face pressure to demonstrate ROI.

What we're watching

Research Impact
The success of the partnership hinges on the Bellwether Research Report's ability to influence L&D strategy and adoption of Scheer IMC's solutions, potentially validating the investment for both firms.
Competitive Landscape
How Scheer IMC leverages the Eminence Partnership to differentiate itself from competitors in the crowded enterprise learning technology market will be a key indicator of its long-term success.
Eminence Program
Whether Brandon Hall Group expands its Eminence Partner program to other vendors will reveal the strategic importance of this initiative and its potential impact on the broader HCM ecosystem.

Brandon Hall Group Doubles Down on Practitioner Research to Bolster HCM Insights

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group is expanding its 'Excellence Council,' a practitioner-led advisory group for HR, talent, and learning leaders.
  • The council excludes vendors and solution providers to foster candid peer dialogue and ensure research reflects real-world operational experience.
  • New industry-specific research reports (Healthcare, Financial Services, Technology & Software) have been released based on council insights.
  • The Excellence Council is organized into industry-specific groups, currently including Healthcare, Financial Services, Technology & Software, Manufacturing, and Retail.
  • Brandon Hall Group has been studying Human Capital Management (HCM) for over 30 years, and the Excellence Council builds on this history.

The big picture

Brandon Hall Group’s expansion of the Excellence Council signals a broader trend within the HCM research space towards prioritizing practitioner perspectives and moving beyond vendor-driven data. This model aims to address a growing demand for more relevant and actionable insights, particularly as organizations grapple with workforce transformation and the evolving future of work. The success of this initiative will hinge on Brandon Hall Group’s ability to maintain the integrity and representativeness of the practitioner network.

What we're watching

Data Integrity
The reliance on practitioner-only input raises questions about potential biases and the representativeness of the sample, which could impact the generalizability of the research findings.
Council Sustainability
Maintaining engagement and participation within the Industry Excellence Councils will be crucial; attrition or a shift in member priorities could compromise the quality and consistency of future insights.
Competitive Response
Other HCM research firms may attempt to replicate this practitioner-led model, potentially eroding Brandon Hall Group’s competitive advantage in providing actionable, real-world insights.

Leadership Development Gap Persists as Brandon Hall Group Highlights Women in Leadership Challenges

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group released the 2026 ‘Women in Leadership’ magazine, ‘Shaping Tomorrow,’ based on insights from their Women in Leadership Summit.
  • Only 28% of organizations are deemed ‘highly effective’ in developing women for senior leadership roles, according to Brandon Hall Group data.
  • The group will host a two-day leadership summit on November 17-18, 2026, at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, expanding the format to include leadership development and a focused women in leadership session.
  • The magazine features perspectives from leaders at Pfizer, Bank of America, Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, and Weatherby Healthcare.

The big picture

Brandon Hall Group's findings underscore a persistent challenge for many organizations: translating diversity and inclusion initiatives into meaningful leadership representation. The data suggests that while awareness of the issue is high, concrete action and measurable progress remain elusive. This highlights a broader trend of performative allyship versus genuine systemic change within corporate governance and HR practices, particularly as the demand for specialized skills in areas like AI intensifies.

What we're watching

Execution Risk
The stated intention to expand the summit format will need to translate into tangible improvements in leadership development outcomes, given the persistent low effectiveness rates highlighted in the magazine.
Market Dynamics
The continued emphasis on AI leadership suggests a growing need for specialized skills, and the ability of organizations to integrate women into these emerging roles will be a key differentiator.
Governance Dynamics
The relatively low percentage of women in senior leadership positions (under 14%) indicates a potential governance blind spot that may require more aggressive targets and accountability measures to address.

Brandon Hall Group Appoints Former PerkinElmer Executive to Drive HCM Strategy

Event summary

  • Heidi Grecsek joined Brandon Hall Group as Managing Director of HR and Talent Acquisition on March 10, 2026.
  • Grecsek brings over 25 years of experience in life sciences and technology, previously holding the role of Senior Director of Global Marketing at PerkinElmer.
  • Her prior role at PerkinElmer involved leading initiatives responsible for driving marketing-sourced pipeline growth for a multibillion-dollar commercial organization.
  • Grecsek's focus at Brandon Hall Group will be strengthening relationships with corporate HR leaders and HCM solution providers.
  • Brandon Hall Group is a research and analyst firm focused on Human Capital Management (HCM).

The big picture

The appointment of a seasoned executive from a large, complex organization like PerkinElmer signals Brandon Hall Group’s intent to deepen its engagement with enterprise clients and expand its advisory services. This move comes as HCM continues to face pressure to demonstrate tangible business outcomes amidst ongoing talent shortages and rapid technological change. The firm’s success will depend on Grecsek’s ability to bridge the gap between research and practical application for both corporate HR and solution providers.

What we're watching

Client Alignment
How Grecsek's corporate experience will translate into more actionable insights and services for Brandon Hall Group's HR clients remains to be seen, particularly given the firm's reliance on client relationships for revenue.
Product Focus
Whether Grecsek’s influence will shift Brandon Hall Group’s research and advisory focus towards specific HCM solution categories or vendor strategies warrants observation.
Market Dynamics
The pace at which Grecsek can leverage her network and experience to help HCM solution providers refine their messaging and go-to-market strategies will indicate the firm’s ability to adapt to evolving enterprise buyer demands.

AI in HR Moves Beyond Pilots, Maturity Model Emerges as Key

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group released a magazine, 'The Transformational Impact of AI on HR, Learning and Talent,' detailing AI adoption phases.
  • The magazine centers on Brandon Hall Group’s AI Progression Model, developed by Chief Strategy Officer Michael Rochelle, based on research of over 1,000 HR and business professionals.
  • Brandon Hall Group will host the 'AI in HR Summit' on October 15, 2026, at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus.
  • The AI Progression Model outlines five phases of AI readiness, from reactive experimentation to optimized, AI-enabled excellence.

The big picture

The shift from AI experimentation to enterprise-wide execution, as highlighted by Brandon Hall Group, reflects a broader maturation of the AI market within HR. While initial hype has subsided, the focus is now on practical implementation and demonstrable ROI, requiring a more strategic and governance-focused approach. This signals a move away from isolated AI projects towards integrated, human-AI collaboration models, which will likely reshape HR workflows and talent development strategies.

What we're watching

Alignment Imperative
The emphasis on alignment as a primary blocker to AI adoption suggests that organizational restructuring and cross-functional collaboration will be critical for successful implementation, potentially impacting HR and IT budgets.
Governance Risk
The magazine's focus on governance maturity indicates increasing scrutiny of AI ethics and compliance, which could lead to new regulatory frameworks and reporting requirements for HR technology vendors.
Model Validation
The reliance on Brandon Hall Group’s AI Progression Model raises questions about its validity and applicability across diverse organizational structures and industries, and whether it will become a de facto standard for AI maturity assessments.

Brandon Hall Group Signals AI Maturity Shift in Workforce Strategies

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group is participating in Transform 2026, a conference focused on the intersection of AI and the future of work, March 23–25.
  • Dr. Marline C. Duroseau will moderate a session titled 'What is a Job Now?' exploring the evolving nature of work in the age of AI.
  • Brandon Hall Group has researched AI implementation across over 1,000 organizations and developed an 'AI Progression Model' with four supporting frameworks.
  • The firm offers a 'Certified AI Transformation Strategist' program aimed at HR and business leaders.

The big picture

Brandon Hall Group's positioning underscores a critical shift in the AI adoption lifecycle, moving beyond pilot projects to enterprise-wide implementation. This 'Year of Progression,' as they term it, suggests a maturing market where the competitive advantage now lies in strategically integrating AI and developing human-AI collaboration models. The focus on certification and leadership development signals a recognition that successful AI transformation requires more than just technology; it demands a fundamental rethinking of workforce roles and organizational structure.

What we're watching

Execution Risk
The shift from AI experimentation to operational execution, as highlighted by Brandon Hall Group, will test the ability of organizations to integrate AI into core processes and realize tangible ROI.
Identity Shift
The slower pace of change in employee identity and purpose compared to the rapid evolution of algorithmic tasks will require deliberate leadership intervention to maintain employee engagement and morale.
Framework Adoption
The success of Brandon Hall Group’s AI Progression Model and related frameworks will depend on their ability to be adopted and adapted across diverse organizational structures and cultures.

Brandon Hall Group Certifies TraineryHCM as Preferred Provider

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group has certified TraineryHCM as a Smartchoice® Preferred Provider.
  • The certification recognizes TraineryHCM’s integrated human capital management platform combining performance, learning, and compensation.
  • Brandon Hall Group’s Smartchoice® Preferred Provider Program offers advisory support and resources.
  • TraineryHCM’s platform uses a modular approach, allowing phased deployments.

The big picture

The press release highlights a growing pain point for organizations: the fragmentation of HR systems. Brandon Hall Group’s endorsement validates TraineryHCM’s approach to unifying performance, learning, and compensation, a trend driven by the need for data-driven talent management and improved workforce agility. This certification provides TraineryHCM with a valuable marketing asset and potentially opens doors to larger enterprise clients seeking a more holistic HCM solution.

What we're watching

Market Adoption
The success of TraineryHCM hinges on its ability to displace legacy, fragmented HR systems, and the speed of adoption will dictate its growth trajectory.
Integration Depth
The true value of TraineryHCM’s integrated approach will be tested by its ability to deliver actionable insights and drive tangible improvements in organizational performance, not just data consolidation.
Competitive Landscape
The HCM market remains crowded; TraineryHCM must demonstrate a clear differentiation beyond integration to maintain its preferred provider status and fend off larger, established competitors.

HCM Leaders Converge as AI Adoption Clarity Drives Talent Strategy

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group is hosting its 2026 HCM Excellence Conference February 9-12 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
  • The conference features speakers who are past HCM Excellence Award winners, focusing on practical advice and proven success stories.
  • CEO Mike Cooke notes a shift from AI uncertainty to clarity, enabling organizations to accelerate maturity and adoption.
  • The conference includes an awards gala recognizing excellence in human capital management.

The big picture

The HCM Excellence Conference signals a maturation of the AI-driven talent management landscape. After years of experimentation and uncertainty, organizations now have a clearer understanding of how to leverage AI for tangible results. This shift moves the focus from discovery to acceleration, creating a visible roadmap for those seeking to level up their talent strategies. The conference itself serves as a key indicator of this industry-wide transition, highlighting best practices and fostering collaboration among leaders.

What we're watching

Adoption Pace
The speed at which organizations translate the newfound clarity around AI into tangible HCM initiatives will determine their competitive advantage in the coming year.
Implementation Risk
While the path forward is clearer, the complexity of integrating AI-driven solutions into existing HCM systems poses a significant implementation risk for many organizations.
Benchmarking
The early adopters showcased at the conference will become benchmarks for others, and the ability to replicate their successes will be critical for broader industry adoption.

HCM Awards Program Reopens, Signaling Continued Focus on Measurable Impact

Event summary

  • Brandon Hall Group has opened submissions for the 2026 HCM Excellence Awards, the 33rd iteration of the program.
  • The submission deadline is April 10, 2026, with winners to be announced on August 13, 2026.
  • The awards cover a wide range of HCM categories, including Learning & Development, DEI, and Technology, with over 150 award categories.
  • The program is described as the 'Academy Awards of Human Capital Management' and emphasizes 'measurable impact' and 'rigorous evaluation'.

The big picture

The HCM Excellence Awards program's longevity and continued relevance underscore the growing importance of data-driven human capital management strategies. As organizations face increasing pressure to demonstrate ROI on people investments, awards like these serve as a benchmark and a marketing tool, shaping industry perceptions of best practices. The program's focus on measurable impact reflects a broader shift away from purely qualitative assessments of HCM effectiveness.

What we're watching

Competitive Landscape
The continued prominence of the Brandon Hall Group awards suggests a consolidation of influence within the HCM recognition space, potentially limiting opportunities for newer entrants to gain similar credibility.
Data Scrutiny
The emphasis on 'measurable impact' will likely intensify the pressure on organizations to demonstrate quantifiable results from their HCM initiatives, increasing the complexity of award submissions.
Solution Provider Influence
The program's recognition of solution providers alongside organizational achievements may amplify the marketing power of HCM technology vendors, potentially skewing perceptions of best practices.
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