NLRB Trends
Speaker: Timothy Watson
8:35 - 9:35AM

This session provides a comprehensive overview of key aspects of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), offering critical insights for HR professionals. We begin with an introduction to NLRB jurisdiction, including a refresher on employee versus independent contractor classifications under the NLRA. Next, we explore fundamental protections and employer obligations under the Act, emphasizing its applicability to both unionized and non-union workplaces. The discussion then shifts to significant legal developments within the past year, highlighting key rulings and policy changes. Finally, we conclude with an analysis of anticipated shifts in NLRB/NLRA regulations under the current administration, helping HR professionals stay informed and prepared for upcoming changes.

Navigating the Evolving Legal Landscape: Compliance Strategies for HR Professionals
Panel: Catherine Clifton, Adam Dougherty, Christina Cantu, Laura Bustamante
12:25 -1:25PM

This panel discussion provided HR professionals with critical insights into emerging legal and regulatory challenges in employment law for 2025. Experts explored key legislative updates, compliance strategies, and risk mitigation techniques to help HR leaders stay ahead of workplace legal trends.

Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations
Ruth Ann Daniels
9:45-10:45AM

Employers should be aware of when workplace investigations are needed and how they can effectively be conducted.

Workplace investigations are a very important tool in managing potential claims which can impact potential liability, particularly where discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims are being made by employees.  Workplace investigations must be handled effectively, efficiently and expeditiously and require a reasoned process and know-how by the investigators.

This presentation includes a discussion of 10 steps which should be followed or considered in conducting an effective workplace investigation, including how to choose an appropriate investigator,  plan for the investigation,  conduct and document effective interviews, gather and evaluate other evidence, determine whether misconduct occurred, and document the findings as appropriate.

EEOC Trends
Speaker: Adam Dougherty
1:30 - 2:30PM

Who is Currently in Charge at the EEOC and What are the EEOC’s likely Hot Button Issues under the Trump Administration

This presentation will examine the leadership structure of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), including key appointments and their potential influence on workplace discrimination enforcement. With the transition into the Trump administration, the EEOC’s priorities may shift, impacting how businesses navigate compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws. We will explore the commission’s likely stance on the latest recent issues and provide insight into potential regulatory changes, enforcement trends, and what employers should anticipate in the coming years.

Handle with Care: Managing Behavior and Building Teams Culturally
Speaker: Rodney Klein
10:45-11:45AM

How does an organization get a group diverse people who largely disagree with each other to work together toward a common goal? It does this through culture, a common set of internalized organizational values. But it’s not easy. So, in this session we will discuss building a culture around the idea of care – care about the job and care about the people we work with. We will talk about how to create high-functioning teams, how to help employees internalize the goals of the organization, and most of all, how to harness the productive disagreements we need to move forward and be successful.

Is DEI Legal?
Speaker: Caroline Harrison and Spencer Mainka
2:45-3:45PM

This presentation, led by Caroline Harrison and Spencer Mainka, will explore the evolving legal landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in light of President Trump’s executive orders. We will discuss the historical and legal context of DEI, key provisions of the executive orders, their impact on federal agencies, contractors, private employers, and educational institutions, as well as subsequent legal challenges. Finally, we will provide guidance on how employers can navigate these changes while remaining compliant with the law.