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Communication Techniques to Transform Your Relationships  

Elise Powers
Founder, Eleview Consulting 

Intentional communication is the key to making any workplace run smoothly. In this high-energy keynote, you'll gain actionable techniques to transform how you communicate in your personal and professional life. Elise Powers of Eleview Consulting will share science-backed tips on how to ask thoughtful questions, use body language to build trust, and set clear expectations with your team. You’ll gain tips for bridging generational differences to ensure every colleague feels valued and understood.

HR Hotline Live 

Facilitated by Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
President & CEO, HR Source

See all the drama of the HR Hotline live on the conference stage! Take a peek behind the curtain as our HR Hotline experts dive into hot topics, trends, and insights gleaned from more than 7,000 member questions fielded each year. You'll leave with answers to tough questions as well as tips and tools for analyzing your own challenging HR situations. Don’t miss this dynamic, interactive session where HR expertise meets real-world challenges!

Employment Law Update 

Kelly A. Hayden, JD
Chief Legal Counsel, HR Source

Sonal Shah, JD
Assistant Director, Employment Law Services, HR Source

Join us for an engaging and interactive exploration of real-world employment law cases. This session features compelling fact patterns from real court cases involving workplace disputes, discrimination, wrongful termination, and more. Test your legal instincts by guessing how the courts ruled in each scenario. This presentation is designed to deepen your understanding of employment law, highlight key legal principles, and provide practical insights into how legal decisions are made. Whether you're an HR professional, organizational leader, manager, or just a legal enthusiast, you’ll walk away with valuable insight to navigate complex workplace situations. Get ready to sharpen your skills and see if you can predict the verdict! 

The New Pay Transparency Regulations

Amy Sneirson
Equal Pay Act Manager, Illinois Department of Labor

Employers are now required to include pay and benefits details in most job postings and to notify current staff of internal openings. Join the Illinois Department of Labor's Equal Pay Manager, Amy Sneirson, as she breaks down the amendments to the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003, shares insider insights on compliance, and answers your burning questions about enforcement. This is your chance to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your organization is ready to meet these new standards!

Managing Immigration Challenges in 2025 

Bob White
Principal, Masuda Funai

Get ready to tackle the evolving challenges of the U.S. immigration system head-on in 2025! From adjudication delays and Requests for Evidence (RFEs) to denials and worksite verifications, immigration hurdles are on the rise. In this session, we’ll dive into the key challenges employers are facing, forecast what’s on the horizon, and share actionable strategies to navigate these complexities with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and learn to minimize disruptions while keeping your organization on track.

Mental Health Matters: Workplace Grief  

Jody LaVoie, ACC
Founder, Trainer & Coach, The Grief Company & Widows in the Workplace

Create a workplace environment that supports employees experiencing grief. Grief significantly impacts work performance, making it essential to provide support beyond traditional Employee Assistance Programs. Jody LaVoie will guide you in developing and implementing strategies to normalize grief and foster empathy, ensuring that employees feel valued while maintaining productivity. Discover how intentional grief support can transform workplace culture, reduce presenteeism, and demonstrate genuine care for your team.