SHRM26 Annual Conference - Full Session List June 16-19, 2026 | Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL ================================================================================ ================================================================================ TUESDAY, JUNE 16 ================================================================================ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 801: Leadership Skills for the Senior Executive: Mastering the Art of Strategic Negotiations Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Workshop Speakers: Valerie Grubb, President, Val Grubb & Associates Ltd. This pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee.Think negotiating skills are just for salespeople? Think again! In HR, every relationship and decision involves negotiation at some level. Whether you're driving company productivity, expanding product lines, acquiring competitors, improving benefits contracts, or even advocating for your own promotion, success hinges on your ability to negotiate strategically and effectively. This highly interactive session equips you with the tools and strategies to negotiate confidently, even in high-stakes scenarios. Learn how to: - Influence tough CEOs, vendors, or employees with strategic persuasion. - Achieve win-win outcomes while advancing your goals. - Build lasting relationships that strengthen your professional influence. Master the art and strategy of negotiation to elevate your impact and results in every aspect of your career. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 802: Master the Neuroscience of Decision-Making Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Workshop Speakers: Lorne Epstein, Neuroscientist, Electric Cow This pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee.Senior leaders are expected to make high-stakes decisions in conditions of uncertainty, time pressure, and incomplete information. The real challenge is not access to data, but the ability to think clearly and lead decisively when the stakes are high. This highly interactive session introduces the neuroscience of decision-making and reveals how pressure, bias, and emotion influence leadership judgment. More than 50 percent of the session is experiential, allowing participants to actively engage in decision exercises that reveal how they respond to uncertainty, risk, and time pressure in real time. Participants leave with practical tools to strengthen judgment, improve alignment in leadership discussions, and help their teams make faster, clearer decisions in complex environments. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 803: Writing as a Thought Leadership Strategy Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Workshop Speakers: Catherine Fyock, The Business Book Strategist, Cathy Fyock This pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee. Writing is one of the most powerful strategies for establishing thought leadership, increasing visibility and credibility, and growing your career. Yet, many professionals don't believe they have the time or expertise to write.In this interactive and engaging session, book coach Cathy Fyock leads attendees in a series of writing exercises to develop writing muscles that will help grow their businesses and careers.Attendees will walk away with an action plan for writing a series of blogs or articles (that could even lead to a published book!).We'll also explore how to ethically and authentically use AI to write content pieces. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 804: The Employee Experience Execution Gap: Turning Rising Expectations into Real Results Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Workshop Speakers: David Cohen, Founder and Contrarian Consultant, DS Cohen & Associates This pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee.Employees and HR leaders agree: employee experience is now a top priority. Yet rising expectations, eroding trust, and uneven execution have created an experience gap inside many organizations We'll explore the forces shaping how employees experience their work, from stress and burnout to the everyday signals that build (or break) trust. You'll learn how to diagnose what's really happening in your culture, where organizations most often misread their people, and how leaders and middle managers directly influence the experience of work. This is not another "feel-good" engagement talk. It's a reality-check session for leaders who want to move from sentiment to strategy and from listening to action. You'll walk away with practical tools to connect employee experience to organizational performance, as well as how to translate insights into actions that move the needle. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 805: Compliance Bootcamp - Fundamentals of HR, Leave and Benefits Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Workshop Speakers: Jay Kirschbaum, Sr. VP & Director, Employee Benefits Compliance, World Insurance Associates; Marina Galatro, Director, HR Consulting, Newfront (now part of WTW) This pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee.Rules governing HR and benefits are confusing and complex. They change over the course of the employment life cycle. This session will provide a high-level overview of the basics of HR and benefits compliance. It will provide attendees an understanding of the structure of the core HR and benefits rules, how they work together, and how to apply them in specific situations. The program will cover the core HR, leave, and benefits requirements that all HR professionals should know. The presenters will give the attendees a structure to bring some order and understanding to the seemingly arbitrary rules associated with HR and benefits compliance. Knowing the internal structure and logic of individual rules and regulations helps to broaden and clarify the rules when applying them to specific instances. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 806: The Intentional Fiduciary Skills Workshop: Keeping Participants at the Center of ERISA Decision-Making Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Workshop Speakers: Kristen Koluch, Senior Vice President - Investments, Raymond James; Marina Edwards, Founder & Principal, Marina Retirement, LLC Through live audience polling and real-world scenarios, you will work through six core topics: fiduciary basics, where HR intersects with ERISA decisions, vendors and fees, participant communications and experience, delegation and oversight, and practical process and documentation. As each topic is covered, you will complete The Intentional Fiduciary Workbook(TM) using your own organization as the lens. Each section includes practical fiduciary questions, common answers, space for notes, and a place to flag issues for follow-up when you return to the office. By the end of the session, you will have a personalized, participant-first working document that can help support future annual reviews, internal discussions, and fiduciary process documentation. You will also receive a certificate of completion for your fiduciary file. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 807: Coaching Skills for HR Professionals: Building Capability, Confidence, and Strategic Influence Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Workshop Speakers: Maren Perry, Founder and CEO, Arden Coaching This pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee.HR business partners increasingly coach both employees seeking HR support and operational leaders who directly influence performance, culture, and results. Yet most HR professionals receive little practical training in how to coach leaders effectively in real organizational conditions. This highly interactive, skills-based workshop builds a practical coaching framework HRBPs can use immediately for partnering with operational leaders on behavior, performance, and decision-making. Participants will practice coaching conversations using HRBP scenarios that build clarity, accountability, and ownership. Drawing on executive coaching methodology, participants will learn how to work productively with resistance and reactivity under pressure while strengthening their role as trusted advisors who improve decision quality and reinforce shared ownership for results. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 808: Mastering Priorities While Beating Burnout Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Workshop Speakers: Glenn Anderson, Professional Speaker, Glenn Anderson Speaks This pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee. In today's fast-paced world, the pressure to do it all can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Mastering Priorities While Beating Burnout is a workshop designed to help participants identify what truly matters and align their energy accordingly. Attendees will learn how to set boundaries, listen more effectively, and manage their time with intention. The session emphasizes sustainable productivity - working smarter, not harder - while nurturing emotional wellbeing. Control things that steal your time. Learn the difference between what is urgent and what is important. Leadership and teamwork also require well-tuned listening skills. Explore active listening to enhance communication and foster a more collaborative environment. Join us to reclaim control and thrive both personally and professionally. 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM HRBP: Becoming a Strategic Influencer (Day 2) Track: Leadership & Development Type: Breakout Session This Two Day pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee. This highly interactive program will help you build the confidence and skills of an HRBP to anticipate and predict your organization's people needs of tomorrow. Explore how to artfully move from the tactical needs your business demands to focusing on the strategic work that the business needs. Instructor: Trisha Zulic, SHRM-SCP *Includes a virtual, post-conference session on Zoom: June 24, 2026 @ 12:00PM - 3:00PM ET 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM Managing Change (Day 2) Type: Breakout Session This Two Day pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee. Managing change is becoming a major focal point for HR professionals as organizations continue to adapt to an ever-changing workplace. In this enlightening Seminar , you will use various resources to simulate a change initiative in a realistic work environment. Instructor: Angela Hummel, SHRM-SCP *Includes a virtual, post-conference session on Zoom: June 23, 2026 @ 9:00AM - 12:00PM ET. 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM SHRM AI + HI Specialty Credential Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Seminar This pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee. Launch your AI journey with the comprehensive, hands-on Artificial Intelligence + Human Ingenuity course. The SHRM AI + HI Specialty Credential features a structured learning approach with three instructor-led labs, each building on the last to strengthen your foundation in AI concepts. The program also includes five self-paced podcasts, online knowledge checks after each lab, and a final capstone project to apply your new skills directly to your work and professional growth. Instructor: Geetika Jerath *Includes virtual, post-conference sessions on Zoom: June 23, 24, 30, & July 1, 2026 @ 6:00PM - 9:00 PM ET. 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential (Day 2) Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Seminar This Two Day pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee. Gain the critical knowledge needed to develop employment guidelines that satisfy the intricate California labor code, minimize potential litigation risks, and meet the strategic objectives of your organization with the SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential ). The credential includes an instructor-led seminar, eLearning modules and an online final assessment. Instructor: Ray Rokicki, SHRM-SCP *Includes a virtual, post-conference session on Zoom: June 23, 2026 @ 6:00PM - 9:00PM ET. 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM SHRM Certification Prep+ (Day 2) Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Seminar This Two Day pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee. This comprehensive program , led by a SHRM-certified HR practitioner, will help prepare you to earn your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. It includes access to the SHRM Certification Prep System (hyperlink: https://www.shrm.org/credentials/certification/exam-preparation/shrm-learning-system), a robust interactive study tool created specifically to prepare you for the exam. Instructor: Mike Letizia, SHRM-SCP *Includes virtual, post-conference sessions on Zoom: June 23-25, 2026 @ 9:00AM - 3:30PM ET. 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM SHRM People Analytics Specialty Credential (Day 2) Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Seminar This Two Day pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee. Transform raw data into powerful insights that shape smarter, more strategic workforce decisions. The SHRM People Analytics Specialty Credential gives you the tools to decode HR data and influence outcomes with clarity and authority. The credential includes an instructor-led seminar, eLearning modules and an online final assessment. Instructor: Dr. Milton Perkins, SHRM-SCP *Includes a virtual, post-conference session on Zoom: June 24, 2026 @ 2:00PM - 5:00PM ET 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential (Day 2) Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Seminar This Two Day pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee. Unlock your organization's competitive edge with the SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential by mastering the art and science of attracting, engaging, and hiring exceptional talent. Design inclusive strategies, navigate global hiring complexities, and lead seamless virtual recruitment with ease. Instructor: Susan White, SHRM-SCP *Includes a virtual, post-conference session on Zoom: June 24, 2026 @ 9:00AM - 12:00PM ET. 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM SHRM Total Rewards Specialty Credential (Day 2) Track: Preconference Type: Preconference Seminar This Two Day pre-conference program is an optional add-on and requires a separate registration fee. The SHRM Total Rewards Specialty Credential offers the knowledge and guidance needed to create a comprehensive Total Rewards strategy, enabling your organization to attract and retain top talent. The credential includes an instructor-led seminar, elearning modules and an online final assessment. Instructor: Dr. Ifedapo Adeleye, SHRM-SCP *Includes a virtual, post-conference session on Zoom: June 25, 2026 @ 1:00PM - 4:00PM ET 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Defining Leadership: An Intergenerational Panel of HR Leaders (Live Podcast Recording) Track: Global Workforce Trends Type: Podcast Session Speakers: Albert Smothers, Chief People Officer, CBE Companies; Carmen Barboza, Chief HR Officer, Crowell & Moring LLP HR leaders are reexamining what effective leadership truly means in a rapidly transforming world - particularly as generational differences reshape expectations for how leadership is defined, practiced, and communicated in today's workplace. This is going to become more important than ever, given the fact that the U.S. labor force demographics are shifting. The fastest-growing segment of the U.S. labor force is expected be workers age 75 and older. Supporting this talent pool and the five generations of the workforce will continue to be a challenge. In a special recording with a live audience for SHRM's podcast, People + Strategy, an intergenerational panel of HR leaders explores how leadership styles have evolved over time, the role of technology in shaping workplace expectations, and how different generations approach communication, purpose, and organizational change. Attendees will gain insights into how leadership is being redefined and what this means for building more adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready organizations. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM From Policy to Practice: A Listening Session with the EEOC (IN-PERSON, LIVE ONLY, NO PRESS PERMITTED) Track: Legal & Compliant HR Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Andrea Lucas, Chair, EEOC; Jim Link, CHRO, SHRM; Brittany Bull Panuccio, Commissioner, EEOC As the federal agency charged with enforcing equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission plays a central role in ensuring that workplace practices comply with governing statutes, including Title VII and related federal laws. For employers, a clear understanding of the EEOC's enforcement priorities and expectations is critical to maintaining compliance and addressing emerging workplace challenges effectively. This listening session provides EEOC leadership the opportunity to hear from senior HR and business leaders about real-world operational, cultural, and legal issues affecting today's workplace, while also offering participants insight into how the agency applies the law in practice. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Is The Future of Work Fractional? (Live Podcast Recording) Type: Podcast Session Speakers: Jamie Viramontes, CEO/CHRO, Konnect; Erica Ellison, CHRO and Founder, CoreSight HR Solutions How do top organizations solve their toughest leadership challenges when full-time resources are scarce? Some companies are relying on fractional c-suite leaders, seasoned executives who have opted to lend their expertise to companies on a contract basis rather than work full-time for one company. In a special recording with a live audience for SHRM's podcast, People + Strategy, fractional HR leaders share their insights on how they approach HR from a fractional perspective and their view on what longevity looks like for the HR profession. Attendees will learn how fractional HR leaders are shaping the future of work and hear real-world stories of navigating change. 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM Book Signing with Catherine Fyock Track: Book Signing Type: Book Signing Speakers: Catherine Fyock, The Business Book Strategist, Cathy Fyock After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM Book Signing with David Cohen Track: Book Signing Type: Book Signing Speakers: David Cohen, Founder and Contrarian Consultant, DS Cohen & Associates After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Conference Orientation Track: Special Event Type: Special Event Speakers: Nicole Belyna, Director, Talent, SHRM; Felix Massey, Sr. Director - Customer Experience (CX), SHRM Whether you're attending your very first SHRM Annual Conference or you're a seasoned conference pro, this session is your insider guide to navigating SHRM26 like a champion. We'll walk through everything you need to know before the conference kicks off - from mastering the mobile app and building your personalized agenda to navigating the conference campus and uncovering can't-miss experiences along the way. You'll leave with practical tips, time-saving hacks, and a game plan to help you maximize every session, networking opportunity, and memorable moment in Orlando. Think of this as your SHRM26 roadmap - designed to help you spend less time figuring things out and more time learning, connecting, and enjoying the experience. See you in Orlando! 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM HR Builds AI: The AI+HI Hackathon at SHRM26 (IN PERSON ONLY) Track: AI, Data & Tech Type: Workshop Speakers: Tina Beaty, Chief Brand & Marketing Officer, SHRM; Alexander Alonso, Chief Date & Analytics Officer, SHRM; Barry Reicherter, Director, Market Research, SHRM; Sandeep Reddy Nimma, Senior Analyst - Data Science and Attribution, SHRM; Joseph Buss, Analyst, Data Science & Attribution, SHRM IN PERSON ONLY This session is full and no longer accepting registrations. Bring a laptop. Bring your problem. The coaches bring everything else. You already know what's broken. The onboarding process leaking talent. The policy nobody reads. The workflow eating hours nobody has. The conversation leaders keep postponing. What if you spent two hours fixing one of those problems - for good? This is a hands-on session where you arrive with a real workplace problem and leave with a working, AI-powered tool you built yourself. SHRM AI coaches guide you through every step. No coding or technical background required. Participants will earn two additional PDCs for completing the hackathon. 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM Caregiving Summit 2.0: Aligning Strategy and Public Policy to Support Working Caregivers Track: Health & Wellness Type: Summit Speakers: Ronald J. Klein, (Former Congressman, D-FL), Partner, Holland & Knight; Wendi Safstrom, President, SHRM Foundation, SHRM; Larry D. Bucshon, (Former Congressman, R-IN), Senior Policy Advisor, Holland & Knight; Shana Gulley, Manager, Family Care Programs and Delta Care & Scholarship Funds, Delta Air Lines, Inc; Camille Chang Gilmore, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Avanos Caregiving is increasingly shaping employee well-being, labor force participation, and talent retention. Building on the SHRM Foundation's inaugural Caregiving Summit in 2025, this SHRM26 session examines how public policy and employer innovation can better support working caregivers and strengthen workplaces. In this interactive two-part session, participants will hear from employer leaders and bipartisan policy voices about practical solutions at the intersection of caregiving, workplace realities, and talent strategy. The first half highlights employer strategies such as caregiving benefits, flexibility models, and supports that help employees balance work and caregiving while improving retention, engagement, and workforce resilience. The second half features former Members of Congress discussing why caregiving is an urgent workforce and economic issue, and where bipartisan policy action could better support working families, caregivers, and employers. Participants will leave with clearer insight into the caregiving landscape and practical ideas they can apply in today's workforce. 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM SHRM Membership Benefits Deep Dive Track: Compensation & Benefits Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Theresa Velykis, Members & Community Director, SHRM; Paula Humber, Members and Community Director, SHRM Explore the full spectrum of SHRM member types and benefits and learn how to leverage exclusive resources. From certification and research access to networking opportunities and HR support, this session breaks down the most valuable tools available to members. Participants will receive practical strategies to maximize their membership ROI and accelerate their HR impact. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM AI in the Workplace: Legal, Statistical, and Real-World Strategies for a Rapidly Changing Landscape Track: AI, Data & Tech Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Krystal Welland, Lead Statistician, Silberman Law PC; Michelle Duncan, Attorney, Silberman Law PC Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the workplace - from how employers source and screen candidates to how they evaluate performance, develop talent, and manage careers. Alongside these opportunities comes significant legal, ethical, and reputational risk, as new laws and regulations, combined with federal enforcement under existing civil rights statutes, place heightened scrutiny on AI-driven employment decisions. In this session, a seasoned employment attorney and workplace statistician will outline emerging regulatory frameworks, share statistical best practices, and provide real-world strategies for defensible and compliant AI use. Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable plan to navigate this fast-moving landscape with confidence. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Don't Push My Buttons: The Brain Science Behind Workplace Stress Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Megan Wollerton, President/Owner, Life Force Wellness LLC Your people aren't leaving because of the big issues; it's the little stress triggers that quietly chip away at trust. These hidden 'buttons' can turn your calmest team member into a flight risk. In this session, leaders will uncover how small, overlooked triggers, rooted in the neuroscience of David Rock's SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness), can cause stress, disengagement, and turnover. You'll learn how to identify these triggers, lower the temperature in workplace interactions, and create a culture where trust and psychological safety thrive. Through practical examples and actionable strategies, you'll walk away ready to defuse hidden stressors, strengthen team resilience, and boost retention. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Elevating Team Culture: Igniting Success by Unleashing Rhythm and Magic! Track: Modern Employee Experience Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Brian Alementi, Keynote Speaker, CEO/Founder, Alementi Elevates, LLC Extraordinary teams don't just collaborate, they find their rhythm. In this high-energy and inspiring session, Brian Alementi empowers teams to move beyond routine and ignite a culture of connection, creativity, and purpose. Through dynamic storytelling, live rhythm and magic, and his powerful yet simple-to-apply 3C Model, Communicate, Clarify, and Consistency, Brian reveals how trust and alignment fuel extraordinary results. Audiences will discover what it means to build true "team rhythm," where communication flows, clarity thrives, and everyone performs in sync. Brian helps uncover the spark within each person and shows how to transform it into lasting momentum. Perfect for organizations ready to elevate engagement, unify teams, and strengthen culture, this keynote delivers actionable takeaways that inspire purpose-driven performance. You don't need more meetings, you need more rhythm, clarity, and consistency. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM From Stigma to Support: How HR Shapes Employee Mental Health Track: Health & Wellness Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Chad Sorenson, President, Adaptive HR Solutions Behind every conversation and performance review is a human being and sometimes, they're struggling silently. HR professionals are in a unique position to not just manage employees, but to change lives. This session will explore how HR can bridge the gap between stigma and support by fostering open dialogue, connecting employees with critical resources, and advocating for organizational practices that prioritize mental health. We will also highlight how HR can develop and equip leaders to handle mental health challenges with empathy and confidence, ensuring managers are prepared to support their teams effectively. By the end, attendees will feel empowered to go beyond their day-to-day roles, they'll be champions of resilience, leadership development, and positive change. HR Professionals will gain both the tools and the inspiration to intervene with compassion, protect employee dignity, and create lasting impact. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Future-Ready Feedback: Transforming the F-Word with AI Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ama Agyapong, CEO, Inclusion Enterprises Gallup shows employees who receive regular, meaningful feedback are nearly four times more engaged, while HBR reports 44% of managers hesitate due to fear of emotional reactions. Inequitable, vague feedback also disproportionately affects underrepresented groups and undermines performance and inclusion. This presentation blends research and AI-driven practice to help leaders deliver feedback that is clear, culturally competent, and emotionally intelligent. Participants will explore the neuroscience of defensiveness, identity-based triggers, and case studies linking effective feedback to engagement, retention, and team cohesion. They will also learn to use AI to draft feedback, role-play tough conversations, test culturally sensitive approaches, reduce bias, and prepare for anticipated reactions. Leaders will leave with a practical, repeatable process for strengthening trust, unity, and performance across diverse teams. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Grappling with Gremlins: Three Steps to Managing Imposter Syndrome Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Tina Robinson, Founder and CEO, WorkJoy Our rapidly evolving workplace demands that we show up, stand up, and speak up. Again and again. But this is easier said than done. We all have gremlins, those inner critics that emerge from early incidents with early influencers and attach firmly to our psyche. They might whisper, "You're not good enough! You don't belong here! You can't hack this!" They want us to stay safe and survive. But while their intentions are good, they're not in charge. In this active and engaging workshop, Tina Schust Robinson, founder of WorkJoy and author of Developing Your Business Leaders: A Guide to Investing at All Levels (ATD Press, 2026), offers practical ways to grapple with the gremlins that can keep us - and our leaders - small, scared, and stuck. Help leaders at all levels in your organization, including yourselves, manage the inner voices that diminish self-confidence, dent resilience, and deplete motivation. 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 Track: Talent Management & Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Bertha Robinson, Executive Coach & Business Consultant, Star One Professional Services Identifying "Ready Now," "Ready Next," and "Future Ready" talent is only half the work. The real risk and opportunity lie in what organizations do after the assessment. Too often, learning efforts stop at one-off training events, leaving organizations exposed when leaders exit or critical roles open unexpectedly. In this intermediate-level breakout session, HR professionals will explore how to move beyond the training room and design intentional, applied development pathways that strengthen leadership readiness, improve engagement and retention, and reduce succession and talent risk. Participants will learn how to integrate learning and development with employee engagement, risk management, talent acquisition, and total rewards, without adding unnecessary complexity or cost. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Human Connection, Upgraded: The Future of Virtual Belonging Track: Global Workforce Trends Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kassy LaBorie, Speaker, Author, Founder, Kassy LaBorie Consulting, LLC Creating connection and belonging in a virtual workplace takes more than good intentions; it takes thoughtful design, creativity, and confidence with technology. Drawing on 25 years of experience as a speaker, author, and virtual training expert, Kassy LaBorie shares practical and energizing ways to make online learning human, interactive, and effective. In this immersive session, participants will take part in activities that demonstrate how intentional design and facilitation can transform the virtual experience. Using interactive slides, collaborative online spaces, and AI-powered enhancements, Kassy shows how the right tools can elevate connection and engagement. You will explore creative strategies to strengthen culture, build trust, and inspire participation in every online interaction. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Invisible Learning: Learning That Happens While Work Gets Done Type: Breakout Session The traditional model of "stopping work to learn" can no longer keep pace with rapid, AI-driven shifts in job requirements. The evidence is stark: 80% of the global workforce will need to upskill by 2030, yet only 42% of leaders believe their workforce is receiving adequate training today. Meanwhile, workers aren't waiting, 57% are already using AI chatbots for on-the-job research, 52% to improve their writing, and 47% to draft content. Learning is happening constantly. The question is whether L&D is designed to capture it. This session explores Invisible Learning, shifting L&D from a scheduled event to an embedded operating system that meets workers where learning is already happening: outside formal programs, inside daily work, and increasingly through AI tools that most L&D functions never sanctioned and still don't measure. We will break down five concrete strategies to architect learning directly into daily workflows using communities of practice, conversational AI, and adaptive learning spaces. Attendees will learn how high-performing organizations, those 11x more likely to describe themselves as highly adaptable and 6x more likely to report high productivity, do so not by training harder, but by making learning disappear into the work itself. , Cornerstone 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Layoffs as a Leadership Test: How HR Leaders Protect Trust and Brand Under Pressure Track: Leadership & Development Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Patrick McCue, Senior Vice President, Americas, Right Management Workforce reductions are no longer just operational decisions - they are leadership moments that shape trust, performance, and organizational resilience. In an era of AI acceleration, constant disruption, and increased employee and market scrutiny, how companies approach restructuring impacts cost, productivity recovery, talent retention, and employer brand. This facilitated roundtable will explore how leaders balance speed, efficiency, technology, and humanity during workforce transitions. Participants will discuss where AI can support better decision-making - and where human connection remains essential. The conversation will examine the risks of over-automating critical career moments while exploring how internal mobility, redeployment, and reskilling can preserve talent, sustain engagement, and help organizations emerge stronger after change. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Pay Transparency Starts Here: A Playbook for HR Professionals Track: Compensation & Benefits Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jennifer Loftus, National Director, Astron Solutions Pay transparency is the strategy of how an organization shares with stakeholders its total compensation philosophy, strategy, and practices relative to the market and to employees' own experiences. While organizational leaders may question the need for pay transparency, bottom line impacts, legal compliance requirements, and changing workforce demographics demand greater action in this area. As such, a nine step playbook to pay transparency breaks down a seemingly overwhelming topic into meaningful action steps across the span of a year. Through a combination of formal presentation, interactive audience polling, and participant Q&A, attendees will come away with an effective roadmap ready for immediate implementation on the Pay transparency journey. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Recruitment Strategies to Create an Employer of Choice Brand Track: Talent Management & Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Wendi Brown, CEO/President, WBCP, Inc.; Alan Rosen, Founder & CEO | Sr. Advisor for WBCP, Inc, Local Government Solutions Effective recruitment marketing and employer branding play a critical role in attracting and retaining top talent in today's competitive workforce. Organizations that clearly communicate their values and workplace culture are better positioned to engage candidates who align with their mission and long-term goals. This session explores strategies to strengthen employer brand identity and enhance recruiting outcomes through targeted marketing approaches. Participants will gain practical insights into modern recruitment techniques, including the use of technology and AI to reach highly qualified professionals across all functions. The session will also examine best practices for developing competency-based job descriptions that support more effective candidate screening beyond technical qualifications, while incorporating equitable and inclusive hiring practices. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Safety Is a Talent Strategy: How HR + Security Protect People, Trust, and Brand Track: Talent Management & Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Seth Krummich, Vice President of Client Risk Management, Global Guardian Workplace violence risk is a leadership reality, not a remote possibility. Threats can escalate quickly, from an aggrieved employee or volatile customer to an external actor targeting a public-facing site. Employees want to know: Will I be safe, and will leadership be honest when it matters? The answer directly impacts trust, retention, and recruiting. This session explores how a strong HR-Security partnership builds trust through clear communication, visible preparedness, and a commitment to employee well-being. When HR leads with empathy and transparency and security guides threat monitoring, prevention, and response, organizations reduce risk while protecting reputation and talent. Attendees will leave with frameworks to clarify roles, align decisions, and build employee-centered readiness plans that improve response and create safer workplaces where employees are more likely to stay and advocate for the organization. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM The Future Leader Is a Wellbeing Architect Track: Health & Wellness Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Prudence Pitter, Founder & CEO, PEARRM Services Burnout, AI disruption, and talent scarcity are converging, while Gallup estimates global employee disengagement costs organizations nearly $9 trillion annually. Drawing on 25 years of experience guiding multinational teams across technology, hospitality, and manufacturing, Prudence Pitter introduces the Wellbeing Architect model; three practices that help HR leaders embed psychological safety, purposeful legacy, and data-driven flexibility into everyday operations. Participants will leave with a practical blueprint to elevate engagement, retain critical talent, and harness AI without eroding human connection. To maximize your time during the session, please complete the Leadership Assessment to determine your wellbeing maturity curve; https://pearrm.com/leadership-assessment 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM The Nirvana Fix for Retention & Engagement Is First-Line Leader Accountability Track: Talent Management & Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Dick Finnegan, Speaker, Author & CEO, C-Suite Analytics As America's number of workers continues to narrow, research tells us the #1 reason employees stay/leave or engage/disengage is how much they trust their immediate supervisors. Yet too often HR is solely accountable for improving turnover percentages and engagement scores which is not only unfair but also ineffective. This is why turnover continues to climb and Gallup reports that engagement has stalemated over 25 years and has recently gotten worse. This session provides data on the critical importance of leaders taking on retention and engagement accountability as well as a take-away deck for influencing your executives to support this massive and must-have cultural change, which will ultimately drive both metrics to become top-5 in your organization. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM The Screening Your Employees Are Skipping: An Employer's Playbook to Fix It Track: Legal & Compliant HR Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Dr. Jordan Karlitz, Senior Screening Officer, Abbott Cancer Diagnostics; Melanie Hardin, Senior Director - Market Access, Abbott Cancer Diagnostics; Cheryl Murphy, Human Resources Manager - Wellness, Hillsborough County Florida Most employers have a hidden health gap - employees skipping one of the most preventable cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer screening rates continue to lag, driving avoidable costs and missed opportunities for early detection. This session breaks down why employees fall behind - and how employers can fix it. Through a real-world case study with Hillsborough County, learn how a turnkey, employer-led approach increased screening participation and closed gaps at scale. We'll share what worked, including direct-to-home outreach, simplified program design, and strategies that remove friction and make screening the easy, default choice. Attendees will also gain insight into the clinical and financial impact of delayed detection, along with a forward-looking view of emerging screening options, including blood-based and multi-cancer early detection tests. Walk away with a practical, scalable playbook to improve preventive care and drive better outcomes across your workforce. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM The SHRM Workplace Culture Navigator: Exploring 8 Organizational Culture Types Track: Modern Employee Experience Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ragan Decker, Director, Commercial Research, SHRM Organizational culture shapes behaviors, decisions, and performance, but it is not one-size-fits-all. This session presents SHRM research on the Workplace Culture Navigator, a global framework that defines 8 distinct culture types and shows how each can thrive in different organizational contexts. Drawing on insights from 27,000+ workers across 25 countries, attendees will explore how culture dimensions and subdimensions interact, how types manifest across industries and regions, and how culture links to outcomes like engagement and retention. Attendees will walk away understanding that the "best" culture is the one that fits your organization, no right or wrong, just what drives success. 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Why CEOs Don't Trust HR (And What Great CHROs Do Differently) Track: Strategic HR, Organizational Design & Change Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Anita Grantham, Executive in Residence, NectarHR, Nectar CEOs don't invest in HR because it "feels right" - they invest when it moves business results. In this session, we'll unpack how modern CHROs can earn strategic credibility by connecting people initiatives directly to the outcomes CEOs care most about: performance, productivity, retention, and execution. For years, HR leaders have been expected to drive impact without the real-time data or tools GTM teams use to steer strategy, prove ROI, and course-correct quickly. That's changing. The data now exists - but having access isn't enough. HR leaders also need the ability to interpret it, translate it into action, and build a clear business case for what to do next. The new mandate: identify the few worker behaviors that most strongly predict the results the CEO needs, then design incentives, systems, and operating rhythms that reinforce those behaviors - so performance improves measurably, not just aspirationally. 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM Bridging Generations: The Future of Work Starts Now Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Markita Jeter, Associate Specialist, SHRM; Alex Edgar, Losey Visiting Voice, SHRM Foundation The workforce is changing faster than most organizations can adapt. Only 45% of high school graduates now plan to attend college, 61% of Gen Z believe AI will make it harder to enter the workforce, and employers are reporting friction with early-career talent at unprecedented rates. Join SHRM Foundation as we introduce the Losey Visiting Voice Fellowship and our inaugural Fellow, Alex Edgar. A Gen Z civic leader and co-founder of Youth250 at Made By Us, Alex shares what HR leaders need to understand about the next generation and how to build workplaces where every generation can thrive together. 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM Celebrating Everyday Heroes Award Presentation: Honoring Veterans Who Lead with Purpose and Resilience Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Christopher L. Flores, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army (Ret.), USAA, AVP, Military Talent Acquisition and Strategic Partnerships Veterans bring unmatched leadership, adaptability, and mission-driven impact to the workplace - and it's time to celebrate that! Don't miss this inspiring session with the SHRM Foundation as we spotlight the 2026 Everyday Hero Award winner, presented in partnership with USAA. This recognition honors a veteran who has successfully transitioned into a civilian career and is making powerful contributions in their organization. Experience an uplifting story, insights from our nomination and selection process, and the official award presentation. Attendees will walk away with a renewed appreciation for the value veterans bring - and practical ways to advocate for them. After the presentation, participants will take part in a brief guided reflection to turn inspiration into action, identifying concrete ways to recognize and champion veterans and other untapped talent - building workplaces that celebrate service, purpose, and inclusion. 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM Book Signing with Dick Finnegan Track: Book Signing Type: Book Signing Speakers: Dick Finnegan, Speaker, Author & CEO, C-Suite Analytics After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM Book Signing with Kassy LaBorie Track: Book Signing Type: Book Signing Speakers: Kassy LaBorie, Speaker, Author, Founder, Kassy LaBorie Consulting, LLC After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM Book Signing with Tina Robinson Track: Book Signing Type: Book Signing Speakers: Tina Robinson, Founder and CEO, WorkJoy After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM Forward: Release Your Inner Leader Track: Leadership & Development Type: General Session Speakers: John Maxwell, Best Selling Author, Coach and Speaker There has never been a more important, or a more difficult time to be an HR leader. John Maxwell has spent five decades researching, studying, and training leaders. As one of the world's foremost authorities in how to unlock the leader inside all of us, his lessons are exactly what this moment requires. In this opening keynote, through engaging, honest, and authentic storytelling, he'll reveal how to use what you already have - your day-to-day skills, interactions, and experiences - to be a better leader. By focusing on a handful of simple perspectives and practices, his message will make you think, laugh, and reflect, and in the process give you tools you can use immediately to make more of every opportunity to lead. Successful leaders look back on disruptive times and remember the moments they took advantage of both the ups, and the downs. John will challenge the way you think about failure - not as something to overcome, but as the moment you truly release the full potential of your inner leader. > 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM SHRM Expo Opening Reception Track: Special Event Type: Special Event 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. 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM HR After Hours: Midwest Edition at SHRM26 Track: Special Event Type: Special Event Join your fellow SHRM Annual Conference attendees from Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and across the country in Orlando at ""HR After Hours: Midwest Edition at SHRM 26"" hosted by Illinois State Council SHRM, Indiana State Council SHRM, Minnesota State Council SHRM, North Dakota SHRM State Council, and Wisconsin State Council SHRM. This event provides an excellent opportunity to network, connect, and join friends, colleagues, and other ""Midwest-friendly"" HR folks on the first day of the world's largest human resources conference. Our hosts have selected the perfect venue: The Hampton Social - Orlando, just two miles away from the convention center, with a private room reserved for our event, The Montauk Hall. Two complimentary drink tickets and an assortment of ""lite bites"" are included with registration. A fully stocked cash bar will also be available. Space is limited. Advance registration is required by the end of the day on June 8, 2026. Register today! Event Pricing: $40 per person - Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, or Wisconsin Residents/SHRM Members $60 per person - Guests, Non-partner state Residents/SHRM Members **Due to the nature of this event, all sales are final, and no refunds will be given.* Registration Link: https://wishrm.org/SHRM26 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Under the Lights: Christina Aguilera Live in Orlando (IN-PERSON ONLY) Track: Special Event Type: Special Event 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 ================================================================================ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 ================================================================================ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Beyond the Gut Feel: How AI-Powered Structured Interviews Are Transforming Hiring Outcomes Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Craig della Penna, Founder, Aesop Partners Experience the future of hiring, where artificial intelligence and proven selection science work together with an actual human being to elevate new-hire decisions. This session reveals how AI finally makes structured interviewing practical at scale - removing barriers of time, complexity, and interviewer fatigue while strengthening genuine human connection. Learn to create AI-generated Job Ciphers(R) that pinpoint what truly matters, implement a 10-question framework with real-time transcription, and eliminate bias through AI-assisted evaluation. Discover how a PE-backed company reduced attrition by 22% and achieved a 2.6x hard dollar ROI in the first year using these methods. You'll gain actionable tools - role clarity frameworks, AI-supported interviews, and evaluation strategies - designed to transform your hiring process from guesswork to precision. Walk away ready to harness AI innovation and evidence-based methodology for immediate, measurable impact. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Coaching Through the "Surprise Moments": Tools for Supervisors Supporting Early-Career Employees Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Dylan Russell, Professor of Leadership and Governance Every supervisor has seen this moment: a new hire leaves a difficult meeting, receives vague feedback, or gets corrected in front of others and suddenly goes quiet. They stop asking questions. Confidence drops. Engagement slips. The instinct is often to write it off as "Gen Z anxiety." The research suggests something more actionable. Early disengagement is almost always a sensemaking problem, and supervisors have a narrow window to influence the meaning a newcomer makes from a setback. Drawing on a longitudinal study of 12 Gen Z newcomers and their supervisors across the first year on the job, this session introduces the Four Responses Framework - Clarify, Validate, Coach, and Follow Up - practical responses supervisors can use to prevent confusion from hardening into disengagement. Attendees leave with a two-question feedback loop, three field-tested scripts for common "surprise moments," and a one-page diagnostic supervisors can apply Monday morning with their own teams. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Energizing Change: How to Build a Culture of Adaptability, Trust, and Transformation Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Andrew Fockler, Adjunct Faculty/Sessional Faculty/ Director, Yorkville University/ Vocational Quest Inc. Change is no longer an event - it's a constant. The question is: how do we sustain energy, trust, and alignment amid continuous transformation? This session introduces the LEAD Framework for Change Energy - a model that integrates logic (strategy), emotion (engagement), action (momentum), and direction (vision). Participants will learn how to assess the "energetic health" of their culture, reframe resistance as feedback, and activate psychological ownership at every level. Using case studies from organizations that have successfully merged structural and cultural change, attendees will leave with actionable insights on transforming disruption into opportunity. Change doesn't have to drain your culture - it can renew it. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Expanding the Circle: How HR Leaders Build Influence That Matters Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Robyn Knox, Founder and CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) Influence is built through trust, relationships, and strategic leadership - not title alone. As talent and workforce demands evolve, HR leaders have a powerful opportunity to step forward as trusted experts and respected thought leaders who drive meaningful impact. This session invites HR professionals to view influence as a core leadership capability. Participants will explore how professional involvement, workforce partnerships, and community engagement increase visibility, strengthen credibility, and position HR as a sought-after voice representing the people side of business. Through practical insights and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to expand their circle of influence beyond the organization while staying aligned with business strategy and people priorities. Aligned with SHRM's focus on workforce development, this session equips HR professionals to build influence that shapes culture, strengthens talent pipelines, and supports the future of work. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM From Typewriters to TikTok: The Power of Generational Wisdom within Modern Leadership Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Charlotte Strickland, Director of Employee Engagement and Enrichment, University of Central Arkansas; Steven Shook, Owner/Facilitator In today's workforce, five generations collaborate under one roof - each with unique values, communication styles, and expectations of leadership. This session explores how modern leadership isn't about picking sides; it's about weaving generational wisdom into adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready strategies. Designed for HR professionals and people leaders, this interactive session reveals how to harness the lived experience of seasoned professionals and the fresh perspectives of emerging talent to shape high-performing, resilient teams. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to navigate generational friction, build psychological safety, and reframe leadership as a shared, evolving practice. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Handling Departures: The Task that Most Impacts Your Culture Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jason Glass, Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Iowa In this session, Jason Glass, Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business and Membership Advisory Council (MAC) member, shares his expertise on conducting termination conversations. With over 20 years in HR and experience executing over 1,000 terminations, Jason highlights the significant impact these interactions have on organizational culture and the perceptions of both departing employees and remaining staff. Participants will learn best practices for conducting notifications, the importance of planning, de-escalation, logistics, location, timing, etc. They will hear stories of best practices and when communication goes wrong. Jason encourages attendees to embrace their roles, understanding that handling departures well reflects the value they bring to the organization. This session is ideal for HR professionals and leaders looking to enhance their skills in difficult conversations and positively influence their workplace culture. 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM Managing Merit Planning without Performance Ratings Type: Roundtable Speakers: Melissa Walchko, Director, Total Rewards, SHRM; Sheri Martel, Lead, Total Rewards, SHRM As organizations move away from traditional performance ratings, many Total Rewards and HR leaders are facing a new challenge: how do you effectively manage merit planning and reward performance without formal scores? This roundtable will explore how organizations are approaching pay-for-performance in a post-rating environment, including calibration practices, manager discretion, pay equity considerations, employee perceptions of fairness, and the emergence of "shadow ratings." Participants will share successes, lessons learned, and practical strategies for balancing compensation differentiation with evolving performance management philosophies. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Practical AI for HR: Real-World Examples in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jarrod Edge, Director of SharePoint Services, Spindustry Sometimes you don't want theory - you want to see exactly how AI can help you get your job done. In this session, you'll experience practical, real-world examples of how HR professionals can use Microsoft 365 Copilot alongside the tools they already rely on every day - Outlook, Teams, and especially SharePoint. You'll see what to ask, how to ask it, and how AI can work with your existing HR documents and processes to save time and improve outcomes. We'll also tackle one of the biggest concerns in HR today: trust. How do you use AI while protecting sensitive employee data? What is safe to share? What controls are already in place? You'll walk away with clear prompting techniques and a better understanding of how to safely and confidently use AI inside your organization. 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM Sweat, Laugh, Lead: Why Fun Is Your Most Underused Business Tool Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Rebecca Dorfman, Vice President, Consumer Marketing, Zumba Fitness This isn't a typical wellness talk: We're starting with a 15-minute Zumba class! Move, laugh, and start the day with some hype before we dig into the real conversation: why joy and fun are critical to combating burnout and building teams that thrive. Backed by 25+ years of Zumba's experience making movement radically inclusive, this session connects the dots between positive emotional experiences and stronger workplace culture. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM The Career Ladder Is Changing in the Age of AI (Podcast Recording w/ Live Audience) Type: Podcast Recording Speakers: Prudence Pitter, Founder & CEO, PEARRM Services; John Arms, Founder/Educator, Voyageur University; Yogi Mueller, Owner & Chief Craftsman, Craft Leadership LLC As organizations become leaner and career paths less predictable, many workers are asking the same question: How do I grow from here? In a special recording with a panel of guests and a live audience for SHRM's podcast, All Things Work, we dive into how AI is transforming not only jobs, but also the systems that have long supported career growth - from mentorship and skill development to promotion and advancement. Our guests unpack why traditional pathways are evolving, how organizations can create new opportunities for development, and why mentorship still matters - even if it looks different than it once did. Whether you're a leader navigating workforce change or a professional rethinking your next move, this conversation offers practical insights for building careers - and workplaces - that can thrive in the age of AI. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM The Coaching Culture Paradox: Why Your Strategy is Failing to Deliver ROI and How to Fix It Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Laura Ashley-Timms, COO, Notion-STAR(R) Manager and Author of The Answer is a Question 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. This session exposes the two strategic blind spots causing this failure: the reliance on exclusive executive coaching and the inefficiency of traditional "Manager-as-Coach" training (like GROW). Drawing on an LSE-validated study of 62 organizations, we present a proven 5-Step Strategic Blueprint to fix this. We move beyond soft skills to demonstrate how "Operational Coaching(R)" behaviors replace "telling" with "asking" at enterprise scale. You will leave with a roadmap to increase coaching frequency by 70% in six months, mitigating talent risk and securing commercial agility. Bonus: All attendees receive a proprietary Cultural Assessment Tool and the award-winning audiobook, The Answer is a Question, to continue their learning 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM The Hidden ROI of Mental Health: Building Recovery-Ready Workplaces That Retain and Revitalize Talent Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Pamela McGee, CEO, Genuine Executive Management Solutions, LLC Mental health has become a business imperative, not just a benefit. HR professionals are on the front lines balancing compliance, compassion, and company performance. This session equips HR leaders with actionable tools to cultivate recovery-ready, stigma-free workplaces that support employee well-being and organizational productivity. Using real case studies from the SHRM Greater Orlando Mental Health Forum and veteran workforce initiatives, Pamela McGee demonstrates how to embed mental health strategies into policies, performance conversations, and leadership development. Attendees will learn to evaluate existing programs, identify risk factors, and align wellness efforts with business outcomes. Leave with a framework that connects employee resilience to measurable results. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM The Leadership Clarity Gap: Why "Authentic Leadership" Fails Without Definition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: David Pettrone Swalve, Founder, Authentara 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. Without definition, "be authentic" becomes permission to say whatever you want. HR can't coach what isn't defined. Performance reviews measure the wrong things. Succession planning defaults to "looks like us." This session closes that gap with three tools: 1. Six Steps to Authentic Truth - Framework for coaching high-stakes communication 2. 3-Question Decision Filter - Catches say-do gaps before they erode trust 3. Bias Visibility Checklist - Surfaces exclusion patterns in succession Field-tested across Fortune 500 environments. Built on Amy Edmondson's psychological safety research and the Authentara Blueprint(R). Participants apply all three to a real case: a Fortune 500 firm claiming to value authenticity while excluding principled leaders from succession. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM The Silent Killer of Culture: Undeveloped Leaders and How HR Can Fix It Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kelly Merbler, Founder, The Kelly Merbler Company The world of work is changing fast, and HR feels it first. As teams navigate hybrid work, burnout, and rising expectations, one unseen force is quietly eroding culture: undeveloped leaders. According to Gallup, only 31% of U.S. employees are engaged, leaving HR leaders to rebuild connection, trust, and performance. One challenge rises to the top: leaders are not equipped to coach and develop their people. Many are promoted for performance, not prepared for leadership. In this interactive, research-backed session, Kelly Merbler shows how HR can strategically partner to better prepare managers to coach and develop their teams. Attendees will walk away with practical tools and simple frameworks they can immediately use to equip their leaders and strengthen connection, engagement, and performance. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM The Future of Work is Still Human Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Brad Rencher, Chief Executive Officer, BambooHR; Simon Sinek, Global Authority on Purpose-Driven Culture The idea of a humanless future is gaining traction across business and media. In this session, Simon Sinek and BambooHR CEO Brad Rencher will challenge this prevailing narrative and offer a more grounded perspective: the future of work won't be defined by AI alone but by the intentional decisions leaders make today. Organizations face a choice - resist AI, let it run unchecked, or intentionally design a model where humans and technology work together. Brad will bring the perspective of a technology leader who has navigated previous platform shifts. Simon will explore the leadership mindset required to guide people through uncertainty with clarity and trust. Together, they will inspire HR leaders to take an active role in shaping the future - one where AI enhances, not replaces, human potential. 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM HR's New Superpower: Financial Visibility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Rama Ghanta, Group Product Manager, QuickBooks Workforce, Intuit QuickBooks; Nir Leibovich, Product Leader, Intuit; Michael Gugel, Group Product Manager, QuickBooks Workforce, Intuit QuickBooks What if HR could see the full financial impact of every people decision before it hit the budget? A hire, a raise, a backfill, a benefits change. These aren't just HR decisions. They're some of the most significant financial moves a growing business makes. In this session, hear directly from two small business co-founders who spent a decade navigating that blind spot firsthand and then built software to close it. You'll get a firsthand look at how QuickBooks Workforce gives HR teams the financial visibility they've always needed, bringing people data and financial data together so you can make smarter hiring, compensation, and planning decisions with confidence. Because when HR can finally see the complete picture, it changes everything. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Five HR Agents Every Leading Company Will Have by 2027 Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Matt Yang, PM, ClearCo; Arnaud Grunwald, Chief Product Officer, ClearCo Here's an uncomfortable truth: every unreviewed req is a candidate lost. Every review written from memory fails the employee receiving it. Every unanswered new hire question is an early retention risk. Most HR teams know this. Yet coordination failures persist because the majority of AI tools were built to solve one problem, in one part of the talent lifecycle, and stop there. By 2027, every leading HR team will have five agents handling all of it: one that recruits and screens, one that answers HR questions instantly, one that coaches and develops, one that manages the full employee journey, and one that turns workforce data into decisions, all on a single connected data foundation. This session names each one, shows it in action, and gives you a clear roadmap from AI curiosity to agent deployment. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM If Employees Don't Get It, It Doesn't Exist: The Case for Better Benefits Communication Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Christopher Staub, President of Financial Services, The Baldwin Group; Lindsay Rink, Director of Employee Benefits Communication, The Baldwin Group Great benefit and retirement programs don't speak for themselves. This session for HR leaders and CFOs explores how strategic communication can shift benefits from a cost center to a driver of engagement, retention, and perceived value. We'll share practical ways to simplify complex offerings, align messaging to business goals, and communicate total rewards in a way employees actually understand and remember. Through real-world examples and tool demos, you'll gain actionable ideas to turn awareness into appreciation. 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 Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Tc Williams, Principal Consultant - Mercer Expatriate Benefits COE, Mercer Marsh's Expatriate Center of Excellence (COE) supports U.S. multinational corporations in delivering compliant, sustainable global medical and risk benefits critical for expatriates' success and business goals. The complexity of managing benefits is rising due to new assignment types, evolving employee needs, fast-changing regulations, shifting providers, and unpredictable costs. Marsh (Mercer)'s 2023 Insured Benefits survey, with 148 organizations across 22+ sectors, revealed key trends: balancing cost and talent, optimizing engagement and financing, adapting to new assignments, evolving employee needs, and active risk management amid global crises. The 2025 survey will expand on these insights, helping organizations adapt strategies. This speaking opportunity will share Marsh's expertise and survey findings to empower corporations in building resilient, future-ready expatriate benefits programs. 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM SHRM Executive Network (EN): Membership for Todays HR Executives Building Tomorrow's World of Work Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Robin Marquart, Director, Executive Community; Interim Director, Affiliate Operations, SHRM Are you an HR Executive, eager for networking opportunities with fellow HR leaders, access to the latest HR research, and avenues to enhance your professional impact in the C-Suite? Join us to explore the SHRM Executive Network (EN), a platform crafted by HR Executives for HR Executives. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Smarter Benefits by Design: Why Configurability Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Bart Anders, Senior Sales Executive, TASC This session challenges the assumption that "more" equals "better" and introduces a new leadership lens: benefits architecture. Over the last five years, employers added benefits to meet workforce demand. New programs. New vendors. New categories. What few organizations anticipated is how quickly expansion would create new challenges. Drawing on insights from the 2025 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey and broader industry research, this session moves beyond summarizing trends to examine what they signal about employer behavior and priorities. As costs accelerate and regulatory pressure compounds, the real question is less about how many benefits you offer and more about how you deliver them to support growth. In today's environment, configurability, not volume, determines resilience. 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 Type: Session Series Speakers: Melissa Dawn Simkins, Founder, Athleadership and CEO, Velvet Suite HR leaders are carrying the weight of AI disruption, constant change, emotional fatigue and relentless pressure to perform efficiently and strategically. This session is not about AI tools. It is about the human performance capabilities AI cannot replace. Grounded in neuroscience, elite athlete mindset, and real-world leadership application, Melissa Dawn Simkins introduces Athleadership, a proven leadership conditioning framework designed to help leaders build the mental conditioning elite athletes rely on when performance matters most - to think clearly, regulate pressure, make smarter decisions, and become the leader the moment demands. You will leave with practical Core 4 leadership conditioning practices to strengthen agility, resilience, alignment, and wellbeing so you can lead with greater confidence, trust, and strategic influence within your teams and across the organization, make better decisions during uncertainty, and perform at your best when it matters most. 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Artificial Intelligence & The Workplace: Exploring Nuances and Risks Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Deepa Menon, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland Workforce-based AI tools raise complex issues beyond AI legislation, touching employment and privacy concerns. Key questions include: Who stores algorithmic data? Who bears liability - employer or vendor? What does the WorkDay lawsuit signal for HR tech? What risks do note-taking AI tools pose, including privilege waivers? Could in-house chatbots trigger whistleblower claims? How should BYOD policies shape AI governance? How do state laws affect monitoring tools? What does consent mean for biometric AI? How should contracts guide implementation? Without planning, AI use can create legal and reputational risks. This session explores these challenges through practical, real-world scenarios. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Boundaries, Energy, and Resilience That Last Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jennifer Cassetta, High Performance Coach, The Art of Badassery The antidote to burnout isn't balance; it's boundaries. In this energizing and experiential session, martial artist and leadership coach Jennifer Cassetta delivers a powerful new framework for sustainable high performance. Using her signature "Resilience Ladder," she helps HR leaders climb from exhaustion to empowerment by mastering habits that protect energy, restore purpose, and model wellbeing as a leadership behavior. Participants will leave with practical tools to prevent burnout within themselves and their teams, transforming personal resilience into organizational strategy. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Elevate Your Game: The Strategic Leadership Shift Every HR Executive Must Master Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Valerie Grubb, President, Val Grubb & Associates Ltd. At the executive level, success is no longer defined by how much you do - it's defined by how strategically you think, influence, and drive enterprise outcomes. Yet even the most seasoned HR leaders can find themselves trapped in the urgent instead of leading the important. The result? Great tactical execution without the strategic visibility that earns true influence at the top. In this powerful and practical session, executive strategist Val Grubb reveals what it takes to make the leap from functional leader to enterprise architect. You'll learn how to reframe your priorities, build systems-level awareness, and connect your initiatives directly to business performance. The focus isn't on working harder - it's on leading smarter, with clarity, intention, and measurable impact. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Empowering Employees with ICHRAs: A Personalized Approach to Health Benefits Type: Panel Speakers: Hunter Foster, Strategy & Partnerships, benefitbay; Anthony Murphy, SVP, Sales, Gallagher; Alan Silver, President, Ambetter Health Solutions; Mary Sweeney, CHRO, SVP of Human Resources, TridentCare Today's workforce spans four generations, each with different needs, expectations, and financial priorities, yet many employers are still relying on a one-size-fits-all group model built for a different era. As healthcare costs rise and employee expectations shift, HR and benefits leaders are under increasing pressure to offer more flexible, high-value solutions. This session explores how Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) are enabling employers to move toward a more consumer-driven benefits strategy. Panelists will discuss how personalization, flexibility, and employee choice are reshaping the benefits landscape, and how ICHRAs can help organizations deliver a more tailored benefit experience across a diverse workforce. TridentCare, a nearly 5,000-employee organization operating across 43 states, initially transitioned from group coverage to an ICHRA in 2020 in response to rising costs and a geographically dispersed workforce. Following a leadership transition in 2024, the organization reevaluated its benefits strategy and found that returning to group coverage would have resulted in a 41% cost increase, reinforcing the value of its ICHRA approach and becoming a champion for the model. Attendees will gain practical insight into where an ICHRA fits within a broader benefits strategy, how it can complement traditional group coverage or offer an alternative path, and what HR leaders should consider when evaluating this model for their organizations. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM From Awareness to Advantage: Transforming Neurodiversity Into Organizational Strength Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Lee Judson, Lead Coach, Bridge2Work Coaching,LLC; Beth Sirull, President & CEO, NATIONAL ORGANIZATION ON DISABILITY; Hiren Shukla, EY Global Neuro-Diverse Centers of Excellence Leader, EY This session brings together three nationally recognized leaders shaping the future of neurodiversity at work and explores how intentional support for neurodiverse employees in the workplace can unlock untapped potential and elevate overall team performance. Beth Sirull, President & CEO of the National Organization on Disability, offers a policy-to-practice perspective on how inclusion drives business performance and economic mobility. Change-management expert Lee Judson brings deep experience coaching neurodivergent employees and managers to create systems where every mind can thrive. Global innovator Hiren Shukla, founder of EY's Neuro-Diverse Centers of Excellence, shares insights on building ROI-driven neurodiversity programs that scale across industries. Together, they will challenge outdated assumptions, illuminate proven models, and provide practical frameworks HR leaders can implement in their workplaces. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM From Disruption to Opportunity: Building Resilience in Your Workplace Culture Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Michael Cohen, Partner, Duane Morris, LLP In a world where laws, policies and practices seem increasingly unpredictable, one constant remains: the importance of your workplace culture. The changes seem unlikely to stop in 2026 or beyond and we have to be ready to adapt! It is absolutely essential to ensure that your most valuable investments, your people, feel seen, heard, safe and appreciated. While we all understand that a utopian existence is mythical, as HR leaders we are responsible for creating and maintaining a working environment that is as comfortable as possible, as much of the time as possible, for as many as possible. This session will examine steps HR can take and initiatives organizations can implement, all with an eye towards employee satisfaction, productivity and security. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Gen Alpha Is Here: Preparing for the Workforce HR Has Never Seen Before Type: Breakout Session Speakers: James Hilton Harrell, Chief, Human Capital Management, San Antonio Independent School District SAISD is pioneering a talent strategy that blends state and federal funding to create registered apprenticeships for future educators: including some of the first Gen Alpha workers entering the pipeline. This forward-looking session offers insights from hands-on work with teen educators-in-training, highlighting what this emerging generation values, how they stay motivated, and what they expect from employers. Participants will learn how HR leaders can adapt their recruitment, development, and retention practices to engage Gen Alpha effectively. The session will also provide practical guidance on building meaningful partnerships with K-12 institutions to develop early-talent pipelines and strengthen the workforce of tomorrow. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM How the Tech?! Behind the Scenes of Human Connection, Upgraded Type: Workshop Speakers: Kassy LaBorie, Speaker, Author, Founder, Kassy LaBorie Consulting, LLC Go behind the curtain of Kassy LaBorie's session, Human Connection, Upgraded, and see exactly how she made it happen. In this practical and energizing follow-up workshop, Kassy breaks down the process, planning, and technology that brought her interactive hybrid experience to life. You will explore the tools, templates, and production choices that made engagement seamless for both in-person and virtual participants. From using AI to streamline design, to integrating interactive slides, online collaboration spaces, and multimedia enhancements, you will see how every detail contributes to connection and flow. This session is ideal for HR and learning professionals who want to replicate or adapt these strategies for their own meetings, events, or learning programs. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM HR Executive Insights: A CHRO's View on Owning the Digital Workforce, Operationalizing Generative and Agentic AI, and the Future of Work Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Chris Courneen, Senior Vice President - Human Resources, MSI; Kathleen Pearson, CHRO, Opensity Solutions; Brian Dickens, CHRO, University of Tennessee System Many organizations are still experimenting with AI. Others have already operationalized it and are now confronting a more significant shift: the rise of agentic systems and digital teammates that execute work with increasing autonomy. For CHROs who have moved beyond pilots to measurable ROI, the conversation is changing. The focus is how to scale, govern, and reimagine work with AI-powered solutions. What happens when agentic solutions move entire segments of HR work into the hands of business managers and how do we rebuild workflows for a more digital future? In this session, three CHROs share how they deployed AI to drive real business impact and why the next wave of value is coming from agentic solutions. The discussion begins with a practical look at what these systems can do today, followed by how they are reshaping workforce strategy, organizational design, and HR's role as an owner of human employees and agentic solutions that are redefining work itself. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Onboard to Engage: Four Critical Questions to Ask Your New Hire Type: Workshop Speakers: Tina Robinson, Founder and CEO, WorkJoy You've invested time, money, and effort - in a tough job market with fluctuating budgets and heaps of uncertainty - wooing the perfect candidates. They said yes, signed the offer, and are ready to begin. Hopes are high, onboarding begins, and...thud. Down drops engagement. Research affirms that onboarding increases feelings of commitment, engagement, and job satisfaction. Yet, per Gallup, only 12% of employees strongly agree that their organization does a great job with this critical lifecycle process. How can we in HR do better - and help our managers optimize the onboarding experience? In this fast-paced workshop, leadership strategist and author Tina Robinson offers four critical questions leaders must ask new hires to align expectations, clarify offerings, and tap into intrinsic motivation. Maximize the employee experience from day 1 - learn how to have engagement-focused conversations during onboarding that maintain the excitement from recruiting and inspire continued motivation. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Pay Reporting Road Trip: A Coast-to-Coast Guide to Transparency & Compliance - Now with a European Detour Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Krystal Welland, Lead Statistician, Silberman Law PC; Joanna Colosimo, Vice President, Workforce Analytics & Compliance Strategy, DCI Consulting Group, Inc. Buckle up for a coast-to-coast tour of the country's pay transparency and pay-data reporting requirements, guided by an I/O psychologist and a statistician with decades of experience in pay analytics and compliance. Starting in the West and moving East, we'll break down each state's unique rules, highlight common pitfalls, and give HR leaders practical, actionable steps for staying compliant in an increasingly complex landscape. But the journey doesn't stop at the Atlantic. We'll take a quick detour across the pond to explore the European Union's Pay Transparency Directive - one of the most significant global developments in pay equity. Learn how its mandatory pay reporting, disclosure obligations, and employee rights compare to U.S. requirements, and what multinational employers need to do now to prepare. From harmonizing reporting frameworks to managing cross-border compliance risks, we'll provide strategies for aligning your global pay equity approach with emerging EU standards. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Plays Well With Others: Civility for Grown-Ups at Work Type: Keynote Speakers: Megan Wollerton, President/Owner, Life Force Wellness LLC Incivility is one of the most underestimated threats to organizational performance, fueling burnout, turnover, and "cover-your-tracks" behavior that erodes trust. In this engaging, research-backed keynote, Megan Wollerton draws on her experience in the high-pressure oil and gas industry to show how behaviors like dismissiveness, exclusion, and blame-shifting silently shape culture. Blending storytelling with neuroscience, she reframes civility as a strategic business imperative. Participants will explore how interactions trigger threat or safety responses using the SCARF model, learn to strengthen trust through the Trust Equation, and practice delivering constructive feedback with the SBI framework. Megan also introduces a simple three-step repair process leaders can use when civility breaks down. Attendees leave with practical tools to reduce incivility and build teams that truly "play well with others." 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Re-Engage, Rebuild, Return: A Better Path to Work After Illness or Injury Type: Panel Speakers: Laura McCormick, Director, Employee Health & Leave Programs, Baystate Health, Inc.; Bryon Bass, CEO, DMEC; Julie Hocker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, DOL, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP); Ellice Switzer, Senior Extension Associate, K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, Cornell University Millions of U.S. workers experience illness or injury each year that can affect their ability to work. Employers can support these valuable employees by implementing effective stay-at-work/return-to-work (SAW/RTW) strategies that help individuals remain on the job or return sooner after illness or injury. These strategies may include reasonable accommodations and coordinated health care and employment supports. SAW/RTW programs help employers retain skilled workers, including workers with disabilities, while promoting recovery and productivity. Join the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability (EARN), the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC), and the Director of Employee Health & Leave Programs from Baystate Health for this research-backed panel discussion. Panelists will share practical strategies and resources to help employers implement effective SAW/RTW programs that benefit both employees and organizations. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Supporting Financial Wellness: Insights from SHRM and Raymond James Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ragan Decker, Director, Commercial Research, SHRM; Kristen Koluch, Senior Vice President - Investments, Raymond James Financial wellness is a critical yet often overlooked part of employee well-being. This session presents the latest research on U.S. workers' financial wellness, conducted in partnership between SHRM and Raymond James. Attendees will learn about the current state of financial wellness, how it affects mental health, productivity, and career decisions, and why it is an increasing organizational priority. The session will also examine how organizations support financial wellness, including programs organizations provide, challenges in delivering support, and opportunities to enhance impact. Join us to understand the link between financial wellness and workplace success, and how organizations can strengthen employee financial well-being. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM The Benefit That Quietly Shapes How Work Gets Done Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Hayley Sprague, OD, Optometrist and Practice Owner, Sussex Eye Center; Matt Lawrence, Senior Division Vice President of Commercial Markets, VSP Vision Care When organizations think about employee success, they focus on what feels most important: pay, time off, healthcare. Vision benefits tend to sit quietly in the background, categorized as "nice to have" or "supplemental." Yet vision directly affects how employees see their work, do their work, and contribute to long-term organizational success. Drawing on findings from the 2026 Workplace Vision Health Report, this session challenges the misconception that vision benefits are less important, illustrating how access to healthy vision plays a significant role in employee well-being, workplace performance, job satisfaction, and ultimately, business outcomes. In this session, we'll explore why vision care is more important than ever to employees, why undervaluing it leads to organizational deficiencies, and how HR professionals can elevate the importance and utilization of vision benefits within a total rewards strategy. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM The Cherry on Top(TM), Building a Culture of Value Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Steve Gilliland, Speaker & Author, Steve Gilliland, Inc. Performance alone won't sustain success; culture will. In this high-impact session, discover how to intentionally embed value into every interaction, conversation, and experience across your organization. Learn how communication and connection become powerful drivers of engagement, agility, and retention, not just nice-to-haves. You will uncover often-overlooked opportunities to create meaningful value and see how small, consistent actions can transform culture and elevate performance. Walk away with practical, real-world strategies to strengthen relationships, inspire accountability, and build a culture that doesn't just support results, it drives them. If you're ready to move beyond metrics and create a workplace where people and performance thrive together, this session is for you. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM The EX - Moments That Matter: Designing Interactions That Drive Trust and Belonging Type: Breakout Session Speakers: David Cohen, Founder and Contrarian Consultant, DS Cohen & Associates Every workplace runs on interactions from casual hallway chats to high-stakes decisions. These moments shape employees' feelings about their colleagues, leaders, and the organization. One unexpected action can erode trust, while a purposeful gesture can spark motivation and deepen belonging. In this session, we'll explore the Pyramid of Employee Experience, a framework that separates surface-level perks from the deeper, intrinsic drivers of engagement. You'll learn how to diagnose gaps in your employee experience (EX), why generous benefits can't mask a broken foundation, and how to design interactions reinforcing trust, fairness, and lived values. We'll also examine the steep cost of disengagement - estimated at $2 trillion in lost productivity annually - and how to reverse it by building a culture rooted in authenticity and accountability. Participants will leave with practical tools to create environments where EX drives retention, engagement, and shared success. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM The Missing Middle of Leadership Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Julie Armstrong, Founder & Principal Consultant, 3H Leadership Consulting Middle leaders are the leverage point of organizational performance and culture - and yet, are often the most underdeveloped layer in today's workplaces. While HR invests heavily in executives, the "missing middle" frequently lacks the confidence, tools, and coaching to lead effectively. This interactive session explores how HR professionals can close that gap by developing middle managers into true middle leaders - people who translate strategy into action, build trust, and sustain engagement across teams. Drawing on real-world data and research from 3H Leadership Consulting's national leadership development programs, participants will examine key competencies of effective middle leadership and create a high-level development framework tailored to their own organization. Expect a blend of research, reflection, and practical application designed to help HR leaders strengthen the leadership layer that most directly impacts performance, retention, and culture. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM The Motivation Advantage with Terry Crews: What It Really Takes to Keep Your People Engaged Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Terry Crews, Owner, Amen & Amen Studios; Mike Daoust, SVP/GM for US & Canada, Wellhub; Dilan Gomih, Founder & CEO, Dilagence Terry Crews has rebuilt his career five times: NFL player, security guard, actor, host, advocate. Through every reinvention, one thing stayed constant: a system for taking care of his mental, physical, and nutritional wellbeing. That's not a wellness story. It's a motivation story - and it's the conversation HR leaders need to be having right now. Terry sees wellness not as a fitness goal, but as the infrastructure that kept him motivated through every stage of his career journey - from NFL journeyman to global icon of comedy, acting, and fitness. The discipline, mindfulness, nutrition, and recovery weren't luxuries. They were the system that kept him showing up, starting over, and staying engaged. Today's workforce is navigating AI-driven disruption, fragmented career paths, and rising demands, while many workplace benefits were designed for a different era. The result: employees who are technically present but functionally disengaged. Join Wellhub's Head of North America, Mike Daoust, and Terry Crews - in conversation with moderator Dilan Gomih - for a candid discussion about what the most motivated workforces have in common, and what HR leaders can do to start building one. In this session, they will explore: The Motivation Gap: Why the engagement crisis is really an infrastructure problem. The Journeyman Mindset: Terry's framework for staying motivated through radical reinvention. Wellness Your Way: Why one-size-fits-all wellness leaves much of the workforce behind. Recovery as Performance Infrastructure: Why employees who take care of themselves are more resilient, engaged, and sustainable over time. Attendees will leave with a new lens for understanding motivation - and a practical argument for why investing in employee wellness isn't a perk decision. It's a performance decision. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM The New Identity Battleground: I-9 Compliance in the Age of AI and Evolving Regulations Type: Breakout Session Speakers: John Fay, Director, Product Strategy, Equifax Workforce Solutions The I-9 landscape is shifting rapidly. It is no longer just about paperwork; it is often about verifying identity in an era of increased scrutiny, AI deepfakes, and synthetic fraud. In this session, we move beyond basic compliance to dissect some of the "gray areas" of I-9 documentation created by rapid immigration policy changes and aggressive worksite enforcement. Attendees will explore real-world "curveballs" from the past year - including EAD revocation confusion and complex receipt rules - and leave with practical tips to help them reduce their liability and modernize their verification protocols while better safeguarding against unfair documentary practices. The session will conclude with a 'Make the Call' scenario challenge where attendees will review tricky document samples and vote on their acceptability. 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM The Retention Advantage: Creating a Workplace Where People Truly Feel Valued Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Erica Dhawan, Award Winning Keynote Speaker and Author, Cotential Group In this session, Erica Dhawan will discuss what drives true belonging at work, drawing on her research in connectional intelligence and digital communication. She highlights why many cultural and mental health efforts fail, and offers practical ways leaders can build trust, psychological safety and authentic human connection so employees are more likely to stay. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM The ROI of AI: How HR Leaders Are Using AI as a Value-Add (Live Podcast Recording) Type: Podcast Recording Speakers: Njsane Courtney, Vice President, Human Resources, American Bureau of Shipping; Bettina Deynes, Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Carnival Corporation What does it take for organizations to turn AI investments into measurable business results? As companies navigate rapid technological change, HR leaders are increasingly using AI to drive efficiency, improve decision-making, and create more strategic impact across the enterprise. These findings can be used to provide HR's value-add across the c-suite - from conversations with the CFO to the CEO. In a special recording with a live audience for SHRM's podcast, People + Strategy, HR leaders from global organizations share how they are approaching AI adoption, measuring ROI, and balancing innovation with human-centered leadership. Attendees will gain insights into how HR executives are integrating AI into workforce strategies and identify opportunities where AI can enhance both business performance and employee experience. 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM The Science of Human Happiness - Boost Engagement, Banish Burnout Type: Keynote Speakers: Rob Dubin, Keynote Speaker, RD Creative LLC Burnout is rising, engagement is falling, and teams are running on empty. Leaders roll out new perks, benefits, and wellness programs, but nothing sticks- here's why: Every initiative is filtered through how happy people are when they receive it. If employees feel depleted, even great ideas fall flat. If they feel good,those same ideas spark engagement. This keynote gets to the root of the issue. Happiness isn't just a mood. In reality, happiness is a teachable skill that strengthens resilience, wellness and performance. When people learn how to raise their own daily happiness even slightly, the entire emotional climate of a workplace shifts. The program explains why burnout spreads, why traditional engagement strategies don't solve it, and how small daily behaviors can reverse both. Burnout, like any disease, is easier to prevent than treat - and this session gives teams the tools to do exactly that. The result: less burnout, higher engagement, and healthier, more energized teams. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM The Supreme Court's 2025-2026 Term: What HR Needs to Know Now Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Richard Lapp, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP; Camille Olson, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP The Supreme Court's 2025-2026 term includes a broad set of cases with major implications for HR, compliance, and organizational risk. This session will translate the Court's significant workplace rulings - spanning contractor liability and immunity (Hencely; GEO Group), presidential tariff authority affecting supply-chain strategy (Learning Resources), the future structure and removability of independent agency officials (Trump v. Slaughter; Trump v. Cook), arbitration and classification standards (Flower Foods), transgender-athlete and sex-based participation disputes under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause (Little; West Virginia), pension and withdrawal-liability calculations (M&K Employee Solutions), and more. Camille Olson and Rich Lapp will break down what each decision means for employer practices, policy updates, and litigation exposure, providing a clear, actionable roadmap for HR leaders navigating an evolving legal landscape. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM What You Don't Know Can Hurt You: Obligations and Considerations When Sponsoring Employees' Work Authorization Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Priscilla Muhlenkamp, Partner, Fragomen; Nathalie Fassie, Fragomen Hiring foreign national talent is a useful way for employers to address skills gap shortages. In this session, we will explore the common ways that employers encounter foreign national talent, the options and limitations of immigration programs in the United States, and key takeaways for HR and managers concerning their obligations when sponsoring foreign nationals in a compliance-focused environment. This topic provides actionable insights to help early-career and mid-level professionals in HR develop winning strategies when leveraging foreign national talent. 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Building a Billion-Dollar Opportunity: Branding, NIL, and the Business of Modern Entrepreneurship Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Blake Lawrence, Co-Founder/President, Opendorse; Chris Allen, Chief Marketing Officer, Auris In this live podcast conversation, Chris Allen sits down with Blake Lawrence, co-founder of Opendorse, to explore how he helped build one of the most influential companies in the rapidly evolving NIL and sports technology landscape. From launching startups out of a college dorm room to leading a platform used by more than 100,000 athletes and major global brands, Blake shares lessons on innovation, personal branding, leadership, and long-term entrepreneurial resilience. The discussion examines how entrepreneurs can leverage identity, audience, and trust to create scalable business opportunities while navigating disruption and constant industry change. Attendees will gain practical insight into brand-building, adaptability, and the disciplined leadership required to grow across multiple ventures and emerging markets. The Entrepreneur's Studio, presented by Auris, is now in its fourth season of candid conversations with some of today's most compelling business minds and cultural icons. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM From Stigma to Support: How HR Shapes Employee Mental Health Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Chad Sorenson, President, Adaptive HR Solutions Behind every conversation and performance review is a human being and sometimes, they're struggling silently. HR professionals are in a unique position to not just manage employees, but to change lives. This session will explore how HR can bridge the gap between stigma and support by fostering open dialogue, connecting employees with critical resources, and advocating for organizational practices that prioritize mental health. We will also highlight how HR can develop and equip leaders to handle mental health challenges with empathy and confidence, ensuring managers are prepared to support their teams effectively. By the end, attendees will feel empowered to go beyond their day-to-day roles, they'll be champions of resilience, leadership development, and positive change. HR Professionals will gain both the tools and the inspiration to intervene with compassion, protect employee dignity, and create lasting impact. 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM Global Human Resources Strategy: Leading People Across Borders with Purpose Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Deborah McGee, Founder and CEO, PZI(R) Group (People Zealously Interconnected(R)) Global leadership is about more than managing policies - it's about connecting people across cultures with clarity and care. Drawing from over 30 years of international HR experience, Deborah McGee shares real-world lessons on leading global teams and aligning people strategy with organizational goals. This session explores the challenges and opportunities of managing across borders, from communication barriers to cultural nuances. Attendees will gain perspective on how purpose-driven leadership builds trust, fosters collaboration, and drives success in today's interconnected world. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch Service powered by Equifax Type: Breakout Session Lunch is provided in the SHRM Expo! Here are today's offerings: Turkey & Swiss with Cranberry on a Hawiian Roll (CD, CG) Chicken Caesar Salad with Caesar Dressing (CD, GF) Sweet Potato & Black Bean Wrap (Vegan, GF) Meal service locations are located in the back of the SHRM Expo. For those with dietary restrictions that require a special provided meal (Halal, Kosher, and Special Handle), visit the yellow Special Dietary Meal tents location at the back of Hall WD to pick up your meal. 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM Rise of the Third Workforce: How HR Can Lead When AI Becomes Your Co-Worker Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jeff Lupinacci, Founder, Evolve HR Solutions The workforce has evolved permanently. Employees (W1), external talent (W2), and AI-powered co-workers (W3) now influence how work is accomplished. While many organizations test AI tools, most HR leaders lack a clear plan for integrating humans and machines into a productive, people-focused workforce. In this bold, practical session, best-selling author and Talent Strategist Jeff Lupinacci introduces the Talent Trek 2.0 framework, an actionable guide for navigating the Third Workforce. Participants will learn how to reframe AI as a co-worker, redesign workflows for blended teams, and build culture and governance that balance innovation with trust. This session goes beyond the hype. You'll leave with clear strategies, real-world examples, and an integration checklist you can use immediately to help your organization thrive in the era of humans + AI. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Southwest Central Region Connection Meet Up Type: Breakout Session Join the SHRM Southwest Central Region for a casual lunch meet-up and opportunity to connect with fellow volunteer leaders and members from across AR, AZ, CO, KS, LA, MO, NM, OK, TX and UT. We'll gather at the Orlando Convention Center on the Expo Level in Rooms W240 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Please grab your lunch from the Expo and stop by to network, collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen connections across the Pacific West Region. We look forward to spending time together and building community with colleagues from across the region! 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM A Paycheck for Life: What Guaranteed Income Deserves a Spot in Your Retirement Plan Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Matthew Wolniewicz, President, Income America 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. 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM Better Hiring Starts with Indeed: Leveraging Indeed's Integrated Hiring Platform Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Deepika Pillai, Indeed; Leanne Schlosser, Indeed In today's fast-paced labor market, the traditional post-and-pray recruitment model is no longer enough. Hiring teams are caught between two extremes: overwhelmed by a flood of unqualified applications or struggling to find the right talent for hard-to-fill, specialist roles in a competitive landscape. Join us for an in-depth look at the new Indeed - an integrated hiring engine that works for you. This session focuses on two of our latest innovations: Sourcing Assistant and Smart Screening. Whether you are looking to scale your team quickly or find that needle-in-the-haystack specialist, this session will provide the roadmap for using the new Indeed to build your future workforce with confidence and ease. 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM Leading Well in the Age of AI: How HR Can Champion Human Resilience Amid Rapid Technological Change Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Tracie Marcus, CHRO, ComPsych The pace of AI adoption inside organizations has outrun our collective ability to understand its human consequences. While HR leaders are under pressure to drive productivity and AI enablement across their workforces, many are simultaneously grappling with a quieter and more complex challenge: the measurable toll that AI-integrated work is taking on employee well-being. Drawing on deep experience at the intersection of people strategy and organizational change, this session will offer HR leaders a frank, evidence-informed look at how AI is reshaping the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical dimensions of employee well-being and share tips for how to build a workplace culture in which AI enhances human capability rather than quietly diminishing it. 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM From Strategy to System: How to Actually Integrate DEI Into HR Operations Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Solomon Wilkins, DEI Integration Manager Most organizations don't struggle with DEI because of intent; they struggle with integration. They create strategies, launch programs, and host events, but DEI never fully becomes part of how the organization operates. This session provides HR leaders with a practical, systems-focused approach to embedding DEI directly into existing People Practices. Participants will learn how to map DEI across the HR lifecycle, build governance for sustainable execution, strengthen cross-functional partnerships, and measure progress beyond activity-based metrics. Using real-world examples, this session shows how to move DEI from a standalone function into a fully integrated operating system that shapes hiring, development, performance, culture, and employee experience. 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM Yikes: Why 20 Million Layoffs a Year Is the New Normal - and What HR Leaders Must Do Next Type: Breakout Session Speakers: John Arms, Founder/Educator, Voyageur University According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, more than 20 million workers per year are involuntarily separated from their jobs - before accounting for AI's full impact. But the real disruption isn't mass layoffs. It's job evaporation. AI doesn't need to replace workers outright. It reduces replacement hiring, collapses layers, eliminates promotions, and shrinks career paths - leaving qualified professionals stuck or stranded with fewer re-entry points. In this session, John Arms - Fractional CMO and founder of Voyageur University - explores what HR leaders are missing about workforce churn, AI-driven role compression, and why traditional full-time career paths are thinning faster than most organizations realize. He introduces fractional and portfolio talent models as a practical, human-centered response that helps companies stay agile while enabling workers to maintain dignity, momentum, and economic security. 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM How AI Enables the Next Generation of Absence Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Arnav Malviya, Sr. Solution Engineer, Pulpstream Discover how AI is reshaping absence management to boost retention, cut costs, and simplify compliance. This fast-paced session showcases a compliant decision engine, AI-driven accommodation recommendations, automated provider verification, and prompt-based analytics that turn complex regulations into clear actions. Learn how to generate state payment and leave projections without heavy modeling, empower employees with self-service tools, and explain tricky policies in plain language. Ideal for HR leaders, benefits teams, and tech innovators seeking practical AI use cases that keep people at work and reduce administrative burden. Walk away with actionable strategies and real-world examples. 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM How to Build an AI-Ready Organization Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Emily Herron, HR Evangelist, Rippling Where does your HR team stand on AI - and what does moving forward actually look like? This session gives People team leaders a structured way to think about where their organization is on the AI maturity curve and what role they play in that progress. Whether you're still building baseline literacy or are ready to scale what's already working, you'll leave with a practical framework for assessing your current state, clear guidance on where to focus next, and a governance foundation your team can actually use. 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM The Dream of the Connected Benefits Experience Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Debby Moorman, EVP, Health & Benefits, Inspira Financial 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. 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM The Hope Advantage: Solving the Engagement Crisis through Science-Based Leadership that Reduces Burnout and Retains Top Talent Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Yira Muse, Founder & Speaker, Waypowered Leadership, LLC Half of US workers feel job stress on a daily basis which often leads to disengagement, anxiety, & depression. Current estimates are that 17% of the American workforce is in a state of active disengagement and depression, while depression and anxiety are on track to cost global companies $16 Trillion dollars in lost productivity by 2030 (McKinsey, WHO). Traditional wellness programs treat symptoms, not root causes. This session introduces Hope Science -- a research-backed framework known to boost employee engagement, improve job satisfaction, and decrease turnover. Attendees will learn the three components of Hope (Goals, Agency, Pathways) that reduce stress hormones while activating creative problem-solving regions of the brain. They'll get practical applications for preventing disengagement and burnout, transforming career development conversations, and creating psychologically safe environments where employees thrive. 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM The Power of "Stay" Interviews: How One Simple Question Can Transform Employee Retention Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Dick Finnegan, Speaker, Author & CEO, C-Suite Analytics; Chris Allen, Chief Marketing Officer, Auris In this live podcast conversation, Chris Allen sits down with Dick Finnegan, founder of C-Suite Analytics and Finnegan Institute, one of the leading voices in employee retention strategy. Dick shares how a simple but powerful idea - asking employees why they stay - evolved into the groundbreaking "Stay Interview" methodology used by organizations across industries. The discussion explores why traditional engagement surveys often fall short, how trust drives retention, and what leaders can do to create stronger, longer-lasting workplace cultures. Attendees will walk away with practical insights for improving engagement, reducing turnover, and building leadership habits that strengthen employee loyalty in a rapidly changing workforce environment. The Entrepreneur's Studio, presented by Auris, is now in its fourth season of candid conversations with some of today's most compelling business minds and cultural icons. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM When AI Goes Bad: The Human Cost Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Davis McAlister, CEO, ETS Enterprises, LLC AI now touches hiring, safety, and everyday decisions. When it misfires - bias, hallucinations, false flags - the damage is immediate: reputations, careers, and trust collapse overnight. Drawing on military interrogation principles, crisis leadership, and real-world AI use in talent systems, Dr. Davis McAlister shows leaders how to keep humans in the loop, pressure-test assumptions, and build resilient orgs that don't break when tech does. Your team will leave with a practical playbook to reduce risk, communicate clearly, and make better decisions - in real time. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Adapting to Change: What Workers Really Need in an Age of Economic Uncertainty Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Esti Buskin, Head of Retirement Marketing, Nuveen; Constance Hunter, Chief Economist and Head of Research, Economist Enterprise; Brendan McCarthy, Head of Nuveen Retirement Investing, Nuveen 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. Nearly a third have reduced their retirement contributions due to rising costs. And seven in ten find benefits decisions so complex that they default to whatever they chose at enrollment - and later regret it. In this candid fireside chat, Constance Hunter, Chief Economist at Economist Enterprise, and Brendan Mccarthy, Head of Retirement Investing at Nuveen will unpack the intersection of economics and retirement findings from Benefits 2.0: Adapting to Change, a new research study conducted by Economist Enterprise and sponsored by Nuveen. Drawing on a survey of more than 2,000 full-time U.S. workers, the research reveals a workforce navigating sustained financial strain, shifting priorities, and an urgent need for benefits that actually work, especially when it comes to retirement. Attendees will walk away with concrete, research-backed strategies for redesigning benefits that meet workers where they are: reducing financial anxiety, closing the retirement readiness gap, and building the kind of workforce stability that benefits both employees and organizations for the long term. 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM AI: From Buzzword to Business Accelerator Type: Breakout Session Speakers: David Brown, CEO, Learning Tree International From AI potential to real business impact. AI is only as powerful as the workforce using it. In this fast-paced session, we'll share a practical approach to turning AI from a tool into real results, through targeted enablement, smart change management, and role-based adoption. Learn how organizations are building confidence, accelerating usage, and measuring impact from day one. Walk away with clear, actionable ideas to help your workforce not just understand AI, but actually use it to drive better outcomes. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM AI Made Work Easier. Did It Make Your Workforce Weaker? Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ashley Miller, Director, Operations & Partnerships, SHRM; Alexander Alonso, Chief Date & Analytics Officer, SHRM As AI makes work faster and easier, many organizations are facing an unexpected risk: workforce competency decline. In this provocative, data-driven session, SHRM's Alex Alonso and Ashley Miller reveal new research exploring how employers are responding to skills erosion in an era of AI-enabled work. Attendees will gain insights into the hidden productivity traps emerging from overreliance on automation and discover practical strategies to preserve critical thinking, adaptability, and long-term workforce capability. This session will equip HR leaders with actionable tools to redesign workflows, strengthen human-AI collaboration, and build development systems that sustain performance over time. Speakers will also explore the challenges employers face when investing in education-to-employer pipelines, upskilling, and workforce development and provide recommendations for navigating those challenges effectively to improve business outcomes and return on workforce investment. 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM Building Cross-Functional Capability in a Rapidly Changing Business Environment Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jay Jones, HR Business Partner, COPT Defense Properties; Nicole Belyna, Director, Talent, SHRM As organizations navigate rapid change, shifting priorities, and increasing pressure to do more with less, success increasingly depends on leaders who can think and operate beyond their functional expertise. Through facilitated peer-to-peer discussion, participants will explore practical strategies for building cross-functional capability, strengthening enterprise thinking, and developing leaders who can navigate complexity, break down silos, and drive stronger organizational alignment in rapidly evolving environments. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Compliance Chaos: I-9, E-Verify, and Workforce Continuity in 2026 Type: Breakout Session Speakers: John Mazzeo, Counsel, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP Determining if an employee has work authorization has become increasingly complex and volatile during Trump 2.0, marked by a resurgence in aggressive enforcement, the termination of humanitarian programs and work authorization, and the evolving complexities of remote and hybrid workforces. Employers are facing not only stepped-up government scrutiny of Form I-9 and E-Verify compliance but also shifting workforce dynamics that challenge traditional models of identity verification and documentation. We will explore the workforce continuity issues presented by the current administration such as navigating the workforce impact of Temporary Protected Status and parole program terminations and recent changes in STEM OPT and H-1B employment eligibility. Attendees will learn how to balance regulatory obligations with operational realities in a time of rapid change, and how to build resilient processes that sustain workforce continuity even amid the uncertainty of Trump's immigration agenda. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Disrupting the HR Operating Model in the Age of AI Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Megan Brody, HR Strategy & Operations, PwC; David Eberhardt, HR Strategy & Operations, PwC The traditional HR operating model is under pressure. As AI and automation reshape how work gets done, long-standing assumptions across HR (within shared services, Centers of Excellence, governance, etc.) are being challenged. In this session, PwC presents a bold point of view on where the market is heading, what is likely to change, and how HR leaders can get ahead of it. Drawing on data-driven insights, we will explore the signals that matter and what they reveal about the future structure, scale, and role of HR operations. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Fair Pay, Lean Resources: Compensation Strategies for Small & Midsize HR Teams Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Nicole Armstrong, Founder & CEO, Ellequate Most HR teams are being asked to "fix" pay with limited budget, limited time, and no dedicated compensation staff. The result is a patchwork of market adjustments, counteroffers, and one-off equity fixes that are hard to sustain or explain. This session is designed for small and midsize employers that want fair, strategic pay without a full comp department or expensive studies. We'll focus on where compensation work matters most, and how to use a few focused data inputs - skills, internal value, living wage, and basic market data - to make better decisions, even with lean resources. Participants will learn how to identify high-risk/high-impact roles, set simple decision rules, and build a 6-12 month roadmap to move from reactive, case-by-case pay decisions to an intentional, transparent structure that leadership and employees can understand. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM From Jobs to Capabilities: How Organizations Actually Scale Skills-Based Workforce Models Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Abdulrahman Alsheail, Director/Senior Advisor, KPMG, Middle East Many organizations introduce skills-based strategies through pilot programs, but struggle to scale them across the enterprise. Legacy job architectures, rigid compensation structures, and embedded workforce governance often limit execution, even when strategic intent is clear. This session moves beyond the conceptual "why" of skills-based organizations to the practical "how" of execution at scale. Drawing on real transformation experience from complex operating environments, the session explains how organizations can shift from job-centric structures to capability-driven workforce designs. Participants will explore how to sequence change, align skills with workforce planning and career frameworks, and integrate skills-based approaches into core HR processes without disrupting pay equity, operational continuity, or employee trust. Attendees will leave with practical tools and proven strategies to accelerate adoption of skills-based models in their own organizations. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM From Resistance to Readiness: Motivational Interviewing for Workplace Transformation Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Tatiana Stone, Nonprofit Consultant, Georgia Ranch Consulting Culture change doesn't happen through policy alone - it happens through conversation. Every performance discussion, coaching session, or difficult dialogue shapes the culture of your organization. Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based communication approach rooted in psychology, helps HR professionals and leaders guide employees toward change in a way that fosters trust, autonomy, and accountability. In this interactive session, you'll explore how the principles and techniques of MI can transform employee relations and strengthen your change management toolkit. Through presentation, live demonstration, and breakout discussion, you'll learn practical ways to use MI to build engagement, reduce resistance, and create a workplace culture grounded in respect and shared purpose. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to deepen your approach, you'll leave with actionable skills to turn everyday conversations into catalysts for positive change. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM From Termination to Transformation: The New HR Playbook for a Recovery-Friendly Workforce Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Cheryl Brown Merriwether, Founder - Principal Consultant; Mark Bonta, Founder, Empathetic Leader Consulting HR leaders know the old playbook: document, discipline, terminate - but it no longer meets the realities of today's workforce, where mental health and substance use challenges are rising. This session begins with a real case where an "HR-correct" termination ended in tragedy, prompting a complete shift in how one leader approached people, performance, and risk. Participants will contrast traditional HR practices with a modern Recovery-Friendly Work approach that emphasizes supportive accountability, early intervention, and community partnerships. They will learn two practical frameworks - RIPPLES for culture and E.L.E.A.D. for leadership, that translate empathy into measurable business outcomes. Through live polling, scenario work, and ready-to-use tools, attendees will leave with a new HR playbook that sees recovery as a workforce strength rather than a liability. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM "F* The Tough Guy Show": Helping Men (and Everyone) Move to Healthier, More Inclusive Ways of Working Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ed Frauenheim, Co-founder, The Teal Team "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. The executive was talking about a macho culture of invincibility, of superhuman hours, of stoicism that pervades the ski industry. But "tough guy" pressures extend far beyond the ski industry. They affect men especially, but harm everyone to some degree. And they contribute to historic levels of workplace burnout, besides rising rates of suicide. Many organizations today are working to foster psychological safety, collaboration and a sense of belonging. But deep-seated, hyper-masculine beliefs work against these initiatives. The "tough guy" ideal has harmed individuals, hurt team performance and undermined inclusion. It's time to put this outdated attitude to rest. Come to this interactive session, where we'll unpack the "tough guy show" and explore positive alternatives that allow men and everyone to thrive. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Future Proofing Your Health Benefits: A Panel Discussion on Multi Year Planning and High Performance Program Design Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Chelsea Ryckis, President; Jaimie Jarvis, Human Resources Director, Kalos Services; Stephanie Porrino, HR Director, Hendry Marine; Donovan Ryckis, Founder & CEO, Ethos Benefits This session brings together Stephanie Porrino of Hendry Marine and Jaimie Jarvis of Kalos Services Inc, to share how intentional, multiyear health plan strategy improves affordability, access, and employee outcomes. Jaimie will walk HR leaders through Kalos' transformation after facing a 40% renewal increase. She will share the year by year decisions behind their program, including what worked, what did not, and how Kalos now pays 30% less while offering free mental health, cancer treatment, childbirth, and no cost specialty medications. Stephanie will highlight how Hendry Marine generated 24 million dollars in healthcare savings through detailed claims data, accountable provider partnerships, and disciplined plan design. She will also discuss the impact of a free onsite clinic for employees and dependents. Attendees will leave with practical insight into building sustainable benefits strategies that reduce costs well below national averages while improving outcomes and satisfaction. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Gumbo Culture 101 - From Roux to Results in Employee Engagement Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Lenia Segura Lewis, Director of Human Resources, Baton Rouge General Medical Center Most organizations don't struggle with engagement because they lack programs - they struggle because they lack a system. A persistent gap between leadership's intended culture and employees' lived experience drives turnover, burnout, and disengagement. This session introduces the ReCiPe Framework - a human-centered model where Recognition builds trust, Communication creates alignment, Personalization drives meaning, and Engagement emerges as the outcome. Using the metaphor of building a traditional gumbo, participants will learn how culture must be developed in sequence, without shortcuts. Attendees will leave with a clear diagnostic lens and practical, no-budget strategies they can implement within 30 days to improve retention, alignment, and employee experience. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Leadership Effectiveness That Delivers Results: Eight Organizational Dimensions Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Maren Perry, Founder and CEO, Arden Coaching Organizations often invest heavily in leadership development yet still face underperformance, slow execution, avoidance of tough conversations, uneven manager capability, and retention risk. These issues are rarely caused by a few "bad leaders." More often, they reflect organizational conditions that shape how leadership shows up day to day. This session offers a practical way to evaluate leadership effectiveness across eight organizational dimensions and use them as a decision lens to target development where it will actually change results. We will name all eight dimensions and then go deeper on three common breakdown points: difficult conversations and feedback, developing and empowering others, and leading through change and uncertainty. The session draws on real organizational patterns seen across industries and leadership levels. Attendees leave with clear language and practical HR levers to pull to prioritize leadership development at the organizational level. 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM Leadership Isn't Ready for the Agentic Workforce Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ian Clements, Director, Strategic Accounts, SHRM The agentic workforce is already here. Org charts are compressing, new responsibilities are landing on leadership and talent, and what good looks like in role is different than what's on the job description. This session is an honest look at what's changing - and which skills and commitments to look for in 2026. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Master the Art of Elegant Interruption: Your Path to Conversational Influence Type: Workshop Speakers: Rebecca Murray, Vocal Influence Strategist, Rebecca P. Murray, Showcase Your Shine Whether in meetings, networking events, or casual conversations, we've all been there - trapped in the verbal crossfire of someone who doesn't know when to stop. Chronic overtalkers can derail discussions, stifle collaboration, and drain the clock. In this fast-paced, humor-packed, interactive workshop, you'll learn how to advocate for Voice Equity by interrupting with confidence, kindness, and purpose. You'll also explore how brevity - the ability to speak clearly and concisely - amplifies your impact when every second counts. Gain ready-to-use and practice phrases and strategies to keep conversations productive, make space for quieter voices, and maintain psychological safety for everyone in the room. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Menopause, Pain & Productivity: What Every Workplace Needs to Know Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Justine Roper, DR, CEO, DPT, InHer Physique Pelvic Floor Therapy & Wellness Menopause. Breast cancer. Chronic pain. These are not niche concerns - they're common, impactful, and under-discussed in today's workplace. Ignoring them is costing your organization in lost talent, reduced engagement, and rising burnout. In this honest, high-impact session, Dr. Justine Williams Roper, a pelvic health specialist and women's wellness consultant, breaks the silence. Learn how to identify health-related retention risks, create psychologically safe environments, and build inclusive policies that support women throughout their careers. You'll leave equipped with actionable strategies that not only empower your workforce - but strengthen your bottom line. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Modernizing Compassion: How Strategic Bereavement Policy and Prepared Leaders Support Employees Through Loss Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Micaela Namazi, Human Resource Management Instructor, Western Governors University, WGU Grief following the death of a loved one is a profound workplace reality, yet many organizations continue to treat bereavement as a rigid, transactional policy. In doing so, they limit their ability to apply compassion in ways that support employees and strengthen trust, engagement, and retention. This session moves beyond compliance to examine how bereavement policy and leadership readiness translate compassion into consistent, effective practice. Participants will evaluate the hidden costs of unsupported grief and learn how to make the business case for more human-centered approaches. The session explores strategic options for modernizing policy and strengthening manager capability, addressing the gap between written policy and real-world support. Attendees will leave with an actionable framework to improve leadership response, communication, and return-to-work integration. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Quiet Leadership: Unlocking the Untapped 50% of Your Talent Pool Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Richard Etienne, Founder & Leadership Coach, The Introvert Space This session reveals how introverts, who represent nearly half the workforce, embody untapped leadership strengths essential for today's hybrid, inclusive workplaces. Drawing on research from Wharton and real-world insights from 10 Downing Street, participants will learn data-driven frameworks and actionable strategies to foster psychological safety, boost engagement, and drive measurable outcomes in retention and innovation. Attendees will gain practical tools to identify, develop, and retain introverted talent, ultimately re-engineering organizational culture to enhance diversity, equity, and compliance. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Strategic AI Adoption: Designing Smarter Workflows Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kimberly Southern, Assistant City Manager, City of Greeley, Colorado; Arturo Ferreira, Founder and CEO, Upscaile; Kathy Jensen Watts, EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, The Heico Companies Discover how leading organizations are transforming HR through strategic AI adoption. In this dynamic session, we'll spotlight real-world case studies, illustrating how HR teams can overcome barriers and unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence. Learn practical approaches to evaluating HR processes for automation, integrating human intelligence, and building a culture of trust and transparency. Through actionable insights, you'll see how organizations are developing clear AI roadmaps, upskilling teams, and driving measurable results. Whether you're just starting or scaling your AI journey, this session provides lessons needed to design smarter, more resilient HR workflows - preparing your team for the future of work 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Ten Things I Hate About My Manager - Why People Leave Type: Breakout Session Speakers: David Rittof, President, Modern Management, Inc.; Dennis Davis, National Director of Client Training, Ogletree Deakins The relationship between manager and employee is the most impactful element of work-life that affects turnover, engagement, productivity, and performance. Organizations can improve all those metrics by reducing the negative attributes of managers and increasing behaviors that employees want and expect. Multiple data points collected through exit interviews, surveys, audits, assessments, and social media provide a sound summary of the actions managers exhibit most deplored by employees. Those actions lead to employees leaving an organization or worse, staying in the job as an adversary. Turnover is expensive but cynical employees with negative opposition to any idea, initiative or change can bring untold costs to an organization. Every HR professional needs to identify managers most significant opportunities for improvement and develop skills that enhance a superior/subordinate relationship in a manner that makes an employee believe they are a colleague not a commodity. 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM The Art and Science of Healthy High Performance: How We can Maintain Peak Performance in Times of Change Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Greg Wells, President, Wells Performance Inc. In this session, Dr. Wells shares the insights from his international bestsellers, The Ripple Effect and Powerhouse that bridge cutting-edge science with actionable strategies to help people craft healthy, sustainable high performance. Through stories, science and clear strategies, Dr. Wells shows you how to elevate your energy, shift from tension to flow and craft high performance while elevating your health and wellbeing at the same time. You'll learn to leverage the twin cycles of peak performance, tactics to help you recover and recharge faster and how to implement techniques to achieve peak performance in demanding conditions. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM The Fixer Fatigue: Rethinking Leadership and Boundaries (Podcast Recording w/ Live Audience) Type: Podcast Recording Speakers: Julie Armstrong, Founder & Principal Consultant, 3H Leadership Consulting; Leah Marone, Psychotherapist, Mental Wellness Consultant, Yale Clincal Instructor, Published Author, Self Employed Middle managers are often caught...in the middle - balancing pressure from leadership while trying to keep their teams productive, motivated, and moving forward. But when managers become the go-to fixer for every problem, the cost can be high. In a special recording with a panel of guests and a live audience for SHRM's podcast, All Things Work, we break down the hidden downsides of always being available and why an "I'll do it myself" leadership style can lead to burnout, stalled team development, and unhealthy workplace dynamics. This conversation examines how managers can shift from solving problems for their teams to coaching and upskilling them instead. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, our guests unpack how setting boundaries, building trust, and empowering employees can create healthier leaders and stronger-performing teams. 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM The Heart Reset: Why the Future of Work Demands Humanity Over Hustle Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Sophia Campbell, HR CONSULTANT, HRCONSULT2000 The hustle era is over. For too long, organizations have glorified busyness, equating overwork with achievement. The result? Burnout, disconnection, quiet resignations, quitting and work spaces where people survive rather than grow. The future of work requires a reset of the heart. This session invites HR leaders to reimagine success through a lens of humanity: work spaces where empathy, balance, and well-being are not "perks" but priorities. By shifting from hustle-driven metrics to human-centered outcomes, HR can lead the transformation toward cultures that sustain both people and performance. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM The High Road HR Leader: Bringing People Together in a World That Divides Type: Keynote Speakers: Reanette Etzler, Owner/Founder, The Strategic HR Coach You just heard John Maxwell challenge you to take the High Road. Now let's talk about what that actually looks like when you are sitting in the HR seat. This session is the extension of John Maxwell's keynote - the part where we roll up our sleeves and get specific. Because hearing it is one thing. Living it inside HR, where you are navigating competing agendas, difficult conversations, policy enforcement, and the daily pressure of being everything to everyone - that is a completely different challenge. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM The Human Hiring Blueprint: Fixing Recruiting in the Age of AI Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Meagan West, Founder and Principal Consultant, Westward Strategies Automation was supposed to make hiring easier. Instead, HR is now drowning in AI-generated resumes, disengaged candidates, and screening tools that are unintentionally filtering out qualified talent. The future of recruiting isn't more technology, it's the intentional balance of tech and human judgment. This session gives HR and talent leaders a data-driven, humanity-focused hiring framework so they can reduce bias, improve quality of hire, and build a trustworthy candidate experience. Attendees will learn how to recognize where automation adds value, causes harm, and how to prevent "candidate invisibility" created by algorithm-only screening. You'll walk away with a practical blueprint that protects fairness, supports overlooked talent, and improves hiring decisions without slowing down the business. No shiny tech hype. No fear-based "robots are taking over" talk. Just strategic recruiting that puts humans back where they belong in the hiring conversation. 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM AI-Crafted Resumes: 5 Ways to Reveal the Candidate Behind the Curtain Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Robert Hosking, Executive Director, Robert Half Inc. As AI-generated resumes and interview aids become mainstream, HR teams face a new challenge: identifying the real human behind the application. In this fast-paced, 30-minute session, we'll break down five practical, real-world strategies to help you cut through AI-polished materials, spot AI-assisted responses and better evaluate real experience. You'll learn how to identify common red flags in applications, ask more effective behavioral questions and assess critical thinking in real time. You'll leave with actionable tools to improve interview accuracy, validate candidate experience and make more confident, human-centered hiring decisions. 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM Getting Pay Transparency Right: Data-Informed Practices to Reduce Risk and Drive Credibility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Samantha Dawber, Manager of Customer Success & Delivery, Brightmine; Emily Scace, Senior Legal Editor, Brightmine Pay transparency laws continue to spread in the US and beyond, with more job applicants and employees coming under their umbrella each year. As the legal landscape becomes increasingly complex, pay transparency is quickly becoming an imperative - not only for compliance, but also for talent attraction, employee retention, company reputation and more. But pay transparency without a strategic, data-informed approach to salary structure and pay equity can backfire. More than ever, employers need to be able to explain and stand behind their pay practices in order to earn the trust of prospective and current employees and meet evolving expectations around fairness, clarity and pay equity. This session will focus on how organizations can use pay transparency as a strategic lever by combining reliable market data, structured transparency practices, and clear communication to reduce risk, stay ahead of compliance requirements and align transparency with broader business goals. 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM History Matters: The Future of Workforce Data Retention Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Gabe Bell, VP of Sales, Resource Navigation, LLC (ResNav) As organizations grow and change systems, critical workforce data is often left behind - creating compliance risks and operational gaps. This session explores why preserving HR and payroll history is essential, and what a modern, future-ready approach looks like. Featuring real-world case studies, you'll learn how organizations protect historical data, stay audit-ready, and enable fast, reliable record retrieval - so your workforce history works for you, not against you. 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM Ace Your SHRM Certification Exam! Enhance Your Readiness for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP Exam Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Charles Glover, Director, Certification & Assessments, SHRM; Caitlin Shea, Product Manager for SHRM, Holmes Corporation Obtaining your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification is a huge career milestone for students, HR professionals, and CHROs alike, but "how to best prepare" is a question we on the SHRM certification team are asked regularly. Join the SHRM certification staff for a rapid but powerful deep dive into data-driven SHRM preparation methodologies that deliver real results on exam day. We will explore questions like: What preparation materials should you be using to prepare? How long should you prepare, and when should you start? How do the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams differ? My personal favorite, what are Situational Judgment Items, and how should you prepare for those? All of these questions and more will be covered at SHRM26. Let's partner together and support you on your journey to Ace your SHRM certification exam! 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Healthy Teams, Healthy Bottom Lines: Mental Health ROI for Small & Mid-Sized Businesses Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Pamela McGee, CEO, Genuine Executive Management Solutions, LLC Running a small business means every employee counts and when one struggles, everyone feels it. This power-packed 30-minute session cuts through the noise to deliver what SMB owners and HR professionals need most: real data, practical tools, and immediate action steps for building a mentally healthy workplace without a big budget or a dedicated HR department. Attendees will walk away knowing exactly what untreated mental health costs their business, where their biggest risks and opportunities already exist, and three specific commitments they can act on before the week is out. No jargon. No theory. Just people-centered strategy that works at any size. 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM SHRM Membership Benefits Deep Dive II Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Heather Merrick, Members & Community Director, SHRM; Paula Humber, Members and Community Director, SHRM Explore the full spectrum of SHRM member types and benefits and learn how to leverage exclusive resources. From certification and research access to networking opportunities and HR support, this session breaks down the most valuable tools available to members. Participants will receive practical strategies to maximize their membership ROI and accelerate their HR impact. 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Delivering Employee Experience at the Speed of AI Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Caleb Burrill, Director of Revenue Marketing, eGain; James Hunt, VP Products and Strategic Solutions, eGain In 2026, employees expect instant, trusted answers from HR, whether it's a new hire finding the right benefits answer in their first week, a manager preparing for a difficult conversation, or an employee navigating a tricky policy question. Instead, they often get fragmented intranets, outdated PDFs, and chatbots riffing on policy. The gap between what employees expect and what HR delivers is a growing chasm. AI promised to solve this. For most HR teams, it hasn't. The moment pilots start to scale, the wrong answers start pouring in. Employees lose trust. Managers stop using it. Compliance teams shut it down. The pattern is consistent enough now to be predictable, and the cause is consistent too: AI is only as good as the knowledge it runs on, and most HR knowledge was never built to be trusted at machine speed. This session will share insights from scaled AI HR deployments inside Fortune 500 organizations. Attendees will learn the playbook innovative organizations use for delivering instant, trusted answers across onboarding, manager enablement, and everyday employee questions. You'll leave with a clear-eyed view of what AI can and cannot do for HR today, the knowledge foundation required to make it work, and the specific moves leading enterprises are using to turn employee experience into a measurable competitive advantage. 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM Navigating California HR with Confidence: Leverage SHRM Tools, Insights, and Community Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Monique Akanbi, Membership Initiatives Director, SHRM; Gina Ayllon, Executive Director Northern California Community, SHRM; Andy Covell, Founder, Lion Tech Solutions California's workplace landscape is complex, fast-changing, and often overwhelming for HR and business leaders. In this 20-minute spotlight session, we will cut through the noise and share practical, trusted resources to help you stay informed, connected, and compliant. You'll learn where to find the most reliable updates on California workplace practices, how to engage with local HR communities for real-time insights, and how to monitor state legislation and compliance changes effectively. We'll also highlight the tools, guidance, and support available through SHRM's California-focused team - so you can move from uncertainty to confidence. Whether you're based in California or managing operations across state lines, this session will equip you with clarity, connections, and actionable next steps. Because when it comes to California HR - you don't have to navigate it alone. SHRM is here to help. 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM SHRM Tech: Five HR Technology Trends to Watch...and Discuss with Your Peers Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kenny Pyle, HR Technology Lead Analyst, SHRM Have you ever heard about a trend and wondered: Is this really happening? Do you ever feel like you're incredibly far behind on your tech stack, and wonder how others are able to keep up? Learn the latest HR technology trends and see data on what your peers are actually doing. This session will help you better differentiate hype from reality, and allow you to refine your HR technology roadmap. 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Stop Guessing about AI Skills: What your people actually need (and how to build it) Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Macaire Montini, HiBob AI is everywhere but most organizations still can't answer a simple question: what do employees actually need to do with AI and how do I enable them to do it? This session moves beyond strategy and buzzwords to give HR leaders a practical way to define, assess, and build AI skills across their workforce. Using HiBob's AI Skills Framework and real-world data, we'll break down how to operationalize AI skills across roles, workflows, and teams. 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM The Art and Science of Retirement Education: Empowering Participants Through Modern Engagement Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jason Boultbee, Director, Client Relationship Management Executive, Bank of America Retirement education today is both an art and a science - and when done right, it gives participants the power to change the game. In this presentation, we'll explore how modern engagement, behavioral insight, and smart design come together to create a clear financial playbook for every participant. Just like in FIFA, success comes from strategy, timing, and knowing which play to run next. You'll see how personalized guidance, intuitive tools, and journey based education equip employees with the right moves at the right moment - helping them build confidence, take meaningful action, and stay on track toward their financial goals. It's about giving people not just the game plan, but the power to change their financial future. 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM Employer of Record (EOR) Models: My Journey Helping Companies Expand Across Borders Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Deborah McGee, Founder and CEO, PZI(R) Group (People Zealously Interconnected(R)) Expanding globally is an exciting yet complex journey - one that requires the right structure, compliance, and partnerships. In this session, Deborah McGee shares her firsthand experience helping organizations navigate global growth through Employer of Record (EOR) models. Drawing from decades of international HR and business consulting, she demystifies how EORs work, what they solve, and what pitfalls to avoid. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how EOR solutions can accelerate expansion while maintaining compliance and care for people - offering both strategic insight and practical perspective from someone who's led it firsthand. 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM Well, That Went Left: Handling Emotional Responses with Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ama Agyapong, CEO, Inclusion Enterprises Feedback fuels performance and retention, yet emotionally charged reactions often derail the moment. Research shows 44% of managers avoid giving feedback due to fear of negative responses, while employees who receive regular, meaningful feedback are nearly four times more engaged. When feedback goes "left," organizations lose trust, stall development, and weaken team cohesion. This session provides research-backed tools to turn emotional reactions into opportunities for clarity and connection. Leaders will explore the neuroscience of defensiveness, the costs of feedback avoidance, and practical strategies to stay civil, navigate triggers, and maintain psychological safety. Participants leave with evidence-based techniques that strengthen communication, reduce conflict, and improve team performance. 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM 1 in 12: Why Most Weight Health Spend Is Wasted Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Matt Buff, Product Manager, Revive Employers are spending more on weight health than ever - and getting less than they expected. The culprit isn't the medication. It's the program around it. GLP-1s and other weight loss medications represent one of the fastest-growing cost drivers in employer benefits today. With 57 million American adults clinically qualifying for treatment, organizations have moved quickly to expand coverage. But access to medication is not the same as a program - and the results are proving it. Without structured behavioral support, only 1 in 12 patients remains adherent to weight loss treatment. That means employers are absorbing 30-50% annual cost increases on these medications while the outcomes, and the long-term savings, largely fail to materialize. The long-term ROI of effective weight health intervention is real and well-documented. A 5% reduction in weight correlates to an 8% reduction in medical spend. For a 5,000-life group achieving a 25% reduction in obesity prevalence, potential savings exceed $8 million annually. But those numbers depend entirely on compliance - and compliance depends entirely on the program. In this session, Dr. John Olsen, Chief Pharmacy Officer, and Matthew Buff, MPH, Revive Product Manager, will examine the compliance crisis at the center of employer weight health spend and walk through what a comprehensive, outcomes-driven program actually requires - from medication access and cost-sharing structures, to non-pharmacologic alternatives, to the behavioral coaching and digital tools that determine whether members stay on track. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for evaluating their current weight health strategy, understanding where spend is being lost, and identifying what a program built for long-term outcomes looks like in practice. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM 2026 Annual SHRM Employee Benefits Survey Results Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Calven Engstrom, Senior Researcher, SHRM; Kathryn Mayer, Senior Specialist, Content, SHRM This session will present the latest findings from SHRM's Annual Employee Benefits Survey, a research initiative that has tracked employer benefits trends for 30 years. Attendees will gain a comprehensive view of which benefits organizations are offering, how their prevalence has changed over time, and the societal, economic, and workforce factors influencing employers' decisions to expand, reduce, or modify their offerings. The session will also demonstrate how SHRM members can use the interactive Employee Benefits Tool to access tailored data based on their organization's size, location, and industry. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to compare their benefits programs to peers, identify opportunities to enhance offerings, and leverage benefits strategically to attract, engage, and retain talent in today's evolving workplace. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Achieving Results: Success Through Purposeful Future-Ready Leadership Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Tracey Walker, CEO, SHRM Linkage, SHRM; Sarah Bettman, Director, Solutions Architect, SHRM; Rachael Marangu, Director, Linkage Institute, SHRM In a year marked by disruption, talent volatility, rapid AI adoption, and constant change, successful leaders are distinguished by clarity, conviction, and a proven approach - not just reaction. This session uncovers what top leaders are doing right now to achieve results in uncertain times, leveraging SHRM's latest data from experts shaping the future of leadership. Tracey Walker, CEO of SHRM Linkage, is joined by Rachael Marangu, Head of SHRM Linkage Leadership Institute, and Sarah Bettman, SHRM Linkage Solutions Architect, to turn cutting-edge SHRM research into actionable strategies. You'll gain practical tools and immediate steps -not just theory - that transform leadership insight into a competitive advantage. Attendees can expect bold perspectives, hands-on resources, and impactful takeaways ready to implement the next day. If you aim to lead with purpose, drive measurable outcomes, and stay ahead of emerging trends, this is the must-attend leadership session. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Are You Okay? Fight Burnout Using Play Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Maddy Gabor, CEO, Betterment Works; Lauren Yee, COO, Betterment Works The working world is more productive than it's ever been, but is also plagued by burnout. Bring more balance to the equation by harnessing the power of play to better understand ourselves, our brains, and our work. This engaging session focuses on how small acts of play can strengthen your mental health, combat burnout, and help navigate the challenges of your workday. Learn joyful practices that help effectively task shift, reinforce boundaries, and turn off "work think." Through interactive activities, participants learn in real time how to play through problems, get distracted (in the right way!), strengthen communication, and generally exist happier at work. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Bambi Vs. Godzilla: How to Deal with Difficult People Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Bruce Christopher, Psychologist and Professional Speaker, Bruce Christopher Seminars LLC Difficult people are everywhere! They can be customers, co-workers, bosses, neighbors, even spouses. This program humorously reveals the six basic difficult personality styles that are out to drain you and your organization of vital energy. You will learn what they do, why they do it, and what you can do about it! Participants will learn how to stay empowered in the face of negative, reactive, and draining people - and laugh while they do it. Unfortunately, every business has its share of difficult people to deal with. Some may be customers, some may be co-workers -- but either case, dealing with them in a way that leads to success is a critical skill. "Bambi vs. Godzilla" helps participants understand negative behavior, and to increase their skill level in dealing with difficult personality types. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Bridging the Gap: Building Neuroinclusive Workplaces that Retain and Thrive Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Lee Judson, Lead Coach, Bridge2Work Coaching,LLC In today's workforce, neurodiverse talent represents one of the most innovative - and often underutilized - resources available to organizations. Yet even the most well-intentioned HR teams can struggle to bridge the gap between awareness and action. This session provides HR and DEI professionals with the tools, frameworks, and confidence to build neuroinclusive systems that attract, retain, and empower neurodiverse employees. Drawing on over 30 years of leadership experience in insurance, healthcare, and medical device industries, Elisa "Lee" Judson combines operational expertise with a deep commitment to inclusion. She shares how Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen principles can be adapted to strengthen people processes - onboarding, coaching, and performance management - without losing the human connection that drives success. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Building an AI-Enabled Recruiting Team Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Timothy Sackett, CEO, HRU Technical Resources AI isn't coming for recruiters' jobs; it's coming for the tasks that keep recruiters from doing great work. The future of talent acquisition isn't man or machine, it's man and machine. In this session, I'll show you how leading organizations are building AI-enabled recruiting teams that move faster, deliver better candidate experiences, and actually make recruiters' jobs more strategic and more human. We'll cut through the hype and get real about what works today, what doesn't, and how you can upskill your team to thrive in an AI-powered recruiting world. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM California HR Minefields: What's New, What's Next, What's Costly Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Joseph Beachboard, Chief Concierge Employment Attorney, Beachboard Consulting Group; Jennifer Shaw, Founder, Shaw Law Group, PC California continues to set the pace - and the price tag - when it comes to employment law. Between new legislation, rapidly evolving regulations, and eye-popping jury verdicts, the risks for employers are bigger than ever. In this fast-moving, practical session, two seasoned California employment lawyers (with more than 60 years of combined experience) cut through the noise and deliver what you really need to know. We'll break down the latest rulings and emerging requirements - workplace-violence prevention programs, pay transparency, retaliation presumptions, off-duty cannabis protections, expanded leave laws, tricky wage-statement rules, expense-reimbursement traps, and noncompete bans - and translate them into simple, HR-friendly checklists. You'll walk away with sample policy language, compliance tools, and a comprehensive self-audit worksheet you can put to work right away. Get ready to spot the pitfalls before they become problems - and keep your organization out of court. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Eliminating Bias with AI: Practical Tools for Fair and Inclusive Workplaces Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Hemachandran Kannan, Director - AI Research Centre & Vice Dean Bias in recruitment, promotion, and performance evaluation can undermine organisational culture and limit potential. My patented AI-Powered Bias Detection and Cognitive Debiasing System is designed to identify both human and algorithmic bias in workplace decisions - and recommend corrective actions in real time. This session will guide HR leaders through practical steps for integrating such systems into existing HR workflows, from talent acquisition to employee development. Drawing on real-world case studies, I will demonstrate how to configure, monitor, and measure bias mitigation strategies using AI, while ensuring transparency and employee trust. Participants will engage in an interactive exercise to map bias detection to their own processes and leave with a three-step action plan for creating more equitable workplaces. 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM Execution Over Exhaustion: How HR can create accountability that works Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Michelle Rozen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Dr. Rozen Institute for Enterprise Excellence In this session, Dr. Michelle Rozen unpacks the behavioral science behind what truly drives workforce transformation. Moving beyond traditional approaches to training and retention, she reveals why the biggest barriers to growth aren't skill-based, they're psychological. From decision fatigue and lack of clarity to the "Execution Gap" that stalls progress, this conversation explores why most initiatives fail before they ever gain traction. 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM Future-Ready Hiring: The Skills-First Advantage Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Isaac Agbeshie-Noye, Director, Programs, SHRM; Al Crook, Chief Human Resource Officer, Zurich Insurance Company; Amanda Hall, HR Business Partner, JBM Packaging As the world of work rapidly evolves, organizations can't afford to let outdated degree requirements or rigid practices close doors to qualified talent. SHRM Foundation's Center for a Skills First Future is leading the way in redefining how organizations attract, hire, and grow talent. In this interactive session, participants will explore lessons learned from organizations that have piloted skills-first practices as part of their talent strategy. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Global Pay Strategies: How to Compensate Your International Employees Effectively and Equitably Type: Breakout Session Speakers: John Rubino, president, Rubino Consulting Services Developing cohesive global compensation reward programs for your organization that are also appropriately nuanced based on country cultures is a very challenging task! The primary objective is to realize the tried-and-true adage 'Think Globally and Act Locally' and have it embedded as the guiding principle in your organization. It is imperative to develop effective global compensation programs that are aligned with your organization's human capital strategic plans. John will discuss total reward solutions, factors that impact mobility decisions, as well as all of the necessary techniques to pay your global workforce equitably. Moreover, you will come away with a real-world 'global schematic' of compensation and total reward perspectives, and methodologies that are practiced in premier international organizations. This will help you to fully optimize the design of your global programs, with the result of attracting, retaining, motivating and engaging top performers all over the world. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Leading with Bravery in the Age of Transformation: How Courage Shapes the Future of Work Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jill Schulman, United States Marine Corps, Best Selling Author, Science of Bravery Artificial intelligence, shifting cultural norms, and evolving expectations of work are reshaping what it means to lead. For HR professionals, the challenge is no longer just managing change - it is leading through it with clarity, confidence, and courage. In this thought-provoking session, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Positive Psychology expert Jill Schulman introduces The Science of Bravery - a research-based framework that empowers HR leaders to navigate disruption and transformation with strength and purpose. Drawing from neuroscience and behavioral psychology, Jill reveals how bravery isn't the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. Participants will gain practical tools to develop the mindsets, habits, and cultures that foster adaptability, engagement, and performance in a rapidly changing environment - leaving equipped to help employees embrace uncertainty, build resilience, and take bold, aligned action that drives both personal growth and organizational success. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Lead with Presence: What Improv Comedy Teaches Us About Leadership and Confidence Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Alan Mueller, Senior Consultant, Adaptive Challenge Consulting Even the most seasoned leaders can feel anxious when speaking to large groups. Yet some seem to naturally command the room - projecting confidence, authenticity, and presence. What's their secret? In this fast-paced, interactive session, Dr. Alan Mueller - leadership educator and former improv comedian - reveals how the principles of improv comedy can transform how leaders communicate, connect, and inspire. Through laughter and experiential exercises, participants will discover how to think on their feet, build authentic presence, and turn nervous energy into genuine engagement. You'll leave with practical tools to enhance executive presence, communicate with confidence, and lead with agility in any room or situation. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Navigating the AI Hiring Maze: Decision-Ready HR in an Uncertain Landscape Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Dave Schmidt, Principal Consultant, DCI Consulting; Breanna Timko, Senior Consultant, DCI Consulting; Niloy Ray, Shareholder, Littler Mendelson, P.C. AI is reshaping how organizations recruit, screen, and select talent - often faster than laws and internal policies can keep pace. HR leaders face high-stakes decisions about AI-enabled hiring tools amid regulatory uncertainty and growing scrutiny from candidates and regulators. As the frontline decision-makers, HR leaders are uniquely positioned to shape how AI is used across the organization - and to influence where the company invests its time, resources, and confidence. This session equips HR leaders to move beyond compliance checklists and toward confident decision-making in uncertainty. Drawing on I/O psychology, employment law, and experience auditing AI hiring systems, the session translates complex requirements into practical considerations. Through interactive polls and case studies, participants will pressure-test common AI hiring scenarios, identify risk areas, and leave with strategies to build governance systems and responsibly guide AI use. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Negotiating Job Offers: Master These New Strategies to Win Over In-Demand Candidates Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Julie Labrie, President, BlueSky Personnel Solutions Salaries have been skyrocketing, yet HR leaders with finite budgets must still attract in-demand talent amid fierce competition. In a world of multiple offers, counter-offers, ghostings, and missed opportunities, is there a proven formula for success? Yes! In this session, Julie Labrie - one of Canada's top recruiters and a Top 100 Staffing Leader to Watch (2023 & 2025) - pulls back the curtain on recruitment to reveal emerging strategies every HR leader needs for job offer negotiations. Learn the new mindset of highly sought-after candidates: what they truly value beyond salary, what matters most to them, and how to offer it - even when unspoken. Julie shares actionable insights and tangible strategies you can implement immediately to secure star talent, create win-win negotiations, and build your dream team. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Opportunities and Pitfalls of AI in Financial Wellness: What HR Professionals Need to Know Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Patrick Courtright, Managing Director/Retirement Plan Advisor, Raymond James; Patrick O'Connor, Chief Operating Officer, Private Client Group, Raymond James Financial, Inc.; Sara Knowles, SVP, HR, Raymond James; Marc McDonough, Chief Executive Officer, TIFIN @Work, TIFIN Artificial intelligence is reshaping how employees access financial information, but it cannot fully replace human judgment, empathy, and trust. This session offers a realistic, data-driven view of AI in financial wellness programs and how HR can combine digital tools with human connection to deliver more personalized & effective support. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Purpose-Driven Retention: Merging Human Motivation and Business Strategy Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kane Carpenter, Interim CEO, Workforce Consulting International (WCI); Brent Turner, Director, Leadership Development Organizations across industries face rising turnover, disengagement and misalignment between employee expectations and organizational strategy. Gallup's 2025 Purposeful Work study shows that employees who experience strong purpose are 5.6x more likely to be engaged, yet fewer than 1 in 5 report meaningful work, creating a significant risk to performance, retention and leadership sustainability. This session integrates research, workforce strategy, and practical application to examine why professionals decide to stay, shift, or evolve in their careers. Drawing on doctoral research on career persistence and expertise in scaling organizations and talent systems, participants will explore root causes of turnover including identity, belonging, purpose and organizational clarity. Through reflection, case analysis, and strategy mapping, attendees will learn how to embed purpose alignment across the employee lifecycle to strengthen engagement, retention, and long-term workforce sustainability. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Raid Readiness: Preparing Your Workforce for ICE Worksite Actions Type: Breakout Session Speakers: David Jones, Regional Managing Partner / National Immigration Practice Co-Chair, Fisher & Phillips LLP; Connie Yang, Partner, Fisher Phillips ICE worksite enforcement actions can occur with little warning, making preparation essential. This session provides employers with a clear roadmap for developing raid readiness plans that protect both operations and legal interests. Attendees will explore the key elements of an effective response plan, from clarifying employer rights and communication protocols to training HR and frontline staff to respond appropriately in high-pressure scenarios. The session also highlights common mistakes made during ICE visits and how to avoid them. Participants will leave equipped with practical tools to enhance compliance, minimize disruption, and respond confidently and lawfully during a worksite raid. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Seven Steps for Perfecting Your Documentation Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Allison West, Principal, Employment Practices Specialists Document, document, document. Sounds familiar? This standard mantra from your employment counsel is meant to encourage managers to memorialize performance/disciplinary conversations that shows efforts to help the employee be successful and supports employment decisions. And, importantly, documentation can provide a solid defense if prepared correctly. But, in reality, managers (and HR) are typically not taught how to effectively transcribe verbal coaching, counseling or disciplinary conversations into clear, unambiguous, defensible documentation. Learn the seven steps to creating "bulletproof" documentation along with ways to tighten your documentation, words and phrases to avoid, and potential red flags for discrimination. Walk away with a usable framework and tips for perfecting your documentation. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Talent Intelligence on a Shoestring: Turning HR Data into Board Insights Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Prudence Pitter, Founder & CEO, PEARRM Services Burnout, AI disruption, and talent scarcity are converging, while Gallup estimates global employee disengagement costs organizations nearly $9 trillion annually. At the same time, boards are demanding clearer workforce foresight, yet most HR dashboards overwhelm leaders with vanity metrics instead of strategic insight. In this session, Prudence Pitter demonstrates how HR teams can build a lean Talent Intelligence engine without a seven-figure technology stack. Using free or low-cost tools, participants will learn how to combine payroll, engagement, and market data to create predictive flight-risk heat maps and skills gap alerts that the C-suite actually uses. Participants will leave with a starter dataset, implementation checklist, and storytelling script that helps translate talent data into strategy, and budgets. To maximize your time during the session, please complete the Leadership Assessment to determine your wellbeing maturity curve; https://pearrm.com/leadership-assessment 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Talent Tug-of-War: Balancing Acquisition vs. Development (Live Podcast Recording) Type: Podcast Recording Speakers: Amy Jauman, Director of Human Resources, DNA Doe Project; Amber Watts, Chief Everboarding Officer, Radical Growth Works Hiring great talent is only part of the equation - keeping employees engaged, growing, and invested in your organization is just as critical. As workforce expectations shift and business needs evolve, HR teams are being challenged to find the right balance between attracting new talent and developing the people they already have. In a special recording with a live audience for SHRM's Honest HR podcast, explore how organizations can maximize the impact of both talent acquisition and employee development. From improving retention and strengthening internal mobility to building a workforce prepared for long-term success, learn how to create cultures that support growth, adaptability, and sustainable talent strategies. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM The Chief Disruption Officer: Architecting Tomorrow's Workforce Ecosystem Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jennifer McClure, CEO & Chief Excitement Officer, Unbridled Talent LLC & DisruptHR LLC The future of HR isn't about responding to disruption, it's about leading it. In this high-impact session, Jennifer McClure challenges HR professionals to adopt the mindset of a Chief Disruption Officer: a strategic architect who drives business transformation through people. Using her proprietary SHIFT framework, attendees will learn how to navigate change with confidence, translate disruption into opportunity, and design agile workforce ecosystems that sustain growth. This session is for HR leaders ready to move from operational to exceptional. 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM The Cost of Cutting Culture: What 1,800+ Organizations Reveal About Risk, Performance, and Business Impact Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Roza Jankovic, Lead People Scientist, Culture Amp Budgets are tighter. Decisions are faster and harder. And the cost of getting leadership wrong has never been higher. Yet only 2% of CHROs believe their current performance systems actually drive performance. Most organizations don't realize they're losing until it's already too late to recover. Cutting visibility into leadership, engagement, and performance doesn't save money. It destroys it. And the data proves it - across 1,800+ organizations, the cost of cutting culture is measurable, predictable, and largely invisible until it hits your bottom line. In this session, we'll show you how to use people data as an early warning system - catching risk before it becomes regret. And we'll unveil something new: a framework built from 15+ years of people science research that shows you exactly where your organization stands, and what it takes to get to Peak Performance (and maintain it). The organizations that get there don't just reduce risk. They outperform. Consistently. 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM Turning Learning into Performance: Closing the Gap with AI-Powered Practice Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Paul Eschen, Chief Marketing Officer, BizLibrary Learning has never been more accessible - more content, more tools, more investment than ever before. And yet, performance isn't keeping up. That's the performance paradox. Despite everything we've built in L&D, there's still a gap between what people know and what they actually do on the job. Learning doesn't fail due to lack of content. It fails because there's no bridge to application. Without reinforcement, most information is forgotten within days. Learners retain about 20% of what they hear but up to 75% of what they practice. And yet, most learning experiences still stop at content. Click next, check the box, move on. That's the gap BizReady was designed to close - bringing AI-powered roleplays into the flow of learning so people can practice, apply, and get feedback in real time. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM UnMuted Leader: Turning Insight into Influence in the Future of Work Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Patricia Zulic, HR Consultant, Author: UnMuted Leader. HR has never had more data, more responsibility, or more at stake, yet many HR leaders still get invited for input and ignored at decision time. This session is for HR professionals who are ready to turn insight into influence as the future of work accelerates through AI, shifting expectations, and nonstop change. Using the UnMuted Leader framework, you'll learn why HR gets "muted," how to spot it in real time, and what to do in the moment so your message lands with clarity, confidence, and business alignment. You'll leave with practical tools to translate people risk into executive language, influence without authority, respond to gatekeeping and "we've always done it" thinking, and communicate in ways that move decisions, not just conversations. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM When Crisis Hits Close to Home: Red Hat's People-First Approach to Supporting Associates Through Regional Conflict Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kenny Zuckerberg, VP, Learning and Organizational Excellence, ComPsych; Anne Muir, Senior Manager, U.S. Benefits, Red Hat; Tricia Mahoney, Customer Success Leader, ComPsych Global organizations face the challenge of supporting their workforce when geopolitical instability strikes close to home. Red Hat, the world's leading provider of enterprise open-source software solutions, has been experiencing this challenge frequently with nearly 600 associates in the Israel and Gaza region. Red Hat has actioned a comprehensive support framework that includes global mental health webinars, regional lead networks ensuring locally relevant resources, and extended counseling access for those most directly impacted by the conflict. Red Hat will share how they've built and activated a people-first crisis response strategy and how their partnership with ComPsych provides the clinical and programmatic infrastructure to bring that vision to life. Attendees will walk away with a clear picture of what it looks like when an organization's values and its crisis strategy are operating in alignment, and how the right partnerships can turn that commitment into meaningful support. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM When Grief Comes to Work: Bold Policies, Real Support, Better Outcomes (NO PRESS PERMITTED) Type: Panel Speakers: Heather Nesle, President, New York Life Foundation; Jim Clark, President & CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of America; Michelle Julian Atkins, Benefits Specialist - Global Absence, Accommodations & Risk Team Life Insurance and Supplemental Health Insurance, Google People Operations Culture and media are amplifying bereavement and loss as critical factors affecting employee well-being, productivity, and retention. Bereavement policies must evolve to meet the needs of the modern workplace. Join Heather Nesle (New York Life Foundation), Jim Clark (Boys & Girls Clubs of America), and an Michelle Julian Atkins (Google) for a deep dive into pioneering approaches to bereavement support. From the limitations of traditional leave to flexible PTO models and comprehensive benefits - including flexible work and educational support, this panel showcases diverse real-world policy frameworks that prioritize employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. Attendees will gain actionable strategies and tools to enhance bereavement policy design and implementation in their own workplaces. 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM Why Fighting Burnout is Your Best Growth Strategy Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Dilan Gomih, Founder & CEO, Dilagence; Lindsay Ryan, Sr. Director, Client Success, Wellhub; Charlie Toney, VP, Benefits & Health Plan Strategy, Lifepoint Health; Chris Lichtenberger, Corporate Partnerships, Life Time When 90% of your workforce tunes out your corporate wellness program, you have two problems at once: an engagement problem and a burnout problem. People are exhausted - and they've checked out of a program that doesn't fit their lives. Traditional benefits lose nearly everyone in the first year, because a single, one-size-fits-all perk can't reach a workforce that's burned out in a hundred different ways. In an era of non-stop disruption, recharging your team is no longer a soft HR perk - it's central to protecting employee mental health, sustaining engagement, and keeping the people you can't afford to lose. 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM Future-Proofing Talent Retention is Imperative and Supporting Caregivers is Key Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Veronica Segovia De Bedon, Program Management Director - Family Caregiving, AARP; Carly Chase, Vice President of Careers Business Franchise, US News and World Report Nearly 3 in 4 employees juggle work with caregiving, costing U.S. businesses an estimated $33 billion annually in lost productivity. This session elevates caregiving support from a standard benefit to a fundamental driver of organizational performance and retention, focusing on comprehensive cultural integration. Executives, HR leaders, and managers will receive practical frameworks for designing policies and workplace cultures that genuinely support caregiving employees. Experts from AARP will share the latest data on caregiving's impact, while U.S. News experts will present qualities and real-world examples of innovative employer approaches. Attendees will leave with an actionable roadmap to build dynamic, high-impact support systems. Learn how to enhance retention, boost engagement, fortify well-being, and turn the caregiving challenge into a competitive talent opportunity, positioning your company for long-term success. 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM From Passive to Proactive: What the 'Patient of the Future' Means for Your Workforce and Benefits Strategy Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Katherine McClelland, Emerging Technology Principal, VSP Vision Care Your employees aren't waiting for their next annual checkup - they're already monitoring, diagnosing, and optimizing their health in real time. VSP Vision's Patient of the Future Futurist Report reveals a seismic shift in how people engage with their own health: AI-enabled wearables, at-home diagnostics, virtual self-care, and on-demand health information are placing clinical-grade capability in the hands of everyday consumers. For HR leaders, this transformation isn't just a healthcare story - it's a benefits story, a workforce strategy story, and a talent story. In this session, we'll unpack the key trends reshaping patient behavior, explore what they signal for employee expectations, and envision what a forward-looking benefits strategy could look like. 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Prove It: How Small Businesses Are Leading on Pay Equity Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Nicole Armstrong, Founder & CEO, Ellequate Small businesses often don't have a dedicated comp team, legal department, or large consulting budget. And yet the pressure to pay fairly, retain talent, and compete for people is identical to that of any large employer. The good news: fair pay isn't a resource problem. It's a systems problem. And small businesses - because they're nimble, relationship-driven, and often values-led - are uniquely positioned to get this right. In this session, Nicole Armstrong, Founder and CEO of Ellequate, introduces the Fair Pay Index: a new evidence-based framework that helps SMB employers assess where they stand on pay equity, identify what's driving outcomes, and take prioritized action. Using a real SMB case study, this session will walk through what fair pay looks like in practice and what small businesses can start doing today. Attendees will leave with a clear framework, a concrete first step, and a new way of thinking about pay equity as a business strategy rather than a compliance checkbox. 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Real-time Punch to Pay, the Proven Benefits of Global Payroll and Time Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Bryan Thumme, Senior Solution Consultant, WorkForce Software, an ADP Company; Jason Patterson, VP Global Solution Consulting, ADP In this session, we'll explore how a unified approach to global payroll and time delivers significant business ROI, reduces compliance risks and boosts employee engagement. If your organization's global approach is full of workarounds, disjointed workflows and fragmented data, then it probably misses the mark on key employee engagement efforts like real-time pay transparency, so this session is for you. Using case studies, you'll learn how ADP(R) WorkForce Suite, fully unified with ADP HCM and Global Payroll solutions, or seamlessly integrated with your existing ERP vendors (SAP, Workday, Oracle) can help you unlock measurable business value from significantly improved global payroll and workforce management operations at scale. 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM Serial Fixer: Leading Without Overextending Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Leah Marone, Psychotherapist, Mental Wellness Consultant, Yale Clincal Instructor, Published Author, Self Employed Many leaders pride themselves on "fixing" everything for their teams, but constant problem-solving drains energy, undermines team strength, and weakens organizational culture. In this interactive session, leaders will discover the Support, Don't Solve (SDS) framework, a practical method to lead with compassion, empower teams, set healthy boundaries, and navigate transitions in a way that reduces cyclical exhaustion, emotional hangovers, and micro-codependence. This session will also challenge the traditional "open door" policy, showing why being constantly available can fuel serial fixing and burnout, and how leaders can create boundaries that actually increase team engagement and performance. Real-world case studies demonstrate how applying SDS transforms leadership behaviors, fosters more engaged and resilient teams, and strengthens overall organizational outcomes.This session goes beyond generic advice. Attendees will leave with tools and mindset reframes they can apply immediately. 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM SHRM Tech: The Modern HR, Navigating IT Partnerships in a New Age Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kenny Pyle, HR Technology Lead Analyst, SHRM With the explosion of HR technology and AI adoption increasing rapidly through corporate America, HR decision makers are finding new challenges and new opportunities that call for an updated partnership with a historically siloed division within their organization, the IT department. This interactive session will explore that newfound relationship and lead discussions on perceptions, success stories, and precautions for both HR and IT alike, as well as highlight the introduction to a new way of looking at technology purchasing decisions. 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Softening the Blow of Rising Health Care Costs for Employees Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Benjamin Isgur, Vice President, Fidelity Health Thought Leadership, Fidelity Investments Health care costs are increasing faster than organizations or their employees can reasonably absorb. The scenario is familiar: Rising health care costs continue to have a significant impact on employees, and benefits leaders once again find themselves revisiting benefits strategies in search of relief. Charting a sustainable path forward will require difficult decisions - and, in some cases, a greater commitment from both employers and employees. This session aims to surface practical, high-value strategies that can help "soften the blow" of higher health costs today and meaningfully bend the cost curve over time. 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM AI Integration and Workforce Strategy Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Arturo Ferreira, Founder and CEO, Upscaile; Chris Allen, Chief Marketing Officer, Auris In this live podcast conversation, Chris Allen sits down with Arturo Ferreira, global workforce strategist and AI integration leader at SHRM, to explore one of the most urgent challenges facing modern businesses: the gap between understanding AI and actually implementing it effectively. Arturo shares practical frameworks for responsible AI adoption, workforce training, and leadership decision-making in a rapidly evolving landscape. Attendees will gain insight into how entrepreneurs can identify meaningful AI opportunities, prepare teams for change, and build an AI-ready culture without sacrificing trust, clarity, or operational focus. This session delivers real-world strategies leaders can apply immediately to stay competitive in the AI era. The Entrepreneur's Studio, presented by Auris, is now in its fourth season of candid conversations with some of today's most compelling business minds and cultural icons. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM Amplifying Impact: Leveraging AI and Responsible Leadership to Transform How We Work Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Alicia Pittman, Global People Chair, Boston Consulting Group AI is fundamentally changing how we work, but the biggest determinant of success isn't technology; it's leadership. BCG's Global People Chair Alicia Pittman will unpack how HR and enterprise leaders can model AI adoption in ways that build trust, unlock performance, and preserve human judgment. Leveraging insights from BCG's industry-leading AI integration efforts and its "Amplify Impact" initiative, Pittman will show how responsible AI, grounded in transparency, accountability, and trust, guides every stage of the talent journey. Leaders will get a behind-the-scenes look at how BCG embedded AI into workflows for its 33,000+ global employees and leave with a concrete blueprint for moving from AI adoption to AI mastery, with humans firmly at the center. 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM What Lies Beneath: An Overview of Critical Untapped Talent Pools Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Justin Ladner, Senior Labor Economist, SHRM Labor market conditions in recent years have been hugely challenging for organizations seeking to attract and retain talent, in no small part because of a persistent labor shortage that continues to impact many occupations and industries. In this environment, it is critical that organizations have a detailed understanding of groups in the labor force that have historically been overlooked. This session compiles findings from a recent series of SHRM labor force snapshots, each of which explores the labor market characteristics and contributions of an individual population that has faced (and in many cases continues to face) barriers to success in the U.S. labor market. By exploring these underutilized pools of labor, this session helps HR professionals and business leaders attract and retain talent more efficiently. 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM 2026 and Beyond: Future of Work Predictions to Navigate What's Next Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Lauren Bidwell, Senior Research Scientist, SAP SuccessFactors; German Martinez, Principal Solution Advisor, SAP SuccessFactors The future of work will not be defined by a single path. From AI advancements to demographic shifts, HR leaders are shaping what comes next, including how work gets done, who does the work, and how HR solutions supporting these shifts, and customer stories that bring these strategies to life. 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM Stop Experimenting, Start Executing: A Blueprint for AI in HR Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Amanda Moore, Director of HR Technology, Rackspace; Laura Maffucci, Vice President, Head of Human Resources, G-P; Gangadhar Konduri, Chief Product Officer, G-P The novelty of AI-drafted emails has worn off. Now most organizations are struggling to make AI work at scale, stuck managing a fragmented mess of tools that don't talk to each other and don't actually move the needle on efficiency or productivity. In this session, leaders across tech and HR will strip away the marketing jargon to show you the engine room of a modern AI-enabled HR function. This isn't a session about what AI could do. It's about how to integrate it into your current operations and make it deliver real, measurable enterprise value. 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM Trends Shaping the Future of Retirement Plan Design Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Whitney Ross, Director, Workplace Thought Leadership, Fidelity Investments; Katie Riley, Director, Workplace Thought Leadership, Fidelity Investments In today's complex and uncertain environment, making informed benefits decisions requires both strong data and clear insight. Employers are increasingly focused on delivering high-value benefits that meet employee needs while supporting business priorities like attraction and retention, making defined contribution retirement plans a cornerstone of any competitive offering. However, market volatility, rising costs, evolving regulations, and the diverse expectations of today's workforce are prompting organizations to rethink their approach to plan design. In this session, we'll share key findings from Fidelity's latest research, drawing on data from more than 28,000 DC plans and 25 million participants. Attendees will gain practical insights into emerging trends, plan design strategies, and opportunities to enhance their retirement offerings. Walk away with actionable ideas to help you deliver a more competitive, resilient benefits program today and into the future. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 2026 State of AI in the Workplace Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kenny Pyle, HR Technology Lead Analyst, SHRM AI is defining the business landscape, remaining top of mind for leaders and workers. This session presents SHRM research on AI in the workplace, highlighting worker perspectives on AI. Insights from the study will provide an overview of the current context for AI usage in the workplace, including what AI tools or technology are used by workers and organizations, the impact of AI on work processes and productivity, the growth opportunities for learning and optimizing AI technology skills, the governance of AI use in the workplace, and technological and non-technological barriers to AI tools in the workplace. In this interactive session, attendees will share real time reactions to the findings via polls, engage in peer-to-peer discussions on best practices for integrating AI into workflow, and evaluate risk v. reward tradeoffs for AI usage. Attendees will walk away understanding how to meet AI's changes to the world of work. 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Beyond the Benefit: Creating a Culture that Encourages Mental Health & Well-being Type: Roundtable Speakers: Melissa Walchko, Director, Total Rewards, SHRM; Sheri Martel, Lead, Total Rewards, SHRM Employees can't benefit from resources they don't use. This roundtable will explore practical strategies organizations are using to improve awareness, reduce stigma, increase manager support, and make mental health benefits more accessible and meaningful for employees. Attendees will share real-world challenges, successes, and ideas for driving greater engagement and utilization. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM C-Suite Secrets: How Execs Really Use AI (Live Podcast Recording) Type: Podcast Recording Speakers: Deretta Rhodes, EVP/Chief People & Culture Officer, Atlanta Braves; Kathleen Pearson, CHRO, Opensity Solutions Integrating AI across HR is no longer optional. How are top executives making it work? Join us for a dynamic panel discussion recorded live for SHRM's podcast, The AI+HI Project. Host Nichol Bradford leads a conversation with c-suite leaders before a live audience, diving into how leaders are reimagining HR, talent management, and operations through AI - without losing their minds. Our guests will reveal actionable frameworks for aligning AI strategy with business goals, tackling the real challenges of change management, and navigating the human side of digital transformation. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM #DEIrewired: The Value-Focused Operating Model for DEI in Uncertain Times Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Darius Johnson, Managing Director, People & Transformation, FTI Consulting Organizations are under pressure from executive orders, EEOC/DOJ activity, state-level restrictions, employee backlash, and reputational risk when DEI is rolled back too far or too fast. HR is often on the hot seat. This session introduces #DEIrewired, a practical operating model that helps HR leaders navigate DEI in a fragmented legal and cultural environment. The session will cover how to assess risk, redesign programs to be inclusive without being exclusionary, document decision-making to ensure defensibility, and anchor DEI to measurable business outcomes. Using real client scenarios, we'll explore how to respond to stakeholder scrutiny, prepare for legal challenges, and maintain employee trust - all without abandoning core commitments to fairness, opportunity, and business value. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Don't Be Scared, Be Prepared: The Top Six Ways to Address Workplace Violence Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jennifer Shaw, Founder, Shaw Law Group, PC; Dennis Davis, National Director of Client Training, Ogletree Deakins Incidents of workplace violence are again on the rise. Some states have mandated responses to this growing trend. While most states, and many employers have done little to nothing. Evidence suggests that there are measures employers can implement that reduce the number of workplace violence incidents as well as lessen the severity of those incidents. This presentation will detail the six must-haves every organization should put in place to address violence in the workplace. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Evolving Inclusion and Culture for Workforce Performance, Trust & Growth Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Doreen Mosher, Director, Strategic Accounts, SHRM; Katharine Panessidi, Director, Product & Delivery, SHRM Business, SHRM; Ashissh Kaul, SHRM East Staff In today's environment, organizations face converging pressures that demand a more strategic, outcome-driven approach to workforce development and inclusion. Moving beyond traditional diversity frameworks - that were centered on demographic representation and advocacy - to build culture and systems that drive measurable business outcomes. Join some of SHRM's I&D Committee members as they share insights and discuss tools to optimize inclusion initiatives for legal compliance, performance consistency, and sustainable growth. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM From Numbers to Narrative: Storytelling With Data Type: Workshop Speakers: Karin Rex, Chief Geek, GeekyGirl, LLC HR professionals are drowning in data but struggling to drive action. Employee engagement scores, turnover metrics, and performance analytics mean nothing without compelling narratives that inspire leadership to act. This session transforms HR professionals from data reporters into strategic storytellers who can turn spreadsheets into persuasive business cases. HR data cannot speak for itself - it needs YOU to voice its story and provide context that drives organizational change. This highly interactive workshop includes four hands-on activities that teach participants to craft data narratives that secure resources, influence decisions, and demonstrate HR's strategic value. Transforming raw HR data into compelling stories is the key to shifting from administrative support to strategic business partner, enabling you to influence decisions, secure resources, and prove HR's essential value to organizational success. 4:00 PM - 4:20 PM From Strategy to System: How to Actually Integrate DEI Into HR Operations Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Solomon Wilkins, DEI Integration Manager Most organizations don't struggle with DEI because of intent; they struggle with integration. They create strategies, launch programs, and host events, but DEI never fully becomes part of how the organization operates. This session provides HR leaders with a practical, systems-focused approach to embedding DEI directly into existing People Practices. Participants will learn how to map DEI across the HR lifecycle, build governance for sustainable execution, strengthen cross-functional partnerships, and measure progress beyond activity-based metrics. Using real-world examples, this session shows how to move DEI from a standalone function into a fully integrated operating system that shapes hiring, development, performance, culture, and employee experience. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Future-Ready Benefits: Balancing Cost, Care, and Employee Experience Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Amy Mattingly, VP, Group Benefits Distribution, Nationwide; Dave Przesiek; Lindsey Murrary; Gwen Tormey The workplace benefits landscape continues to evolve as employees increasingly seek benefits that are personal, flexible, and relevant to their everyday lives. This session will highlight emerging market trends, practical strategies, and perspectives from key partners who bring firsthand experience supporting employers in designing and delivering modern benefit solutions. We will explore how offerings - from pet benefits to innovative self-funded health solutions - can work together to help create a more engaged, resilient workforce. 4:00 PM - 4:20 PM HR Excellence: Achieving High Market Discernment Type: Breakout Session Speakers: James Atkinson, VP, Thought Leadership, SHRM HR leaders today face mounting pressure to demonstrate their value and ROI to the business while sustaining workforce engagement and retention. To drive greater impact, SHRM launched a research initiative centered on a critical question: What must HR of the future look like to maximize its value and deliver measurable business outcomes? Leveraging SHRM's HR Excellence (HR-X) Framework, the initiative analyzed HR maturity data from over 1,200 organizations and 2,000 U.S. workers, uncovering the influence of HR maturity on outcomes such as financial performance, employee retention, and engagement. This session offers a deep dive into the Market Discernment dimension of the HR-X Framework, which examines how HR can drive performance, engagement, and retention through innovative approaches to recruiting and total rewards. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how leading organizations are elevating their market discernment strategies to strengthen their competitive edge. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM HR Transformation: Building Strategic Impact During Change Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jeffrey Galipeaux, Chief Administrative Officer, Akin; Stuart Masters, VP, Human Resources, McLane Company, Inc.; Shelli Johnson, Chief People Officer, AdventHealth; Alexander Pullen, HR Consultant, SHRM Discover how leading HR teams have successfully navigated major transformations - including restructuring, M&A, industry shifts, and leadership transitions. This session features case studies and client stories that illustrate how tailored interventions and data-driven approaches helped build culture, trust, and readiness for change. Participants will hear examples from leading organizations and explore actionable steps to enhance HR capabilities to move from tactical execution to strategic HR leadership. Key topics will include change management, talent development, and leveraging technology to drive business outcomes. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to optimize HR functions, foster innovation, and support organizational growth- ensuring HR continues to evolve to meet business needs and contribute to organizational excellence. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM HR Without Boundaries - Deconstructing How We Practice to Move Organizations Forward Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Steve Browne, Chief People Officer, Larosa's, Inc. The days of top/down hierarchy organizational structures and HR as a gatekeeper are over. This session provides people with methods of how to deconstruct how HR is practiced to a more forward-thinking, fluid approach. HR can reconfigure how roles are defined and build a company and function where people work together in a collaborative and integrated way. Attendees will leave knowing how to be strategic, relevant, and impactful from their HR chair. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM It Pays to Get Sick in the U.S.: Navigating the Multi-State Paid Leave Maze Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Lauraine Bifulco, CEO/President, Vantaggio HR, ltd. 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. For multi-state employers, the "alphabet soup" of conflicting accrual rates, carryover caps, and usage triggers is a primary source of administrative burnout and legal risk. This session is a technical deep dive into the mechanics of 2026 compliance. We will move beyond the basics to explore how these mandates interact with your existing PTO plans, the critical differences between "sick days" and state-funded Paid Family Leave (PFL), and how to design a "blanket" policy that simplifies administration without sacrificing legal safety. Participants will learn how to audit their current leave policies against the "most employee-protective" state standards and will walk away with a framework for building a multi-state leave addendum that survives a Department of Labor audit. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Leading By Example: Aligning HR, Leadership, And Employees for Responsible AI Adoption Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Meagan Karry, National Practice Leader, HRC, OneDigital; Vinay Gidwaney, Chief Product Officer, OneDigital AI is becoming part of everyday work faster than many organizations anticipated, placing new expectations on HR to guide adoption while balancing innovation, trust, and workforce readiness. Successful AI transformation requires alignment between HR, executive leadership, and the real needs of employees using these tools day to day. In this session, OneDigital leaders share how they are approaching AI through a people first lens, informed by employee expectations and grounded in practical governance and change management. Drawing on the creation of OneDigital's AI + HR Hub, the discussion explores how HR and executives can work together to provide clear direction, establish guardrails, and support responsible adoption without over promising or moving faster than the organization is ready for. A client perspective adds real world insight into how aligned leadership and HR partnership enable sustainable AI adoption across the workforce. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Performance Improvement Plans That Hold Up: A Defensible, Dignified Eight-Step Process Type: Breakout Session Speakers: James McDonald, Partner, Fisher & Phillips LLP Performance improvement plans are often criticized, but when drafted properly they remain one of the most effective tools for fair notice, clear expectations, and performance recovery. This session provides an eight-step approach to drafting PIPs that are specific, actionable, and defensible, while supporting managers in setting and sustaining performance standards. You will learn what to do when sufficient improvement does not occur, and how to coach new managers to raise the performance bar consistently. Leave with templates and checklists you can use immediately and over the next 12 to 36 months as performance expectations, documentation standards, and manager capability requirements continue to rise. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Return on Intelligence: Move AI ROI Beyond Cost to Competitive Advantage Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Paul Carney, Founder, Ishtot, Inc. SHRM research shows AI reduces cost-per-hire by 30%, yet organizations fixating on this metric miss 80% of AI's true value. In this thought-provoking presentation, Paul Carney introduces the "10 Dimensions of Return on Intelligence" framework, revealing how leading organizations move AI from a cost-cutter to an intelligence multiplier. Learn to reframe C-suite conversations from "What will it save?" to "What intelligence will we gain?" Through real-world examples, master metrics that capture AI's multiplier effects: time transformation, decision quality, innovation velocity, and organizational learning. Discover why the companies winning with AI measure intelligence gained, not just efficiency. Leave with practical frameworks to design 90-day pilots and build compelling business cases that turn skepticism into enthusiasm. This is about more than just implementing AI. It's about multiplying intelligence across your organization to create competitive advantages that compound forever. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM The Secret Superpower of High Functioning Leaders: How Process Intelligence Creates Aligned, Accountable Teams Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Shane Yount, Chairman, Competitive Solutions, Inc. Leaders are often expected to deliver results, retain talent, and manage teams effectively without clear systems to guide how they lead. This session introduces Process Intelligence, a leadership framework built on four essential practices: connecting work to business goals, following through on commitments, leading focused conversations, and reinforcing key behaviors. Participants will learn how practical, repeatable routines can reduce confusion, build trust, and create consistent execution across teams. The content focuses on what strong leadership looks like in daily operations, not theory, but behaviors and habits that improve performance, strengthen culture, and support HR goals like engagement, retention, and accountability. 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Disrupting HR: Rethinking the Way We Talk About Work Type: Keynote Speakers: Jennifer McClure, CEO & Chief Excitement Officer, Unbridled Talent LLC & DisruptHR LLC; Chris Allen, Chief Marketing Officer, Auris In this live podcast conversation, Chris Allen sits down with Jennifer McClure, HR entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and founder of DisruptHR, to explore how one unconventional idea became a global movement spanning more than 200 cities and 40 countries. Jennifer shares the origin story behind DisruptHR, why traditional workplace conversations were failing to inspire action, and how designing for community instead of control created scalable growth without a venture-backed model. The session examines leadership, energy, and innovation through the lens of entrepreneurship and culture-building, offering attendees practical insight into how bold ideas can spread when people are empowered to take ownership and lead locally. The Entrepreneur's Studio, presented by Auris, is now in its fourth season of candid conversations with some of today's most compelling business minds and cultural icons. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM SHRM South Carolina Reception Type: Breakout Session Join your fellow South Carolinians for a relaxed and engaging networking reception! All SHRM members living or working in South Carolina are encouraged to attend. HR professionals supporting South Carolina businesses are also invited to join us and make valuable connections. We are excited to host the SHRM South Carolina Reception for HR professionals attending the National SHRM Conference in Orlando, FL. Wednesday, June 17, 2026 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Orlando 9101 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 Please use the link below to register. https://www.eventsquid.com/event/32167 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Kansas SHRM Networking Reception at SHRM26 Type: Breakout Session You're Invited! Are you a Kansas-based HR professional attending SHRM26? Don't miss this special opportunity to connect with fellow HR pros, meet Kansas SHRM State Council members, and enjoy a fun, relaxed evening of British hospitality with American flair! Join us at The Pub Orlando, located in the Pointe Orlando - the open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment district across from the Orange County Convention Center. We have reserved indoor space just for our group. Event Details: Date: Wednesday, June 17 Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM Location: The Pub Orlando - 9101 International Dr #1003, Orlando, FL 32819 Registration Fee: - $15 - Kansas HR Professionals - $20 - Guest (one per registrant) Appetizers included + your first drink is on Kansas SHRM! Space is limited, so register now at ksshrm.org! 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Louisiana SHRM Meet & Greet at SHRM26 Type: Breakout Session Join us at The Pointe! Join Louisiana HR professionals from across the state for an evening of networking, connection, and Louisiana hospitality at SHRM26. Nearly 200 Louisiana HR professionals are expected to attend SHRM26 in Orlando. Whether you're reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new HR leaders, or attending SHRM for the first time, this event is your opportunity to connect with the Louisiana HR community while in Orlando. All Louisiana attendees are welcomed and encouraged to join us. We're excited to bring Louisiana together in Orlando. Additional event details and registration information visit us at https://louisianashrm.org/Orlando-2026-SHRM-Annual-Networking. 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM SHRM Florida Networking Reception Type: Breakout Session This networking reception is for all Florida SHRM26 attendees. It will be hosted in the Valencia Ballroom Foyer of the Convention Center. Join SHRM Florida for a relaxed evening of connection, conversation, and networking during SHRM26! Whether you're reconnecting with colleagues, meeting fellow HR professionals, or simply looking to unwind after the day's sessions, we'd love to welcome you. Place: Valencia Ballroom Foyer, Orange County Convention Center Date: Wednesday, June 17th Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Enjoy light refreshments and connect with HR professionals from across Florida and beyond in a welcoming and energetic atmosphere. Everyone is welcome; however, please note that refreshments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Please RSVP using the link below. We look forward to seeing you there! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PY3X3CN?mkt_tok=ODIzLVRXUy05ODQAAAGh6k6rbravhvNngfjSdra_-4ppyI0mRiMVqsWPyGntww9uFYAzoIXaelQ-rZMft0LINe9qYQbYUg6_W_o-qAQU 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM SHRM Michigan @ SHRM26 Type: Breakout Session SHRM Michigan @ SHRM National Join SHRM Michigan for an evening of connection, conversation, and fun during SHRM National! We're gathering at The Hampton Social for a relaxed and lively networking experience. Enjoy great food, refreshing drinks, and the opportunity to connect with fellow HR professionals from Michigan and beyond. Whether you are reconnecting with familiar faces or making new connections, this is the perfect way to unwind and make the most of your conference experience. Date: June 17, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Location: The Hampton Social, 9101 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819 We look forward to seeing you there! ================================================================================ THURSDAY, JUNE 18 ================================================================================ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT Artificial Intelligence Meets Human Intuition: Shaping the Future of Strategic Talent Acquisition Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Laura Ortiz-Marrero, Founder & Senior Consultant, The Talent Box Group LLC As artificial intelligence revolutionizes how organizations attract and evaluate talent, HR professionals face a defining challenge: leveraging technology while preserving the human touch that drives great hiring. This session explores how to integrate AI tools into recruiting strategies to enhance efficiency, consistency, and candidate experience without losing empathy and intuition. Participants will discover practical ways to apply AI in sourcing, screening, and behavioral interviews while maintaining fairness and authenticity in decision-making. Drawing on behavioral science and real-world examples, the session reveals how human intuition complements data-driven insights to uncover potential beyond algorithms. Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks to build more inclusive, ethical, and effective talent acquisition practices where artificial intelligence enhances, not replaces, the recruiter's humanity. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT Building Culture by Design: Stop Leaving Your Greatest Asset to Chance Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Christie McMullen, Chief People Development Officer, Aim With Us; Carrie Graham, PhD, Adult Learning Strategist & Founder Culture happens whether you plan it or not. The question is: are you designing it intentionally or watching it unfold by default? This interactive session equips HR leaders and executives with a practical framework to diagnose cultural gaps and build systems that drive engagement, retention, and measurable performance. Using the AIM ERA methodology (Analyze, Improve, Move + Engage, Retain, Apply), you'll conduct a real-time SWOT and Gap Analysis specific to your organization, then create an actionable roadmap that transforms training from a cost center into a strategic advantage. You'll leave with clarity on the ROI of intentional culture-building and concrete next steps to implement immediately in your organization. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT Ethical AI to Broaden Talent Pools and Reduce Hiring Bias Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jacqueline Grant, Founder and CEO, The Management Academy, LLC and TrainTheTrades, LLC AI-enabled sourcing & screening tools promise efficiency, yet poorly designed inputs & workflows can unintentionally narrow talent pools or reinforce bias. This session introduces the Equitable AI Talent Filter Framework, giving HR leaders practical, governance-focused methods to evaluate & refine AI-supported hiring practices responsibly. Using anonymized scenarios & guided visual walkthroughs, participants identify bias risk points across job requirements, skills definitions, screening logic, & decision checkpoints. Attendees practice adjusting hiring inputs to broaden access for qualified candidates while supporting fairness, transparency, & compliance. Participants leave with an Ethical AI HR Toolkit, including a vendor-evaluation checklist, recruiter alignment guide, & a short-cycle monitoring plan to strengthen equitable hiring outcomes. The session aligns with SHRM BASK competencies across People, Workplace, & Strategy & supports daily HR risk & compliance responsibilities. 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM EDT Find Your Flow: Chair Yoga Tools for HR Professionals Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Wellness Session Speakers: Hilary Bass, CEO, Align Self Care In the midst of demanding conferences, well-being is key. Recharge and refocus with yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness. This session provides a valuable opportunity to unwind and de-stress. Designed for everyone, from beginners to seasoned practitioners. Gentle movements, mindful breathing, and relaxation release tension, enhance focus, and rejuvenate the mind and body. Beyond the physical benefits, this session fosters community and connections in a relaxed, supportive environment. Attendees will leave feeling refreshed, centered, and ready to tackle the rest of the conference with renewed energy and perspective. No prior experience is necessary and no need to change clothes. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT HR Service Delivery and Culture Transformation: A Lean Six Sigma Diagnostic and Roadmap Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Myriam Vidalon, Executive Advisor & Principal Consultant HR leaders are expected to deliver faster, more measurable workforce and culture transformation, yet many efforts stall due to lack of a structured way to diagnose root causes and prioritize interventions. This session applies Lean Six Sigma thinking to people and culture challenges, providing a data-driven diagnostic framework, a prioritization approach, and a practical roadmap for change. Participants will learn how to move from symptoms to root causes, select interventions that drive measurable improvement, and build a roadmap that sustains results over the next 12 to 36 months. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT Mentorship Is Dying: And We Are Pulling the Plug Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Yogi Mueller, Owner & Chief Craftsman, Craft Leadership LLC Mentorship is dying in today's workplace, and the consequences are hitting HR teams hard. Early career talent is burning out, managers are stretched thin, and leadership pipelines are slowing to a crawl. This session reveals why mentor culture is collapsing and gives HR and Talent leaders a clear path to revive it without piling on more work. Through story-driven insight and real world data, participants will uncover the forces draining mentorship from their organizations and learn how to rebuild it in a way that strengthens retention and culture. A one-page framework offers a practical blueprint for identifying gaps, supporting new and seasoned employees, and restoring the developmental relationships people crave. Attendees will leave ready to turn mentorship into a strategic advantage that keeps their workforce engaged, growing, and committed. 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM EDT Military Spouse Talent, Real Results: Practical Strategies and Actions Roundtable Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Roundtable Speakers: Xiomarie Buttermore, Senior Specialist, SHRM; Elizabeth Kohm, Manager, Strategic Partnerships, SHRM Military spouses offer exceptional resilience, adaptability, and leadership, yet encounter distinct challenges in employment and career progression. This interactive roundtable empowers participants to transform awareness into action, leveraging the SHRM Foundation's employer-ready resources to address these barriers. Through facilitated discussion and peer collaboration, participants will explore strategies to build a Military Spouse Action Plan focused on inclusive hiring and retention. Attendees will leave with practical, ready-to-use tools and a clear framework they can adapt within their organizations. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT Resilient HR: Practical Strategies to Prevent Burnout and Strengthen Well-Being Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Katrina Acosta, HR Director, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings HR professionals carry enormous emotional, operational, and cultural responsibilities-often at the cost of their own well-being. This session delivers practical, evidence-informed strategies to prevent burnout, improve decision-making, and strengthen resilience across HR teams. Participants will learn the Resilient HR Framework(TM), explore early indicators of compassion fatigue, and apply simple yet powerful habits that protect energy, clarity, and professional presence. Walk away with tools that sustain high performance while honoring your humanity. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT The Art and Science of Asking Transformative Questions Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Francis Jay Caputo, Co Principal, Be Wise Leadership Academy and Certified Master Coach Most HR professionals are skilled at mediating difficult situations based on prescribed standards, norms and guidelines. When asked for help on a problem, they often know what advise to give - what should or shouldn't be done. However, there is another leadership competency that is critically important yet often under developed... asking questions from a transformational lens rather than a transactional one. This session begins with clearly distinguishing between these two approaches by evaluating real-world scenarios that any HR leader can appreciate. We then explore the complex, interdependent relationship between deep, active listening and asking truly transformative questions by utilizing a unique and comprehensive model that maps the territory of the five distinct qualities contained in every question. Participants will enjoy testing their knowledge and effectiveness at creating transformative questions via relevant situational exploration. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT The Hidden Cost of Pharmacy Benefits: How HR Leaders Can Unlock 30-40% Savings Without Disrupting Employee Care Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Eric Papp, Vice President of Employee Benefits Consulting, M.E. Wilson Insurance; Eric Porter, Vice President | Employee Benefits Consulting, SmithRX Pharmacy costs are now the fastest-growing driver of employer healthcare spend rising more than 40% since 2019, outpacing medical inflation. What was once an HR line item has become a board-level risk. Yet most employers remain locked into opaque pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contracts that mask hidden costs, misaligned incentives, and unpredictable budgets. This session will equip HR professionals with practical, CFO-friendly strategies to carve out pharmacy benefits from the medical plan, realign incentives, and achieve 30-40% savings without disrupting employees' access to care. Attendees will hear case studies, learn how to evaluate PBM contracts, and leave with a clear roadmap for making HR the hero of benefits cost management. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT The HR Evolution: Leading with Civility in an Era of Complexity and Change Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kendra Dodd, Founder and Principal Consultant, Fulfill-2 B, LLC Human Resources has evolved through many eras, from policy enforcement & legal compliance to culture & change initiatives. Each phase strengthened the profession & left gaps that today's HR leaders are now expected to navigate amid increasing complexity, pressure, and scrutiny. As workplaces face rapid change, rising emotional fatigue, and shifting expectations of leadership, HR is no longer a reactive entity. It's a strategic partner responsible for guiding organizations through change while balancing risk, performance, & the human experience at work. In an interactive session, you will examine the evolution of HR and confront a critical challenge: knowing when policy is essential and when it is being used to manage fear or discomfort instead of addressing the real people dynamics underneath. Through guided discussions and real-world examples, you will strengthen your ability to lead with civility, build trust, & navigate complex workplace challenges with greater confidence & clarity. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT When Employee Relations Isn't Enough: A CLEAR Framework for Protected Class Investigations Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Marquita Booker, Founder/CEO, By-the-Book Misconduct Investigations As protected class investigations increasingly shift into HR, many capable employee relations professionals find themselves conducting complex discrimination investigations without the specialized structure these cases demand. Unlike general workplace conflicts, protected class investigations require heightened procedural rigor, different evidence standards, and defensible documentation that can withstand scrutiny. Approaches that work for performance issues or interpersonal conflicts can create liability when applied to civil rights matters. This session introduces the C.L.E.A.R. Investigation Framework(TM), a practical, step-by-step methodology that brings investigative structure to HR professionals regardless of their background. Attendees will learn how to apply the five-phase CLEAR process and leverage emerging support tools like InVextra(TM) to maintain consistency. Participants will receive a digital toolkit for immediate implementation of defensible investigation protocols. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EDT Your Brain on Feedback: The Science of Belonging at Work (Podcast Recording w/ Live Audience) Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ama Agyapong, CEO, Inclusion Enterprises; Beth Sirull, President & CEO, NATIONAL ORGANIZATION ON DISABILITY Feedback can shape careers, strengthen teams, and build trust - or do just the opposite. But what if the difference comes down to neuroscience? In a special recording with a panel of guests and a live audience for SHRM's podcast, All Things Work, we explore how the brain experiences feedback, psychological safety, and belonging at work. we explore how the brain experiences feedback, psychological safety, and belonging at work. Why do some conversations inspire growth while others trigger defensiveness or disengagement? And how can leaders communicate in ways that foster inclusion rather than unintentionally create barriers? Our guests unpack the science behind effective feedback and inclusive communication. From understanding bias and brain-based responses to creating supportive environments for employees with invisible disabilities and neurodiverse workers, this conversation offers practical insights for managers and anyone looking to build stronger workplace relationships. 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM EDT SHRM Expo Open Hours Track: Leadership & Management Type: Expo 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! 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM EDT Book Signing with Christie McMullen Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Christie McMullen, Chief People Development Officer, Aim With Us After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM EDT Book Signing with Jacqueline Grant Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Jacqueline Grant, Founder and CEO, The Management Academy, LLC and TrainTheTrades, LLC After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM EDT Book Signing with Kendra Dodd Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Kendra Dodd, Founder and Principal Consultant, Fulfill-2 B, LLC After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM EDT Book Signing with Myriam Vidalon Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Myriam Vidalon, Executive Advisor & Principal Consultant After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM EDT Book Signing with Yogi Mueller Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Yogi Mueller, Owner & Chief Craftsman, Craft Leadership LLC After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EDT Taking Back HR: A Call to Courage Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO, SHRM HR's role and purpose are evolving in real time as technology and economic shifts reshape work itself. HR leaders are stepping up to reengineer how work gets done today and who does it, taking back our rightful place as "Chief Work Officer." In his keynote, SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., asks leaders to seize the moment to reorient the profession. Through powerful workplace stories, he will deliver a defining call to action: We have the knowledge to forge a new path... but do we have the courage? 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM EDT Coffee Break Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Recharge with a fresh cup of coffee in the SHRM Expo, the world's largest HR solutions center. While you're there, explore 500+ cutting-edge exhibitors showcasing the latest in HR technology, talent strategies, leadership tools, and more. It's the perfect blend of networking, innovation, and energy to fuel your day! 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM EDT Leadership Starts Within: The Hidden Driver of Resilience and Retention Track: Leadership & Management Type: Spotlight Session Speakers: Ben Eden, Head of Professional Development, LifeGuides In today's rapidly changing workplace, organizations are investing heavily in new strategies, technologies, and leadership development programs. Yet one of the most powerful drivers of leadership effectiveness often goes unnoticed: how leaders see themselves. A leader's internal identity influences how they handle pressure, build trust, and engage their teams. When leaders tie their sense of worth solely to outcomes, it can quietly lead to burnout, disengagement, and talent loss, even among high performers. In this fast-paced spotlight session, leadership consultant and Eden Model creator Ben Eden introduces a powerful perspective on leadership resilience: when leaders develop clarity and confidence in who they are-not just what they produce-they lead with greater stability, authenticity, and impact. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDT Point Solution Fatigue: How HR Teams Are Consolidating Nine Wellness Vendors Into One Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Wellness Session Speakers: Filipa Canadas, Account Manager, Nutrium; Mariana Ferreira, Marketing Specialist, Nutrium Most HR teams now manage between 4 and 9 separate health and wellbeing point solutions: one for weight management, another for diabetes, a third for GLP-1 support, and a fourth for women's health. Each promises engagement. Each reports separately. Members get lost among themselves. In this session, two registered dietitians explore what changes when one program - built on a network of 350,000+ registered dietitians - covers 20+ clinical specialties: metabolic health, GI care, women's health, GLP-1 support, and chronic disease management. You'll leave with a clearer view of where comprehensive dietitian-led care fits in your benefits stack, and sharper questions to ask any nutrition vendor about scope and continuity. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDT Seeing and Hearing as We Age: Exploring the Connection between the Senses Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Andrew Neighbors, Associate Medical Director, EyeMed Our vision and hearing often begin changing earlier than many people realize, affecting far more than sight and sound alone. This session explores how age-related sensory loss can influence communication, productivity, safety, mental well-being and overall quality of life. Attendees will learn how hearing and vision work together to support connection, confidence and cognitive function, and why early awareness matters in the workplace and beyond. We'll review common signs of sensory decline across life stages, the impact of untreated changes on social engagement and performance, and practical strategies to encourage proactive care. Participants will also discover emerging innovatios that combine vision and hearing support in new ways. This discussion will help HR leaders better understand sensory health as an important part of employee well-being, inclusion and healthy aging. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDT Student Debt Reality Check: What Plan Sponsors Are Missing Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Christina Buchanan, SVP, Head of Emerging Product Sales, Fidelity Investments; Katie Riley, Director, Workplace Thought Leadership, Fidelity Investments Complex and shifting regulations are redefining the student debt landscape, impacting millions of borrowers-and creating new challenges for employers. With 25% of your workforce carrying student debt, what's often treated as a personal issue is now a direct risk to participation, retirement readiness, and productivity-yet many employers still lack clarity on how to provide support on a constrained benefits budget. Join us to cut through the noise with data that reveals the true business impact of student debt-and how employers can take targeted action to better support their workforce and deliver measurable results. 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM EDT The 2026 Civility Index: What Two Years of Data Have Taught Us About the State of Civility Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ragan Decker, Director, Commercial Research, SHRM This session presents the latest insights from SHRM's Civility Index, a research initiative launched in 2024 to track how civility is evolving across U.S. society and workplaces. With more than two years of data, the Index highlights the prevalence of incivility, its key contributors, and the financial and cultural costs it imposes. Attendees will learn about emerging trends and what these patterns indicate for the future of work. The session will also provide HR leaders with actionable strategies to strengthen civility within their organizations and foster workplaces where respectful, productive conversations thrive. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT 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) Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Michael Mannino, Co-Founder, Co-CEO, Syneurgy; Melissa Dawn Simkins, Founder, Athleadership and CEO, Velvet Suite HR leaders are being asked to stabilize teams, influence strategy, and maintain trust under relentless pressure. This session is not about AI tools. It is about the human performance capabilities AI cannot replace. Melissa Dawn Simkins and neuroscientist Dr. Michael Mannino introduce Athleadership, a proven neuroscience-backed leadership conditioning framework inspired by elite athlete mindset and designed to strengthen how leaders respond, communicate, and make decisions under pressure.Through interactive workshop exercises, rapid-response drills, and real-world scenarios, you will begin building your own repeatable operating system for leadership performance in an AI era and beyond. You will leave with the foundation of your own leadership playbook to strengthen mental performance, strategic influence and leadership consistency during uncertainty. This workshop is designed to help HR leaders move from reactive leadership to repeatable leadership performance. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Beyond Inclusion Training: Building Cultures that Get Real Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Alan Mueller, Senior Consultant, Adaptive Challenge Consulting How do you really know if your workplace is inclusive? Climate surveys often tell the same story; majority groups feel a sense of belonging, while underrepresented colleagues experience a different reality. This session challenges traditional approaches and gives HR leaders practical, evidence-based tools to evaluate inclusion through policy, training, language, environment, and social dynamics. Participants will learn how to shift the focus from one-time training events to culture transformation by addressing majority norms head-on. You'll leave with a free easy-to-follow guide to move your organization from talking about shared values to living shared expectations. Real inclusion begins when we understand the cultures that already shape our workplaces, and intentionally co-create the ones we aspire to build. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Beyond the Gates of the Happiest Place: Confronting Hospitality's Burnout Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Wendy Richard, Founder, Speaker & Head Consultant, BrainrichX Even in the land of castles and fireworks, places built on joy and wonder, burnout shows up. Driven by chronic stress, it brings exhaustion, lower quality, and higher absenteeism or turnover long before leaders recognize the full cost. This session confronts burnout as a systems issue, not a personal failure. Drawing on practical neuroscience and real hospitality experience, it explores how constant activation exhausts the brain and ultimately weakens the organization. Join this session to move beyond surface-level jargon, such as psychological safety, and learn practical ways to create a more sustainable work experience. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Change-Ready or Change-Resistant? How to Assess and Elevate the Mindsets That Drive Agility Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ryan Gottfredson, Leadership Development Consultant & Professor, Ryan Gottfredson/CSUF In today's fast-evolving environment, the organizations that thrive aren't just changing-they're filled with people ready to change. Yet most HR leaders lack a clear method for assessing whether their workforce is truly future-ready. The missing link? Mindsets. This session introduces a breakthrough approach to evaluating and developing change-readiness by measuring the mindsets that shape how employees interpret and respond to complexity. Participants will engage with a research-based mindset assessment used by Fortune 500 companies to uncover how fixed, closed, prevention-focused, or inward mindsets silently undermine agility-and how strategic shifts unlock resilience, innovation, and speed. Packed with data-backed insights and practical application, this session gives HR leaders the tools to move from gut feel to diagnostic clarity-so they can build teams not just equipped for change, but wired for it. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Charting the Future of Work: A Fireside Chat Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Dr. Henry Mack, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor, Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration; Emily Dickens, Chief Administrative Officer, SHRM Join SHRM for a fireside chat with U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary of Employment and Training (ETA) Dr. Henry Mack and SHRM Chief Administrative Officer Emily M. Dickens, JD. As employers navigate talent shortages, rapid technological change, and evolving workforce expectations, many are asking the same question: How do we build a workforce system that is prepared for both today's jobs and tomorrow's economy? Drawing on his experience leading both higher education and workforce development systems, Assistant Secretary Mack will discuss how the ETA is working to strengthen connections between education, skills development, and employment opportunities. The conversation will explore the future of work through the lens of workforce readiness, employer engagement, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, apprenticeships and work-based learning, and the public-private partnerships needed to build stronger talent pipelines. By the end of this session, attendees will be able to: - Describe key workforce development trends and their implications for employers, workers, and the broader economy. - Explain how skills-based hiring, education-to-employment pathways, and emerging technologies are shaping workforce strategy. - Identify opportunities to strengthen talent pipelines, support upskilling and reskilling, and expand workforce participation. - Evaluate how federal workforce priorities and policy initiatives may affect HR strategy, workplace practices, and long-term organizational planning. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Detecting Deception: Practical Skills for HR Professionals Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Michael Johnson, Board Advisor, Traliant HR professionals need to be able to spot deception when conducting investigations and interviewing and hiring applicants. While research shows that the average person is lied to twice a day, most people are extremely poor at spotting deception because they rely on inaccurate stereotypes about how people behave when they lie. In this engaging and highly interactive session led by a former U.S. Department of Justice attorney, you will watch videos and examine case studies to learn how to identify signs of deception and truthfulness. You will learn scientifically validated methods for spotting deception that you can apply in your everyday work life. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Employee Experience & Technology: How Self-Service Portals, Mobile Apps, & Digital Tools Are Changing Expectations Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: carney kim, Payroll Manager, Alexander & Baldwin Today's workforce expects the same level of digital ease at work that they experience as consumers in their personal lives. From enrolling in benefits to managing time-off, employees want intuitive, self-service tools that empower them to take control of their HR experience. For HR teams, this shift represents both an opportunity and a challenge to deliver technology that enhances engagement and efficiency without sacrificing compliance, security, or the human touch. This session will explore how organizations are leveraging technology to modernize the employee experience. Participants will learn practical strategies for evaluating technology, driving adoption, and ensuring accessibility across diverse employee populations. Using real-world examples and interactive discussion, this session will provide actionable insights to help HR professionals streamline operations, improve communication, and boost satisfaction for their teams and the employees they serve. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Fair Pay, Smart Tech: Using AI + HI to Design Equitable and Transparent Compensation Systems Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Andrew Fockler, Adjunct Faculty/Sessional Faculty/ Director, Yorkville University/ Vocational Quest Inc. As organizations strive for equity, transparency, and trust, compensation design stands at a critical intersection of technology and humanity. This session explores how AI (Artificial Intelligence) and HI (Human Intelligence) can work together to create fair, data-informed compensation systems that go beyond compliance-building genuine pay equity and employee confidence. Through practical case studies and ethical frameworks, participants will learn how to integrate analytics, algorithms, and human judgment in designing salary bands, bonus structures, and total rewards strategies. We'll explore tools for identifying bias, ensuring explainability in pay decisions, and leveraging AI ethically without losing the vital human touch that drives engagement and belonging. This session will equip HR, DEI, and leadership professionals with the mindset, models, and metrics needed to transform compensation into a cornerstone of organizational trust and fairness. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT From Service to Success: Proven HR Strategies for Hiring & Retaining Military-Connected Talent Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Pamela McGee, CEO, Genuine Executive Management Solutions, LLC Military-connected talent bring in-demand skills that strengthen workplace resilience, performance, and culture, yet many organizations still struggle to recruit, onboard, and retain this community. In this session, SHRM Foundation Military Ambassador Pamela McGee ,USAF Veteran and HR executive shares proven, research-based practices from SHRM Foundation's Military Community at Work initiative to help employers move from intention to impact. Attendees will learn how to build a business case, assess readiness, remove hiring barriers, expand career pathways, and create inclusive programs that support long-term retention. Using SHRM data and real case examples, this session equips HR leaders with practical strategies to build or enhance sustainable military-focused talent initiatives across the employee lifecycle. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT HR Executive Insights: Architecting the Future of the Global Frontline Workforce Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Deretta Rhodes, EVP/Chief People & Culture Officer, Atlanta Braves; Njsane Courtney, Vice President, Human Resources, American Bureau of Shipping; Jamie Durling, Vice President Human Resources, Americas & South Africa, Dolce & Gabbana; Bettina Deynes, Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Carnival Corporation Join a forward-looking conversation with leading CHROs as they explore how the convergence of global labor scarcity, geopolitical shifts, AI acceleration, and rising worker expectations is fundamentally reshaping frontline workforce strategy. Across industries powered by seasonal, distributed, and international labor-hospitality, logistics, retail, food service, agriculture, and beyond-the old operating models are breaking. In their place, a new mandate is emerging: to build globally resilient, digitally enabled, and human-centered workforce ecosystems. This executive session moves beyond incremental fixes to examine how CHROs are redefining talent access, compliance, and experience at scale-and what it takes to lead in this new era. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT If Leadership is a Game, These Are the Rules Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Steve Gilliland, Speaker & Author, Steve Gilliland, Inc. What if a seasoned leadership expert distilled more than four decades of experience into a concise set of transformative principles designed specifically for you? The impact could be profound. If Leadership Is a Game, These Are the Rules draws on Steve Gilliland's extensive career, blending hard-earned lessons from both achievements and setbacks. This presentation offers a candid and compelling exploration of leadership! In today's rapidly evolving landscape, effective leadership is more critical than ever. Whether your goal is to strengthen foundational skills or to drive meaningful organizational change, this session is thoughtfully designed to meet the demands of key career stages, maximize your influence, and shape a culture that drives success. These rules go beyond simple guidance; they emphasize accountability, shared responsibility, and the courage to lead by example. They challenge you to guide your team toward achievements they may not have thought possible. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Illegal DEI: What the Government Is Coming For - And How to Protect Yourself Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: David B. Cohen, M.S., President, DCI Consulting Group Inc. The administration has announced 6,825 DEI investigations this year. IBM's $17 million False Claims Act settlement - covering conduct dating back to 2019 - proved the risk is real, retroactive, and expensive. This session defines what the government means by "illegal DEI," walks through the four categories of conduct that triggered the IBM settlement, and gives HR professionals a practical audit framework for reviewing hiring practices, compensation structures, development programs, and data collection practices against current enforcement standards. You will leave with a clear understanding of what remains lawful and defensible - and a checklist for building a compliance posture that holds up under scrutiny. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Inclusivity as a Virtue: Virtue-Based HR Habits for Building Ethical Cultures Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Rashida Kimbrue, Organizational Leadership Researcher & Consultant, The Luminary Collective; Quiera Harris, Organizational Leadership Practitioner & Inclusive Culture Strategist Inclusion is often seen as a policy requirement-but what if we treated it as a virtue? This interactive 60-minute workshop introduces HR professionals to virtue-based HR habits that strengthen Ethical Practice, Leadership & Navigation, Relationship Management, and DEI-the core SHRM BASK competencies behind ethical, inclusive cultures. Grounded in virtue ethics, participants explore how fairness, humility, empathy, moral courage, and practical wisdom guide everyday HR decisions. Using case analysis from The Office and Netflix, a Privilege Position Check, and the Inclusivity-as-a-Virtue HR Practice Template using Slido, attendees connect virtues to HR functions such as hiring, performance management, and conflict resolution. Participants also receive a Digital Inclusivity Toolkit (via QR code) that includes a self-assessment, a Johari Window activity, a fairness audit, an empathy map, decision-making tools, and leadership scripts to support continued growth. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Investigations and Separations: Smarter Compliance for HR's Riskiest Moments Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jim Link, CHRO, SHRM; Katie Sammarco, Sr. Director of HR Enablement, Cox Enterprises, Inc.; Jacqueline Schafer, Founder & CEO, Clearbrief; Natasha Baker, Co-Founder and Managing Attorney, Novus Law Firm; Sarah Rodehorst, Co-Founder and CEO, Onwards HR Inc Employee separations and workplace investigations are two of HR's highest-stakes responsibilities and two of its most error-prone. Manual processes, inconsistent documentation, and outdated workflows continue to expose organizations to wrongful termination claims, WARN Act violations, and investigation challenges, often surfacing at the most critical moments-from last - minute termination requests and complex severance decisions to high-risk investigations where documentation gaps only surface too late. In this session, senior HR and legal practitioners Katie Sammarco, Sr. Director of HR Enablement at Cox Enterprises, and Natasha Baker, Co-Founder and Managing Attorney at Novus Law Firm, share how they've reduced risk, cut processing time, and strengthened defensibility in practice. They're joined by SHRM Labs WorkplaceTech Accelerator innovators Sarah Rodehorst, Co-Founder and CEO of Onwards HR, and Jacqueline Schafer, Founder and CEO of Clearbrief, whose tools directly address compliance gaps in separations and investigations. Moderated by Jim Link, CHRO of SHRM. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Organizational Health & Wellbeing: Unlocking Root Causes with the SCP GROWTH Index(TM) Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session This 60-minute interactive session explores the critical role of organizational health and wellbeing in driving sustainable performance, resilience, and employee engagement. Participants will examine the symptoms of poor organizational health, understand the costs of disengagement and burnout, and discover how culture and leadership behaviors shape long-term success. Using the SCP GROWTH Index(TM) Holistic Organizational Health Assessment(TM), participants will learn how data-driven insights can uncover root causes of organizational challenges and guide targeted interventions. Through case examples, group discussions, and interactive exercises, participants will leave with practical strategies to foster trust, adaptability, and wellbeing across their organizations. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT SHRM Tech: A Peer Data-Driven Approach to HR Technology Evaluation and Selection Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kenny Pyle, HR Technology Lead Analyst, SHRM; Calven Engstrom, Senior Researcher, SHRM Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the HR technology selection process-or even where to start? Don't fall into the 30% of HR leaders who regret their most recent technology purchase. This session will take a data-driven approach to the HR technology selection process: learn which steps are the most difficult and most important, see how thousands of your peers have evaluated hundreds of technologies, and pressure test your plans in small group discussions to leverage the wisdom of your peers. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Strategies for Navigating ADA Compliance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Patricia Lauren Zuniga, IDAM Compliance Manager Are you prepared to meet ADA compliance challenges as AI transforms HR practices? This session will guide attendees through how to select, deploy, and manage AI tools with accessibility in mind, conduct audits to identify and mitigate bias, and provide effective training on ADA requirements. By working with legal and disability experts and implementing feedback mechanisms, organizations can integrate AI responsibly while fostering an inclusive workplace. We'll also cover key compliance concerns, like algorithmic bias, tool accessibility, data privacy, and applicable federal and state laws. Attendees will gain practical strategies and insights to confidently integrate AI while fostering an inclusive and compliant workplace. 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM EDT The $411 Billion Problem: Making Sleep Your Highest-ROI Wellness Investment Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Wellness Session Speakers: Angela Holliday-Bell, Founder, The Solution is Sleep LLC Sleep-deprived employees cost U.S. companies over $411 billion each year in lost productivity, absenteeism, and errors, yet sleep is rarely treated as a core component of employee wellness. In this transformative session, Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, board-certified physician and corporate sleep specialist, helps HR leaders reframe sleep as a strategic investment in mental health, resilience, and performance. Drawing on data and real-world results from Fortune 500 clients, she provides actionable strategies to improve both individual and team sleep, reduce burnout, and strengthen focus and engagement. Attendees will leave equipped to integrate sleep-based initiatives into existing wellness programs that deliver measurable ROI and foster sustainable work-life balance. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT The AI Maturity Playbook: Build Trustworthy Tools for Recruiting, Rewarding, and Retaining Talent Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kathryn Huston, BambooHR; Kristie Rowley, Senior Manager of AI/ML Engineering, BambooHR 81% of workers say they feel a desire to change careers entirely-proof that traditional recruiting, retention, and career-development strategies are not keeping pace with employee expectations. HR leaders need practical ways to use AI to build stronger talent strategies without losing the trust and human discernment great workplaces require. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT The Global Employee Experience: What's Shaping Attraction, Engagement, and Retention Worldwide Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ashley Miller, Director, Operations & Partnerships, SHRM This session explores emerging global trends in the employee experience using fresh insights from SHRM's Global Employee Monitor. Drawing on 2026 data from employees across dozens of countries, this session will highlight what's shifting in engagement, job satisfaction, job quality, and other key drivers of attraction and attrition. As organizations navigate ongoing workforce disruption and global talent pressures, understanding how employees experience work across markets is critical. Attendees will gain a practical, data-driven view into how employee expectations are evolving and what these trends mean for building a compelling employee value proposition (EVP) across borders. The session will translate global data into actionable insights HR leaders can apply immediately within diverse workforce environments. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT The Heart of the Matter - Why the Work of HR Matters Track: Learning & Development Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Steve Browne, Chief People Officer, Larosa's, Inc. Organizations cannot exist without people. The reason HR's work is so necessary is that we have the skills and approach to bring the company together to perform and thrive THROUGH its people !! We are no longer a function who sits on the sidelines to solve "issues." The work of HR matters every. single. day. Attendees will learn how to integrate HR through all levels of the organization while including every employee along the way. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT The Recovery Friendly Workplace: A People-First Approach to Workforce Well-Being & Inclusive Culture Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Cheryl Brown Merriwether, Founder - Principal Consultant Employees today face rising stress, mental health challenges, and substance use / misuse related concerns. HR leaders need clear, compassionate, practical strategies to support workforce well-being. This session introduces the Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative-an evidence-based, nationally supported framework that fosters psychological safety, belonging, and healthier workplace cultures. Drawing on the federal RRW Toolkit, Fors Marsh and HRCI research, and statewide RFW implementation experience, participants will learn how recovery-supportive practices reduce stigma, strengthen morale, and improve employee engagement and retention. A brief case study will show how one organization shifted from reactive policies to a proactive culture that enhanced trust, well-being, and performance. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable steps to begin building a Recovery Friendly Workplace. 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM EDT The ROI on ERGs: Connecting Employee Resource Groups to Business Metrics Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kevin England, Founder and CEO, Infinito Associates Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are evolving from affinity spaces to strategic business partners, but how do you prove their impact? This interactive session equips HR and DEI leaders to measure ERG success using metrics that matter. We will explore a three-domain framework focused on workforce, workplace, and marketplace outcomes, and identify KPIs for each, including retention, pipeline diversity, cultural competency, and market engagement. Participants will rotate through guided discussions to share practices, pressure-test dashboards, and co-create strategies for aligning ERG goals with organizational priorities. The session also covers how to translate ERG impact into executive-ready narratives using the Situation-Action-Outcome storytelling model. Attendees leave with a scorecard template, a storytelling guide, and practical steps to elevate ERGs as engines of culture and performance. 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM EDT Three Operational Insights that will Deliver Great Results and an Engaged Workforce Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Don Kieffer, Founder, Shift Gear Work Design, and Senior Lecturer, MIT In this session, Don Kieffer delivers three important operational insights that have helped executives improve output, performance and morale. From his decades of experience with organizations as wide ranging as hospitals, banking, genomic sequencing and biotech startups he describes the source of many operational issues. His focus is on the design of the work as the source of most major issues organizations face, and that leaders often feed these issues inadvertently. He focuses on principles and practical methods, not change initiatives that are expensive, training heavy and depend on rules, tools, and rituals. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Trust by Design: Building Credibility Across the Talent Lifecycle Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Crystal Watson, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition, H-E-B; Kyle M.K., Senior Talent Strategy Advisor, Indeed; Keturah Hallmosley, Seattle Children's Hospital; Sarah Wright, Director of Talent Acquisition, Valvoline Inc. Trust is the foundation. It determines whether candidates apply, whether new hires stay, and whether employees choose to grow with you-or quietly stay put. In today's labor market, marked by normalized ghosting, spam applications, rapid AI evolution, economic uncertainty, and the rise of "job hugging," trust has become the primary currency of hiring. That currency is earned through the moments that define the talent journey. From the moment a candidate becomes aware of your brand to the day they exit, every interaction either builds credibility or erodes it. In this session, Kyle M.K., Senior Talent Strategy Advisor at Indeed, will examine how trust is built across the talent lifecycle. Together with cross-industry panelists, he will share practical examples of how leading organizations embed transparency, fairness, and AI accountability into their hiring, leadership behaviors, and employee practices. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM EDT What Legal Experts Need HR to Know About AI: Risks and Hazards (Live Podcast Recording) Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Michelle Duncan, Attorney, Silberman Law PC; Niloy Ray, Shareholder, Littler Mendelson, P.C.; Louis Lessig, Partner, Brown & Connery, LLP AI is rewriting workplace rules, but the legal risks aren't always clear. Beneath the surface of formal guidance lies a world of unspoken risks, legal gray areas, and internal debates that leave HR leaders exposed to challenges they may not even see coming. In this special recording with a live audience for SHRM's podcast, The AI+HI Project, host Nichol Bradford leads a panel of legal experts through the real issues and hidden hazards of AI adoption that rarely make it into official memos. Get ready for a candid conversation that translates complex legal and technical requirements into practical, actionable insights HR leaders can use immediately, before the next AI rollout catches you off guard. 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Beyond Confidence: Self-Awareness, Imposter Syndrome, and the Entrepreneurial Mindset Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Tina Robinson, Founder and CEO, WorkJoy; Chris Allen, Chief Marketing Officer, Auris In this live podcast conversation, Chris Allen sits down with Tina Robinson, speaker, author, and former corporate executive turned entrepreneur, to unpack the internal struggles that shape business decisions more than founders realize. From imposter syndrome to the inner critics that quietly fuel self-doubt, Tina explores why self-awareness, not confidence alone, is often the missing ingredient in entrepreneurial growth. The conversation examines how unresolved fear and blind spots show up in hiring, pricing, decision-making, and company culture, while offering practical strategies for recognizing the difference between a real skill gap and an outdated internal narrative. This session delivers an honest, actionable look at the personal work behind sustainable leadership. The Entrepreneur's Studio, presented by Auris, is in its fourth season of candid conversations with today's most compelling business minds and cultural icons. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM EDT International Human Resource Solutions: Lessons from a Life and Career Spent Abroad Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Deborah McGee, Founder and CEO, PZI(R) Group (People Zealously Interconnected(R)) What does it really take to navigate HR across borders? With over three decades of experience leading international teams and advising organizations in more than 30 countries, Deborah McGee shares hard-earned lessons from life and leadership abroad. This session explores how adaptability, empathy, and communication form the foundation of effective international HR. Attendees will learn how to approach global HR challenges with confidence-whether managing compliance, supporting mobility, or building cross-cultural understanding. This session offers practical insight and inspiration for HR professionals ready to lead globally. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT Lunch Type: Breakout Session Lunch is provided in the SHRM Expo! Here are today's offerings: Honey Ham & Turkey Duo (CD, CG) Mediterranean Salad with Rotisserie Chicken (CD, GF) Mediterranea Salad with Vegan Feta Cheese and Citrus Vinaigrette (Vegan, GF) Meal service locations are located in the back of the SHRM Expo. For those with dietary restrictions that require a special provided meal (Halal, Kosher, and Special Handle), visit the yellow Special Dietary Meal tents location at the back of Hall WD to pick up your meal. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT Pacific West Region Connection Meet Up Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Join the SHRM Pacific West Region for a casual lunch meet-up and opportunity to connect with fellow volunteer leaders and members from across AK, CA, GU/CNMI, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, and WY. We'll gather at the Orlando Convention Center on the Expo Level in Rooms 240AB & 240CD from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Please grab your lunch from the Expo and stop by to network, collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen connections across the Pacific West Region. We look forward to spending time together and building community with colleagues from across the region! 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM EDT SHRM Membership Benefits Deep Dive III Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Theresa Velykis, Members & Community Director, SHRM; Paula Humber, Members and Community Director, SHRM Explore the full spectrum of SHRM member types and benefits and learn how to leverage exclusive resources. From certification and research access to networking opportunities and HR support, this session breaks down the most valuable tools available to members. Participants will receive practical strategies to maximize their membership ROI and accelerate their HR impact. 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT The Bigger Picture: A Worksite Compliance Strategy for Small and Mid-Size Employers Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: John Mazzeo, Counsel, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP Enforcement is surging. Work authorization programs are disappearing. Workforce dynamics are shifting. In this intimate, discussion-driven session, John Mazzeo - former ICE prosecutor and a leading voice on employment eligibility compliance - connects the dots across the current immigration landscape to offer HR professionals a holistic view of the forces shaping today's enforcement environment. This session synthesizes the enforcement trends, policy disruptions, and workforce continuity challenges defining 2026 into a cohesive strategic framework mid-size employers can actually use. Whether you caught John's sessions on I-9 audit survival and workforce continuity or are coming to this topic fresh, you'll leave with a new way of thinking about immigration risk - and a clear framework for building organizational resilience before the next crisis hits. 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Hurry up and Slow Down: The Paradox of Change in an AI World Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: kathleen schulz, Global Innovation Leader, Organizational Wellbeing, Arthur J. Gallagher In today's shifting economic and labor landscape, organizations are being asked to move faster than ever-adopting new technologies, integrating AI, and responding to evolving employee expectations-while simultaneously managing shrinking budgets and rising healthcare costs. This session explores leadership today - whether we're at a transformational moment or future crisis - and how trust becomes the essential anchor amid rapid change, enabling teams to act with speed, clarity and alignment. 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM EDT Mental Health Benefits That Deliver Measurable Outcomes Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Tracy Tutor, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Bree Health Mental health has become one of the most important workforce and business challenges facing organizations today. While many employers have expanded mental health and well-being offerings, HR and Benefits leaders are increasingly being asked to demonstrate whether those investments are truly improving employee outcomes, engagement, retention, and productivity. This session explores how organizations can move beyond traditional mental health benefits and create integrated strategies that employees trust, access, and use effectively. Attendees will learn why many mental health programs struggle with low utilization and limited impact, what components drive measurable outcomes, and how leadership, culture, accessibility, and prevention all play critical roles. The session will also provide practical frameworks and metrics HR leaders can use to evaluate success, strengthen employee experience, and better align mental health investments with broader organizational goals. 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM EDT The Frontline Layer, The End of Paper, and The Language Gap Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jeremy Jacobs, Founder & CEO, UnDesked Most HR teams managing frontline workforces are quietly losing the same three battles at once. Critical information lives in English while the floor speaks a dozen other languages. SOPs and compliance records exist only on paper that disappears at audit time. And the tools built for desk workers have never reached the people actually running operations. In this session, UnDesked walks HR leaders through three distinct - and equally urgent - problems and how one platform solves all of them: The Frontline Layer (one connected infrastructure that replaces a stack of point tools), The End of Paper (instant digitization of every frontline workflow with verified, audit-ready records), and The Language Gap (automatic translation so every worker receives information in their language, with comprehension confirmed). Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable framework for modernizing frontline HR operations across all three dimensions. 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM EDT Want the Secret to Successful SHRM Certification Prep? Hint, it's the SHRM Certification Prep System! Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Caitlin Shea, Product Manager for SHRM, Holmes Corporation Want to pass your SHRM certification exam with more confidence and a clear plan? Come discover the secret successful SHRM certification candidates are using to get ahead. In this session, you'll see how the SHRM Certification Prep System powers your prep with personalized study plans, targeted practice, and real exam-style questions that keep you focused and progressing. If you're ready to level up your study strategy and walk into test day feeling prepared and confident, this is where it starts. Join us and get one step closer to certification success. 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM EDT Book Signing with Alan Mueller Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Alan Mueller, Senior Consultant, Adaptive Challenge Consulting After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM EDT Book Signing with Andrew Fockler Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Andrew Fockler, Adjunct Faculty/Sessional Faculty/ Director, Yorkville University/ Vocational Quest Inc. After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM EDT Book Signing with Melisa Dawn Simkins Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Melissa Dawn Simkins, Founder, Athleadership and CEO, Velvet Suite After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM EDT Book Signing with Steve Browne Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Steve Browne, Chief People Officer, Larosa's, Inc. After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM EDT Book Signing with Steve Gilliland Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Steve Gilliland, Speaker & Author, Steve Gilliland, Inc. After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM EDT From Community to Connection: Leveraging SHRM's Online Community and Local Chapters Track: Leadership & Management Type: Spotlight Session Speakers: Arturo Gloria Munoz, Lead, Volunteer Leader, SHRM; Joe Hamilton, III, Members and Community Director, SHRM HR can be isolating-but it doesn't have to be. In a profession defined by complexity, change, and high-stakes decision-making, connection is often the difference between reacting and leading with confidence. In this 20-minute spotlight session, we'll explore how SHRM's online community and local chapters work together to transform individual membership into meaningful professional connection. Attendees will discover how to tap into real-time peer insights, expert guidance, and local networks that support growth, problem-solving, and leadership-no matter where they are in their HR journey. This session will move beyond "knowing the resources exist" to showing how to actively leverage them-turning community into connection, and connection into impact. 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM EDT HR's New Superpower: Financial Visibility Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Rama Ghanta, Group Product Manager, QuickBooks Workforce, Intuit QuickBooks; Nir Leibovich, Product Leader, Intuit; Michael Gugel, Group Product Manager, QuickBooks Workforce, Intuit QuickBooks What if HR could see the full financial impact of every people decision before it hit the budget? A hire, a raise, a backfill, a benefits change. These aren't just HR decisions. They're some of the most significant financial moves a growing business makes. In this session, hear directly from two small business co-founders who spent a decade navigating that blind spot firsthand and then built software to close it. You'll get a firsthand look at how QuickBooks Workforce gives HR teams the financial visibility they've always needed, bringing people data and financial data together so you can make smarter hiring, compensation, and planning decisions with confidence. Because when HR can finally see the complete picture, it changes everything. 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM EDT Lower Costs or Better Outcomes: You Shouldn't Have to Choose Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Christina Raeckers, SVP, Human Resources, WellDyne; Nick Page, Chief Clinical Officer, WellDyne For most employees, the pharmacy benefit isn't a strategy, it's an experience. And too often, it's a frustrating one. HR teams are left managing the fallout from rising drug costs, confusing coverage rules, disconnected vendors and employees requesting medications without understanding the clinical or financial impact. In this session, an HR leader and clinical expert will walk through what effective pharmacy benefit management should actually look like. Through real examples, we'll explore how thoughtful plan design, proactive member guidance, smarter clinical programs and aligned partners can improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary spend and create a better employee experience. Because controlling pharmacy costs shouldn't come at the expense of your employees. When your pharmacy benefit works the way it should, your employees don't notice it. And when it doesn't... you hear about it. 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM EDT The AI Concierge Era: Rethinking Benefits Support for Modern Workforces Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Andrew Frank, Regional Director of Sales, Healthee; Jeremy Margolies, Manager, Benefits, TAG - The Aspen Group; Ali Johnson, Director, Human Resources, Article Student Living Employees increasingly expect benefits experiences to feel as intuitive and personalized as the consumer technology they use every day. Yet many HR and Total Rewards teams still struggle with low engagement, employee confusion, and pressure to deliver better support without adding operational complexity. In this fireside chat, Andrew Frank of Healthee sits down to discuss how organizations are rethinking benefits navigation through AI-powered guidance and employee support. Using an implementation case study, he will explore lessons from partnership launches, stakeholder alignment, and the early success proof points organizations use to evaluate modern benefits experiences, including employee adoption, self-service engagement, and decision-making confidence. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT The Future of Workplace Equity: Leadership, Data, and Business Growth Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Nicole Armstrong, Founder & CEO, Ellequate; Chris Allen, Chief Marketing Officer, Auris In this live podcast conversation, Chris Allen sits down with Nicole Armstrong, founder and CEO of Ellequate, to explore how workplace equity is evolving from a values-based conversation into a measurable business strategy. Drawing from her work in pay equity analytics, AI-powered workforce insights, and organizational culture, Nicole shares how leaders can use data to build fairer, higher-performing workplaces while strengthening retention, trust, and long-term growth. The discussion examines the intersection of technology, compensation strategy, and responsible leadership, offering entrepreneurs and HR leaders practical insight into how equitable systems create both human and business value. The Entrepreneur's Studio, presented by Auris, is now in its fourth season of candid conversations with some of today's most compelling business minds and cultural icons. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM EDT Why Your Managers Aren't Ready for the AI Skills Conversation Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Keith Metcalfe, President, Acorn Ask your CEO whether your managers are prepared to have meaningful skills conversations with their teams, and 80% say yes. Ask the managers - 46%. Ask the employees those conversations are supposed to be happening with - 25%. The same gap on AI-specific skills conversations is wider: 77% of executives say managers are ready, 9% of ICs agree. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT A Fresh Manifesto: The Things We Think and Do Not Say About The Future of Leadership Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jill Birch, Founder and CEO, BirchGrove Inc. Leadership is wandering in the wilderness. Engagement is eroding, incivility is rising, and AI is reshaping work faster than many leaders can respond. At the very moment organizations need courage, steadiness and sound judgement, leadership advice has become a noisy mix of trendy acronyms, performative fixes and false certainty. This session calls for a different move: a shift from the wilderness into the wild. The wild is where leaders practise healthy disruption, become more courageous, strategically grounded and relationally intelligent in the face of complexity and change. Drawing on fresh research and executive advisory experience, Dr. Jill Birch delivers a provocative and practical leadership experience exploring what is changing in leadership, the behaviours that quietly erode trust and performance, and the practices that help teams stay resilient and accountable under pressure. Participants leave with practical insights and a personal leadership manifesto for modern leadership. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Be Bold: Unlocking Your Leadership Power and Influence as an HR Leader Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Heidi Hartman, CEO, Heidi Hartman Consulting Bold leadership is no longer optional for HR-it's essential. Today's HR professionals are expected to influence strategy, advocate for people, navigate complexity, and lead change with confidence and credibility. In this interactive and practical session, leadership expert and author Heidi Hartman (Her Rise, Her Rules) shares insights drawn from interviews with over 100 leaders across the United States to reveal the seven leadership secrets that help HR leaders amplify their impact without waiting for permission or perfection. Participants will explore how boldness shows up in authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, strategic influence, and smart risk-taking. Through reflection, peer discussion, and practical tools, attendees will gain strategies they can immediately apply to strengthen their leadership presence, expand their influence, and empower others within their organizations. Be bold. Lead with intention. And elevate the impact of HR where it matters most. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Be More Human: Authentic Leadership in an AI World Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Alison Jones, Founder and CEO, Pillars Leadership AI is transforming everything-but don't let it replace you. As employee engagement and trust in leadership continue to decline, leaders face growing pressure to strengthen the human side of leadership-all while navigating an increasingly artificial world. One thing is clear: the standout leaders and organizations of the future will be the most deeply human. In this session, Alison C. Jones introduces the Five A's of Leadership-Awareness, Acceptance, Authenticity, Abundance, and Appreciation-to help leaders create a competitive advantage with real business outcomes in an AI-driven world. Expect real insights, real tools, real laughter-and a playbook you'll actually use. Humans welcome. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Beyond the Buzzwords: Driving Real HR Transformation in the Age of AI Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Stefani Steinway, SVP HR, Equifax; Chris Johnson, SVP and GM, Employer Services, Equifax; Kate Noel, Morning Brew AI is often pitched as the "Future of Work," but for those of us in the driver's seat, the reality is often messier. It's the tension of needing to hire at speed while realizing "perfect" resumes often mask a lack of real-world experience. It's the struggle to provide world-class onboarding while drowning in a sea of disconnected systems. This high-impact panel moves past the buzzwords to examine the human stories and data driving the industry. Using exclusive insights from our HR Survey collected at SHRM 2025, we'll explore how peers are transforming operational friction into a competitive advantage. Key Takeaways: - The Macro Pulse: Benchmarking 2025 peer challenges to align your 2026 strategy. - AI as a Force Multiplier: Moving from basic automation to executive-level insights. - Mitigating Truth Decay: Strategies to identify synthetic identities and fraud. - The 2026 Roadmap: Using predictive analytics to balance capital, upskilling, and a human-first culture. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Creating Resilient Leaders who Thrive in Turbulent Times Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Rob Dubin, Keynote Speaker, RD Creative LLC In today's unpredictable world, resilience has become the defining skill of effective leaders. Organizations face burnout and constant change. Leaders who excel are those who transform disruption into opportunity and guide teams with clarity and confidence. In this high-impact keynote, Rob Dubin takes audiences through unforgettable real-life experiences-from surviving five days trapped in a Colorado blizzard to spending 17 years sailing around the world. These stories reveal lessons about resilience, adaptability and leading with purpose when the path forward is uncertain. But Rob's lessons don't come from adventure alone. As a documentary filmmaker, he spent decades interviewing Olympic athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, Hollywood icons, and U.S. Presidents. Studying how top performers think and act under pressure enabled Rob to create a practical blueprint for modern leadership. Through his Purpose-Mindset-Action framework, leaders learn to take decisive action in turbulent times. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Everything I Know about Solving Today's HR Problems - I Learned from My Dog Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: HR Innovation Fellow with the Workforce Institute Are you exhausted by workforce shortages, AI-driven change, and constant fire drills that leave critical work sidelined? You're not alone. HR leaders are stretched thin, stuck in reactive mode, with little time to be true strategic partners. This session flips the script. Learn to escape endless triage and reclaim 10+ hours a week for what matters. Drawing from how his childhood dog saved his life, Michael shows how trust, so natural to dogs, becomes practical business strategy. Using the Distinguish-Optimize-Gain (D.O.G.) Blueprint, you'll distinguish root causes from symptoms, optimize trust to repair the fractured employer-employee dynamic and boost productivity, and gain research-based insight into what employees really want. Through storytelling, sharp analogies, and even dog photos, learning stays fun, easy, and memorable. You'll leave with a blueprint and CFO-ready points to reposition HR from cost center to business driver. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT From Onboarding to Everboarding: Redefining Employee Development to Improve Performance and Retention Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Amber Watts, Chief Everboarding Officer, Radical Growth Works Most organizations treat onboarding as a short-term event, yet the first year of employment is the strongest predictor of long-term performance and retention. Traditional onboarding ends too early, leaving managers unsupported and new hires unclear on expectations. In this practical, research-backed session, Amber Watts-author of From Onboarding to Everboarding-shares a three-phase development model that turns onboarding into a continuous, performance-driven employee journey. Participants will learn how to design experiences that build clarity and capability from day one, define role-specific readiness at 30/60/90 days, and measure impact using predictive metrics such as time to proficiency and early performance behaviors. This session offers HR leaders a roadmap to modernize onboarding, strengthen manager involvement, and drive lasting employee success. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Future-Ready HR: Leveraging AI to Drive Learning, Growth, and Talent Mobility Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Sam Caballero, Co-founder & CEO, Pivotn This interactive workshop explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into learning and development (L&D) strategies to drive organizational growth, improve employee engagement, and align workforce capabilities with business objectives. Participants will discover practical applications of AI for personalized learning, workforce analytics, and internal talent marketplaces. By the end of the session, HR leaders will be equipped to use AI strategically to create scalable, data-driven talent development solutions that prepare their organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT HR + Cybersecurity: Partnering to Protect Hiring Integrity and Workforce Trust Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Matthew Moynahan, CEO, GetReal Security Fabricated profiles, stand-in interviewees, and other forms of candidate deception are real risks in an era defined by AI disruption, talent shortages, and a changing workforce. These threats make it harder to verify candidate identities and skills, demonstrated by cases of Fortune 500 companies onboarding foreign operatives posing as IT workers and becoming insider threats. As HR becomes a front line in protecting the business and mitigating financial, reputational, and compliance exposure, cybersecurity's long history of managing identity threats offers critical lessons. Join CEO of GetReal Security Matt Moynahan and a cybersecurity executive for lessons from the field on how HR and cybersecurity can collaborate to stop identity manipulation without degrading the candidate experience. Attendees will gain insight into how cybersecurity approaches threats and walk away with actionable strategies to build a trustworthy, high-integrity hiring pipeline in a transforming talent landscape. 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM EDT Human-Centered AI: How Business Can Use AI to Empower Employees Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Allie K. Miller, CEO, Open Machine In this session, Allie Miller explores how organizations can move from being AI-enabled to truly AI-first. Drawing on her expertise in AI transformation, Allie shares practical strategies for redesigning workflows, improving decision-making and building organizations where people, processes and products are optimized for the future of work. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Igniting Hidden Strengths for Breakthrough ROI Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Stacey Chazin, Founder and Coach Most organizations run on only half their leadership fuel - overlooking employees whose strengths don't match traditional "loud and bold" norms. Yet research shows that teams tapping a wider range of styles, including quieter and behind-the-scenes contributors, see stronger performance, engagement, and retention. Meanwhile, disengagement and "quiet quitting" cost millions in lost productivity and turnover, pressuring HR to fully activate the talent they have. In this session, HR leaders and people managers learn to spot underutilized strengths and design roles and development that bring them forward. Through practical tools and discussion, participants will reframe outdated leadership models, reduce bias toward one "ideal" style, and create conditions where diverse strengths can thrive. Attendees will leave with simple strategies to activate overlooked talent and convert dormant potential into measurable impact for their organizations. 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM EDT Inclusion for Performance & Growth Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Doreen Mosher, Director, Strategic Accounts, SHRM; Katharine Panessidi, Director, Product & Delivery, SHRM Business, SHRM; Ashissh Kaul, SHRM East Staff 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. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Litigation-Ready Investigations: Documentation and Decisions That Hold up Under Scrutiny Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Raeann Burgo, Partner, Fisher & Phillips LLP; Erin Allen, Partner, Fisher Phillips LLP Investigation quality directly impacts legal outcomes and employer liability. Using a real-world case study, this interactive session shows how documentation, credibility, and decision-making practices can strengthen defensibility in litigation and deposition settings. Participants will learn how to build consistency and fairness into investigations, produce documentation that supports sound decisions, and identify investigation practices that reduce risk under federal and state employment laws. Leave with practical tools to strengthen investigation quality now and in the next 12 to 36 months as HR faces increased scrutiny of process, documentation, and decision integrity. 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM EDT Navigating the Complex Landscape of Expatriate Benefits - Insights from Marsh's Expatriate Center of Excellence and the 2026 Insured Benefits Survey Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Tc Williams, Principal Consultant - Mercer Expatriate Benefits COE, Mercer Marsh's Expatriate Center of Excellence (COE) supports U.S. multinational corporations in delivering compliant, sustainable global medical and risk benefits critical for expatriates' success and business goals. The complexity of managing benefits is rising due to new assignment types, evolving employee needs, fast-changing regulations, shifting providers, and unpredictable costs. Marsh (Mercer)'s 2023 Insured Benefits survey, with 148 organizations across 22+ sectors, revealed key trends: balancing cost and talent, optimizing engagement and financing, adapting to new assignments, evolving employee needs, and active risk management amid global crises. The 2025 survey will expand on these insights, helping organizations adapt strategies. This speaking opportunity will share Marsh's expertise and survey findings to empower corporations in building resilient, future-ready expatriate benefits programs. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Navigating the Wild Habitat of Workforce Regulations Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Brian Elfrink, Director, Product Management, Experian Employer Services Compliance in the HR landscape is no stroll through a manicured garden-it's more like trekking through a dynamic ecosystem. Today, HR professionals must be on the lookout for unexpected compliance challenges that lurk below the water like a pounce-ready gator. From mandatory labor law posters to state-specific separation notices, managing workforce regulations across multiple jurisdictions - especially with remote and hybrid teams - can feel like tracking migrating birds through a maze of ever-changing signage. Are your compliance materials properly posted in every corner of your organization's habitat? Are your separation notices as current as your seasonal staffing cycles? In this session, we'll guide you through the latest updates and equip you with practical tools to tame the Everglades of HR compliance. Whether you're a seasoned guide or trying to avoid a stampede of penalties, you'll leave with a map to help your team thrive in even the most unpredictable environments. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Private Eyes Are Watching You: U.S. and International Privacy Laws Relating to Employee Monitoring Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Risa Boerner, Partner; Chair, Privacy and Cyber Practice Group; Nan Sato, Head, Tokyo office; Co-chair, International Practice Group, Fisher Phillips Hybrid and remote employees are increasingly commonplace, with employers struggling to find ways to monitor productivity and availability, ensure the security of confidential data and sensitive personal information, and encourage compliance with legal requirements and employment policies. Employers are exploring remote monitoring options, including monitoring methods such as time tracking and email monitoring, video surveillance, keylogging, application monitoring, geolocation tracking, and the installation of monitoring software on company-issued devices, as well as mobile device management software for personal devices used for business purposes. The legality of these techniques varies within the U.S. and internationally and this session will help employers to understand these employee monitoring laws. The presentation will be conducted in a Price is Right game show format, with contestants offered the opportunity to pair legal obligations by jurisdiction with types of monitoring. 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM EDT Proving It Works: Measuring the Value of Wellbeing Track: Compensation & Benefits Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Dilan Gomih, Founder & CEO, Dilagence; Chris Lichtenberger, Corporate Partnerships, Life Time; Lindsay Ryan, Sr. Director, Client Success, Wellhub; Mike Hopkins, National Benefits Manager, PwC; Kristen Putnam, Senior Manager Benefits, MFS Strong wellbeing benefits deliver a real return - and that return is only part of the story. When employees are enrolling and using their benefits, you're getting measurable value: lower costs, yes, and also flexibility, savings for your people, access, and engagement that shows up across the business. The benefits leaders making the strongest case aren't choosing between hard returns and human value. They're showing both - the ROI and the fuller Value of Investment. In this fireside chat moderated by workplace wellbeing expert Dilan Gomih, Mike Hopkins of PwC, Kristen Putnam of MFS, and Lindsay Ryan of Wellhub trade the playbook on measuring wellbeing that matters. Mike manages benefits for 53,000 consultants, auditors, and tech professionals - a workforce with wildly different realities - and has built his approach around a simple idea: culture leaves data trails. At MFS, Kristen brings the perspective of a legacy financial institution, balancing traditional total rewards with modern, high-utilization wellbeing programs for a global workforce. They're joined by Chris Lichtenberger of Life Time, who brings the partner perspective on why a diverse workforce needs real choice, not a single solution. Together they'll explore enrollment as the clearest signal of value, the leading indicators that show wellbeing is working, and how the smartest leaders capture the full Value of Investment. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Reaching Every Employee: Recognition Strategies for a Complex Workforce Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jessica Mollica, VP Human Resources, Hertz; ShaNae McCleskey, Center of Excellence, Awardco; Cristina Gallagher, Vice President, CCB HR & Employee Experience, JPMorgan Chase; Kelly Satterfield, Employee Experience Executive, Awardco Today's workforce is more complex and more distributed than ever, and recognition strategies need to work across roles, environments, and employee populations. In this SHRM Annual Conference breakout, leaders from Hertz, JPMorganChase, and Awardco will share how they are building recognition programs that create connection, increase visibility, and drive impact across the enterprise. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for making recognition more relevant, scalable, and effective in today's workplace-for every employee. 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM EDT Shaping the Future with Mentoring Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Raiyana Bryant, Senior Specialist, Talent and Employee Experience, SHRM; Faith Stipanovich, Manager, Student Communities, SHRM Join us for Shaping the Future with Mentoring, an interactive round table exploring how effective mentoring drives professional growth and organizational success. Facilitators will guide participants through critical topics such as building a mentoring culture, tailoring approaches for diverse career stages, and measuring mentoring impact. Objectives include sharing best practices, identifying actionable strategies, and fostering connections between mentors and mentees. Unique aspects of the session include facilitated small-group discussions and access to practical resources, ensuring participants leave with tools to enhance or launch mentoring initiatives within their firms. Whether you're a mentor, mentee, or leader, this session will equip you to leverage mentoring as a strategic advantage in shaping your organization's future. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Stop Demanding Fruit from Dead Soil: A Repair-First Approach to Burnout Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Nikkia Gumbs, Founder and Human Systems Architect, The House of the Sun Burnout isn't laziness-it's depletion. Asking for resilience from a burned-out employee is like shouting at a dried-out plant to produce fruit. Repair is the watering and soil work; resilience is the vigor that returns; the tomatoes are the work product. This session reframes burnout as nervous system depletion and trust rupture, showing why resilience programs often fail without meaningful repair. Participants will learn how to identify invisible stress signals across teams, apply a three-step Repair-First framework-reduce load, regulate the nervous system, restore trust-and integrate practical repair strategies into engagement and retention efforts. Expect pragmatic manager scripts, a live 10-minute low-lift reset demonstration, and actionable tools participants can apply immediately. Attendees will also explore how low-cost, AI-assisted support tools can create moments of recovery and regulation without turning managers into therapists or adding more emotional labor to teams. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Stop Losing Talent to Competitors: How Strategic Education Benefits Create Workforce Loyalty Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Amy Jauman, Director of Human Resources, DNA Doe Project; Holly Tapper, Dean, School of Advancing Studies, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Your competitors already know this: employees stay longer at companies that invest in their learning. But many HR teams still lack the executive buy-in, budget structure, or practical frameworks to make continuing education truly accessible! With AI reshaping roles faster than traditional training can keep pace, education isn't just a retention tool. It's your strategy for future-proofing the workforce, and generic tuition reimbursement programs aren't enough. In this session, presenters share data-driven insights and actionable tools to help HR leaders champion education at every level. Attendees will learn the 5 metrics that demonstrate education ROI to skeptical CFOs, practical business case frameworks, and 7 creative models for tight budgets. Don't lose talent to competitors offering better support! This session equips you with the templates and strategies needed to launch or revitalize an education program that drives retention, performance, and long-term workforce resilience. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT The Pay Shift: Turning Compensation Data into a Competitive Advantage Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Carrie Cavanaugh, Senior Human Resources Consultant, Find Great People Compensation is having a moment - and for good reason. In a world of pay transparency, skills based hiring, and relentless competition for talent, the way organizations design and communicate pay has become a direct reflection of their values and culture. Yet too often, compensation is treated as a purely technical process instead of the strategic story it truly is. In this engaging, practitioner focused session, participants explore what modern compensation strategy looks like in action. Drawing from real world consulting projects across industries, the session examines how thoughtful pay design, data driven decision making, and intentional communication can transform compensation from a source of tension into a driver of trust, performance, and belonging. Participants will learn how to identify and address equity gaps, modernize outdated pay structures, and equip leaders with the tools and language needed to confidently discuss compensation. Attendees will leave with practical frameworks and actionable insights to align pay strategy with organizational culture and business goals. In today's market, compensation isn't just about what organizations pay-it's about what that pay communicates about who they are and what they value. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT The Talent Playbook; Data-Driven and Human-Centered Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Reagan Kelley, Director of Talent Acquisition, National HR Consulting Services, Marsh McLennan Agency Recruiting isn't just a function-it's the business strategy that determines every other outcome. In a fast-moving talent economy, HR leaders who master data, empathy, and communication drive both profit and purpose. This session connects the dots between recruiting analytics, workforce planning, and financial performance. Participants will learn how to elevate talent acquisition from transactional to transformational-building data-informed strategies that align hiring with business growth. We'll explore frameworks for predicting workforce needs, communicating ROI to executives, and developing recruiter storytelling skills that influence the C-suite. The takeaway: if recruiting isn't in your business plan, neither is sustainable success. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT What Teen Apprenticeships Can Teach HR About Gen Alpha (Live Podcast Recording) Track: Culture & Engagement Type: Breakout Session Speakers: James Hilton Harrell, Chief, Human Capital Management, San Antonio Independent School District As Gen Alpha begins to enter the workforce, organizations face a unique opportunity to better understand the expectations, values, and experiences shaping the next generation of employees. Discover the lessons HR can learn from teen apprenticeship programs to better prepare for the workforce of tomorrow. In a special recording with a live audience for SHRM's Honest HR podcast, learn practical approaches to building and sustaining successful teen programs. Explore how early talent programs can inspire innovative approaches to workforce development, foster a culture of adaptability, and address the evolving needs of a new generation. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EDT What You Need to Know about Neurodiversity in the Workplace Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Sierra Grandy, Speaker, attorney, and advocate, Questify Your Life LLC Taught by a neurodivergent attorney, participants will gain a foundational understanding of neurodiversity and its significance in the workplace, with an emphasis on how neurodiversity fits into a larger conversation about disability. The session begins with an interactive introduction, followed by an exploration of neurodiversity, the role it plays in our professional lives, and strategies for fostering an inclusive work environment. This session will provide guidance on a variety of potential workplace accommodations, particularly self-accommodations, for neurodivergent individuals. With a focus on actionable insights and open discussion, this session equips professionals to champion neurodiversity and create more supportive, inclusive workplaces. 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM EDT 2026 State of AI in SMB Workplaces Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kenny Pyle, HR Technology Lead Analyst, SHRM AI is defining the business landscape, remaining top of mind for leaders and workers. This session presents SHRM research on AI in SMB workplaces, highlighting worker perspectives on AI. Insights from the study will provide an overview of the current context for AI usage in SMB workplaces, including what AI tools or technology are used by workers and SMB organizations, the impact of AI on work processes and productivity, the growth opportunities for learning and optimizing AI technology skills, the governance of AI use in SMB workplaces, and technological and non-technological barriers to AI tools in SMB workplaces. In this interactive session, attendees will share real time reactions to the findings via polls, engage in peer-to-peer discussions on best practices for integrating AI into workflow, and evaluate risk v. reward tradeoffs for AI usage. Attendees will walk away understanding how to meet AI's changes to the world of work in SMBs. 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM EDT A GLP-1 & Weight Management Benefit That Works: Driving Outcomes, Reducing Risk, and Lowering Costs Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Dr. Kristin Baier, MD, Chief Medical Officer Employers are investing more than ever in weight management-but too often, results fall short due to fragmented care, low engagement, and limited clinical oversight. Onsera is changing that. In this session, Onsera's Chief Medical Officer will share how a truly comprehensive, physician-led weight management program drives measurable outcomes for participants while reducing healthcare costs and long-term risk for employers. By combining clinical care, coaching, medication access, advanced labs, and ongoing care coordination into a single, integrated system, Onsera supports the full participant journey-from onboarding to sustained results. Attendees will learn how Onsera's model improves engagement, delivers meaningful and lasting weight loss, reduces the burden of obesity-related conditions, and drives measurable downstream cost savings for employers-all while integrating seamlessly with existing care. The result: healthier employees, lower total cost of care, and a smarter, more effective approach to weight management. 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Communicating Benefits to a Multi-Generational Workforce: Driving Understanding, Engagement and Utilization Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: DANALIZ MARTINEZ, Market Director, Aflac; Josh Ball, VP, Constituent Marketing, Aflac Are your benefits communications driving action or just adding noise? In this session, we'll explore how generational differences shape how employees engage with benefits and why many organizations struggle with utilization. Backed by data, you'll gain actionable strategies to simplify communication, personalize the experience and empower employees to make more confident decisions. 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM EDT The Rise of Skillfishing in the AI Hiring Era Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Alexander Alonso, Chief Date & Analytics Officer, SHRM Are you hiring based on an applicant's true capability-or just their confidence and misrepresentation of their skills? In today's fast-evolving talent market, employers face a new challenge: Skillfishing. This emerging phenomenon describes candidates who exaggerate, misrepresent, or fabricate professional skills to appear more qualified than they are-a trend accelerated by AI-assisted resumes, interview coaching, and credential inflation. Join us for a thought-provoking session that will: Define Skillfishing and its impact on hiring, onboarding, and team performance. Share real-world research and stories illustrating how Skillfishing is undermining trust and productivity. Quantify the hidden costs-from mis-hires and longer ramp times to increased turnover and manager frustration. Equip HR leaders with actionable strategies to detect and prevent Skillfishing, including skill validation, AI misuse, and workforce intelligence. Don't miss this session-become part of the movement to restore hiring confidence and safeguard your organization from the risks of Skillfishing. 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM EDT Transforming Complexity to Clarity: Building a Total Workforce Strategy Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Asal Naraghi, Global Principal Consultant, Future of Work, ADP With only 12% of US organizations conducting strategic workforce planning beyond a three-year horizon (McKinsey HR Monitor 2025), most companies are operating with tactical approaches that can't meet today's demands. Meanwhile, 94% of workers are ready to learn new skills for an AI-enabled future, yet only 5% of organizations are reskilling at scale (Accenture "Work, Workforce, Workers" research 2024). This gap between workforce reality and organizational readiness represents both a critical vulnerability and a significant opportunity. In this strategic session, discover how forward-thinking organizations are leveraging integrated payroll and time technology, not as back-office functions, but as strategic enablers, to build true workforce agility, drive measurable business outcomes and create competitive advantage. 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM EDT What The SHRM Foundation Can Do For You Track: Learning & Development Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Isaac Agbeshie-Noye, Director, Programs, SHRM Attendees will learn how to access scholarship, grant, and award opportunities and take advantage of low- and no-cost mentorship, credentialing, and other training and learning opportunities offered by the SHRM Foundation. Every year, SHRM Foundation distributes over $600,000 in scholarships, grants, and awards and channels thousands of HR professionals through mentorship, training, and certification opportunities offered at low or no cost. Whether you are a student preparing to enter the field of HR, an emerging professional looking to find your way, a mid-career professional looking to grow and upskill, or a seasoned professional worthy of being celebrated for your contributions to the HR field, the SHRM Foundation has ways of supporting you on your journey. 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM EDT Book Signing with Angela Holliday-Bell Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Angela Holliday-Bell, Founder, The Solution is Sleep LLC After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM EDT Coffee Break Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Recharge with a fresh cup of coffee in the SHRM Expo, the world's largest HR solutions center. While you're there, explore 500+ cutting-edge exhibitors showcasing the latest in HR technology, talent strategies, leadership tools, and more. It's the perfect blend of networking, innovation, and energy to fuel your day! 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM EDT Book Signing with Alex Alonso Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Alexander Alonso, Chief Date & Analytics Officer, SHRM After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM EDT Book Signing with Alison Jones Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Alison Jones, Founder and CEO, Pillars Leadership After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM EDT Book Signing with Amy Jauman Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Amy Jauman, Director of Human Resources, DNA Doe Project After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM EDT Book Signing with Heidi Hartman Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Heidi Hartman, CEO, Heidi Hartman Consulting After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM EDT Book Signing with Jill BIrch Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Jill Birch, Founder and CEO, BirchGrove Inc. After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM EDT Book Signing with Nikkia Gumbs Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Nikkia Gumbs, Founder and Human Systems Architect, The House of the Sun After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT ACA and ERISA Compliance: 11 Steps to Avoid (or Survive) a DOL Audit Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Gary Kushner, President, Kushner & Company After passage of the ACA and updates to ERISA, there are even more requirements that employers sponsoring health and other welfare plans need to ensure they are performing correctly. During this fast-moving session, one of SHRM's most highly rated speakers, Gary Kushner, SPHR, CBP will walk through 11 items you'll want to review to make sure you have all of the processes and documentation you'll need if your employer is ever the subject of a DOL audit of your health and welfare plans. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Actor James Marsden on Career, Craft, and Experience Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jason Bodin, EVP, Marketing & Communications, Paycom; James Marsden, Floor Manager, Actor Join James Marsden for an engaging conversation on career growth, adaptability, leadership, and the human side of success. Drawing from his experiences across film, television, and Paycom's IWant(TM) campaign, this session will explore lessons on navigating change and creating meaningful experiences that resonate far beyond the screen. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT After The Complaint: The Decisions That Create Retaliation Liability Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Louis Lessig, Partner, Brown & Connery, LLP Most employers believe retaliation is prevented through policies, training, and investigations. In today's workplace and increasingly in courtrooms retaliation claims are rarely about what happened before a complaint. They are about what happened after. What changes once an employee raises a concern? How do timing, tone, and communication shift in ways that seem routine, but later become evidence? Do those decisions make sense to someone reviewing them months later? This engaging session focuses on the post complaint danger zone, where everyday management decisions can unintentionally create liability risk. Drawing on litigation trends and real-world cases, participants will examine how retaliation risk is actually formed and why "doing everything right" can still produce bad facts. Through interactive discussion, live polling and more, attendees will learn how to manage employees after a complaint that is consistent and defensible before issues escalate. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT AI & HR: Enhancing Opportunities Responsibly in a New Era of Work Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Camille Olson, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP AI is reshaping every stage of the employment lifecycle-from recruiting and performance management to workforce planning and employee development. But opportunity comes with legal, ethical, and operational risks. In this session, Camille Olson will provide a clear, practical roadmap for HR leaders seeking to deploy AI tools responsibly. Drawing on emerging state and federal requirements, evolving guidance from federal agencies, and real-world employer practices, the session will identify guardrails for bias prevention, transparency, documentation, data governance, and human-in-the-loop oversight. Attendees will learn how to harness AI to improve efficiency and decision-quality while maintaining compliance, building trust, and protecting organizational reputation. 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM EDT AI in HR: From Hype to Real Impact on Employee Experience Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Warren Gouws, Senior Manager of Solution Engineering, Freshworks AI is dominating HR conversations, but what does real impact actually look like inside organizations? In this session, HR and IT leaders will explore how AI is transforming employee experience beyond the buzzwords. We'll break down how organizations are using AI to streamline HR service delivery, reduce manual workloads, and deliver faster, more personalized support to employees. You'll hear practical examples of how teams are: -Automating HR workflows without adding complexity -Improving employee satisfaction through faster resolution times -Aligning HR and IT to deliver unified service experiences This session focuses on what actually works, what to avoid, and how to get started, without overhauling your entire tech stack. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Behavior Informed Workplace Safety Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Nicholas Berberian, President/Managing Partner, Global Secure 3, Inc. Workplace safety today requires more than policies and incident response - it requires early recognition of behavioral indicators and coordinated, proactive intervention. This session introduces a behavior-informed framework designed for HR, Employee Relations, Legal, and Security professionals to identify and manage concerning employee behaviors before they escalate into disruption, harm, or organizational risk. Participants will learn how grievances form, how behavior changes along predictable patterns, and how HR-aligned assessment and response models can reduce liability, support employee well-being, and strengthen a culture of psychological safety. Using real governance principles and structured decision-making tools, attendees will leave with a practical, defensible playbook they can immediately apply to reporting pathways, case management, and multidisciplinary collaboration. 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM EDT Better Hiring Starts with Indeed: Leveraging Indeed's Integrated Hiring Platform Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Deepika Pillai, Indeed; Leanne Schlosser, Indeed In today's fast-paced labor market, the traditional post-and-pray recruitment model is no longer enough. Hiring teams are caught between two extremes: overwhelmed by a flood of unqualified applications or struggling to find the right talent for hard-to-fill, specialist roles in a competitive landscape. Join us for an in-depth look at the new Indeed- an integrated hiring engine that works for you. This session focuses on two of our latest innovations: Sourcing Assistant and Smart Screening. Whether you are looking to scale your team quickly or find that needle-in-the-haystack specialist, this session will provide the roadmap for using the new Indeed to build your future workforce with confidence and ease. 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM EDT Closing the Frontline Leadership Gap: An Interactive SHRM Experience Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ben Eden, Head of Professional Development, LifeGuides Frontline leadership is one of today's most urgent HR challenges. Research shows that 60% of new managers fail, and 46% consider quitting due to stress in their first year. At the same time, SHRM's 2025 research found that 51% of CHROs rank manager development as their top priority-underscoring the need for approaches that actually work. This interactive session puts participants directly in the shoes of frontline managers. Rather than theory alone, attendees will move through a digital training exercise, a peer cohort breakout, and a guided mentorship interaction-experiencing how each layer builds competence, confidence, and retention. Participants will leave with a practical framework to close leadership gaps, scale development without straining budgets, and measure ROI in HR-friendly terms. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Communicating with Impact...for Results! The Art of Tactful and Diplomatic Communication Track: Global HR Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Julie Burch, Professional Speaker, Julie Burch Speaks! If everyone would just be honest everything would be better. But is that true? Honesty sounds good, doesn't it? We have all been taught that honesty is the best policy. But is it? Does that work in the real world? Can you be honest and tactful, professional, and diplomatic all at the same time? Absolutely! What is tactful communication? What does it look like and what does it sound like? What does it mean to maintain professionalism? How do we practice diplomacy in the most difficult and dicey situations? How can I be honest and achieve results? In this dynamic, high energy, and highly interactive session the audience will get Answers to these questions and so much more! Julie will entertain them and Educate them! They will leave with solid, real world techniques they can apply Immediately to improve their results in those difficult and dicey situations. Never be left speechless again! 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Culture as the Engine of Change: Leveraging the CARDS Model for Measurable Transformation Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Christopher Gross, Keynote Speaker | Storyteller | Author | Change Management Consultant | CEO, Jabbar HR Solutions, LLC In the high-stakes environment of hybrid work, talent scarcity, and culture fatigue, many organizations launch culture or change initiatives - but research shows 70% of these efforts fail (McKinsey). Why? Because culture is often treated as an afterthought instead of the foundation for transformation. This session introduces the CARDS Model - Curiosity, Awareness, Rituals & Artifacts, Drivers, and Systems - a change-informed framework that embeds culture into every facet of the employee experience. Through a compelling case study, participants will see how one organization aligned culture with business outcomes and generated over $1.2 million in additional revenue. Attendees will learn four clear KPIs for measuring culture ROI and explore how small but intentional shifts - in rituals, systems, and leadership behaviors - can create sustainable change. Expect a high-energy, interactive session with storytelling, live polling, and group discussion designed to translate ideas into action. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Culture is King: Laying a Strong People Foundation for Business Success Track: Culture & Engagement Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Theresa Hummel-Krallinger, Chief People Officer, High Five Performance, Inc. You've heard it before-"Culture eats strategy for breakfast." But how do you actually build a culture that fuels performance, retention, and pride? In this high-energy, interactive session, you'll learn how HR, OD, and Training professionals can shape a thriving culture that delivers results. Through a powerful case study of an organization that transformed from 50% turnover and rock-bottom engagement scores to winning Best Place to Work honors, we'll explore practical tools and strategies you can apply right away. Expect to get on your feet (twice!), challenge your thinking, and walk away with assessment tools, action planning templates, and real-life inspiration to elevate your organization's culture and impact. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT From Toronto to Brussels and Everything In Between: Navigating the New Era of Global Pay Transparency Track: Compensation & Benefits Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Laura Mitchell, Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.; Christopher Anderson, Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C. 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. "anti-DEI" sentiment and political tension create challenges for organizations balancing global expectations with domestic sensitivities. This session offers a practical overview of emerging international pay transparency laws, their requirements, and intersections with equity, reporting, and data governance. Attendees will learn steps to prepare for new global standards, including data readiness, documentation, cross-border coordination, and communication. Participants will leave with a flexible roadmap for meeting global transparency expectations while managing U.S. political risk and maintaining a defensible pay equity strategy worldwide. 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM EDT From Training to Degrees: Turning Your Training Budget Into Talent Management Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jacqueline Skryd, VP Corporate Partnerships & Professional & Continuing Education, National University; Emily Ryan, Director, Strategic Partnerships, National University Your training budget is a retention strategy in disguise, it just needs a degree pathway to unlock its full potential. Turnover is expensive. Skills gaps are persistent. Yet the fix may already exist inside your L&D programs. This session shows HR leaders how to partner with higher education institutions to convert workplace training into college credit, turning everyday professional development into a powerful talent magnet. We'll walk through a real-world case study from National University and provide you with a framework you can implement immediately. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil? Can an Employer Respond to Employee Public Comments and Social Media Posts Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: James Reidy, Attorney, Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects, among other things, free speech. But does that protection extend to the workplace and an employee's social media posts? This session will review the legal issues dealing with free speech and what, if anything, an employer can do in response to employee comments and social media posts. Preview: The First Amendment speech protections generally do not apply to the workplace but there are important exceptions. This session will help employers navigate these increasingly tricky issues. Attendees are encouraged to bring their workplace stories and questions. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Inclusion Under Pressure: Stress-Testing Diversity Strategies for Legal Resilience and Business Impact Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Keli Wilson, Principal Consultant, Workforce Analytics & Compliance Strategy, DCI Consulting Group, Inc.; Joanna Colosimo, Vice President, Workforce Analytics & Compliance Strategy, DCI Consulting Group, Inc.; Daphne Dickopf, Owner and Executive Coach, Change Matters Coaching, LLC; Jill Hauwiller, Leadership Advisor | Executive & Team Coach, Leadership Refinery Organizations today are expected to advance inclusion while navigating heightened scrutiny, evolving legal requirements, and competing business priorities. This session explores how leaders can apply SHRM's BLUEPRINT pillars-legally compliant, workplace unifying, and business accretive-to build resilient and impactful inclusion strategies. Drawing on peer cohort insights and leadership frameworks, participants will examine decision-making models that promote compliance and cultural alignment. Facilitated by Executive Coaches and Industrial/Organizational Psychologists, the session helps leaders define a clear "North Star," identify persistent barriers, and stress-test strategies to withstand scrutiny. Through interactive reflection, attendees will explore what drives progress, where organizations stall, and how accountability shapes outcomes. Participants will leave with a concise framework and actionable questions to strengthen inclusion and implementation in a complex environment. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Maximizing the Power of Assessments in HR Track: Culture & Engagement Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Alexander Pullen, HR Consultant, SHRM; Caroline Becker, Former CHRO, Rexel USA, Inc.; Demi Gilmore, VP/CHRO, TidalHealth; Matthew Halderman, Organizational Development Manager, City of Beaverton Unlock the full potential of your HR function through strategic, data-driven assessments. This interactive session demonstrates how leading organizations leverage organizational and individual competency assessments to gain visibility into team strengths, developmental needs, and organizational maturity. Through case studies and expert insights, you'll discover how assessments inform workforce planning, drive targeted development programs, and build a culture of accountability and continuous learning. Engage in small group discussions to explore proven strategies for implementing assessments and translating insights into impactful HR initiatives. Whether your goal is to enhance decision-making, align HR with business objectives, or elevate your team's influence, this session provides actionable frameworks and peer-driven solutions to help you transform HR and deliver measurable results. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Mental Health Isn't a Perk It's a Workplace Priority Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: April Simpkins, President and CEO, Paragon Strategy Partners Mental health can no longer live on the fringe of workplace conversations as a benefit a bonus or a nice to have. It is a core business priority that directly impacts retention performance safety engagement and organizational culture. In this powerful and practical session April Simpkins a nationally recognized workplace culture expert and mental health advocate challenges HR leaders to move beyond awareness and into actionable sustainable mental health strategies. Drawing from real world organizational experiences and the evolving expectations of today's workforce April helps HR professionals rethink how mental health is integrated into leadership policies and daily workplace practices. Participants will explore how workplaces can shift from reactive support to proactive culture building where mental wellbeing is embedded in decision making manager training and employee experience. This session empowers HR leaders to champion mental health as a strategic priority. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Pause, Presence & Trust: Slowing Down to Speed Up in the Age of AI Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Vitale Buford Hardin, President & CEO, Vitale & Company AI is accelerating everything - communication, decisions, workflows, expectations, and the pressure to produce. And for high-achievers, that speed can trigger the oldest patterns: overthinking, overworking, overproducing, and struggling to slow down long enough to think clearly. In a world where AI promises efficiency, many leaders are becoming more reactive, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the judgment, critical thinking, and human connection strong leadership requires. Vitale calls this drift "AI Average" - a growing sameness in thinking and overreliance on AI to replace judgment instead of strengthen it. Through research, practical examples, and her signature truth-telling style, Vitale teaches leaders how to use AI to amplify human capability rather than diminish it. Leaders will walk away with practical ways to reclaim healthier boundaries in an always-on world, think more intentionally, and create healthier human-AI partnerships inside their teams and organizations. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Persuasion in the Age of AI for HR Professionals Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Michael Johnson, Board Advisor, Traliant HR professionals routinely influence decisions across the organization-from securing budget approval and shaping leadership behavior to recruiting talent and negotiating with vendors. As generative AI increasingly shapes how messages are created and delivered, the ability to influence others ethically-and to recognize when influence is being applied to HR-has become a critical professional skill. Drawing on behavioral science and real-world HR examples, this session explores research-backed principles of persuasion and how they apply to common HR scenarios. Participants will learn how to use AI responsibly to improve communications and decision-making, while also developing the ability to spot manipulative tactics used by vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders. The session emphasizes practical techniques HR professionals can use immediately to influence others more effectively and make sound judgments in an AI-enabled workplace. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Prescription for Change: Rethinking Pharmacy Benefits for HR (Live Podcast Recording) Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Eric Papp, Vice President of Employee Benefits Consulting, M.E. Wilson Insurance; Eric Porter, Vice President | Employee Benefits Consulting, SmithRX Pharmacy costs are one of the fastest-growing expenses for employers, but HR professionals have the power to make a significant impact. In this special recording with a live audience for SHRM's Honest HR podcast, explore how to rethink pharmacy benefit strategies to uncover hidden costs, improve employee care, and achieve sustainable savings. Attendees will learn how to balance cost containment with employee satisfaction, navigate the evolving benefits landscape, and position their organizations for long-term success in an increasingly challenging healthcare environment. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Redefining Global HR Leadership: Credentialing Confidence & Scaling What Matters Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Aslam Sardar, CEO, Institute of Human Resource Professionals; Achal Khanna, CEO, SHRM East, SHRM; D. Shiv Shivakumar, Management Thinker and Chairman, Chair of SHRM India Conferences and Council, MTPL - an Advent PE Company In today's borderless and fast-evolving labour market, HR leadership is being redefined not by policies, but by the ability to build trust, scale capability, and deliver measurable workforce outcomes. As skills, credentials, and AI reshape how talent is assessed and developed, organisations must rethink how they signal quality, grow leaders, and sustain performance across diverse environments. This fireside chat explores two critical shifts: the rise of trusted credentialing systems as signals of capability, and the growing recognition of people managers as core infrastructure for organisational success. Drawing from Singapore's experience in building nationally endorsed HR standards (IHRP Certification) and scaling manager capability through structured pathways, the session offers practical insights that global organisations can adapt to regardless of market. Attendees will gain actionable perspectives on how to design credible standards, operationalise leadership quality at scale, and align HR strategy with business and workforce outcomes in a complex, multi-stakeholder world. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Redesigning Work in the Age of AI: Unlocking Productivity and Human Potential Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Lauren Bidwell, Senior Research Scientist, SAP SuccessFactors AI is boosting productivity-but most organizations are applying it to yesterday's work. To unlock real value, work itself must be redesigned. This session introduces a data-driven approach to strategic work redesign, helping HR and business leaders rethink how work gets done across roles, teams, and functions. Drawing on global workforce research, expert insights, and real-world examples, we'll explore how to rebalance human and AI contributions to drive both business outcomes and employee experience. Attendees will gain practical frameworks to identify where AI, humans, or hybrid models create the most value - and how to scale redesign efforts across the enterprise. The result: more adaptive roles, more meaningful work, and a workforce built for what's next. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Secure HR: Essential Cyber and Data Protection Practices for Today's Workplace Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Matthew Ritzman, Attorney, Honigman LLP As cyber threats grow more complex-including phishing, ransomware, and the rise of deepfakes used to impersonate leaders and manipulate employees-the role of HR in defending organizational assets is more important than ever. This session explores how HR professionals can collaborate with IT and leadership to strengthen cybersecurity practices, integrate security awareness into onboarding, and develop ongoing training programs that build employee vigilance. Participants will gain practical strategies to promote compliance with data protection policies, recognize social engineering tactics, and foster a culture of shared responsibility for information security. By leading the charge on awareness, communication, and education, HR professionals can help safeguard sensitive employee information, protect organizational credibility, and ensure the workforce is prepared to recognize and respond effectively to modern digital threats. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT State of the Workforce 2026: What to Keep, What to Change, and What AI Is Actually Doing to Your Employees Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kris Erickson, Co-Founder, WSA What can 10 million employee survey responses over three years reveal? More than you might expect. In this session, WSA Co-Founder Kris Erickson breaks down findings from WSA's 2026 State of the Workforce Trends data to help leaders make smarter, faster decisions about employee experience-revealing where to hold the line and where change is overdue. Kris will cover the six enduring tenets of the employer-employee relationship - the fundamentals that consistently drive commitment and performance regardless of industry or disruption. She'll also unpack what the data says about return-to-office strategies and which arrangements employees are resonating with today. When it comes to AI, WSA has studied how organizations are measuring AI readiness, what's driving resistance, and what high-performing companies are doing differently to accelerate adoption without losing trust. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT The Art and Science of the Interview - Navigating Pay Transparency, AI Bias, and other Hiring Landmines Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Lauraine Bifulco, CEO/President, Vantaggio HR, ltd. A "simple conversation" with a candidate has become a legal minefield. With the surge in Pay Transparency laws across nearly 20 states and the rise of local "Ban the Box" ordinances, HR professionals can no longer rely on a single federal playbook. And, an increasing number of jurisdictions like CA, IL, and CO are passing legislation restricting how AI can be used in the recruiting process. This session moves beyond state-specific jargon to provide a universal framework for compliant hiring. We will explore the technical "danger zones" of the modern recruitment lifecycle: from drafting "good faith" salary ranges in job postings to navigating the legal boundaries of criminal history inquiries. Most importantly, we will tackle the "unsolicited disclosure"-what to do when a candidate volunteers protected information you aren't legally allowed to ask for. Learn how to train your hiring teams to build rapport and identify top talent without triggering a jurisdictional compliance nightmare. 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM EDT The Human Hiring Blueprint: Fixing Recruiting in the Age of AI Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Meagan West, Founder and Principal Consultant, Westward Strategies Automation was supposed to make hiring easier. Instead, HR is now drowning in AI-generated resumes, disengaged candidates, and screening tools that are unintentionally filtering out qualified talent. The future of recruiting isn't more technology, it's the intentional balance of tech and human judgment. This session gives HR and talent leaders a data-driven, humanity-focused hiring framework so they can reduce bias, improve quality of hire, and build a trustworthy candidate experience. Attendees will learn how to recognize where automation adds value, causes harm, and how to prevent "candidate invisibility" created by algorithm-only screening. You'll walk away with a practical blueprint that protects fairness, supports overlooked talent, and improves hiring decisions without slowing down the business. No shiny tech hype. No fear-based "robots are taking over" talk. Just strategic recruiting that puts humans back where they belong in the hiring conversation. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT The Skills (R)evolution: Preparing Employees for Tomorrow's Jobs Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: VP, Thought Leadership, SHRM; Director, Operations & Partnerships, SHRM As skill needs continue to evolve, organizations are under growing pressure to build a workforce that can meet today's business demands while preparing for what comes next. Learning and development (L&D) plays a critical role in that effort by helping employees grow, adapt, and sustain the skills organizations need as work changes. This SHRM signature thought leadership session will explore how organizations are approaching L&D, which practices are most closely connected to stronger organizational outcomes, and what employees need from learning opportunities to stay engaged and prepared. These findings offer HR and L&D leaders practical guidance for aligning development with business priorities, strengthening workforce capability, and preparing employees for a changing skills landscape. 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT Unwell at Work: Addressing the Health Challenges No One Talks About Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Justine Roper, DR, CEO, DPT, InHer Physique Pelvic Floor Therapy & Wellness Men's and women's health challenges-such as prostate issues, heart disease, menopause, pelvic pain, and chronic stress-are quietly disrupting the modern workforce. These conditions often go unspoken, undiagnosed, and unsupported, yet they significantly impact performance, absenteeism, retention, and morale. In this bold and inclusive session, Dr. Justine Williams Roper, a physical therapist and workplace wellness consultant, sheds light on the silent health struggles affecting employees across genders and age groups. Drawing from clinical experience, case studies, and real-world strategies, this session equips HR leaders to recognize the red flags, reduce stigma, and build programs that reflect the diverse health realities of today's workforce. Attendees will learn how to move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives and implement targeted, practical solutions that increase resilience, loyalty, and organizational success. 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM EDT Green and Growing or Ripe and Rotting? -- Why the Culture You Cultivate Determines Who You Attract Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Abby Mckiernan, President; Founder, HelpLink Every relationship must be reciprocal to thrive. From marriages and friendships to the care you give your favorite fern... yes, even your plants need consistent attention if you want them to grow. The workplace is no different. For too long, companies have expected loyalty, performance, and passion from staff without offering the same level of care in return. But times have changed. Today's workforce is looking for more than a paycheck, They want to be part of a workplace that sees them, supports them, and invests in their well-being. This session is an invitation to be part of that shift. Whether you're already building a people-first culture or just starting to rethink how your organization shows up for its team, we'll explore how small, intentional acts of care can lead to big returns especially when it comes to recruiting and retaining great people. 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM EDT Why the Future of Global HR Innovation and Talent Optimization Partnerships Will Be Written in Africa Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jeffrey Boham, Senior Curriculum Designer, United. States National Foreign Affairs Training Center A thought-provoking and evidence-based session that brings Africa's growing role in the AI and HR innovation landscape to the center of global attention. The presentation argues that Africa is not just the next market for HR development; it is the movement redefining how people, technology, and partnerships will work together to drive sustainable talent outcomes worldwide. 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM EDT Book Signing with Abby McKiernan Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Abby Mckiernan, President; Founder, HelpLink After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM EDT Book Signing with April Simpkins Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: April Simpkins, President and CEO, Paragon Strategy Partners After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM EDT Book Signing with Ben Eden Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Ben Eden, Head of Professional Development, LifeGuides After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM EDT Book Signing with Christopher "CJ" Gross Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Christopher Gross, Keynote Speaker | Storyteller | Author | Change Management Consultant | CEO, Jabbar HR Solutions, LLC After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM EDT Book Signing with Daphne Dickopf Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Daphne Dickopf, Owner and Executive Coach, Change Matters Coaching, LLC After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM EDT Book Signing with Theresa Hummel-Krallinger Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Theresa Hummel-Krallinger, Chief People Officer, High Five Performance, Inc. After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM EDT Clarify Your Message: How Story-Driven Communication Helps Businesses Grow Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: J.J. Peterson, Founder and President, Conscious Brand Agency; Chris Allen, Chief Marketing Officer, Auris Communication expert, keynote speaker, and Founder of Conscious Brand Agency, Dr. J.J. Peterson unpacks why so many businesses struggle to clearly explain what they do and how gaining that clarity becomes a true competitive advantage. Drawing on decades of experience across communication theory, leadership, and brand strategy, Dr. Peterson walks through how the StoryBrand framework helps organizations simplify their messaging, connect more deeply with customers, and fuel growth through the power of story. The conversation covers storytelling as both a marketing tool and a leadership discipline, giving entrepreneurs practical strategies to cut through confusion, sharpen audience engagement, and build brands that people actually remember. The Entrepreneur's Studio, presented by Auris, is now in its fourth season of candid conversations with some of today's most compelling business minds and cultural icons. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM EDT Meeting the Moment: What Gen Z wants from their Workplaces Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Carly Chase, Vice President of Careers Business Franchise, US News and World Report Gen Z interns are redefining workplace expectations, prioritizing transformational benefits over transactional ones. Drawing on U.S. News' latest career data, this session reveals that securing a full-time job is the top internship benefit, far outweighing compensation or academic credit. This generation is motivated by high-impact professional development, including skill-building workshops and opportunities to present work to leadership-not passive activities like shadowing. Employers must address logistical hurdles, as housing and transportation influence over 70% of acceptance decisions. We'll explore Gen Z's preference for medium-sized intern classes and companies, their nuanced interest in in-person work, and how platform-specific recruiting strategies (LinkedIn, social media) are essential for attracting and retaining this dynamic talent pool. Learn how to design programs that meet their desire for meaningful career development and clear paths to employment. 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM EDT The Hope Advantage: Solving the Engagement Crisis through Science-Based Leadership that Reduces Burnout and Retains Top Talent Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Yira Muse, Founder & Speaker, Waypowered Leadership, LLC Half of US workers feel job stress on a daily basis which often leads to disengagement, anxiety, & depression. Current estimates are that 17% of the American workforce is in a state of active disengagement and depression, while depression and anxiety are on track to cost global companies $16 Trillion dollars in lost productivity by 2030 (McKinsey, WHO). Traditional wellness programs treat symptoms, not root causes. This session introduces Hope Science -- a research-backed framework known to boost employee engagement, improve job satisfaction, and decrease turnover. Attendees will learn the three components of Hope (Goals, Agency, Pathways) that reduce stress hormones while activating creative problem-solving regions of the brain. They'll get practical applications for preventing disengagement and burnout, transforming career development conversations, and creating psychologically safe environments where employees thrive. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT 90 Days to Prove AI: Securing Buy-In and Budget (Live Podcast Recording) Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Paul Carney, Founder, Ishtot, Inc. The first 90 days of any AI initiative can make or break its future, yet most leaders underestimate just how much is riding on this critical window. In today's rapidly evolving business landscape characterized by technological disruption, shifting workforce expectations, and heightened competition, the pressure to deliver tangible results around AI's effectiveness quickly is immense, and the stakes for securing buy-in from leaders couldn't be higher. In this special recording with an expert AI educator and organizational leader in front of a live audience for SHRM's podcast, The AI+HI Project, host Nichol Bradford will unpack the essential strategies and metrics leaders must prioritize to demonstrate clear value, build trust with stakeholders, and lay the groundwork for successful long-term AI adoption. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT An Employment Lawyer's Top 10 Reasons Why Employers Get Sued by Employees (And How To Prevent Them All)! Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Bowles Rice LLP The list of reasons employers get sued by employees is as long as it is wide, which is probably not surprising given the array of responsibilities that managing workers involves. Whether it's pay calculations, performance or leave management, investigations, accommodation decisions, or something else, HR professionals need to be able to identify the most dangerous lawsuit threats in the day-to-day decisions they make with their workforce. Come for an engaging session by a seasoned employment lawyer with almost 30 years in the trenches reviewing his top 10 reasons why employers get sued by employees, and stay for preventative tips on how to avoid each and every one of them! 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT Automation, AI, and Job Displacement Risk in U.S. Employment Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Justin Ladner, Senior Labor Economist, SHRM Popular narratives surrounding AI are often dominated by overly simplistic, often extreme points of view such as "AI is a fad" and "AI will make human workers obsolete." This dialogue is unhelpful and even counterproductive for those who require an objective, nuanced understanding of the extent to which automation and AI are reshaping the world of work. This session leverages new SHRM survey data and research aimed at understanding the degree to which individual occupations are currently exposed to automation and AI, with a particular focus on the degree to which occupations face automation displacement risk. This information is critically important to organizations looking to evolve efficiently and effectively in an increasingly dynamic technological environment. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT California Earthquakes: What You Need To Know for 2027 Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jonathan Siegel, Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C. California continues to challenge employers like no other state. This session will review new California legal developments and trends through various entertaining scenarios covering leave management, wage and hour and employment compliance. The sessions will provide a strategy for conducting good faith compliance audits which will help reduce the risk of potential class actions and Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) actions. This session also will highlight the changes which directly impact your handbook and policies 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT Culture Redefined: Architecting a Skills-Driven, Continuous Feedback Culture Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Vanessa Zamy, Managing Principal & Trusted HR Advisor, LiberationX Contracts The traditional annual review is a failed retention strategy; an outdated system that erodes trust and stalls essential skills development. HR must make a decisive move toward a Skills-First Feedback Culture. This session provides an actionable blueprint to transform your performance management from a compliance activity into a continuous engine for upskilling and engagement. In this training, globally trusted HR advisor, Vanessa Zamy will unpack the five critical stages of a healthy feedback ecosystem, leveraging a case study of a one-person HR team successfully launching a new performance management system. Learn to implement processes that ensure feedback is frequent, tied directly to necessary workforce skills, and fosters the psychological safety required for a truly liberating work environment where employees and organizations thrive, not just survive. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT Curate. Discover. Converse. How AI and Human Expertise Are Redefining Learning Discovery for HR Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Keith Jones, Sr. Manager, PXT Academy, Amazon; Yinglu Chen, Sr. L&D Specialist, Amazon L&D teams often struggle with content overload and visibility: learners can't find what they need, when they need it. In this session, Amazon's PXT Academy shares how they built a people-centered and AI-powered learning ecosystem serving 8,000+ HR professionals across 30+ countries. Learn how AI reduced content curation time by 90%, enabled personalized learner journeys, and kept humans in the driver's seat. Walk away with three actionable strategies to transform how your organization learns. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT Emotional Intelligence Is a System Skill That Makes Work Work Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Bethany Adams, Assistant Professor, Villanova University Emotional intelligence is often framed as an individual leadership skill, but today it functions as something much larger: a system-level capability that determines whether work actually works. As organizations face increasing complexity and speed, employees at every level must rely on emotional intelligence competencies to collaborate, navigate tension, and adapt. These capabilities do not emerge by chance; they are shaped by the systems HR puts in place. This session reframes emotional intelligence as a cultural and organizational capability rather than a personal development goal. Through an HR lens, we will explore how work design and leadership expectations either reinforce or undermine emotionally intelligent behavior, and how HR can intentionally shape systems that support it. Participants will leave with a clear framework and practical examples for building emotional intelligence as a shared capability embedded into how work gets done. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT Employers in the Hot Seat: Surviving Form I-9 Audits and Enforcement in Trump 2.0 Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: John Mazzeo, Counsel, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP One year into Trump 2.0, a familiar pattern has re-emerged: worksite enforcement is once again front-page news. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) audits, raids, and penalties are leaving employers scrambling to ensure their Form I-9 compliance can withstand scrutiny. Compliance is no longer just a best practice; it's a necessity for business continuity and risk management. Drawing on his extensive experience as both a former ICE prosecutor and industry leader in employment eligibility verification, John Mazzeo provides an insider's perspective on how today's enforcement actions are evolving, what patterns employers need to watch, and how proactive compliance can mitigate liability. The session will include real-world examples, audit preparation strategies, and a forward-looking analysis of how enforcement trends are likely to continue through 2026. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to protect their organizations amid this renewed era of heightened scrutiny. 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM EDT From First Impression to Long-Term Retention: Rethinking Recruitment & Onboarding Strategie Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Mauricio Menendez, Sr. Specialist, Talent Acquisition, SHRM; Raiyana Bryant, Senior Specialist, Talent and Employee Experience, SHRM Today's workforce expects more than just a hiring process - they expect an experience that fosters connection, clarity, and engagement from the very beginning. In this interactive roundtable session, attendees will participate in guided discussions on how organizations can align recruitment, onboarding, and employee experience strategies to improve retention, engagement, and long-term success. Through table conversations and shared insights, participants will exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and explore innovative approaches to enhancing the candidate and new hire experience. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT From Panic to Pattern: Make Feedback Routine, Not Reactive Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Joseph Rotella, Chief Value Officer, Delphia Consulting, LCL Replace fire-drill coaching with a steady rhythm that keeps work moving. This session shows managers how to run short, reliable touchpoints that build clarity and momentum. You will learn exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to keep conversations calm and specific. We will practice starter scripts for setting expectations, checking progress, and course correcting without drift. You will also get a simple follow-up tracker that turns insights into next steps, owners, and due dates so commitments do not disappear after the meeting. The result is fewer surprises, faster adjustments, and a record you can roll into fair reviews. Come away with a weekly cadence, five plug-and-play prompts, and a lightweight log you can use the same day. 4:00 PM - 4:20 PM EDT Future-Ready Talent Acquisition: Emerging Trends in AI to Attract, Engage, and Retain Top Talent Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Davis McAlister, CEO, ETS Enterprises, LLC Talent acquisition is more than filling positions-it's about building a workforce that supports organizational growth and resilience. In this session, we will dive into comprehensive talent strategies that address emerging trends in recruitment, engagement, and retention. Attendees will gain insights into utilizing AI for streamlined recruitment processes, creating a candidate-centered experience, and fostering a strong employer brand. We'll also explore the importance of internal mobility, skills-based hiring, and developing succession plans that maintain continuity in key roles. Additionally, this session emphasizes workforce development as a retention strategy, focusing on upskilling and growth pathways for employees. By the end, participants will be equipped with actionable insights to attract, engage, and retain talent, driving sustainable success. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT How to Leverage the 5 Hidden Signals That Predict Cultural Drift Track: Leadership & Management Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kelly Blackmon, Owner/Founder, B.E. Consulting Cultural problems rarely appear all at once-they drift. Trust thins, communication tightens, and engagement drops long before leaders recognize what's happening. Beneath every visible issue are early relational signals that reveal whether a team is stabilizing or quietly unraveling. This session introduces the five hidden signals that predict cultural drift and teaches leaders how to identify, interpret, and act on them before they escalate into performance or retention challenges. Using the Relational Drift Cycle (RDC), attendees will learn how ambiguous expectations, narrative gaps, behavioral inconsistency, emotional undercurrents, and decision pressure shape the lived culture of their teams. Rather than offering another program to implement, this session provides a simple diagnostic lens leaders can use immediately to stabilize relationships, strengthen trust, and re-anchor teams during periods of uncertainty or change. 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM EDT Leading through Change: Transformational Strategies for Diverse Teams, Dynamic Times, and Continuous Growth Track: DEI & Civility Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Rico Sharp, Professional Speaker, Bringing Out the Best in You Today's workforce includes multiple generations, cultural identities, learning styles, communication preferences, and life experiences. Rico guides participants through research-backed strategies that cultivate understanding, collaboration, and psychological safety within diverse teams. Leaders will learn how to maximize the strengths of every individual-regardless of personality type, background, or work environment-while promoting equity, accountability, and unified goals. Drawing from his work with students, educators, business professionals, speakers, and nonprofit leaders nationwide, Rico demonstrates how leaders can: Create belonging-centered environments Build trust across differences Communicate with clarity and empathy Coach team members to rise into their potential Address conflict before it escalates 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT Managing Stress & Increasing Recovery to Maintain Peak Performance Track: Learning & Development Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Nick Propper, CEO Many of us are maintaining a very high level of performance through a combination of grit, willpower, determination and a great surge of stress hormones. Whilst this does support top level performance, it's not a sustainable energy system and increases the threat of exhaustion and overwhelm. This session is designed to give us the strategies to maintain peak performance by learning to manage our stress more effectively, and our recovery more intentionally, as we tackle what's coming next. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT Red Flags, Quiet Risks: HR Strategies for Detection, Documentation, and Trauma-Informed Response Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Amy Jauman, Director of Human Resources, DNA Doe Project HR professionals are often the first line of defense when employee well-being, safety, and compliance intersect. But serious misconduct like substance abuse, theft, boundary violations, or predatory behavior can unfold quietly, leaving HR to act on incomplete information or ambiguous warning signs. Drawing on experience as an HR director, victim advocate, and the ghostwriter of When You See It: How I Outsmarted and Outlasted Dirty John, this session presents a real, multi-state case that reveals how hidden misconduct escalates and why detection is often difficult. Attendees will explore the context behind HR decisions, tradeoffs between compliance, safety, and culture, and how evolving laws and licensure rules shape today's response and leave with practical, trauma-informed strategies to intervene earlier, strengthen reporting protocols, and protect employees and the public without assigning blame. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT Right Hire, Right Growth: A Practitioner's Unfiltered Look at AI Across Hiring and Retention Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Namrata Kamdar, Co-Founder, Testlify; Jim Link, CHRO, SHRM; Chris Vitale, CTO, Simple Tire; Jamie Albers, Co-CEO, Mento; Matthew Hoffman, CPO, M13 SHRM research reveals that 90% of HR professionals whose organizations offer mentorship describe it as effective at addressing skills gaps, and 56% of U.S. workers have watched a colleague hired for skills they turned out not to have. This practitioner-led session features executives sharing unfiltered results from tools they personally deployed. Chris Vitale, who established the eCommerce program for Pep Boys leading up to their acquisition in 2016 and drove consistent triple-digit growth for Simple Tire, shares what happened when he deployed Testlify's AI-powered skills assessments in hiring. Matt Hoffman, who built People functions at DigitalOcean (successful IPO, #1 Best Place to Work in NYC) and Return Path (#2 Best Place to Work in the U.S., Fortune), shares his results using Mento's AI-matched leadership coaching to develop and retain top talent. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT The Brain-Healthy Workplace: A New Imperative for HR Leaders Track: Benefits & Wellbeing Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Sara Rahim, Thriving Together Manager, SHRM; Tracye Weeks, Chief People & Culture Officer, Mental Health America; Katherine Evans, Chief Programs & Mission Engagement Officer, Alzheimer's Association; Kevin Ryan, Director, Delta Dental Community Care Foundation As people live and work longer, brain health is becoming a critical priority for the modern workforce. Nearly all work relies on cognitive capabilities-attention, memory, judgment, and creativity-making brain health essential to performance, safety, and innovation. The same workplace factors that shape mental health, such as stress, connection, purpose, and access to support, also directly influence long-term cognitive health. Attendees will explore how to embed brain health into workplace strategies to enhance performance and build mentally healthy, thriving workplaces. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT The Next Era of Pay: Skills, Internal Value, and the Changing Nature of Work Track: AI & Technology Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Nicole Armstrong, Founder & CEO, Ellequate Most organizations still anchor pay to backward-looking market data, even as AI and automation reshape the value of work. Many of the easiest-to-benchmark skills still command the highest pay, while capabilities that are hardest to automate like judgment, collaboration, and relationship-building remain undervalued and inconsistently rewarded. This session equips HR and compensation leaders to move from job title- and market-only pay to a data-driven, skills-based strategy aligned with organizational priorities and real-world constraints. Through practical examples and tools, participants will learn to identify value-creating skills, build internal value frameworks, and design compensation that is fair, defensible, and future-ready. Participants will engage in interactive exercises to reframe roles through a skills lens, pressure-test their reliance on market benchmarks, and outline a roadmap for implementing skills-based pay that supports retention, internal mobility, and pay equity. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT The Secrets to Engage the Quiet Quitters - How to Identify AND ENGAGE those Employees Who are Attempting to 'Sink Your Boat' Track: Culture & Engagement Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Robert Kelleher, Author / Speaker / Chief Engagement Officer, The Employee Engagement Group Although Quiet Quitting is all the rage, speaker/author Bob Kelleher first introduced the concept in his You Tube Video, Who's Sinking Your Boat (1.2 million views). In this dynamic and multimedia presentation, Bob shares studies that show that an individual's level of engagement or disengagement can be directly linked to a variety of factors: One's own engagement; who you select to manage people; the disconnect between an individual's and the firm's values; the dynamics that take place in people's lives OUTSIDE of work; and the failure of firms to hold the actively disengaged accountable. Bob will walk through key steps to reverse disengagement, while energizing and engaging your 'quiet quitters'. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT Women in the Workforce: Meeting the Unique Needs of Women at All Generational Levels Track: Healthcare & Benefits Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Janie Warner, Vice President, HR Consulting, Marsh McLennan Agency As of March 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports nearly 58% of the active workforce in the US are women. Approximately 2 out of 3 designated caregivers (for children, aging parents or other family members) are women (US Department of Labor). At different ages, women also represent a significant percent of healthcare spending and pharmacy costs. Women pose a significant challenge at different stages of life for the employer and there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to the employment experience for their gender. This session will explore the various and unique issues facing women in the workforce and discuss how employers can meet those needs now and in the future. 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM EDT Book Signing with Deborah McGee Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Deborah McGee, Founder and CEO, PZI(R) Group (People Zealously Interconnected(R)) After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM EDT Book Signing with Rico Sharp Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Rico Sharp, Professional Speaker, Bringing Out the Best in You After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM EDT Book Signing with Amy Jauman Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Amy Jauman, Director of Human Resources, DNA Doe Project After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM EDT Book Signing with Kelly Blackmon Track: Conference Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Kelly Blackmon, Owner/Founder, B.E. Consulting After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed! 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM EDT SHRM26 After Hours: Presented by Paycom Track: Conference Services Type: Networking/Event 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. ================================================================================ FRIDAY, JUNE 19 ================================================================================ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM A CEO's Perspective: How HR Can Enable Organizations to Navigate Change and Become Heros Track: Leadership & Navigation Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Darlyne Keller, President/CEO, Rock Valley Credit Union; Barbara Trautlein, Principal, Change Catalysts, LLC You'll hear from a CEO how her collaboration with HR empowered her organization to lead through significant transformations, emerging stronger financially and culturally. Learn how to coach senior leaders, support middle managers, and equip your workforce to embrace new ways of working. 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM AI in HR: Choosing What to Automate and What to Humanize Track: Technology & AI Type: Roundtable Speakers: Mauricio Menendez, Sr. Specialist, Talent Acquisition, SHRM; Michael Sottile-Jackson, Talent Acquisition Associate, SHRM AI and automation are rapidly reshaping recruiting, employee communications, workforce planning, learning, and HR operations. This roundtable explores where technology is creating meaningful efficiency, where human connection still matters most, and how HR leaders can responsibly adapt to emerging tools while maintaining trust, ethics, and employee experience. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM A Walk in Their Shoes: An Interactive Look at Workforce Barriers Firsthand Track: Employee Experience & Engagement Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Abby Mckiernan, President; Founder, HelpLink In this interactive simulation, you'll step into an employee's reality as transportation, childcare, utilities, and health costs collide with attendance policies and limited options. Built from patterns seen across 100,000+ real needs met through HelpLink's programs, the experience shows how everyday barriers quietly erode attendance, morale, and retention. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Civility Not Sterility Track: Workplace Culture Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jonathan Segal, Partner, Duane Morris LLP Leaders sometimes play it safe by avoiding personal connections with reports to avoid harassment accusations. But if leaders keep reports at arms' length, collaboration and mentorship are undermined. This program explores how leaders can develop personal connections in workplace relationships without taking on unreasonable legal risk. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Generational Drama: The Workplace Soap Opera You Didn't Ask For... Track: Workplace Culture Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Nancy Gunter, President/CEO, Gunter Training, Consulting, and Coaching This interactive session looks at the 5 generations currently in the workplace: Traditionalists, Boomers, Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z. Explores 3 specific clash points of Communication, Supervision, and Feedback, and gives insight into how these distinct generations think and what causes clashes. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Navigating Sexual Harassment Training Mandates Across U.S. Jurisdictions Track: Employment Law & Compliance Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Rachel Manne, Partner, Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C. This session offers HR professionals a clear, actionable overview of the current regulatory landscape, highlighting state and local requirements related to who must be trained, how often, and what content must be covered. Includes practical guidance for evaluating existing training programs and training remote workers. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM No Job Description. No Problem: How to Recruit Like an Executive Search Pro at Lightning Speed Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Robin Milstead, Managing Partner, US for Zensho Agency Recruiting leader Robin Milstead pulls back the curtain on how elite headhunters fill high-stakes roles - often before they're ever posted. With 20+ years of experience across Disney, PwC, and Audible, learn how to build hiring stories that sell opportunity, extract strategic value from discovery conversations, and position roles to attract top-tier performers. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM The Future Of Work: What Humans Do That AI Can't Track: Technology & AI Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Nikkia Gumbs, Founder and Human Systems Architect, The House of the Sun This session reframes the future of work by identifying what AI cannot replicate - judgment, ethical reasoning, narrative sensemaking, psychological insight, and relational intelligence. Introduces the Human-AI Workforce Architecture model, a framework for redesigning roles so humans do the thinking and machines do the tasks. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM The Missing Link in Talent Strategy: Child Care Solutions That Transform Workforce Stability Track: Employee Benefits Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Eric Cutler, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, TOOTRIS This session explores how employers are transforming Child Care from a barrier into a competitive advantage through real-time, flexible, tech-enabled benefit models. Featuring case studies from Mazda Toyota Manufacturing and other enterprises, highlighting measurable gains in attraction, retention, attendance, culture, and reputation. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM The State of the Workplace: Aligning Needs for 2026 and Beyond Track: HR Strategy Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Ashley Miller, Director, Operations & Partnerships, SHRM This session delves into SHRM's latest research, surveying over 1,800 HR professionals and 2,000 U.S. workers, to uncover critical insights into the alignment or misalignment between worker needs and employer priorities. Attendees will explore the most pressing workplace needs for 2026. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Transforming the Communications/Corporate Affairs Function: AI, Measurement and Resources Track: HR Strategy Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Rochelle Ford, CEO, Page Society CCOs want senior HR leaders partnership on AI and functional transformation. Through insights from the 2026 Benchmark Study of 150+ top global communications leaders, learn how the communications function is evolving as it relates to AI, measurement, structure, resourcing, and reporting relationships. 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Book Signing with Abby McKiernan Track: Event Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Abby Mckiernan, President; Founder, HelpLink Room: SHRM Store After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed by Abby McKiernan. 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Book Signing with Barbara A. Trautlein Track: Event Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Barbara Trautlein, Principal, Change Catalysts, LLC Room: SHRM Store After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed by Barbara A. Trautlein. 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Book Signing with Nikkia Gumbs Track: Event Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Nikkia Gumbs, Founder and Human Systems Architect, The House of the Sun Room: SHRM Store After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed by Nikkia Gumbs. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Leading with Vision: Building Cultures That Inspire, Include, and Transform Track: General Session Type: General Session / Keynote Speakers: Betty Thompson, Chair, Board of Directors, SHRM; Oprah Winfrey, Global Media Leader and Philanthropist Room: General Session Hall Join a powerful conversation with Oprah Winfrey that explores what it truly means to lead in moments of change, complexity, and opportunity. This session examines how leaders can build workplace cultures where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to do their best work. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Book Signing with Ram Charan Track: Event Services Type: Book Signing Speakers: Ram Charan Room: SHRM Store After your purchase at the SHRM Store, come get your book signed by Ram Charan. 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM When Domestic Abuse Comes to Work and Affects Culture and Profits Track: Workplace Safety & Culture Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Mollie Campbell, Founder and CEO, Employers Against Domestic Abuse Alliance It is estimated that 1 in 3 women in America will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. This talk walks the audience through a victim's life to engage in conversation about awareness, education, advocacy, and action around domestic abuse in the workplace. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Critical Leadership Skills Because Workplace Drama Costs Money Track: Leadership & Navigation Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kim laughlin, Owner, Cultural Apex Coaching Workplace drama is a costly drain on your business. From missed deadlines to high turnover, unresolved conflict and poor communication chip away at morale, efficiency, and your bottom line. This session explores how mastering soft skills is a strategic advantage for navigating human dynamics. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM From Microaggressions to Microinclusions: Rebuilding Civility and Connection at Work Track: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Kevin England, Founder and CEO, Infinito Associates Drawing from SHRM's Civility Index research, this interactive session focuses on microinclusions - small, intentional behaviors that demonstrate respect and belonging. Through relatable stories, reflection exercises, and peer discussion, participants learn to transform everyday interactions into opportunities for connection and inclusion. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM HR Blind Spots: The Top Workplace Risks Organizations Miss - And How to Fix Them Track: HR Strategy Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Katrice Miller, Founder & CEO, Corporate Consulting Group LLC 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. 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM HR in Manufacturing: From Reactive to Strategic Track: HR Strategy Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Tallys Moreth, HR Generalist, Gnutti Carlo USA In this session, we explore what it looks like for HR to shift from reactive support to a more strategic role in manufacturing environments. Discusses how to align HR with production goals, build stronger relationships with plant leadership, improve retention, and support a more stable workforce. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM It's Not You, It's Polywork: Managing Employees Who Have Relationships With Multiple Employers Track: Future of Work Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Katie Tanner, Senior HR Consultant, James Moore & Co., P.L. In today's world of polywork, professionals juggle side gigs, passion projects, and multi-disciplinary roles alongside their day jobs. This session explores how to spot the signs of polywork, set healthy boundaries, and embrace employees' multifaceted careers as a source of creativity and loyalty. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Recognition Reimagined: Transparent Approaches Beyond Merit and Hierarchy Track: Total Rewards Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Jennifer Givens, Consulting Principal, SullivanCotter, Inc.; Amanda Wethington, Principal, C3 Nonprofit Consulting Group, A division of SullivanCotter 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. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Still Working - Still Passionate: Hiring and Retaining Baby Boomers for Organizational Success Track: Talent Acquisition Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Janie Warner, Vice President, HR Consulting, Marsh McLennan Agency A 2023 Pew Research study estimated approximately 20% of Americans aged 65+ are still employed, with about 29% of Baby Boomers aged 65-72 actively working or seeking work. This session explores the tremendous opportunity to retain and recruit this population for their institutional knowledge and work ethic. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM The Leadership Reset: Rebuilding Confidence, Clarity & Momentum in a Changing Workplace Track: Leadership & Navigation Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Scott Bruce, Career Coach, Speaker, HiPo People 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. 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Understanding Trends in U.S. Labor Demand Track: Workforce Planning Type: Breakout Session Speakers: Justin Ladner, Senior Labor Economist, SHRM This session fills a knowledge gap by exploring trends in U.S. labor demand as measured by job posting data, including a review of the occupations and skills that are most in demand, as well as those for which demand has fallen substantially. Critical for optimizing talent attraction and retention plans. ================================================================================ Total: 422 sessions Built by (617)-PATRICK, Champion AI speaker https://617-patrick.com/shrm26