801: Leadership Skills for the Senior Executive: Mastering the Art of Strategic Negotiations
● Preconference
Preconference Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Master strategic negotiation skills for HR leaders. Learn to influence stakeholders, achieve win-win outcomes, and build professional relationships that drive organizational results.
Valerie GrubbPresident, Val Grubb & Associates Ltd.
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Tue · 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
802: Master the Neuroscience of Decision-Making
● Preconference
Preconference Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Explore the neuroscience behind high-stakes decision-making. Discover how pressure and bias affect judgment, then practice real-world decision exercises to strengthen leadership clarity under uncertainty.
Lorne EpsteinNeuroscientist, Electric Cow
☆
Tue · 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
803: Writing as a Thought Leadership Strategy
● Preconference
Preconference Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Establish thought leadership through writing. Develop practical writing strategies for blogs and articles that boost credibility, explore ethical AI for content creation, and create your action plan.
Catherine FyockThe Business Book Strategist, Cathy Fyock
☆
Tue · 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
804: The Employee Experience Execution Gap: Turning Rising Expectations into Real Results
● Preconference
Preconference Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Bridge the employee experience gap in your organization. Diagnose cultural trust issues, understand what signals build or break engagement, and translate insights into measurable organizational performance improvements.
David CohenFounder and Contrarian Consultant, DS Cohen & Associates
☆
Tue · 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
805: Compliance Bootcamp - Fundamentals of HR, Leave and Benefits
● Preconference
Preconference Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Master HR and benefits compliance fundamentals. Learn the structure and logic of core HR, leave, and benefits rules to navigate complex regulations with confidence and clarity.
Jay KirschbaumSr. VP & Dir, Employee Benefits Compliance, World Insurance Associates
Marina GalatroDir, HR Consulting, Newfront (now part of WTW)
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Tue · 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
806: The Intentional Fiduciary Skills Workshop: Keeping Participants at the Center of ERISA Decision-Making
● Preconference
Preconference Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Build fiduciary confidence with practical ERISA decision-making skills. Complete a personalized workbook covering vendor fees, participant communications, delegation, and documentation for your organization.
807: Coaching Skills for HR Professionals: Building Capability, Confidence, and Strategic Influence
● Preconference
Preconference Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Develop executive coaching skills for HR business partners. Learn frameworks to coach leaders on performance and behavior change, practice real scenarios, and strengthen your role as a trusted advisor.
Maren PerryFounder/CEO, Arden Coaching
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Tue · 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
808: Mastering Priorities While Beating Burnout
● Preconference
Preconference Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Reclaim control and prevent burnout by mastering priorities. Set boundaries, practice active listening, and develop sustainable productivity strategies that nurture both professional and personal wellbeing.
Glenn AndersonProfessional Speaker, Glenn Anderson Speaks
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Tue · 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
HRBP: Becoming a Strategic Influencer (Day 2)
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Build strategic influencer skills as an HRBP. Transition from tactical to strategic work while anticipating tomorrow's people needs and confidently influencing organizational direction.
☆
Tue · 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Managing Change (Day 2)
● General
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate organizational change like a pro. Simulate realistic change initiatives using practical resources and frameworks, then apply your skills to real workplace transformation scenarios.
☆
Tue · 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
SHRM AI + HI Specialty Credential
● Preconference
Preconference Seminar
Room not listed on conference website
Launch your AI journey with hands-on training. Master AI concepts through instructor-led labs and self-paced content, then apply your new skills in a capstone project for immediate workplace impact.
☆
Tue · 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential (Day 2)
● Preconference
Preconference Seminar
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate California labor code compliance expertly. Develop employment guidelines that satisfy complex regulations, minimize litigation risks, and support your organization's strategic objectives.
☆
Tue · 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
SHRM Certification Prep+ (Day 2)
● Preconference
Preconference Seminar
Room not listed on conference website
Prepare for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification success. Access the robust SHRM Certification Prep System with expert guidance and structured practice for exam confidence.
☆
Tue · 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
SHRM People Analytics Specialty Credential (Day 2)
● Preconference
Preconference Seminar
Room not listed on conference website
Transform HR data into strategic insights. Learn to decode workforce analytics and influence smarter, data-driven decisions with clarity and organizational authority.
Master talent acquisition strategy end-to-end. Design inclusive hiring approaches, navigate global recruitment complexity, and lead seamless virtual hiring processes with confidence.
☆
Tue · 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
SHRM Total Rewards Specialty Credential (Day 2)
● Preconference
Preconference Seminar
Room not listed on conference website
Build a total rewards strategy that attracts and retains top talent. Create comprehensive compensation strategies aligned with organizational goals and competitive market positioning.
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Defining Leadership: An Intergenerational Panel of HR Leaders (Live Podcast Recording)
● Global Workforce Trends
Podcast Session
Room not listed on conference website
Discover how leadership is being redefined across generations. Hear from an intergenerational HR panel on evolving leadership styles, technology's role, and building adaptive, inclusive organizations.
Albert SmothersCPO, CBE Companies
Carmen BarbozaChief HR Officer, Crowell & Moring LLP
From Policy to Practice: A Listening Session with the EEOC (IN-PERSON, LIVE ONLY, NO PRESS PERMITTED)
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Understand EEOC enforcement priorities firsthand. Engage with federal compliance leadership on real-world legal challenges and how the agency applies equal employment opportunity law in practice.
Andrea LucasChair, EEOC
Jim LinkCHRO, SHRM
Brittany Bull PanuccioCommissioner, EEOC
☆
Tue · 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Is The Future of Work Fractional? (Live Podcast Recording)
● Leadership & Development
Podcast Session
Room not listed on conference website
Explore fractional HR leadership as the future of work. Learn how seasoned executives navigate contract-based roles and gain insights on the evolving landscape of professional HR leadership.
Jamie ViramontesCEO/CHRO, Konnect
Erica EllisonCHRO and Founder, CoreSight HR Solutions
Master SHRM26 conference navigation with insider tips. Learn mobile app features, build your personalized agenda, discover key networking opportunities, and maximize your conference experience.
Nicole BelynaDir, Talent, SHRM
Felix MasseySr. Director - Customer Experience (CX), SHRM
HR Builds AI: The AI+HI Hackathon at SHRM26 (IN PERSON ONLY)
● AI, Data & Technology
Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Hands-on hackathon where you build an AI-powered tool to fix real workplace problems—onboarding, policy engagement, workflow bottlenecks—with SHRM coaches guiding every step. No coding required.
Tina BeatyChief Brand & Marketing Officer, SHRM
Alexander AlonsoChief Data & Analytics Officer, SHRM
Barry ReicherterDir, Market Research, SHRM
Sandeep Reddy NimmaSr Analyst - Data Science and Attribution, SHRM
Joseph BussAnalyst, Data Science & Attribution, SHRM
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Caregiving Summit 2.0: Aligning Strategy and Public Policy to Support Working Caregivers
● Health & Wellness
Summit
Room not listed on conference website
Explores employer strategies and bipartisan policy solutions for supporting working caregivers, covering benefits, flexibility models, and workforce retention in an increasingly complex caregiving landscape.
Ronald J. Klein(Former Congressman, D-FL), Partner, Holland & Knight
Wendi SafstromPresident, SHRM Foundation, SHRM
Larry D. Bucshon(Former Congressman, R-IN), Senior Policy Advisor, Holland & Knight
Shana GulleyManager, Family Care Programs and Delta Care & Scholarship Funds, Delta Air Lines, Inc
Camille Chang GilmoreSr VP and CHRO, Avanos
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Tue · 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
SHRM Membership Benefits Deep Dive
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Learn to maximize your SHRM membership value through certification access, research tools, networking opportunities, and exclusive HR support while accelerating your professional impact.
Theresa VelykisMembers & Community Dir, SHRM
Paula HumberMembers and Community Dir, SHRM
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Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
AI in the Workplace: Legal, Statistical, and Real-World Strategies for a Rapidly Changing Landscape
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate AI hiring and talent decisions with legal confidence. Employment attorney and statistician share emerging regulations, statistical safeguards, and compliant strategies for defensible AI use.
Krystal WellandLead Statistician, Silberman Law PC
Michelle DuncanAttorney, Silberman Law PC
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Don’t Push My Buttons: The Brain Science Behind Workplace Stress
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Discover how small workplace stress triggers rooted in neuroscience damage trust and cause turnover. Learn SCARF model strategies to defuse hidden stressors and strengthen psychological safety.
Megan WollertonPresident/Owner, Life Force Wellness LLC
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Elevating Team Culture: Igniting Success by Unleashing Rhythm and Magic!
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Build extraordinary team culture through rhythm, connection, and purpose. Learn the 3C Model—Communicate, Clarify, Consistency—to align teams, fuel trust, and transform engagement and performance.
Brian AlementiKeynote Speaker, CEO/Founder, Alementi Elevates, LLC
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Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
From Stigma to Support: How HR Shapes Employee Mental Health
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
HR leaders learn to bridge stigma and support for mental health by fostering dialogue, connecting resources, and equipping managers with empathy. Champion organizational resilience and change.
Chad SorensonPresident, Adaptive HR Solutions
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Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Future-Ready Feedback: Transforming the F-Word with AI
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Use AI and neuroscience to deliver clear, unbiased feedback that increases engagement and reduces defensiveness. Learn to draft, role-play, and test culturally sensitive conversations at scale.
Ama AgyapongCEO, Inclusion Enterprises
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Grappling with Gremlins: Three Steps to Managing Imposter Syndrome
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Practical workshop to identify and manage the inner critics—gremlins—that limit confidence and resilience. Apply tools to strengthen leadership presence and unlock potential across all levels.
Tina RobinsonFounder/CEO, WorkJoy
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Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Grow Your Bench Beyond the Training Room: How to Turn “Ready Now, Ready Next, and Future Ready” Talent into Leaders Ready to Step In
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Design intentional development pathways beyond one-off training to move Ready Now/Next/Future talent into leadership roles, reducing succession risk while improving retention and engagement.
Bertha RobinsonExecutive Coach & Business Consultant, Star One Professional Services
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Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Human Connection, Upgraded: The Future of Virtual Belonging
● Global Workforce Trends
Room not listed on conference website
Elevate virtual belonging through intentional design and interactive facilitation. Learn to use collaborative spaces and AI enhancements to strengthen culture, trust, and participation online.
Invisible Learning: Learning That Happens While Work Gets Done
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
The traditional model of "stopping work to learn" can no longer keep pace with rapid, AI-driven shifts in job requirements.
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Layoffs as a Leadership Test: How HR Leaders Protect Trust and Brand Under Pressure
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Explore how companies balance speed, efficiency, and humanity during restructuring. Discuss where AI aids decisions, where human connection matters, and how redeployment preserves talent.
Patrick McCueSr VP, Americas, Right Management
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Pay Transparency Starts Here: A Playbook for HR Professionals
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Implement a nine-step playbook to transparent compensation communication. Navigate legal compliance, market positioning, and employee equity through actionable, year-long implementation roadmap.
Jennifer LoftusNational Dir, Astron Solutions
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Recruitment Strategies to Create an Employer of Choice Brand
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Attract aligned talent by strengthening employer brand and modernizing recruitment. Use AI, targeted marketing, and competency-based descriptions with equitable practices to reach qualified professionals.
Wendi BrownCEO/President, WBCP, Inc.
Alan RosenFounder & CEO | Sr. Advisor for WBCP, Inc, Local Government Solutions
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Safety Is a Talent Strategy: How HR + Security Protect People, Trust, and Brand
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Build HR-Security partnerships to reduce workplace violence risk and build trust. Establish clear roles, transparent communication, and employee-centered preparedness plans for safer workplaces.
Seth KrummichVP of Client Risk Management, Global Guardian
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
The Future Leader Is a Wellbeing Architect
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Adopt the Wellbeing Architect model—embed psychological safety, purposeful legacy, and data-driven flexibility—to combat burnout, harness AI responsibly, and retain critical talent.
Prudence PitterFounder & CEO, PEARRM Services
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
The Nirvana Fix for Retention & Engagement Is First-Line Leader Accountability
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Make first-line leaders accountable for retention and engagement rather than HR alone. Learn data-backed strategies and executive influence tactics to drive both metrics to top organizational performance.
Dick FinneganSpeaker, Author & CEO, C-Suite Analytics
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
The Screening Your Employees Are Skipping: An Employer's Playbook to Fix It
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Increase colorectal cancer screening through employer-led outreach. Learn scalable, turnkey approaches that remove friction and make preventive care the default choice for your workforce.
Dr. Jordan KarlitzSenior Screening Officer, Abbott Cancer Diagnostics
Melanie HardinSr Dir - Market Access, Abbott Cancer Diagnostics
Cheryl MurphyHR Manager - Wellness, Hillsborough County Florida
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
The SHRM Workplace Culture Navigator: Exploring 8 Organizational Culture Types
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Explore SHRM's Workplace Culture Navigator framework identifying eight distinct culture types. Research from 27,000+ workers reveals how each type drives success in different organizational contexts.
Ragan DeckerDir, Commercial Research, SHRM
☆
Tue · 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Why CEOs Don’t Trust HR (And What Great CHROs Do Differently)
● Strategic HR & Change Management
Room not listed on conference website
CEOs don't invest in HR because it "feels right"—they invest when it moves business results.
Anita GranthamExecutive in Residence, NectarHR, Nectar
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Bridging Generations: The Future of Work Starts Now
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Understand Gen Z workforce expectations and next-generation career concerns. Learn how to bridge generational divides and build inclusive workplaces where all ages thrive together.
Celebrating Everyday Heroes Award Presentation: Honoring Veterans Who Lead with Purpose and Resilience
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Celebrate veterans' leadership contributions and gain practical strategies to recognize and champion untapped talent, building workplaces that honor service, resilience, and inclusion.
Christopher L. FloresLieutenant Colonel, US Army (Ret.), USAA, AVP, Military Talent Acquisition and Strategic Partnerships
Learn how John Maxwell reveals leadership techniques using your existing skills and experiences to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and impact.
John MaxwellBest Selling Author, Coach and Speaker
Experience the SHRM26 Opening Reception in the Expo Hall! Network with peers, explore innovative solutions, enjoy entertainment, and kick off the conference with energy and excitement.
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Networking event for Midwest HR professionals at The Hampton Social Orlando. Hosted by IL, IN, MN, ND, and WI SHRM State Councils. Includes two drink tickets and lite bites. Advance registration required.
Under the Lights: Christina Aguilera Live in Orlando (IN-PERSON ONLY)
● Special Event
Special Event
Room not listed on conference website
Aguilera will take the stage for a special performance, giving HR professionals from around the globe an unforgettable evening to connect, recharge, and celebrate the impact of their work. , Grammy Award-winning Singer-songwriter
Beyond the Gut Feel: How AI-Powered Structured Interviews Are Transforming Hiring Outcomes
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Discover how AI-powered structured interviews reduce bias and improve hiring outcomes, with real strategies that achieved 22% attrition reduction and 2.6x ROI.
Craig della PennaFounder, Aesop Partners
☆
Wed · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Coaching Through the “Surprise Moments”: Tools for Supervisors Supporting Early-Career Employees
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Master the Four Responses Framework to help early-career employees navigate setbacks, with scripts and tools supervisors can apply immediately.
Dylan RussellProfessor of Leadership and Governance
☆
Wed · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Energizing Change: How to Build a Culture of Adaptability, Trust, and Transformation
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Build cultures of adaptability using the LEAD Framework—integrating strategy, engagement, momentum, and vision to sustain energy through continuous transformation.
Andrew FocklerAdjunct Faculty/Sessional Faculty/ Dir, Yorkville University/ Vocational Quest Inc.
☆
Wed · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Expanding the Circle: How HR Leaders Build Influence That Matters
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Expand HR influence beyond the organization through professional involvement, partnerships, and community engagement that drives culture and talent pipeline strength.
From Typewriters to TikTok: The Power of Generational Wisdom within Modern Leadership
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Leverage generational diversity by harnessing seasoned wisdom and emerging talent perspectives to build inclusive, resilient teams that thrive.
Charlotte StricklandDir of Employee Engagement and Enrichment, University of Central Arkansas
Steven ShookOwner/Facilitator
☆
Wed · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Handling Departures: The Task that Most Impacts Your Culture
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Master termination conversations with best practices from an expert who's conducted 1,000+ departures, protecting your culture and remaining employee engagement.
Jason GlassAssistant Professor of Practice, University of Iowa
☆
Wed · 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM
Managing Merit Planning without Performance Ratings
● Compensation & Benefits
Roundtable
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate pay-for-performance strategies without traditional ratings, balancing compensation differentiation with new performance philosophies through peer insights.
Melissa WalchkoDir, Total Rewards, SHRM
Sheri MartelLead, Total Rewards, SHRM
☆
Wed · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Practical AI for HR: Real-World Examples in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
See practical AI examples using Microsoft 365 Copilot for HR tasks—learn safe prompting techniques and data protection while saving time and improving outcomes.
Jarrod EdgeDir of SharePoint Services, Spindustry
☆
Wed · 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Sweat, Laugh, Lead: Why Fun Is Your Most Underused Business Tool
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Discover how joy and fun combat burnout and strengthen workplace culture, starting with a 15-minute Zumba class and backed by 25+ years of research.
The Coaching Culture Paradox: Why Your Strategy is Failing to Deliver ROI and How to Fix It
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Organizations view coaching as a strategic imperative, yet 73% remain stuck in "Command and Control" structures. This creates a "Coaching Paradox": high investment, but zero cultural ROI.
Laura Ashley-TimmsCOO, Notion-STAR® Manager and Author of The Answer is a Question
☆
Wed · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
The Hidden ROI of Mental Health: Building Recovery-Ready Workplaces That Retain and Revitalize Talent
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Build recovery-ready workplaces through mental health strategies aligned with policies and leadership development that connect employee resilience to business results.
The Leadership Clarity Gap: Why "Authentic Leadership" Fails Without Definition
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Most organizations claim to value authentic leadership but can't define it. That gap costs millions in misalignment, turnover, and the distance between what leaders say and what people experience under pressure.
David Pettrone SwalveFounder, Authentara
☆
Wed · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
The Silent Killer of Culture: Undeveloped Leaders and How HR Can Fix It
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Equip your leaders to coach and develop teams using frameworks that strengthen connection, engagement, and performance across hybrid and traditional workplaces.
Kelly MerblerFounder, The Kelly Merbler Company
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Gain financial visibility into people decisions—hiring, compensation, benefits—integrating HR and financial data for smarter workforce planning and budgeting.
Five HR Agents Every Leading Company Will Have by 2027
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Meet five AI agents transforming HR by 2027: recruiting, answering questions, coaching, managing employee journeys, and turning data into decisions.
Matt YangPM, ClearCo
Arnaud GrunwaldChief Product Officer, ClearCo
☆
Wed · 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
If Employees Don’t Get It, It Doesn’t Exist: The Case for Better Benefits Communication
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Transform benefits communication from cost-focused to engagement-driven, with strategies that help employees understand and appreciate total rewards.
Christopher StaubPresident of Financial Services, The Baldwin Group
Lindsay RinkDir of Employee Benefits Communication, The Baldwin Group
☆
Wed · 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Expatriate Benefits — Insights from Marsh’s Expatriate Center of Excellence and the 2026 Insured Benefits Survey
● Global Workforce Trends
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate expatriate benefits complexity with insights from Marsh's 2026 survey, covering costs, compliance, new assignments, and risk management globally.
SHRM Executive Network (EN): Membership for Todays HR Executives Building Tomorrow's World of Work
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Connect with fellow HR executives through SHRM's Executive Network, accessing research, networking, and resources to enhance your C-suite impact.
Robin MarquartDir, Executive Community; Interim Dir, Affiliate Operations, SHRM
☆
Wed · 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Smarter Benefits by Design: Why Configurability Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Benefits architecture matters more than volume. As costs rise and regulations tighten, strategic configurability of your benefit offerings—not simply adding more programs—determines organizational resilience and growth.
Bart AndersSenior Sales Executive, TASC
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
AI Can’t Lead Under Pressure. But You Must: The Athleadership Edge (Part 1) A neuroscience-backed approach to becoming the leader the moment demands
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Leaders need mental conditioning to thrive under pressure. Learn neuroscience-backed practices to build resilience, clarity, and decision-making strength when it matters most—skills AI cannot replace.
Melissa Dawn SimkinsFounder, Athleadership and CEO, Velvet Suite
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Artificial Intelligence & The Workplace: Exploring Nuances and Risks
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
AI in the workplace creates complex legal risks beyond legislation: data storage, liability, privacy, biometric consent, and contract governance. Understand real-world scenarios to protect your organization.
Deepa MenonPartner, Eversheds Sutherland
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Boundaries, Energy, and Resilience That Last
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Burnout requires boundaries, not balance. Master the Resilience Ladder framework to protect your energy, restore purpose, and model sustainable high performance for your teams.
Jennifer CassettaHigh Performance Coach, The Art of Badassery
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Elevate Your Game: The Strategic Leadership Shift Every HR Executive Must Master
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Move from tactical execution to strategic enterprise leadership. Reframe priorities, build systems-level awareness, and connect your HR initiatives directly to measurable business outcomes.
Valerie GrubbPresident, Val Grubb & Associates Ltd.
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Empowering Employees with ICHRAs: A Personalized Approach to Health Benefits
● Compensation & Benefits
Panel
Room not listed on conference website
ICHRAs enable personalized benefits strategies for diverse, dispersed workforces. Explore how flexibility and employee choice reshape the benefits landscape while managing costs across generations.
Hunter FosterStrategy & Partnerships, benefitbay
Anthony MurphySVP, Sales, Gallagher
Alan SilverPresident, Ambetter Health Solutions
Mary SweeneyCHRO, SVP of HR, TridentCare
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
From Awareness to Advantage: Transforming Neurodiversity Into Organizational Strength
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Neurodiversity unlocks untapped organizational potential. Discover proven frameworks from national leaders on building inclusive systems, scaling ROI-driven programs, and elevating team performance.
Lee JudsonLead Coach, Bridge2Work Coaching,LLC
Beth SirullPresident & CEO, NATIONAL ORGANIZATION ON DISABILITY
Hiren ShuklaEY Global Neuro-Diverse Centers of Excellence Leader, EY
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
From Disruption to Opportunity: Building Resilience in Your Workplace Culture
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Culture resilience is essential amid constant change. Create environments where employees feel seen, heard, safe, and valued—critical for satisfaction, productivity, and security.
Michael CohenPartner, Duane Morris, LLP
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Gen Alpha Is Here: Preparing for the Workforce HR Has Never Seen Before
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Gen Alpha enters the workforce with different values and expectations. Learn early-talent recruitment and development strategies by partnering with K–12 institutions for sustainable pipelines.
James Hilton HarrellChief, Human Capital Management, San Antonio Independent School District
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
How the Tech?! Behind the Scenes of Human Connection, Upgraded
● AI, Data & Technology
Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Recreate hybrid engagement excellence. Explore the tools, templates, and production choices that enable seamless connection for both in-person and virtual participants.
HR Executive Insights: A CHRO’s View on Owning the Digital Workforce, Operationalizing Generative and Agentic AI, and the Future of Work
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Move beyond AI pilots to agentic systems. See how CHROs scale AI to drive measurable ROI and reshape workforce strategy, organizational design, and HR's role.
Chris CourneenSr VP – HR, MSI
Kathleen PearsonCHRO, Opensity Solutions
Brian DickensCHRO, University of Tennessee System
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Onboard to Engage: Four Critical Questions to Ask Your New Hire
● Modern Employee Experience
Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Onboarding engagement drops dramatically after day one. Learn four critical questions to ask new hires that align expectations, clarify offerings, and maintain recruiting momentum.
Tina RobinsonFounder/CEO, WorkJoy
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Pay Reporting Road Trip: A Coast-to-Coast Guide to Transparency & Compliance—Now with a European Detour
● Global Workforce Trends
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate fragmented pay transparency rules across states and the EU. Master compliance strategies, avoid pitfalls, and prepare for mandatory reporting and disclosure obligations.
Krystal WellandLead Statistician, Silberman Law PC
Plays Well With Others: Civility for Grown-Ups at Work
● Health & Wellness
Keynote
Room not listed on conference website
Incivility silently erodes trust and fuels turnover. Use the SCARF model and trust frameworks to strengthen psychological safety and build teams that truly play well together.
Megan WollertonPresident/Owner, Life Force Wellness LLC
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Re-Engage, Rebuild, Return: A Better Path to Work After Illness or Injury
● Health & Wellness
Panel
Room not listed on conference website
Stay-at-work and return-to-work programs retain skilled employees after illness or injury. Implement coordinated support strategies that benefit worker recovery while maintaining productivity.
Laura McCormickDir, Employee Health & Leave Programs, Baystate Health, Inc.
Bryon BassCEO, DMEC
Julie HockerAssistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, DOL, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
Ellice SwitzerSenior Extension Associate, K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, Cornell University
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Supporting Financial Wellness: Insights from SHRM and Raymond James
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Financial wellness directly impacts mental health, productivity, and career decisions. Learn how organizations assess, support, and strengthen employee financial well-being.
Ragan DeckerDir, Commercial Research, SHRM
Kristen KoluchSr VP - Investments, Raymond James
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The Benefit That Quietly Shapes How Work Gets Done
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Vision benefits significantly influence employee well-being and job performance. Elevate vision care's role in your total rewards strategy for measurable organizational outcomes.
Hayley Sprague, ODOptometrist and Practice Owner, Sussex Eye Center
Matt LawrenceSenior Division VP of Commercial Markets, VSP Vision Care
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The Cherry on Top™, Building a Culture of Value
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Culture thrives on intentional value-creation through communication and connection. Small, consistent actions strengthen relationships, inspire accountability, and drive sustainable performance.
Steve GillilandSpeaker & Author, Steve Gilliland, Inc.
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The EX - Moments That Matter: Designing Interactions That Drive Trust and Belonging
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Design employee interactions that drive trust and belonging. Use the Pyramid of Employee Experience to diagnose gaps and reverse the $2 trillion cost of disengagement.
David CohenFounder and Contrarian Consultant, DS Cohen & Associates
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The Missing Middle of Leadership
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Middle managers are your leverage point for culture and performance. Develop them with key leadership competencies and coaching to translate strategy into sustainable engagement.
The Motivation Advantage with Terry Crews: What It Really Takes to Keep Your People Engaged
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Terry Crews shares his framework for staying motivated through career reinvention. Wellness as infrastructure—discipline, nutrition, recovery—keeps employees engaged and resilient through disruption and change.
Mike DaoustSVP/GM for US & Canada, Wellhub
Dilan GomihFounder & CEO, Dilagence
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The New Identity Battleground: I-9 Compliance in the Age of AI and Evolving Regulations
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Moving beyond I-9 paperwork to address modern identity verification challenges: AI deepfakes, synthetic fraud, and evolving regulatory scrutiny demand new compliance approaches.
John FayDir, Product Strategy, Equifax Workforce Solutions
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
The Retention Advantage: Creating a Workplace Where People Truly Feel Valued
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Erica Dhawan reveals how connectional intelligence builds belonging. Leaders can foster psychological safety and authentic human connection to improve retention and employee satisfaction.
Erica DhawanAward Winning Keynote Speaker and Author, Cotential Group
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The ROI of AI: How HR Leaders Are Using AI as a Value-Add (Live Podcast Recording)
● AI, Data & Technology
Podcast Recording
Room not listed on conference website
HR leaders reveal how they're measuring AI ROI, from efficiency gains to strategic c-suite value. Insights on balancing innovation with human-centered leadership in AI adoption.
Njsane CourtneyVP, HR, American Bureau of Shipping
Bettina DeynesGlobal CHRO, Carnival Corporation
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
The Science of Human Happiness – Boost Engagement, Banish Burnout
● Health & Wellness
Keynote
Room not listed on conference website
Happiness is a teachable skill that prevents burnout and boosts engagement. Small daily behaviors shift workplace emotional climate and employee resilience far better than perks alone.
Rob DubinKeynote Speaker, RD Creative LLC
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The Supreme Court’s 2025–2026 Term: What HR Needs to Know Now
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Supreme Court rulings on contractor liability, tariff authority, independent agencies, arbitration, Title IX, and pensions reshape HR policy and litigation exposure for 2025-2026.
Richard LappPartner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Camille OlsonPartner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
☆
Wed · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Obligations and Considerations When Sponsoring Employees’ Work Authorization
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Explore how to hire foreign nationals strategically. Overview immigration programs, employer obligations, and compliance considerations when sponsoring work authorization.
Priscilla MuhlenkampPartner, Fragomen
Nathalie FassieFragomen
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Building a Billion-Dollar Opportunity: Branding, NIL, and the Business of Modern Entrepreneurship
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Blake Lawrence shares entrepreneurial lessons building Opendorse, a 100,000+ athlete NIL platform. Explores brand-building, adaptability, and scaled growth in emerging markets.
Blake LawrenceCo-Founder/President, Opendorse
Chris AllenCMO, Auris
☆
Wed · 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
From Stigma to Support: How HR Shapes Employee Mental Health
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
HR bridges stigma and support by fostering dialogue, connecting employees to resources, and equipping leaders with empathy. Practical tools to champion resilience and mental health.
Chad SorensonPresident, Adaptive HR Solutions
☆
Wed · 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
Global Human Resources Strategy: Leading People Across Borders with Purpose
● Global Workforce Trends
Room not listed on conference website
Global HR strategy requires connecting people across cultures with purpose. Drawing on 30+ years experience, Deborah McGee shares lessons on trust, collaboration, and international alignment.
Deborah McGeeFounder/CEO, PZI® Group (People Zealously Interconnected®)
☆
Wed · 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch Service powered by Equifax
● General
Room not listed on conference website
Lunch service in the SHRM Expo with dietary options: turkey sandwiches, Caesar salad, vegan wraps. Special dietary meals (Halal, Kosher) at yellow tents.
☆
Wed · 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
Rise of the Third Workforce: How HR Can Lead When AI Becomes Your Co-Worker
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Jeff Lupinacci introduces Talent Trek 2.0: integrate humans, external talent, and AI co-workers. Redesign workflows, governance, and culture to balance innovation with trust.
Jeff LupinacciFounder, Evolve HR Solutions
☆
Wed · 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Southwest Central Region Connection Meet Up
● General
Room not listed on conference website
Southwest Central Region casual lunch networking meet-up. Connect with volunteer leaders and members across AR, AZ, CO, KS, LA, MO, NM, OK, TX, UT. Room W240, 11 AM-1 PM.
☆
Wed · 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
A Paycheck for Life: What Guaranteed Income Deserves a Spot in Your Retirement Plan
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
As traditional pension plans continue to disappear, many employees face retirement without the confidence of a predictable monthly income. This session explores how guaranteed income solutions within workplace retirement plans can help better prepare employees for a more secure retirement.
Matthew WolniewiczPresident, Income America
☆
Wed · 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Better Hiring Starts with Indeed: Leveraging Indeed’s Integrated Hiring Platform
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Indeed's integrated hiring platform tackles overwhelm and talent scarcity. New Sourcing Assistant and Smart Screening innovations streamline specialist role and scalable team recruitment.
Deepika PillaiIndeed
Leanne SchlosserIndeed
☆
Wed · 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Leading Well in the Age of AI: How HR Can Champion Human Resilience Amid Rapid Technological Change
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
AI adoption outpaces understanding of human consequences. Learn how AI reshapes cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well-being—and build culture where AI enhances rather than diminishes capability.
Tracie MarcusCHRO, ComPsych
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
From Strategy to System: How to Actually Integrate DEI Into HR Operations
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Embed DEI into HR operations, not just strategy. Map DEI across hiring, development, performance; build governance; measure progress beyond activity metrics for sustainable integration.
Solomon WilkinsDEI Integration Manager
☆
Wed · 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM
Yikes: Why 20 Million Layoffs a Year Is the New Normal—and What HR Leaders Must Do Next
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
20 million annual layoffs signal job evaporation, not just workforce cuts. Fractional and portfolio talent models offer human-centered response to AI-driven role compression and career path erosion.
How AI Enables the Next Generation of Absence Management
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
AI transforms absence management: compliant decision engines, accommodation recommendations, automated verification, plain-language policy explanations reduce burden and boost retention.
Arnav MalviyaSr. Solution Engineer, Pulpstream
☆
Wed · 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
How to Build an AI-Ready Organization
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Assess your organization's AI maturity and HR's role in progress. Framework guides current state assessment, determines focus priorities, and builds governance your team can use.
Emily HerronHR Evangelist, Rippling
☆
Wed · 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
The Dream of the Connected Benefits Experience
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Join us explore the most pressing challenges facing HR and benefits leaders today, the real impact on employees, and practical actions you can take to elevate your benefits strategy.
Debby MoormanEVP, Health & Benefits, Inspira Financial
☆
Wed · 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
The Hope Advantage: Solving the Engagement Crisis through Science-Based Leadership that Reduces Burnout and Retains Top Talent
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Hope Science framework reduces burnout by activating problem-solving and resilience. Goals, Agency, Pathways decrease stress hormones while preventing disengagement and boosting retention.
The Power of “Stay” Interviews: How One Simple Question Can Transform Employee Retention
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Learn the 'Stay Interview' methodology from Dick Finnegan: ask employees why they stay to build trust, improve engagement, reduce turnover, and strengthen workplace cultures through practical leadership habits.
Dick FinneganSpeaker, Author & CEO, C-Suite Analytics
Chris AllenCMO, Auris
☆
Wed · 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
When AI Goes Bad: The Human Cost
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Use military and crisis leadership principles to prevent AI disasters—keep humans in the loop, pressure-test assumptions, communicate clearly, and build organizational resilience when AI systems fail.
Davis McAlisterCEO, ETS Enterprises, LLC
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Adapting to Change: What Workers Really Need in an Age of Economic Uncertainty
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
American workers are under pressure, and it's reshaping everything about how they think about work, benefits, and their financial futures. Quit rates have plummeted to a decade low as employees "job-hug" for stability.
Esti BuskinHead of Retirement Marketing, Nuveen
Constance HunterChief Economist and Head of Research, Economist Enterprise
Brendan McCarthyHead of Nuveen Retirement Investing, Nuveen
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
AI: From Buzzword to Business Accelerator
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Transform AI from buzzword to business results through targeted enablement, smart change management, and role-based adoption strategies that build workforce confidence and drive measurable impact.
David BrownCEO, Learning Tree International
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
AI Made Work Easier. Did It Make Your Workforce Weaker?
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Combat workforce competency decline from AI overreliance. Learn to redesign workflows, strengthen human-AI collaboration, and sustain critical thinking through development systems that preserve long-term capability.
Ashley MillerDir, Operations & Partnerships, SHRM
Alexander AlonsoChief Data & Analytics Officer, SHRM
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Building Cross-Functional Capability in a Rapidly Changing Business Environment
● General
Room not listed on conference website
Develop leaders who think beyond their functional silos through peer discussion, enterprise thinking, and practical strategies for navigating complexity and driving organizational alignment amid rapid change.
Jay JonesHR Business Partner, COPT Defense Properties
Nicole BelynaDir, Talent, SHRM
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Compliance Chaos: I-9, E-Verify, and Workforce Continuity in 2026
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate Trump 2.0 immigration enforcement: master I-9, E-Verify, TPS, and H-1B compliance while balancing regulatory obligations with workforce continuity in remote and hybrid work environments.
John MazzeoCounsel, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Disrupting the HR Operating Model in the Age of AI
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Explore how AI and automation reshape the HR operating model. Learn what's changing across shared services, centers of excellence, and governance—and how to get ahead of the curve.
Megan BrodyHR Strategy & Operations, PwC
David EberhardtHR Strategy & Operations, PwC
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Fair Pay, Lean Resources: Compensation Strategies for Small & Midsize HR Teams
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Build fair, strategic pay without a dedicated comp department. Identify high-impact roles, set simple decision rules, and move from reactive case-by-case pay to intentional, transparent structures.
Nicole ArmstrongFounder & CEO, Ellequate
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
From Jobs to Capabilities: How Organizations Actually Scale Skills-Based Workforce Models
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Scale skills-based workforce models across the enterprise. Sequence change, align skills with workforce planning, integrate into HR processes, and maintain pay equity without disrupting operations.
Abdulrahman AlsheailDirector/Senior Advisor, KPMG, Middle East
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
From Resistance to Readiness: Motivational Interviewing for Workplace Transformation
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Use Motivational Interviewing principles to transform culture through conversation. Learn evidence-based techniques to guide change, reduce resistance, build engagement, and strengthen employee relations.
From Termination to Transformation: The New HR Playbook for a Recovery-Friendly Workforce
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Shift from traditional 'document, discipline, terminate' to Recovery-Friendly approaches. Use RIPPLES and E.L.E.A.D. frameworks to support employees, reduce risk, and see recovery as workforce strength.
Cheryl Brown MerriwetherFounder - Principal
Mark BontaFounder, Empathetic Leader Consulting
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
"F* The Tough Guy Show": Helping Men (and Everyone) Move to Healthier, More Inclusive Ways of Working
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
"F* the Tough Guy Show." These words were spoken by an executive at a ski resort, after two male employees committed suicide in the span of 18 months.
Ed FrauenheimCo-founder, The Teal Team
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Future Proofing Your Health Benefits: A Panel Discussion on Multi Year Planning and High Performance Program Design
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Design multiyear health benefits strategies: reduce costs 30%+ while improving access and outcomes through detailed claims data, accountable partnerships, disciplined plan design, and onsite clinics.
Chelsea RyckisPresident
Jaimie JarvisHR Dir, Kalos Services
Stephanie PorrinoHR Dir, Hendry Marine
Donovan RyckisFounder & CEO, Ethos Benefits
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Gumbo Culture 101 - From Roux to Results in Employee Engagement
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Diagnose the culture-execution gap. Learn the ReCiPe Framework—Recognition, Communication, Personalization—to improve retention and employee experience with low-cost strategies in 30 days.
Lenia Segura LewisDir of HR, Baton Rouge General Medical Center
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Leadership Effectiveness That Delivers Results: Eight Organizational Dimensions
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Evaluate leadership effectiveness across eight organizational dimensions. Target development where it moves results: difficult conversations, empowering others, and leading through change and uncertainty.
Maren PerryFounder/CEO, Arden Coaching
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
Leadership Isn't Ready for the Agentic Workforce
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Understand the agentic workforce reshaping org charts and job descriptions. Discover which leadership skills and commitments matter most in 2026 for managing new responsibilities and compressed structures.
Ian ClementsDir, Strategic Accounts, SHRM
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Master the Art of Elegant Interruption: Your Path to Conversational Influence
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Workshop
Room not listed on conference website
Master the art of elegant interruption and voice equity. Gain ready-to-use phrases and strategies to interrupt kindly, keep conversations productive, and create psychological safety for all voices.
Rebecca MurrayVocal Influence Strategist, Rebecca P. Murray, Showcase Your Shine
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Menopause, Pain & Productivity: What Every Workplace Needs to Know
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Address menopause, chronic pain, and health challenges impacting retention. Learn to identify health-related risks, create psychologically safe environments, and build inclusive policies supporting women's careers.
Modernizing Compassion: How Strategic Bereavement Policy and Prepared Leaders Support Employees Through Loss
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Transform bereavement policy from transactional to compassionate. Use frameworks to improve manager capability, strengthen leadership response, and support employees through loss while building organizational trust.
Micaela NamaziHuman Resource Management Instructor, Western Governors University, WGU
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Quiet Leadership: Unlocking the Untapped 50% of Your Talent Pool
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Unlock the leadership potential of introverts (50% of workforce). Use data-driven frameworks to foster psychological safety, boost engagement, and drive innovation through inclusive organizational culture.
Richard EtienneFounder & Leadership Coach, The Introvert Space
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Strategic AI Adoption: Designing Smarter Workflows
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Implement strategic AI adoption in HR: overcome adoption barriers, evaluate processes for automation, build human-AI collaboration, and develop clear roadmaps to design smarter, resilient HR workflows.
Kimberly SouthernAssistant City Manager, City of Greeley, Colorado
Arturo FerreiraFounder/CEO, Upscaile
Kathy Jensen WattsEVP & CHRO, The Heico Companies
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Ten Things I Hate About My Manager - Why People Leave
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Manager-employee relationships drive engagement, retention, and performance. Learn nine specific behaviors managers exhibit that employees hate most, and how to develop skills that transform subordinate relationships into colleague partnerships.
David RittofPresident, Modern Management, Inc.
Dennis DavisNational Dir of Client Training, Ogletree Deakins
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
The Art and Science of Healthy High Performance: How We can Maintain Peak Performance in Times of Change
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Master sustainable high performance by leveraging peak performance cycles, recovery tactics, and science-backed strategies. Elevate energy, shift from tension to flow, and maintain peak performance while protecting health and wellbeing.
Greg WellsPresident, Wells Performance Inc.
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
The Fixer Fatigue: Rethinking Leadership and Boundaries (Podcast Recording w/ Live Audience)
● Leadership & Development
Podcast Recording
Room not listed on conference website
Middle managers who become problem-fixers risk burnout and stalled team development. Learn to shift from solving every problem to coaching and upskilling employees through boundary-setting, trust-building, and empowerment strategies.
The Heart Reset: Why the Future of Work Demands Humanity Over Hustle
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
The hustle culture is failing. Reimagine workplace success through humanity: prioritize empathy, balance, and well-being over overwork. HR leaders can drive this cultural transformation toward sustained people and performance.
Sophia CampbellHR CONSULTANT, HRCONSULT2000
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
The High Road HR Leader: Bringing People Together in a World That Divides
● General
Keynote
Room not listed on conference website
Apply John Maxwell's 'High Road' leadership directly to HR work. Navigate competing agendas, difficult conversations, policy enforcement, and competing demands while staying grounded in ethical, people-first decision-making.
Reanette EtzlerOwner/Founder, The Strategic HR Coach
☆
Wed · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
The Human Hiring Blueprint: Fixing Recruiting in the Age of AI
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
AI hiring tools filter out qualified talent and create candidate invisibility. Balance automation and human judgment using a data-driven framework that reduces bias, improves hire quality, and keeps humans central to recruiting.
Meagan WestFounder and Principal, Westward Strategies
☆
Wed · 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
AI-Crafted Resumes: 5 Ways to Reveal the Candidate Behind the Curtain
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Identify real candidate experience beneath AI-generated resumes in 30 minutes. Learn five strategies: spot red flags, ask behavioral questions, assess critical thinking, validate experience, and make confident, human-centered hiring decisions.
Robert HoskingExecutive Dir, Robert Half Inc.
☆
Wed · 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
Getting Pay Transparency Right: Data-Informed Practices to Reduce Risk and Drive Credibility
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Pay transparency laws are expanding—but transparency without strategic data analysis backfires. Combine market data, structured practices, and clear communication to reduce risk, maintain compliance, and build employee trust.
Samantha DawberManager of Customer Success & Delivery, Brightmine
Emily ScaceSenior Legal Editor, Brightmine
☆
Wed · 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
History Matters: The Future of Workforce Data Retention
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Preserve workforce history as organizations change systems. Learn why HR and payroll data retention matters, how case studies protect data, stay audit-ready, and ensure fast record retrieval for compliance and operations.
Gabe BellVP of Sales, Resource Navigation, LLC (ResNav)
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Ace Your SHRM Certification Exam! Enhance Your Readiness for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP Exam
● General
Room not listed on conference website
Master SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exam readiness. SHRM certification staff reveal data-driven preparation strategies, material recommendations, timing guidance, and situational judgment tactics to ace certification exams.
Charles GloverDir, Certification & Assessments, SHRM
Caitlin SheaProduct Manager for SHRM, Holmes Corporation
☆
Wed · 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Healthy Teams, Healthy Bottom Lines: Mental Health ROI for Small & Mid-Sized Businesses
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Small business owners can build mentally healthy workplaces without huge budgets or dedicated HR. Learn what untreated mental health costs your business, identify risks, and commit to three actions you can start this week.
Maximize SHRM membership value. Explore all member types, benefits, resources including certification, research, networking, and HR support. Discover practical strategies to accelerate your HR impact and ROI.
Employees expect instant, trusted answers from HR in 2026—most systems deliver fragmented intranets instead. Learn the knowledge foundation and moves leading enterprises use to deliver instant, trustworthy answers via AI across onboarding and enablement.
Caleb BurrillDir of Revenue Marketing, eGain
James HuntVP Products and Strategic Solutions, eGain
☆
Wed · 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
Navigating California HR with Confidence: Leverage SHRM Tools, Insights, and Community
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
California HR is complex and fast-changing. Access SHRM's trusted resources, California community networks, and compliance monitoring tools. Navigate state legislation confidently with practical guidance from local experts.
Monique AkanbiMembership Initiatives Dir, SHRM
Gina AyllonExecutive Director Northern California Community, SHRM
Andy CovellFounder, Lion Tech Solutions
☆
Wed · 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
SHRM Tech: Five HR Technology Trends to Watch…and Discuss with Your Peers
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Cut through HR technology hype and differentiate reality from buzzwords. Learn latest trends and see what your peers actually do. Refine your HR technology roadmap with data-driven insights on implementation.
Kenny PyleHR Technology Lead Analyst, SHRM
☆
Wed · 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Stop Guessing about AI Skills: What your people actually need (and how to build it)
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Most orgs can't define what AI skills employees need. Use HiBob's AI Skills Framework to operationalize AI skills across roles, assess readiness, and build workforce capability with real-world data.
Macaire MontiniHiBob
☆
Wed · 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
The Art and Science of Retirement Education: Empowering Participants Through Modern Engagement
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Modern retirement education combines strategy, personalization, and behavioral insight. Give employees the financial playbook, intuitive tools, and guided journeys so they build confidence, take meaningful action, and reach goals.
Jason BoultbeeDir, Client Relationship Management Executive, Bank of America
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Employer of Record (EOR) Models: My Journey Helping Companies Expand Across Borders
● Global Workforce Trends
Room not listed on conference website
Expand globally via Employer of Record models without legal risk. Demystify EOR structures, benefits, and pitfalls. Gain strategic insight on accelerating expansion while maintaining compliance and employee care.
Deborah McGeeFounder/CEO, PZI® Group (People Zealously Interconnected®)
☆
Wed · 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM
Well, That Went Left: Handling Emotional Responses with Civility
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Feedback avoidance costs organizations trust and engagement—yet emotional reactions derail conversations. Learn neuroscience of defensiveness and practical techniques to navigate triggers, stay civil, and maintain psychological safety.
Ama AgyapongCEO, Inclusion Enterprises
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
1 in 12: Why Most Weight Health Spend Is Wasted
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
GLP-1 weight loss medication spending jumps 30-50% annually but only one in twelve patients stay adherent without behavioral support. Learn a framework for outcomes-driven weight health programs that actually deliver ROI.
Matt BuffProduct Manager, Revive
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
2026 Annual SHRM Employee Benefits Survey Results
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Explore 30 years of SHRM benefits data to benchmark your organization's offerings against peers. Learn to use SHRM's interactive tool to identify gaps and strategically enhance benefits for talent attraction and retention in evolving workplaces.
Calven EngstromSenior Researcher, SHRM
Kathryn MayerSr Specialist, Content, SHRM
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Achieving Results: Success Through Purposeful Future-Ready Leadership
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Discover how top leaders achieve results amid disruption, AI adoption, and constant change through clarity and conviction. Gain actionable strategies from SHRM Linkage experts to transform leadership research into competitive advantage you can implement tomorrow.
Tracey WalkerCEO, SHRM Linkage, SHRM
Sarah BettmanDir, Solutions Architect, SHRM
Rachael MaranguDir, Linkage Institute, SHRM
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Are You Okay? Fight Burnout Using Play
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Harness the power of play to combat burnout and strengthen mental health. Learn interactive practices that help task-shift, reinforce boundaries, and turn off work-mode thinking for greater daily happiness and productivity.
Maddy GaborCEO, Betterment Works
Lauren YeeCOO, Betterment Works
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Bambi Vs. Godzilla: How to Deal with Difficult People
● General
Room not listed on conference website
Identify and manage six difficult personality styles that drain organizational energy. Learn practical techniques to stay empowered when dealing with negative, reactive people while maintaining professional relationships and driving business success.
Bruce ChristopherPsychologist and Professional Speaker, Bruce Christopher Seminars LLC
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Bridging the Gap: Building Neuroinclusive Workplaces that Retain and Thrive
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Build neuroinclusive systems to attract and retain neurodiverse talent using Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen principles. Strengthen onboarding, coaching, and performance management while preserving the human connection that drives innovation and engagement.
Lee JudsonLead Coach, Bridge2Work Coaching,LLC
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Building an AI-Enabled Recruiting Team
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Learn how leading organizations use AI to enhance recruiting work rather than replace it. Discover real strategies to move faster, improve candidate experience, and empower recruiters to focus on strategic, high-value tasks.
Timothy SackettCEO, HRU Technical Resources
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
California HR Minefields: What’s New, What’s Next, What’s Costly
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate California's complex employment laws with expert guidance on workplace-violence prevention, pay transparency, leave rules, and noncompete bans. Leave with sample policies, compliance tools, and an audit worksheet to protect your organization.
Joseph BeachboardChief Concierge Employment Attorney, Beachboard Consulting Group
Jennifer ShawFounder, Shaw Law Group, PC
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Eliminating Bias with AI: Practical Tools for Fair and Inclusive Workplaces
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Deploy AI-powered bias detection systems to identify and correct human and algorithmic bias in recruitment, promotion, and evaluation. Gain a three-step action plan to create more equitable, transparent, and inclusive workplace decision-making processes.
Hemachandran KannanDirector - AI Research Centre & Vice Dean
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Execution Over Exhaustion: How HR can create accountability that works
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Explore the psychology behind workforce transformation barriers beyond skills training. Learn how to address decision fatigue, lack of clarity, and the execution gap that stalls progress and limits organizational growth and change initiatives.
Michelle RozenFounder/CEO, The Dr. Rozen Institute for Enterprise Excellence
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Future-Ready Hiring: The Skills-First Advantage
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Shift from rigid degree requirements to skills-first hiring practices. Explore proven methods from leading organizations for attracting diverse talent and creating growth pathways based on demonstrable capabilities rather than credentials.
Isaac Agbeshie-NoyeDir, Programs, SHRM
Al CrookChief Human Resource Officer, Zurich Insurance Company
Amanda HallHR Business Partner, JBM Packaging
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Global Pay Strategies: How to Compensate Your International Employees Effectively and Equitably
● Global Workforce Trends
Room not listed on conference website
Design global compensation programs that balance corporate alignment with local market nuances. Learn techniques to pay international workforces equitably while maximizing total rewards, mobility, and engagement across global organizations.
John Rubinopresident, Rubino Consulting Services
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Leading with Bravery in the Age of Transformation: How Courage Shapes the Future of Work
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Develop bravery and resilience to lead through AI disruption and transformation. Gain science-based tools from neuroscience and positive psychology to foster adaptability, courage, and performance in rapidly changing organizational environments.
Jill SchulmanUnited States Marine Corps, Best Selling Author, Science of Bravery
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Lead with Presence: What Improv Comedy Teaches Us About Leadership and Confidence
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Apply improv comedy principles to enhance leadership presence, authenticity, and communication. Learn experiential techniques to think on your feet, build confidence, and lead with agility and genuine engagement in any situation.
Alan MuellerSr Consultant, Adaptive Challenge Consulting
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Navigating the AI Hiring Maze: Decision-Ready HR in an Uncertain Landscape
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate AI hiring decisions beyond compliance checklists to make confident, responsible choices. Pressure-test AI scenarios with case studies and build governance systems that balance innovation with legal risk and candidate fairness.
Dave SchmidtPrincipal, DCI Consulting
Breanna TimkoSr Consultant, DCI Consulting
Niloy RayShareholder, Littler Mendelson, P.C.
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Negotiating Job Offers: Master These New Strategies to Win Over In-Demand Candidates
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Master emerging job offer negotiation strategies for competing in tight talent markets. Learn what in-demand candidates truly value beyond salary and actionable tactics to secure top talent through win-win offer conversations.
Opportunities and Pitfalls of AI in Financial Wellness: What HR Professionals Need to Know
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Combine AI tools with human empathy in financial wellness programs. Discover realistic, data-driven approaches to personalized employee financial support that AI alone cannot deliver through human connection and trust.
Patrick CourtrightMng Dir/Retirement Plan Advisor, Raymond James
Patrick O'ConnorCOO, Private Client Group, Raymond James Financial, Inc.
Sara KnowlesSVP, HR, Raymond James
Marc McDonoughCEO, TIFIN @Work, TIFIN
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Purpose-Driven Retention: Merging Human Motivation and Business Strategy
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Address rising turnover by embedding purpose alignment across the employee lifecycle. Learn how employees who experience strong purpose stay engaged; implement strategies to strengthen retention and leadership sustainability.
Kane CarpenterInterim CEO, Workforce Consulting International (WCI)
Brent TurnerDir, Leadership Development
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Raid Readiness: Preparing Your Workforce for ICE Worksite Actions
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Prepare your organization for ICE worksite actions with clear response protocols. Learn to protect operations and legal interests through communication plans, staff training, and guidance on employer rights during enforcement actions.
David JonesRegional Managing Partner / National Immigration Practice Co-Chair, Fisher & Phillips LLP
Connie YangPartner, Fisher Phillips
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Seven Steps for Perfecting Your Documentation
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Master seven-step documentation practices that defend employment decisions. Transform verbal coaching and disciplinary conversations into clear, unambiguous records that support your HR decisions and withstand legal scrutiny.
Talent Intelligence on a Shoestring: Turning HR Data into Board Insights
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Build a lean talent intelligence engine using free or low-cost tools to create predictive flight-risk maps and skills alerts. Translate payroll, engagement, and market data into board-ready strategy insights without expensive technology stacks.
Prudence PitterFounder & CEO, PEARRM Services
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Talent Tug-of-War: Balancing Acquisition vs. Development (Live Podcast Recording)
● Modern Employee Experience
Podcast Recording
Room not listed on conference website
Balance talent acquisition with employee development to maximize retention and engagement. Explore strategies for building internal mobility, strengthening culture, and creating sustainable workforce ecosystems that support long-term growth.
Amy JaumanDir of HR, DNA Doe Project
Amber WattsChief Everboarding Officer, Radical Growth Works
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
The Chief Disruption Officer: Architecting Tomorrow’s Workforce Ecosystem
● Strategic HR & Change Management
Room not listed on conference website
Adopt the Chief Disruption Officer mindset to drive business transformation through people. Use the SHIFT framework to navigate change confidently, translate disruption into opportunity, and design agile workforce ecosystems.
The Cost of Cutting Culture: What 1,800+ Organizations Reveal About Risk, Performance, and Business Impact
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Use people data as an early warning system to reduce organizational risk. Learn how companies measuring leadership, engagement, and performance outperform competitors consistently while minimizing hidden costs.
Roza JankovicLead People Scientist, Culture Amp
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Turning Learning into Performance: Closing the Gap with AI-Powered Practice
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Close the learning-to-performance gap using AI-powered practice. Learners retain 75% of what they practice versus 20% they hear; bridge content gaps with real-time feedback and application-focused learning.
Paul EschenCMO, BizLibrary
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
UnMuted Leader: Turning Insight into Influence in the Future of Work
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Transform HR insight into executive influence by using the UnMuted Leader framework. Learn to translate people risk into business language and communicate with clarity to move decisions and shape strategy.
When Crisis Hits Close to Home: Red Hat's People-First Approach to Supporting Associates Through Regional Conflict
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Implement a people-first crisis response strategy for global workforce support. Discover Red Hat's framework for addressing geopolitical challenges through mental health resources, regional networks, and extended counseling access.
Kenny ZuckerbergVP, Learning and Orgal Excellence, ComPsych
Anne MuirSr Mgr, U.S. Benefits, Red Hat
Tricia MahoneyCustomer Success Leader, ComPsych
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
When Grief Comes to Work: Bold Policies, Real Support, Better Outcomes (NO PRESS PERMITTED)
● Modern Employee Experience
Panel
Room not listed on conference website
Modernize bereavement policies to address employee well-being and retention. Explore diverse approaches including flexible PTO, educational support, and flexible work arrangements beyond traditional leave limits.
Heather NeslePresident, New York Life Foundation
Jim ClarkPresident & CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Michelle Julian AtkinsBenefits Specialist - Global Absence, Accommodations & Risk Team Life Insurance and Supplemental Health Insurance, Google People Operations
☆
Wed · 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Why Fighting Burnout is Your Best Growth Strategy
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Combat burnout by personalizing wellness strategy to individual needs. Traditional one-size-fits-all benefits fail; tailor support to combat diverse burnout factors and sustain engagement in disruption-driven workplaces.
Dilan GomihFounder & CEO, Dilagence
Lindsay RyanSr. Dir, Client Success, Wellhub
Charlie ToneyVP, Benefits & Health Plan Strategy, Lifepoint Health
Chris LichtenbergerCorporate Partnerships, Life Time
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Future-Proofing Talent Retention is Imperative and Supporting Caregivers is Key
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Support caregivers to improve retention and competitive talent advantage. Nearly 3 in 4 employees juggle work and caregiving; design integrated policies and cultures that address this $33 billion productivity challenge.
Veronica Segovia De BedonProgram Management Director - Family Caregiving, AARP
Carly ChaseVP of Careers Business Franchise, US News and World Report
From Passive to Proactive: What the 'Patient of the Future' Means for Your Workforce and Benefits Strategy
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Align benefits strategy with the 'Patient of the Future' mindset. Employees use AI wearables and self-monitoring tools; update benefits to meet expectations for real-time health monitoring and on-demand diagnostics.
Katherine McClellandEmerging Technology Principal, VSP Vision Care
☆
Wed · 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Prove It: How Small Businesses Are Leading on Pay Equity
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Apply the Fair Pay Index framework to achieve pay equity in small businesses. Fair pay is a systems problem, not a resource problem; use this evidence-based approach to assess equity and take prioritized action.
Nicole ArmstrongFounder & CEO, Ellequate
☆
Wed · 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Real-time Punch to Pay, the Proven Benefits of Global Payroll and Time
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Unify global payroll and time management for measurable ROI and engagement. Eliminate fragmented workflows and compliance risks; leverage integrated solutions to enable real-time pay transparency and workforce visibility.
Bryan ThummeSenior Solution Consultant, WorkForce Software, an ADP Company
Jason PattersonVP Global Solution Consulting, ADP
☆
Wed · 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM
Serial Fixer: Leading Without Overextending
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Apply the Support, Don't Solve framework to reduce leadership burnout. Set healthy boundaries, empower teams through compassion, and transform cyclical exhaustion into resilient, high-performing organizations.
SHRM Tech: The Modern HR, Navigating IT Partnerships in a New Age
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate updated HR-IT partnerships in the AI era. Explore challenges, opportunities, and success stories as HR and IT align on technology purchasing and AI adoption across organizations.
Kenny PyleHR Technology Lead Analyst, SHRM
☆
Wed · 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Softening the Blow of Rising Health Care Costs for Employees
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Address rising health care costs with sustainable benefits strategies. Implement high-value tactics to soften immediate impact on employees and meaningfully bend cost curves over time.
Benjamin IsgurVP, Fidelity Health Thought Leadership, Fidelity Investments
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Bridge the AI understanding-to-implementation gap with practical frameworks. Learn responsible AI adoption strategies, workforce training approaches, and leadership decision-making for competitive, trustworthy AI cultures.
Arturo FerreiraFounder/CEO, Upscaile
Chris AllenCMO, Auris
☆
Wed · 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM
Amplifying Impact: Leveraging AI and Responsible Leadership to Transform How We Work
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Build trust-centered AI adoption by embedding responsibility into talent workflows. BCG's global approach shows how transparency, accountability, and human judgment guide AI from adoption to mastery.
Alicia PittmanGlobal People Chair, Boston Consulting Group
☆
Wed · 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM
What Lies Beneath: An Overview of Critical Untapped Talent Pools
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Tap underutilized talent pools to address labor shortages. Identify overlooked workforce groups with market potential and develop strategies to attract and retain talent more efficiently.
Justin LadnerSr Labor Economist, SHRM
☆
Wed · 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
2026 and Beyond: Future of Work Predictions to Navigate What’s Next
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate multiple future-of-work pathways shaped by AI and demographics. HR leaders influence how work gets done, who performs work, and how HR solutions support emerging organizational strategies.
Lauren BidwellSenior Research Scientist, SAP SuccessFactors
German MartinezPrincipal Solution Advisor, SAP SuccessFactors
☆
Wed · 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Stop Experimenting, Start Executing: A Blueprint for AI in HR
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Move beyond AI experimentation to enterprise-scale implementation. Integrate fragmented tools into cohesive workflows that deliver measurable efficiency gains and real organizational value.
Amanda MooreDir of HR Technology, Rackspace
Laura MaffucciVP, Head of HR, G-P
Gangadhar KonduriChief Product Officer, G-P
☆
Wed · 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Trends Shaping the Future of Retirement Plan Design
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Learn how market volatility and evolving workforce expectations are reshaping retirement plan design. Discover actionable strategies based on Fidelity's research of 28,000 DC plans to enhance competitive benefit offerings.
Whitney RossDir, Workplace Thought Leadership, Fidelity Investments
Katie RileyDir, Workplace Thought Leadership, Fidelity Investments
Explore SHRM's latest AI workplace research revealing tool adoption, productivity impact, skills gaps, governance challenges, and barriers. Interactive session with polls and peer discussions on integrating AI responsibly.
Kenny PyleHR Technology Lead Analyst, SHRM
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Beyond the Benefit: Creating a Culture that Encourages Mental Health & Well-being
● Health & Wellness
Roundtable
Room not listed on conference website
Roundtable addressing why mental health benefits aren't fully utilized. Share real-world strategies for improving awareness, reducing stigma, increasing manager support, and boosting employee engagement with wellness resources.
Melissa WalchkoDir, Total Rewards, SHRM
Sheri MartelLead, Total Rewards, SHRM
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
C-Suite Secrets: How Execs Really Use AI (Live Podcast Recording)
● AI, Data & Technology
Podcast Recording
Room not listed on conference website
Live podcast recording featuring C-suite leaders discussing how they're integrating AI across HR and operations. Hear actionable frameworks for aligning AI strategy, managing change, and navigating digital transformation.
Deretta RhodesEVP/Chief People & Culture Officer, Atlanta Braves
Kathleen PearsonCHRO, Opensity Solutions
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
#DEIrewired: The Value-Focused Operating Model for DEI in Uncertain Times
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate DEI in uncertain times using the #DEIrewired operating model. Learn risk assessment, inclusive program redesign, defensible decision-making, and anchoring DEI to measurable business outcomes amid legal pressures.
Darius JohnsonManaging Dir, People & Transformation, FTI Consulting
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared: The Top Six Ways to Address Workplace Violence
● General
Room not listed on conference website
Six essential measures every organization needs to reduce and mitigate workplace violence incidents. Evidence-based strategies addressing the growing trend and meeting state-mandated compliance requirements.
Jennifer ShawFounder, Shaw Law Group, PC
Dennis DavisNational Dir of Client Training, Ogletree Deakins
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Evolving Inclusion and Culture for Workforce Performance, Trust & Growth
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Move beyond demographic diversity to build outcome-driven inclusion and culture. Learn tools from SHRM I&D Committee members to optimize initiatives for legal compliance, performance, and sustainable growth.
Transform raw HR data into compelling business narratives that drive leadership action. Four hands-on activities teach you to craft persuasive data stories securing resources and proving HR's strategic value.
Karin RexChief Geek, GeekyGirl, LLC
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 4:20 PM
From Strategy to System: How to Actually Integrate DEI Into HR Operations
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Embed DEI into HR operations through practical systems-focused approaches. Map DEI across hiring, development, performance, culture; build governance; strengthen partnerships; measure beyond activity metrics for sustainable integration.
Solomon WilkinsDEI Integration Manager
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Future-Ready Benefits: Balancing Cost, Care, and Employee Experience
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Explore emerging benefits trends balancing cost, care, and employee experience. Learn how flexible, personalized offerings—pet benefits, innovative health solutions—create engaged, resilient workforces.
Amy MattinglyVP, Group Benefits Distribution, Nationwide
Dave Przesiek
Lindsey Murrary
Gwen Tormey
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 4:20 PM
HR Excellence: Achieving High Market Discernment
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Deep dive into SHRM's HR Excellence Framework analyzing 1,200+ organizations. Discover how Market Discernment in recruiting and total rewards strategies strengthen competitive edge and drive measurable business outcomes.
James AtkinsonVP, Thought Leadership, SHRM
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
HR Transformation: Building Strategic Impact During Change
● Strategic HR & Change Management
Room not listed on conference website
Case studies of HR teams navigating restructuring, M&A, industry shifts, and leadership transitions. Learn actionable strategies for change management, talent development, and technology leverage to build culture and strategic impact.
HR Without Boundaries - Deconstructing How We Practice to Move Organizations Forward
● Strategic HR & Change Management
Room not listed on conference website
Deconstruct hierarchical HR practices toward collaborative, fluid approaches. Learn methods to redefine roles, integrate functions, and position HR as strategic, relevant, and impactful partners.
Steve BrowneCPO, Larosa's, Inc.
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
It Pays to Get Sick in the U.S.: Navigating the Multi-State Paid Leave Maze
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
With almost 40 state, city, and county jurisdictions enacting or expanding mandatory paid sick leave laws, HR’s compliance burden has reached a fever pitch.
Lauraine BifulcoCEO/President, Vantaggio HR, ltd.
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Leading By Example: Aligning HR, Leadership, And Employees for Responsible AI Adoption
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Guide responsible AI adoption through people-first lens balancing innovation, trust, and readiness. Explore OneDigital's AI+HR Hub covering employee expectations, governance, change management, and aligned leadership.
Meagan KarryNational Practice Leader, HRC, OneDigital
Vinay GidwaneyChief Product Officer, OneDigital
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Performance Improvement Plans That Hold Up: A Defensible, Dignified Eight-Step Process
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Master eight-step PIP process ensuring defensibility and dignity. Learn specific, actionable drafting; manager coaching on performance standards; templates for consistent expectations as documentation requirements evolve.
James McDonaldPartner, Fisher & Phillips LLP
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Return on Intelligence: Move AI ROI Beyond Cost to Competitive Advantage
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
SHRM research shows AI reduces cost-per-hire by 30%, yet organizations fixating on this metric miss 80% of AI's true value.
Paul CarneyFounder, Ishtot, Inc.
☆
Wed · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Secret Superpower of High Functioning Leaders: How Process Intelligence Creates Aligned, Accountable Teams
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Apply Process Intelligence framework: connect work to goals, follow through, lead focused conversations, reinforce behaviors. Learn repeatable routines reducing confusion, building trust, and improving performance and retention.
Shane YountChairman, Competitive Solutions, Inc.
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Disrupting HR: Rethinking the Way We Talk About Work
● Global Workforce Trends
Keynote
Room not listed on conference website
Live podcast exploring how DisruptHR became a 200-city, 40-country movement by designing for community over control. Discover how bold ideas scale when people lead locally with empowerment.
Networking reception for South Carolina HR professionals attending SHRM26. Connect with fellow SHRM members and build valuable relationships in a relaxed setting.
Kansas SHRM networking reception offering HR professionals opportunity to connect with peers and state council members. Appetizers and first drink included; limited space available.
☆
Wed · 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Louisiana SHRM Meet & Greet at SHRM26
● General
Room not listed on conference website
Louisiana SHRM Meet & Greet for 200+ expected HR professionals from across the state. Connect with Louisiana HR community in Orlando while reconnecting with colleagues or meeting new leaders.
Network with Florida HR professionals in a relaxed setting at the Valencia Ballroom Foyer. Light refreshments available, perfect for reconnecting with colleagues or meeting peers.
Join Michigan HR professionals for an evening of food, drinks, and networking at The Hampton Social in Orlando. Connect with fellow professionals in a lively atmosphere.
Artificial Intelligence Meets Human Intuition: Shaping the Future of Strategic Talent Acquisition
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Integrate AI into talent acquisition while maintaining human empathy. Learn practical frameworks for using AI in sourcing and screening while preserving fairness and authenticity in hiring decisions.
Laura Ortiz-MarreroFounder & Sr Consultant, The Talent Box Group LLC
☆
Thu · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Building Culture by Design: Stop Leaving Your Greatest Asset to Chance
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Design company culture intentionally using the AIM ERA methodology. Diagnose gaps, build engagement systems, and create a roadmap that transforms culture into measurable business advantage.
Christie McMullenChief People Development Officer, Aim With Us
Ethical AI to Broaden Talent Pools and Reduce Hiring Bias
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Evaluate and refine AI hiring tools to reduce bias and broaden talent pools. Use the Equitable AI Talent Filter Framework with vendor checklists and monitoring plans for responsible hiring.
Jacqueline GrantFounder/CEO, The Management Academy, LLC and TrainTheTrades, LLC
☆
Thu · 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Find Your Flow: Chair Yoga Tools for HR Professionals
● Health & Wellness
Wellness Session
Room not listed on conference website
Recharge with gentle chair yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness. No experience needed—de-stress and rejuvenate your mind and body during the conference for renewed energy.
Hilary BassCEO, Align Self Care
☆
Thu · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
HR Service Delivery and Culture Transformation: A Lean Six Sigma Diagnostic and Roadmap
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Apply Lean Six Sigma to HR and culture challenges. Learn data-driven diagnostics to identify root causes, prioritize interventions, and build 12-36 month roadmaps for transformation.
Myriam VidalonExecutive Advisor & Principal
☆
Thu · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Mentorship Is Dying: And We Are Pulling the Plug
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Revive mentorship culture in your organization using a practical one-page framework. Address burnout and leadership gaps while restoring developmental relationships that drive retention.
Military Spouse Talent, Real Results: Practical Strategies and Actions Roundtable
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Roundtable
Room not listed on conference website
Support military spouse employment through inclusive hiring and retention strategies. Explore practical tools and frameworks designed to address unique barriers they face.
Xiomarie ButtermoreSr Specialist, SHRM
Elizabeth KohmManager, Strategic Partnerships, SHRM
☆
Thu · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Resilient HR: Practical Strategies to Prevent Burnout and Strengthen Well-Being
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Prevent HR burnout using the Resilient HR Framework. Learn early indicators of compassion fatigue and adopt habits that protect energy, clarity, and professional presence.
Katrina AcostaHR Dir, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
☆
Thu · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
The Art and Science of Asking Transformative Questions
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Master transformative questioning skills that go beyond giving advice. Learn a comprehensive model distinguishing transactional from transformational approaches in HR situations.
Francis Jay CaputoCo Principal, Be Wise Leadership Academy and Certified Master Coach
☆
Thu · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
The Hidden Cost of Pharmacy Benefits: How HR Leaders Can Unlock 30-40% Savings Without Disrupting Employee Care
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Reduce pharmacy costs by 30-40% without disrupting employee care. Understand PBM contracts, carve-out strategies, and proven case studies for benefits cost management.
Eric PappVP of Employee Benefits Consulting, M.E. Wilson Insurance
Eric PorterVP | Employee Benefits Consulting, SmithRX
☆
Thu · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
The HR Evolution: Leading with Civility in an Era of Complexity and Change
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate the evolution of HR leadership with civility and confidence. Balance policy enforcement with people dynamics while leading complex workplace change.
Kendra DoddFounder and Principal, Fulfill-2 B, LLC
☆
Thu · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
When Employee Relations Isn't Enough: A CLEAR Framework for Protected Class Investigations
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Conduct defensible protected class investigations using the CLEAR Framework. Learn five-phase methodology and tools like InVextra for rigorous, compliant investigation protocols.
Your Brain on Feedback: The Science of Belonging at Work (Podcast Recording w/ Live Audience)
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Understand how brain science shapes feedback, belonging, and psychological safety. Explore neuroscience-backed strategies for inclusive communication and supporting neurodiverse workers.
Ama AgyapongCEO, Inclusion Enterprises
Beth SirullPresident & CEO, NATIONAL ORGANIZATION ON DISABILITY
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Visit the SHRM26 Expo, the world's largest HR solutions hub! Explore innovative HR products, stop by Expo Theaters for education, demos, thought leadership, and win prizes with your Passport!
Leadership Starts Within: The Hidden Driver of Resilience and Retention
● Leadership & Development
Spotlight Session
Room not listed on conference website
Build leadership resilience by clarifying internal identity beyond outcomes. Discover how self-worth shapes pressure management, trust-building, and team engagement.
Ben EdenHead of Professional Development, LifeGuides
☆
Thu · 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Point Solution Fatigue: How HR Teams Are Consolidating Nine Wellness Vendors Into One
● Health & Wellness
Wellness Session
Room not listed on conference website
Consolidate multiple wellness vendors into comprehensive dietitian-led care. Understand how one integrated program covers metabolic health, GLP-1 support, and chronic disease management.
Filipa CanadasAccount Manager, Nutrium
Mariana FerreiraMarketing Specialist, Nutrium
☆
Thu · 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Seeing and Hearing as We Age: Exploring the Connection between the Senses
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Understand sensory loss (hearing and vision) as workplace well-being. Learn practical strategies for proactive care and inclusion across life stages.
Andrew NeighborsAssociate Medical Dir, EyeMed
☆
Thu · 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Student Debt Reality Check: What Plan Sponsors Are Missing
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Address student debt's impact on workforce participation and retirement readiness. Discover targeted employer strategies to support borrowers and improve productivity.
Christina BuchananSVP, Head of Emerging Product Sales, Fidelity Investments
Katie RileyDir, Workplace Thought Leadership, Fidelity Investments
☆
Thu · 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
The 2026 Civility Index: What Two Years of Data Have Taught Us About the State of Civility
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Learn from two years of SHRM's Civility Index data about incivility prevalence, costs, and trends. Gain actionable strategies to strengthen civility in your organization and foster respectful, productive workplace conversations.
Ragan DeckerDir, Commercial Research, SHRM
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
AI Can't Lead Under Pressure. But You Must: Inside the Athleadership Operating System (Part II) A neuroscience-backed Leadership Lab for Strengthening Strategic Influence and Team Stability Under Pressure (with Dr. Michael Mannino)
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Discover Athleadership, a neuroscience-backed leadership framework for performing under pressure. Through interactive drills and real scenarios, build your personal leadership playbook for consistent performance in uncertain times.
Melissa Dawn SimkinsFounder, Athleadership and CEO, Velvet Suite
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Beyond Inclusion Training: Building Cultures that Get Real
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Move beyond one-time inclusion training to culture transformation. Learn evidence-based tools to evaluate inclusion through policy, language, environment, and social dynamics. Receive a practical guide for living shared values.
Alan MuellerSr Consultant, Adaptive Challenge Consulting
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Beyond the Gates of the Happiest Place: Confronting Hospitality's Burnout
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Confront hospitality burnout as a systems issue using neuroscience insights. Learn practical strategies to move beyond psychological safety jargon and create sustainable work experiences that reduce exhaustion and turnover.
Wendy RichardFounder, Speaker & Head Consultant, BrainrichX
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Change-Ready or Change-Resistant? How to Assess and Elevate the Mindsets That Drive Agility
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Discover how to assess workforce change-readiness by measuring mindsets. Learn which fixed, closed, or prevention-focused mindsets undermine agility, then use Fortune 500 assessment tools to build teams wired for change.
Ryan GottfredsonLeadership Development Consultant & Professor, Ryan Gottfredson/CSUF
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Charting the Future of Work: A Fireside Chat
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Join a fireside chat with U.S. Department of Labor leaders on workforce development, skills-based hiring, and talent pipelines. Explore AI, apprenticeships, and public-private partnerships shaping the future of work.
Dr. Henry MackU.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor, Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration
Emily DickensChief Administrative Officer, SHRM
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Detecting Deception: Practical Skills for HR Professionals
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Learn scientifically validated methods to spot deception in hiring and investigations. Watch case studies and examine videos to identify signs of truthfulness and deception beyond common stereotypes.
Michael JohnsonBoard Advisor, Traliant
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Employee Experience & Technology: How Self-Service Portals, Mobile Apps, & Digital Tools Are Changing Expectations
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Discover how organizations modernize employee experience through self-service tech. Learn practical strategies for evaluating technology, driving adoption, and ensuring accessibility across diverse employee populations.
carney kimPayroll Manager, Alexander & Baldwin
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Fair Pay, Smart Tech: Using AI + HI to Design Equitable and Transparent Compensation Systems
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Explore how AI and human judgment combine to create fair compensation systems. Learn ethical frameworks, identify bias, ensure pay transparency, and leverage analytics to build employee trust and equity.
Andrew FocklerAdjunct Faculty/Sessional Faculty/ Dir, Yorkville University/ Vocational Quest Inc.
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
From Service to Success: Proven HR Strategies for Hiring & Retaining Military-Connected Talent
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Access proven strategies for recruiting, hiring, and retaining military-connected talent. Learn to assess readiness, remove hiring barriers, expand career pathways, and build sustainable military-focused talent initiatives.
HR Executive Insights: Architecting the Future of the Global Frontline Workforce
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Join CHROs exploring how global labor scarcity, geopolitics, and AI reshape frontline workforce strategy. Examine building globally resilient, digitally enabled, human-centered workforce ecosystems across hospitality, logistics, and retail.
Deretta RhodesEVP/Chief People & Culture Officer, Atlanta Braves
Njsane CourtneyVP, HR, American Bureau of Shipping
Jamie DurlingVP HR, Americas & South Africa, Dolce & Gabbana
Bettina DeynesGlobal CHRO, Carnival Corporation
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
If Leadership is a Game, These Are the Rules
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Explore four decades of distilled leadership principles from Steve Gilliland. Learn rules emphasizing accountability, shared responsibility, and courage to guide teams toward achievements they thought impossible.
Steve GillilandSpeaker & Author, Steve Gilliland, Inc.
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Illegal DEI: What the Government Is Coming For - And How to Protect Yourself
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Understand federal DEI investigations and legal risks. Learn what government agencies target, recent settlements like IBM's $17 million case, and how to protect your organization from compliance violations.
David B. Cohen, M.S.President, DCI Consulting Group Inc.
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Inclusivity as a Virtue: Virtue-Based HR Habits for Building Ethical Cultures
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Apply virtue ethics to HR practices through interactive workshop. Connect fairness, humility, empathy, and moral courage to hiring, performance management, and conflict resolution. Receive digital toolkit for continued growth.
Rashida KimbrueOrgal Leadership Researcher & Consultant, The Luminary Collective
Investigations and Separations: Smarter Compliance for HR's Riskiest Moments
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Learn to reduce risk and strengthen defensibility in employee separations and investigations. Hear from HR leaders and legal experts on smarter workflows, consistent documentation, and compliance gap solutions.
Jim LinkCHRO, SHRM
Katie SammarcoSr. Dir of HR Enablement, Cox Enterprises, Inc.
Jacqueline SchaferFounder & CEO, Clearbrief
Natasha BakerCo-Founder and Managing Attorney, Novus Law Firm
Sarah RodehorstCo-Founder/CEO, Onwards HR Inc
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Organizational Health & Wellbeing: Unlocking Root Causes with the SCP GROWTH Index™
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Use the SCP GROWTH Index to uncover organizational health root causes. Through data-driven assessment, discover how culture and leadership shape engagement, resilience, and sustainable performance.
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
SHRM Tech: A Peer Data-Driven Approach to HR Technology Evaluation and Selection
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Avoid buyer's remorse on HR tech. Learn which selection steps matter most, see how thousands of peers evaluated hundreds of technologies, and pressure test your plans with peer insights.
Kenny PyleHR Technology Lead Analyst, SHRM
Calven EngstromSenior Researcher, SHRM
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Strategies for Navigating ADA Compliance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate ADA compliance as AI transforms HR. Learn to select, deploy, and manage AI tools with accessibility in mind. Address algorithmic bias, data privacy, and federal compliance requirements.
Patricia Lauren ZunigaIDAM Compliance Manager
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
The $411 Billion Problem: Making Sleep Your Highest-ROI Wellness Investment
● Health & Wellness
Wellness Session
Room not listed on conference website
Sleep deprivation costs companies $411 billion annually. Learn from a corporate sleep specialist how to integrate sleep-based wellness initiatives with measurable ROI and reduced burnout.
Angela Holliday-BellFounder, The Solution is Sleep LLC
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The AI Maturity Playbook: Build Trustworthy Tools for Recruiting, Rewarding, and Retaining Talent
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Use AI to strengthen recruiting, retention, and career development while building employee trust. Learn practical approaches to keep pace with career-change desires and workforce expectations.
Kathryn HustonBambooHR
Kristie RowleySr Mgr of AI/ML Engineering, BambooHR
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The Global Employee Experience: What's Shaping Attraction, Engagement, and Retention Worldwide
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Learn emerging global trends in employee experience using fresh 2026 data from SHRM's Global Employee Monitor across dozens of countries. Gain actionable insights to build compelling employee value propositions in diverse workforce environments.
Ashley MillerDir, Operations & Partnerships, SHRM
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The Heart of the Matter - Why the Work of HR Matters
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Explore why HR's work is essential to organizational success. Discover how HR professionals bring companies together to perform and thrive through people-centered leadership.
Steve BrowneCPO, Larosa's, Inc.
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
The Recovery Friendly Workplace: A People-First Approach to Workforce Well-Being & Inclusive Culture
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Discover the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative—an evidence-based framework fostering psychological safety and belonging. Learn actionable steps to reduce stigma, strengthen morale, and improve employee engagement and retention.
Cheryl Brown MerriwetherFounder - Principal
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
The ROI on ERGs: Connecting Employee Resource Groups to Business Metrics
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Master measuring ERG impact using a three-domain framework. Learn to translate ERG outcomes into executive narratives using Situation-Action-Outcome storytelling. Leave with templates and scorecards for ERG success.
Kevin EnglandFounder/CEO, Infinito Associates
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Three Operational Insights that will Deliver Great Results and an Engaged Workforce
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Gain three operational insights from decades of experience across hospitals, banking, biotech. Learn how work design drives most organizational issues and how leaders inadvertently feed these problems.
Don KiefferFounder, Shift Gear Work Design, and Senior Lecturer, MIT
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Trust by Design: Building Credibility Across the Talent Lifecycle
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Understand how trust determines candidate attraction, new hire retention, and employee growth. Explore trust-building strategies across the talent lifecycle in today's dynamic labor market.
Crystal WatsonSr Mgr, Talent Acquisition, H-E-B
Kyle M.K.Senior Talent Strategy Advisor, Indeed
Keturah HallmosleySeattle Children's Hospital
Sarah WrightDir of Talent Acquisition, Valvoline Inc.
☆
Thu · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
What Legal Experts Need HR to Know About AI: Risks and Hazards (Live Podcast Recording)
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Dive into unspoken legal risks and gray areas of AI adoption. Hear from legal experts on real hazards and hidden challenges in HR AI rollouts. Get practical, actionable insights before your next implementation.
Michelle DuncanAttorney, Silberman Law PC
Niloy RayShareholder, Littler Mendelson, P.C.
Louis LessigPartner, Brown & Connery, LLP
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Beyond Confidence: Self-Awareness, Imposter Syndrome, and the Entrepreneurial Mindset
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Explore self-awareness and imposter syndrome in entrepreneurial leadership. Learn how unresolved fear and blind spots shape hiring, pricing, and culture decisions. Discover practical strategies for sustainable growth.
Tina RobinsonFounder/CEO, WorkJoy
Chris AllenCMO, Auris
☆
Thu · 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
International Human Resource Solutions: Lessons from a Life and Career Spent Abroad
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Learn hard-earned lessons from 30+ years navigating HR across 30 countries. Discover how adaptability, empathy, and communication build effective international HR strategies and support global mobility.
Deborah McGeeFounder/CEO, PZI® Group (People Zealously Interconnected®)
☆
Thu · 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
● General
Room not listed on conference website
Multiple meal options available in the SHRM Expo. Dietary restrictions accommodated at special meal tents in Hall WD. Visit back of Expo for location details.
☆
Thu · 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pacific West Region Connection Meet Up
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Join Pacific West Region volunteers for casual networking lunch. Connect with colleagues from AK, CA, GU/CNMI, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY. Share ideas and strengthen regional connections.
☆
Thu · 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
SHRM Membership Benefits Deep Dive III
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Explore the full spectrum of SHRM member types and exclusive benefits. Learn practical strategies to maximize membership ROI through certification, research access, and networking opportunities.
Theresa VelykisMembers & Community Dir, SHRM
Paula HumberMembers and Community Dir, SHRM
☆
Thu · 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
The Bigger Picture: A Worksite Compliance Strategy for Small and Mid-Size Employers
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Understand the current immigration enforcement landscape and its impact on mid-size employers. Learn strategic frameworks for managing I-9 compliance, work authorization, and workforce continuity amid enforcement surges.
John MazzeoCounsel, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP
☆
Thu · 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Hurry up and Slow Down: The Paradox of Change in an AI World
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate leadership paradoxes: moving fast while managing shrinking budgets. Discover how trust anchors teams during rapid technology adoption, AI integration, and evolving employee expectations.
kathleen schulzGlobal Innovation Leader, Orgal Wellbeing, Arthur J. Gallagher
☆
Thu · 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Mental Health Benefits That Deliver Measurable Outcomes
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Move beyond traditional mental health benefits to integrated strategies. Learn why programs fail, what components drive outcomes, and metrics to evaluate success and strengthen employee experience.
Tracy TutorChief Sales & Marketing Officer, Bree Health
☆
Thu · 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
The Frontline Layer, The End of Paper, and The Language Gap
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Address three critical frontline HR challenges: language barriers, paper-based workflows, and outdated tools. Learn how one platform solves all three with digitization, translation, and modern infrastructure.
Jeremy JacobsFounder & CEO, UnDesked
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Want the Secret to Successful SHRM Certification Prep? Hint, it's the SHRM Certification Prep System!
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Discover the SHRM Certification Prep System for confident exam readiness. Get personalized study plans, targeted practice, and real exam-style questions. Start your path to certification success today.
Caitlin SheaProduct Manager for SHRM, Holmes Corporation
From Community to Connection: Leveraging SHRM's Online Community and Local Chapters
● Leadership & Development
Spotlight Session
Room not listed on conference website
Transform HR isolation into meaningful professional connection. Tap into SHRM's online community and local chapters for peer insights, expert guidance, and local networking that supports growth and leadership.
Arturo Gloria MunozLead, Volunteer Leader, SHRM
Joe Hamilton, IIIMembers and Community Dir, SHRM
☆
Thu · 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
HR's New Superpower: Financial Visibility
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Gain financial visibility on people decisions: hiring, raises, backfills, benefits changes. Learn how connecting people data with financial data enables smarter compensation and planning decisions.
Michael GugelGroup Product Manager, QuickBooks Workforce, Intuit QuickBooks
☆
Thu · 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Lower Costs or Better Outcomes: You Shouldn't Have to Choose
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Rethink pharmacy benefits through an employee experience lens. Explore thoughtful plan design, proactive guidance, and clinical programs that reduce unnecessary costs while improving employee outcomes.
Christina RaeckersSVP, HR, WellDyne
Nick PageChief Clinical Officer, WellDyne
☆
Thu · 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
The AI Concierge Era: Rethinking Benefits Support for Modern Workforces
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
AI-powered benefits support increases employee engagement and self-service adoption. Learn implementation lessons from real case studies on stakeholder alignment and adoption metrics.
Andrew FrankRegional Dir of Sales, Healthee
Jeremy MargoliesManager, Benefits, TAG - The Aspen Group
Ali JohnsonDir, HR, Article Student Living
☆
Thu · 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Future of Workplace Equity: Leadership, Data, and Business Growth
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Workplace equity becomes measurable business strategy through pay analytics and AI-driven insights. Leaders discover how equitable systems strengthen retention and long-term growth.
Nicole ArmstrongFounder & CEO, Ellequate
Chris AllenCMO, Auris
☆
Thu · 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Why Your Managers Aren't Ready for the AI Skills Conversation
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Manager-readiness gap for AI skills conversations is severe: executives claim 77% readiness while only 9% of individual contributors agree. Closing this gap is critical.
Keith MetcalfePresident, Acorn
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
A Fresh Manifesto: The Things We Think and Do Not Say About The Future of Leadership
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Move from leadership crisis toward courageous, strategic leadership grounded in resilience. Explore healthy disruption practices and relational intelligence for modern organizational change.
Jill BirchFounder/CEO, BirchGrove Inc.
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Be Bold: Unlocking Your Leadership Power and Influence as an HR Leader
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Seven leadership secrets help HR professionals amplify impact. Learn boldness, emotional intelligence, strategic influence, and risk-taking to strengthen presence and empower others.
Heidi HartmanCEO, Heidi Hartman Consulting
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Be More Human: Authentic Leadership in an AI World
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Five A's of Leadership—Awareness, Acceptance, Authenticity, Abundance, Appreciation—create competitive advantage in AI-driven world. Build human-centered leadership with practical tools.
Alison JonesFounder/CEO, Pillars Leadership
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Beyond the Buzzwords: Driving Real HR Transformation in the Age of AI
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
AI is often pitched as the "Future of Work," but for those of us in the driver's seat, the reality is often messier.
Stefani SteinwaySVP HR, Equifax
Chris JohnsonSVP and GM, Employer Services, Equifax
Kate NoelMorning Brew
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Creating Resilient Leaders who Thrive in Turbulent Times
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Resilience framework transforms disruption into opportunity. Leaders learn Purpose-Mindset-Action blueprint from Rob Dubin's interviews with Olympic athletes, CEOs, and presidents.
Rob DubinKeynote Speaker, RD Creative LLC
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Everything I Know about Solving Today's HR Problems - I Learned from My Dog
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Escape reactive HR mode using D.O.G. Blueprint to distinguish root causes, optimize trust, and gain employee insights. Reposition HR from cost center to business driver.
HR Innovation Fellow with the Workforce Institute
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
From Onboarding to Everboarding: Redefining Employee Development to Improve Performance and Retention
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Shift onboarding from short event to continuous 'everboarding' journey. Three-phase model with 30/60/90 milestones improves clarity, capability, and retention metrics.
Amber WattsChief Everboarding Officer, Radical Growth Works
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Future-Ready HR: Leveraging AI to Drive Learning, Growth, and Talent Mobility
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Integrate AI into learning and development for personalized learning, workforce analytics, and internal talent marketplaces. Create scalable solutions for organizational growth.
Sam CaballeroCo-founder & CEO, Pivotn
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
HR + Cybersecurity: Partnering to Protect Hiring Integrity and Workforce Trust
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
HR-cybersecurity partnership combats candidate identity manipulation and insider threats. Implement verification strategies protecting hiring integrity without degrading candidate experience.
Matthew MoynahanCEO, GetReal Security
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Human-Centered AI: How Business Can Use AI to Empower Employees
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Move from AI-enabled to AI-first organizations by redesigning workflows and optimizing decision-making. Empower employees through human-centered AI transformation.
Allie K. MillerCEO, Open Machine
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Igniting Hidden Strengths for Breakthrough ROI
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Most organizations run on only half their leadership fuel - overlooking employees whose strengths don't match traditional "loud and bold" norms.
Stacey ChazinFounder and Coach
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
Inclusion for Performance & Growth
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Explore how organizations can shift from traditional diversity efforts to strategies that build inclusive cultures, drive workforce performance, and ensure legal compliance. SHRM I&D Committee members share actionable tools for sustainable growth and trust.
Litigation-Ready Investigations: Documentation and Decisions That Hold up Under Scrutiny
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Strengthen investigation quality and legal defensibility through better documentation, credibility practices, and consistent decision-making. Reduce compliance risks.
Raeann BurgoPartner, Fisher & Phillips LLP
Erin AllenPartner, Fisher Phillips LLP
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Expatriate Benefits - Insights from Marsh's Expatriate Center of Excellence and the 2026 Insured Benefits Survey
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Global expatriate benefits face rising complexity from assignments, regulations, and costs. Leverage survey insights to build resilient, compliant benefits programs.
Navigating the Wild Habitat of Workforce Regulations
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate multi-jurisdiction HR compliance with practical tools for labor posters, separation notices, and remote-team regulations. Equip teams to thrive in complex landscape.
Brian ElfrinkDir, Product Management, Experian Employer Services
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Private Eyes Are Watching You: U.S. and International Privacy Laws Relating to Employee Monitoring
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Understand employee monitoring legality across US and international jurisdictions for time tracking, video surveillance, and keylogging. Compliance varies by location.
Risa BoernerPartner; Chair, Privacy and Cyber Practice Group
Nan SatoHead, Tokyo office; Co-chair, International Practice Group, Fisher Phillips
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Proving It Works: Measuring the Value of Wellbeing
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Wellbeing ROI combines hard returns and human value. Enrollment signals value; culture leaves data trails leaders can measure and act on.
Dilan GomihFounder & CEO, Dilagence
Chris LichtenbergerCorporate Partnerships, Life Time
Lindsay RyanSr. Dir, Client Success, Wellhub
Mike HopkinsNational Benefits Manager, PwC
Kristen PutnamSr Mgr Benefits, MFS
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Reaching Every Employee: Recognition Strategies for a Complex Workforce
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Build recognition programs that drive connection and impact across complex, distributed workforces. Make recognition relevant, scalable, and effective for every employee.
Kelly SatterfieldEmployee Experience Executive, Awardco
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Shaping the Future with Mentoring
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Effective mentoring drives professional growth through structured programs, diverse career stages, and measurable impact. Access practical resources for mentoring initiatives.
Raiyana BryantSr Specialist, Talent and Employee Experience, SHRM
Stop Demanding Fruit from Dead Soil: A Repair-First Approach to Burnout
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Reframe burnout as nervous system depletion and trust rupture. Three-step repair framework reduces load, regulates systems, restores trust better than resilience programs alone.
Nikkia GumbsFounder and Human Systems Architect, The House of the Sun
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Stop Losing Talent to Competitors: How Strategic Education Benefits Create Workforce Loyalty
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Retain talent by building strategic education programs. Learn five ROI metrics for CFO buy-in, business case frameworks, and seven budget-friendly models to future-proof your workforce.
Amy JaumanDir of HR, DNA Doe Project
Holly TapperDean, School of Advancing Studies, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
The Pay Shift: Turning Compensation Data into a Competitive Advantage
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Transform compensation from tension to trust. Use data-driven pay design and intentional communication to identify equity gaps, modernize structures, and align pay strategy with organizational culture.
Carrie CavanaughSenior HR Consultant, Find Great People
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
The Talent Playbook; Data-Driven and Human-Centered
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Elevate recruiting from transactional to transformational. Master recruiting analytics, workforce planning, and storytelling to align hiring with business growth and communicate ROI to executives.
Reagan KelleyDir of Talent Acquisition, National HR Consulting Services, Marsh McLennan Agency
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
What Teen Apprenticeships Can Teach HR About Gen Alpha (Live Podcast Recording)
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Learn from teen apprenticeships how to prepare for Gen Alpha workers. Discover practical approaches to building early talent programs that inspire innovation and meet evolving workforce needs.
James Hilton HarrellChief, Human Capital Management, San Antonio Independent School District
☆
Thu · 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
What You Need to Know about Neurodiversity in the Workplace
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Understand neurodiversity and build inclusive workplaces. Explore workplace accommodations, self-accommodations, and actionable strategies for creating supportive environments where neurodivergent employees thrive.
Sierra GrandySpeaker, attorney, and advocate, Questify Your Life LLC
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Discover current AI adoption in small-to-medium businesses through SHRM research. Explore AI tools, impact on productivity, skills development, governance challenges, and barriers to implementation.
Kenny PyleHR Technology Lead Analyst, SHRM
☆
Thu · 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
A GLP-1 & Weight Management Benefit That Works: Driving Outcomes, Reducing Risk, and Lowering Costs
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Implement comprehensive weight management programs that drive outcomes. Learn how physician-led integrated care improves engagement, delivers lasting weight loss, and reduces healthcare costs.
Dr. Kristin Baier, MDChief Medical Officer
☆
Thu · 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Communicating Benefits to a Multi-Generational Workforce: Driving Understanding, Engagement and Utilization
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Tailor benefits communication to generational preferences. Simplify messaging, personalize experiences, and boost utilization through data-backed strategies that drive engagement and confident decisions.
DANALIZ MARTINEZMarket Dir, Aflac
Josh BallVP, Constituent Marketing, Aflac
☆
Thu · 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM
The Rise of Skillfishing in the AI Hiring Era
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Combat skillfishing through skill validation and intelligent hiring. Learn to detect and prevent candidate misrepresentation using AI-aware strategies and workforce intelligence tools.
Alexander AlonsoChief Data & Analytics Officer, SHRM
☆
Thu · 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Transforming Complexity to Clarity: Building a Total Workforce Strategy
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Build strategic workforce planning beyond three-year horizons. Connect recruiting analytics to business growth with frameworks for predicting needs, reskilling at scale, and executive alignment.
Asal NaraghiGlobal Principal, Future of Work, ADP
☆
Thu · 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM
What The SHRM Foundation Can Do For You
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Access SHRM Foundation scholarships, grants, mentorship, and training. Discover $600K+ in annual support for students, emerging, mid-career, and seasoned HR professionals.
Network and explore cutting-edge HR solutions. Visit 500+ exhibitors in the SHRM Expo showcasing the latest HR technology, talent strategies, and leadership tools.
☆
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Book Signing with Alex Alonso
Alexander Alonso
☆
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Book Signing with Alison Jones
☆
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Book Signing with Amy Jauman
☆
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Book Signing with Heidi Hartman
☆
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Book Signing with Jill BIrch
Jill Birch
☆
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Book Signing with Nikkia Gumbs
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
ACA and ERISA Compliance: 11 Steps to Avoid (or Survive) a DOL Audit
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Prepare for DOL audits with eleven compliance steps. Review processes and documentation for ACA and ERISA requirements to avoid audit risk and ensure plan compliance.
Gary KushnerPresident, Kushner & Company
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Actor James Marsden on Career, Craft, and Experience
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Gain career insights from actor James Marsden. Explore lessons on navigating change, adaptability, leadership, and creating meaningful experiences that resonate professionally.
Jason BodinEVP, Marketing & Communications, Paycom
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
After The Complaint: The Decisions That Create Retaliation Liability
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Minimize retaliation liability through post-complaint decision-making. Learn how timing, tone, and communication patterns after employee complaints create unintended legal risk.
Louis LessigPartner, Brown & Connery, LLP
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
AI & HR: Enhancing Opportunities Responsibly in a New Era of Work
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Deploy AI responsibly across HR functions. Understand guardrails for bias prevention, transparency, data governance, and human oversight to harness AI benefits while maintaining compliance.
Camille OlsonPartner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
AI in HR: From Hype to Real Impact on Employee Experience
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Unlock real AI impact on employee experience. Learn practical examples of automating workflows, improving resolution times, and aligning HR-IT teams without overhauling tech stacks.
Warren GouwsSr Mgr of Solution Engineering, Freshworks
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Behavior Informed Workplace Safety
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Identify and manage concerning behaviors before escalation. Use behavior-informed frameworks for HR, Legal, and Security to reduce liability, support well-being, and strengthen psychological safety.
Nicholas BerberianPresident/Managing Partner, Global Secure 3, Inc.
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Better Hiring Starts with Indeed: Leveraging Indeed's Integrated Hiring Platform
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Transform recruiting with Indeed's integrated hiring platform. Leverage Sourcing Assistant and Smart Screening to scale hiring quickly or find specialist talent in competitive markets.
Deepika PillaiIndeed
Leanne SchlosserIndeed
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Closing the Frontline Leadership Gap: An Interactive SHRM Experience
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Develop frontline managers using interactive training and mentorship. Move through digital exercises and peer cohorts to build competence, confidence, and retention at scale.
Ben EdenHead of Professional Development, LifeGuides
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Communicating with Impact...for Results! The Art of Tactful and Diplomatic Communication
● Global Workforce Trends
Room not listed on conference website
Master tactful communication and diplomacy to handle difficult conversations while staying honest and professional. Learn real-world techniques to achieve results without sacrificing integrity in challenging workplace situations.
Culture as the Engine of Change: Leveraging the CARDS Model for Measurable Transformation
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Embed culture into organizational transformation using the CARDS Model. See how intentional shifts in rituals, systems, and leadership behaviors drive sustainable change and measurable revenue impact.
Culture is King: Laying a Strong People Foundation for Business Success
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
You've heard it before-"Culture eats strategy for breakfast." But how do you actually build a culture that fuels performance, retention, and pride?
Theresa Hummel-KrallingerCPO, High Five Performance, Inc.
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
From Toronto to Brussels and Everything In Between: Navigating the New Era of Global Pay Transparency
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
With the EU pay transparency directive set to transform employer obligations across Europe-and countries like the UK, Canada, Spain, France, Germany, and Ireland already enforcing transparency rules-multinational employers face a rapidly evolving global landscape. Meanwhile, U.S.
Laura MitchellPrincipal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
Christopher AndersonPrincipal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
From Training to Degrees: Turning Your Training Budget Into Talent Management
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Convert workplace training into college credit through partnerships with higher education. Transform your L&D budget into a talent retention strategy and competitive advantage for recruiting top performers.
Jacqueline SkrydVP Corporate Partnerships & Professional & Continuing Education, National University
Emily RyanDir, Strategic Partnerships, National University
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil? Can an Employer Respond to Employee Public Comments and Social Media Posts
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate employee free speech and social media post policies. Learn what employers can legally respond to regarding employee public comments while respecting First Amendment complexities.
James ReidyAttorney, Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Inclusion Under Pressure: Stress-Testing Diversity Strategies for Legal Resilience and Business Impact
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Build resilient inclusion strategies using SHRM's BLUEPRINT pillars—legally compliant, culturally unifying, and business-focused. Develop decision-making models that balance compliance with meaningful organizational impact.
Keli WilsonPrincipal, Workforce Analytics & Compliance Strategy, DCI Consulting Group, Inc.
Daphne DickopfOwner and Executive Coach, Change Matters Coaching, LLC
Jill HauwillerLeadership Advisor | Executive & Team Coach, Leadership Refinery
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Maximizing the Power of Assessments in HR
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Leverage organizational and individual assessments to drive workforce planning and development. Translate competency insights into targeted programs, accountability systems, and measurable HR business results.
Alexander PullenHR Consultant, SHRM
Caroline BeckerFormer CHRO, Rexel USA, Inc.
Demi GilmoreVP/CHRO, TidalHealth
Matthew HaldermanOrgal Development Manager, City of Beaverton
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Mental Health Isn't a Perk It's a Workplace Priority
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Position mental health as a strategic business priority, not a peripheral benefit. Shift from reactive support to proactive culture-building by embedding mental wellbeing into policies and daily practices.
April SimpkinsPresident and CEO, Paragon Strategy Partners
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Pause, Presence & Trust: Slowing Down to Speed Up in the Age of AI
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Combat AI-driven overwhelm by slowing down to think clearly. High-achievers learn to balance efficiency with presence, presence, and critical thinking for stronger leadership and judgment.
Vitale Buford HardinPresident & CEO, Vitale & Company
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Persuasion in the Age of AI for HR Professionals
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Use persuasion science ethically as an HR professional while recognizing manipulation. Learn behavioral principles to influence decisions on budgets, talent, and vendor negotiations responsibly.
Michael JohnsonBoard Advisor, Traliant
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Prescription for Change: Rethinking Pharmacy Benefits for HR (Live Podcast Recording)
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Rethink pharmacy benefit strategies to reduce costs while improving employee care. Balance expense management with satisfaction and navigate the evolving healthcare landscape for long-term success.
Eric PappVP of Employee Benefits Consulting, M.E. Wilson Insurance
Eric PorterVP | Employee Benefits Consulting, SmithRX
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Redefining Global HR Leadership: Credentialing Confidence & Scaling What Matters
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Redefine global HR leadership through trusted credentialing and scaled manager capability. Build standards that signal quality, develop leaders systematically, and align HR strategy with workforce outcomes.
Aslam SardarCEO, Institute of Human Resource Professionals
Achal KhannaCEO, SHRM East, SHRM
D. Shiv ShivakumarManagement Thinker and Chairman, Chair of SHRM India Conferences and Council, MTPL - an Advent PE Company
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Redesigning Work in the Age of AI: Unlocking Productivity and Human Potential
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Redesign work by rebalancing human and AI contributions for maximum value. Use data-driven frameworks to identify where AI, humans, or hybrid models create most business impact.
Lauren BidwellSenior Research Scientist, SAP SuccessFactors
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Secure HR: Essential Cyber and Data Protection Practices for Today's Workplace
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Strengthen workplace cybersecurity by partnering with IT on awareness training. Help employees recognize phishing, deepfakes, and social engineering while building shared responsibility for data protection.
Matthew RitzmanAttorney, Honigman LLP
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
State of the Workforce 2026: What to Keep, What to Change, and What AI Is Actually Doing to Your Employees
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Leverage 10 million employee survey responses to guide workforce decisions. Learn what drives commitment, navigate return-to-office strategies, and accelerate AI adoption while maintaining trust.
Kris EricksonCo-Founder, WSA
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
The Art and Science of the Interview - Navigating Pay Transparency, AI Bias, and other Hiring Landmines
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
A "simple conversation" with a candidate has become a legal minefield.
Lauraine BifulcoCEO/President, Vantaggio HR, ltd.
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
The Human Hiring Blueprint: Fixing Recruiting in the Age of AI
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Balance automation with human judgment in recruiting to reduce bias and improve quality of hire. Create trustworthy candidate experience by recognizing where tech helps or unintentionally excludes talent.
Meagan WestFounder and Principal, Westward Strategies
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
The Skills (R)evolution: Preparing Employees for Tomorrow's Jobs
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Align L&D with business priorities to build adaptable, future-ready workforce. Explore which learning practices strongest predict organizational success and employee engagement for changing skills landscape.
VP, Thought Leadership, SHRM
Director, Operations & Partnerships, SHRM
☆
Thu · 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Unwell at Work: Addressing the Health Challenges No One Talks About
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Address silent health struggles—menopause, pelvic pain, heart disease, stress—affecting workforce performance. Reduce stigma and implement targeted wellness solutions that increase resilience, loyalty, and retention.
Green and Growing or Ripe and Rotting? -- Why the Culture You Cultivate Determines Who You Attract
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Cultivate people-first culture that attracts and retains talent. Small, intentional acts of care drive significant recruiting and retention returns when organizations invest in employee wellbeing.
Abby MckiernanPresident; Founder, HelpLink
☆
Thu · 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM
Why the Future of Global HR Innovation and Talent Optimization Partnerships Will Be Written in Africa
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Recognize Africa's transformative role in redefining AI, HR innovation, and global talent development. Position Africa not as emerging market but as movement driving sustainable worldwide HR partnerships.
Jeffrey BohamSenior Curriculum Designer, United. States National Foreign Affairs Training Center
Clarify Your Message: How Story-Driven Communication Helps Businesses Grow
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Use story-driven communication to clarify business messaging and fuel growth. Apply StoryBrand framework to simplify positioning, deepen customer connection, and create memorable, actionable brands.
Meeting the Moment: What Gen Z wants from their Workplaces
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Gen Z prioritizes meaningful career development, job security, and clear paths to full-time roles over compensation. Design internship programs addressing housing, transportation, and in-person preferences for recruitment success.
Carly ChaseVP of Careers Business Franchise, US News and World Report
☆
Thu · 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM
The Hope Advantage: Solving the Engagement Crisis through Science-Based Leadership that Reduces Burnout and Retains Top Talent
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Apply Hope Science framework—goals, agency, pathways—to reduce stress, boost engagement, and prevent burnout. Transform career conversations and build psychologically safe environments where employees thrive.
90 Days to Prove AI: Securing Buy-In and Budget (Live Podcast Recording)
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
The first 90 days of AI initiatives are critical for demonstrating tangible value, securing stakeholder buy-in, and building trust in long-term adoption success.
Paul CarneyFounder, Ishtot, Inc.
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
An Employment Lawyer's Top 10 Reasons Why Employers Get Sued by Employees (And How To Prevent Them All)!
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Top 10 lawsuit triggers: pay calculations, performance management, leave handling, investigations, accommodations. Learn preventative strategies from employment lawyers with 30 years experience.
Bowles Rice LLP
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Automation, AI, and Job Displacement Risk in U.S. Employment
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
New SHRM research reveals which occupations face the highest automation and AI displacement risk. Get an objective, data-driven view beyond hype to help your organization evolve effectively.
Justin LadnerSr Labor Economist, SHRM
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
California Earthquakes: What You Need To Know for 2027
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate California employment compliance: leave management, wage-hour regulations, and PAGA risks. Conduct audits, update handbooks, and reduce class action exposure.
Jonathan SiegelPrincipal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Culture Redefined: Architecting a Skills-Driven, Continuous Feedback Culture
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Replace annual reviews with continuous feedback culture. Implement five-stage feedback ecosystem tied to skill development, creating psychological safety for upskilling and engagement.
Vanessa ZamyManaging Principal & Trusted HR Advisor, LiberationX Contracts
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Curate. Discover. Converse. How AI and Human Expertise Are Redefining Learning Discovery for HR
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Amazon's AI-powered learning platform reduced curation time 90% while personalizing journeys for 8,000+ HR pros. Learn three strategies to transform organizational learning discovery.
Keith JonesSr. Manager, PXT Academy, Amazon
Yinglu ChenSr. L&D Specialist, Amazon
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Emotional Intelligence Is a System Skill That Makes Work Work
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Emotional intelligence is organizational capability, not individual skill. Shape systems and work design to embed emotionally intelligent behavior into how work gets done.
Bethany AdamsAssistant Professor, Villanova University
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Employers in the Hot Seat: Surviving Form I-9 Audits and Enforcement in Trump 2.0
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Form I-9 compliance audits intensifying under Trump 2.0. Prepare worksite strategies, learn enforcement patterns from former ICE prosecutors, and mitigate liability risk.
John MazzeoCounsel, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
From First Impression to Long-Term Retention: Rethinking Recruitment & Onboarding Strategie
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Align recruitment, onboarding, and employee experience to foster connection and clarity from hiring through retention. Exchange innovative approaches through roundtable discussions.
Raiyana BryantSr Specialist, Talent and Employee Experience, SHRM
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
From Panic to Pattern: Make Feedback Routine, Not Reactive
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Replace reactive coaching with steady feedback rhythm. Use starter scripts, follow-up trackers, and weekly touchpoints to build clarity, prevent surprises, and document performance.
Joseph RotellaChief Value Officer, Delphia Consulting, LCL
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 4:20 PM
Future-Ready Talent Acquisition: Emerging Trends in AI to Attract, Engage, and Retain Top Talent
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Attract and retain talent through AI-streamlined recruitment, skills-based hiring, internal mobility, succession planning, and upskilling programs supporting organizational resilience.
Davis McAlisterCEO, ETS Enterprises, LLC
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
How to Leverage the 5 Hidden Signals That Predict Cultural Drift
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Five hidden signals predict cultural drift: ambiguous expectations, narrative gaps, behavioral inconsistency, emotional undercurrents, decision pressure. Use Relational Drift Cycle lens for early intervention.
Kelly BlackmonOwner/Founder, B.E. Consulting
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Leading through Change: Transformational Strategies for Diverse Teams, Dynamic Times, and Continuous Growth
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Lead diverse teams through research-backed strategies: create belonging, build trust across differences, communicate with clarity, coach potential, and address conflict early.
Rico SharpProfessional Speaker, Bringing Out the Best in You
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Managing Stress & Increasing Recovery to Maintain Peak Performance
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Maintain peak performance sustainably by managing stress effectively and prioritizing intentional recovery. Balance grit with energy systems preventing exhaustion and overwhelm.
Nick PropperCEO
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Red Flags, Quiet Risks: HR Strategies for Detection, Documentation, and Trauma-Informed Response
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Detect hidden misconduct earlier with trauma-informed HR response protocols. Balance compliance, safety, culture; strengthen reporting systems to protect employees and public.
Amy JaumanDir of HR, DNA Doe Project
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Right Hire, Right Growth: A Practitioner's Unfiltered Look at AI Across Hiring and Retention
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Real results from AI tools: skills assessments improve hiring accuracy; AI-matched coaching develops and retains top talent. Learn from leaders at DigitalOcean and Simple Tire.
Namrata KamdarCo-Founder, Testlify
Jim LinkCHRO, SHRM
Chris VitaleCTO, Simple Tire
Jamie AlbersCo-CEO, Mento
Matthew HoffmanCPO, M13
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Brain-Healthy Workplace: A New Imperative for HR Leaders
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Brain health drives cognition, performance, safety, innovation. Embed brain health into workplace strategy alongside mental health factors: stress, connection, purpose, support.
Sara RahimThriving Together Manager, SHRM
Tracye WeeksChief People & Culture Officer, Mental Health America
Katherine EvansChief Programs & Mission Engagement Officer, Alzheimer’s Association
Kevin RyanDir, Delta Dental Community Care Foundation
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Next Era of Pay: Skills, Internal Value, and the Changing Nature of Work
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
Shift from job-title pay to skills-based compensation aligned with organizational priorities. Identify value-creating skills, build internal frameworks, support retention and pay equity.
Nicole ArmstrongFounder & CEO, Ellequate
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Secrets to Engage the Quiet Quitters - How to Identify AND ENGAGE those Employees Who are Attempting to 'Sink Your Boat'
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Identify quiet quitters through engagement factors: personal values alignment, management quality, life dynamics, accountability. Apply reversal strategies to re-engage disengaged employees.
Robert KelleherAuthor / Speaker / Chief Engagement Officer, The Employee Engagement Group
☆
Thu · 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Women in the Workforce: Meeting the Unique Needs of Women at All Generational Levels
● Health & Wellness
Room not listed on conference website
Nearly 58% of the U.S. workforce is female. Employers face unique challenges across generational stages, from childcare and elder care to healthcare spending. Learn how to address women's distinct needs at every career stage.
On Thursday night, Disney's Hollywood Studios(R) closes to the public and opens exclusively for SHRM26 attendees. Wear your badge and enjoy select attractions, all-inclusive food and beverages, and dedicated shuttle transportation from SHRM26 hotel block properties.
A CEO's Perspective: How HR Can Enable Organizations to Navigate Change and Become Heros
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Discover how CEO-HR collaboration drives organizational transformation. Learn to coach senior leaders, support middle managers, and equip your workforce to embrace change while strengthening financial and cultural performance.
Darlyne KellerPresident/CEO, Rock Valley Credit Union
Barbara TrautleinPrincipal, Change Catalysts, LLC
☆
Fri · 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM
AI in HR: Choosing What to Automate and What to Humanize
● AI, Data & Technology
Roundtable
Room not listed on conference website
AI is reshaping recruiting, communications, workforce planning, and HR operations. Explore where automation creates efficiency and where human connection remains essential. Build responsible strategies that maintain ethics and employee trust.
Michael Sottile-JacksonTalent Acquisition Associate, SHRM
☆
Fri · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
A Walk in Their Shoes: An Interactive Look at Workforce Barriers Firsthand
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Interactive simulation shows how transportation, childcare, healthcare costs, and attendance policies create real barriers affecting employee attendance, morale, and retention. Based on 100,000+ real case studies.
Abby MckiernanPresident; Founder, HelpLink
☆
Fri · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Civility Not Sterility
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Leaders who maintain distance to avoid harassment accusations undermine collaboration and mentorship. Learn to develop genuine personal connections with reports while managing legal risk appropriately.
Jonathan SegalPartner, Duane Morris LLP
☆
Fri · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Generational Drama: The Workplace Soap Opera You Didn't Ask For...
● Modern Employee Experience
Room not listed on conference website
Five generations (Traditionalists to Gen Z) clash on communication, supervision, and feedback styles. Explore generational differences and learn practical strategies to bridge workplace conflicts.
Nancy GunterPresident/CEO, Gunter Training, Consulting, and Coaching
☆
Fri · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Navigating Sexual Harassment Training Mandates Across U.S. Jurisdictions
● Legal & Compliant HR
Room not listed on conference website
Navigate sexual harassment training requirements across state and local jurisdictions. Get clarity on who must be trained, frequency, content standards, and practical guidance for evaluating and delivering programs.
Rachel MannePartner, Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C.
☆
Fri · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
No Job Description. No Problem: How to Recruit Like an Executive Search Pro at Lightning Speed
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
Recruiting expert reveals elite headhunter tactics for filling high-stakes roles fast. Learn to build compelling hiring stories, conduct strategic discovery conversations, and attract top-tier talent without job descriptions.
Robin MilsteadManaging Partner, US for Zensho Agency
☆
Fri · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
The Future Of Work: What Humans Do That AI Can't
● AI, Data & Technology
Room not listed on conference website
AI excels at tasks; humans excel at judgment, ethics, narrative sensemaking, and relational intelligence. The Human-AI Workforce Architecture model shows how to redesign roles so humans think and machines execute.
Nikkia GumbsFounder and Human Systems Architect, The House of the Sun
☆
Fri · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
The Missing Link in Talent Strategy: Child Care Solutions That Transform Workforce Stability
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
Employers are converting childcare from a cost barrier into a competitive advantage using tech-enabled flexible models. Case studies show measurable gains in attraction, retention, attendance, and culture.
Eric CutlerSr Dir of Strategic Partnerships, TOOTRIS
☆
Fri · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
The State of the Workplace: Aligning Needs for 2026 and Beyond
● Strategic HR & Change Management
Room not listed on conference website
SHRM surveyed 1,800 HR professionals and 2,000 workers to identify critical workplace needs for 2026. Learn where worker priorities align or clash with employer capabilities and expectations.
Ashley MillerDir, Operations & Partnerships, SHRM
☆
Fri · 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Transforming the Communications/Corporate Affairs Function: AI, Measurement and Resources
● Strategic HR & Change Management
Room not listed on conference website
Chief communications officers want HR partnership on AI transformation. Insights from 150+ global leaders show how communications functions are evolving in structure, measurement, resourcing, and reporting.
Rochelle FordCEO, Page Society
Built for you by(617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker
Leading with Vision: Building Cultures That Inspire, Include, and Transform
● General Session
General Session / Keynote
📍 General Session Hall
Join Oprah Winfrey discussing true leadership in moments of change and complexity. Learn how to build workplace cultures where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Betty ThompsonChair, Board of Directors, SHRM
Oprah WinfreyGlobal Media Leader and Philanthropist
When Domestic Abuse Comes to Work and Affects Culture and Profits
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
One in three women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. This session raises awareness about abuse's workplace impact and explores employer advocacy, education, and action steps.
Mollie CampbellFounder/CEO, Employers Against Domestic Abuse Alliance
☆
Fri · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Critical Leadership Skills Because Workplace Drama Costs Money
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Workplace drama costs money through missed deadlines, turnover, and low morale. Master soft skills and communication to resolve conflict, improve efficiency, and strengthen your bottom line.
Kim laughlinOwner, Cultural Apex Coaching
☆
Fri · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
From Microaggressions to Microinclusions: Rebuilding Civility and Connection at Work
● Inclusion, Equity & Diversity
Room not listed on conference website
Based on SHRM's Civility Index, this interactive session teaches microinclusions—small intentional behaviors that demonstrate respect and belonging. Transform everyday interactions into connection opportunities.
Kevin EnglandFounder/CEO, Infinito Associates
☆
Fri · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
HR Blind Spots: The Top Workplace Risks Organizations Miss - And How to Fix Them
● Strategic HR & Change Management
Room not listed on conference website
This practical session explores the workplace risks organizations most commonly overlook and provides leaders with actionable strategies to reduce exposure while strengthening culture, improving consistency, and building more effective teams. Attendees receive a customized Operational Risk Score Report.
Katrice MillerFounder & CEO, Corporate Consulting Group LLC
☆
Fri · 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
HR in Manufacturing: From Reactive to Strategic
● Strategic HR & Change Management
Room not listed on conference website
Shift HR from reactive support to strategic partnership in manufacturing. Align HR with production goals, strengthen plant relationships, improve retention, and stabilize your workforce.
Tallys MorethHR Generalist, Gnutti Carlo USA
☆
Fri · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
It's Not You, It's Polywork: Managing Employees Who Have Relationships With Multiple Employers
● Strategic HR & Change Management
Room not listed on conference website
Employees juggle side gigs, passion projects, and multiple roles alongside day jobs. Learn to spot polywork, set healthy boundaries, and leverage employees' multifaceted careers as sources of creativity.
Katie TannerSenior HR Consultant, James Moore & Co., P.L.
☆
Fri · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Recognition Reimagined: Transparent Approaches Beyond Merit and Hierarchy
● Compensation & Benefits
Room not listed on conference website
This session explores how increased transparency in performance expectations, combined with additive awards, can reinforce fairness. Covers peer-to-peer recognition, shorter recognition cycles, and innovative practices beyond traditional merit increases, drawing on findings from a national survey of Total Rewards leaders.
Jennifer GivensConsulting Principal, SullivanCotter, Inc.
Amanda WethingtonPrincipal, C3 Nonprofit Consulting Group, A division of SullivanCotter
☆
Fri · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Still Working - Still Passionate: Hiring and Retaining Baby Boomers for Organizational Success
● Talent Management & Acquisition
Room not listed on conference website
20% of Americans 65+ work; 29% of Baby Boomers aged 65-72 work or seek employment. Tap this population's institutional knowledge and work ethic for retention and recruiting advantages.
The Leadership Reset: Rebuilding Confidence, Clarity & Momentum in a Changing Workplace
● Leadership & Development
Room not listed on conference website
Grounded in I/O psychology, resilience research, and the RISE Framework (Reflect-Invest-Strategize-Elevate), this session guides participants through five critical reset levers: Identity, Energy, Mindset, Priority, and Performance. Attendees create a personalized 90-day Leadership Reset Blueprint.
Scott BruceCareer Coach, Speaker, HiPo People
☆
Fri · 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Understanding Trends in U.S. Labor Demand
● Strategic HR & Change Management
Room not listed on conference website
Understand U.S. labor demand trends using job posting data. Identify which occupations and skills are most in-demand and which have declined. Critical for optimizing talent acquisition and retention strategies.
Justin LadnerSr Labor Economist, SHRM
🤖 Not sure which sessions to attend?
Download the full session list and paste it into Claude (claude.ai).
Then paste a prompt like the example below — it gives the AI a role, context about the data, and a clear task.
Example prompt:
ROLE: Expert conference advisor for HR professionals CONTEXT: I'm pasting over 400 sessions for the SHRM26 Annual Conference.
I'm an HR director focused on AI adoption and talent retention. GOAL: Pick the top 20 sessions for me. OUTPUT FORMAT: List in chronological order. Do NOT number them sequentially.
Instead, start each entry with its relevance rank in bold, like: Rank #3 of over 400 — Session Title.
Follow with the day and time, then 2-3 sentences on why it fits my goals. VERIFICATION: Before answering, confirm how many sessions you received.
You should have at least 400. If you received significantly fewer,
tell me immediately — my paste was probably truncated.
Tip: This is a large session list. Claude (claude.ai) handles the full file reliably.
Other tools like ChatGPT and Gemini may silently cut off the data — the verification step in the prompt will catch that.
