2026 HDI Philly Leadership and Awards Conference: 

Driven to Lead. Built to Inspire.

Join us for the 26th Annual HDI Philly Leadership & Awards Conference!
Explore cutting-edge trends, proven strategies, and innovative solutions shaping the future of IT support. Hear from dynamic keynote speakers, connect with industry leaders, and gain actionable insights to elevate your organization. Don’t miss this chance to network, learn, and lead the way forward in IT!    

The event will begin with Breakfast and Registration from 8 AM - 9 AM. Our program will begin promptly at 9:00 AM running until about 3:00 PM. All are invited to a happy hour at the venue at the conclusion of the event. 

Address: Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

6825 Norwitch Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19153, USA

Parking is adjacent to the museum

Lunch & speakers - Free for all Tech Support Practitioners - Awards & Raffles in the afternoon! Happy Hour to follow! 

Keynote Speakers

We will be joined by two speakers: Rina Brahmbhatt and N.J. Robinson

Rina Brahmbhatt, Founder & Principal Consultant, Matvaa LLC

Rina Brahmbhatt is an ITIL Master, author, educator, and technology transformation leader with over 20 years of experience in IT Service Management, enterprise service delivery, and organizational transformation. From beginning her career behind a Post Office counter to leading global ITSM initiatives, she brings a practical perspective on professional growth and leadership in technology. As the founder of Matvaa LLC and author of The ITSM Playbook, she is passionate about helping professionals navigate change, develop leadership capabilities, and build sustainable careers in service management.

Topic:  Building Your ITSM Career in the Age of AI

As AI and automation reshape IT Service Management, what does the future hold for ITSM professionals? Drawing on over two decades of industry experience and insights from her book, The ITSM Playbook, Rina Brahmbhatt explores how professionals can evolve beyond traditional support roles into strategic service leadership. The session examines emerging opportunities in Enterprise Service Management, AI-enabled service delivery, and technology transformation, while highlighting the skills and mindset needed to remain relevant. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to take ownership of their career development and increase their professional value in an AI-driven workplace.

N.J. Robinson, President, Hi-Tech Leadership LLC

N.J. works at the inflection point where technical expertise stops being enough. As an Air Force Veteran, IT leader, and President of Hi-Tech Leadership LLC, he has spent over 20 years helping IT professionals make the leap into leadership and guiding emerging leaders on the path to executive influence. His keynotes and workshops give leaders practical frameworks for communicating influence, navigating ambiguity, and building teams that execute under pressure. N.J. serves on HDI’s Conference Advisory Board, provides career mentorship to underserved professionals nationwide, and holds an MBA from George Washington University with PMP, Security+, and ITIL certifications.

Topic: Rewired: Seven Behaviors of Transformational Leadership. 

Most leaders in IT support were promoted for solving tickets, not for leading the people who solve them. In this keynote, two-time HDI Top 25 Thought Leader N.J. Robinson breaks down seven behaviors that separate managers who keep the queue moving from leaders who transform their teams: casting the vision, building trust, increasing influence, raising the standard, empowering ownership, developing others, and committing to continuous growth. Drawing on more than 20 years leading IT teams and his service in the U.S. Air Force, N.J. shares real stories of what these behaviors look like in practice. On a day that celebrates the chapter's best, you'll leave with practical actions to become the next leader worth recognizing.

We look forward to seeing you there!