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ATTENDING AS AN EXECUTIVE - This targeted event agenda is built just for you.

An experience for HR EXECUTIVES like no other

Sessions

Compliance, Chaos, and Collaboration: What We Learned from Building HR AI Tools with Humans in the Loop - 1624

What happens when HR teams embrace generative AI to tackle complex compliance challenges? In this session, we’ll share real-world lessons from building a custom AI assistant designed for HR compliance and best practices, providing actionable insights HR leaders can apply to their own AI initiatives. HR compliance demands accuracy, precision, and trust. Using a "Human in the Loop" (HITL) approach, we developed a structured framework with a dedicated HITL team to ensure quality and collaboration. This session explores how setting clear AI boundaries, incorporating human QA expertise, and fostering innovation transformed AI adoption into a successful partnership between humans and technology. Key takeaways include strategies for designing and maintaining AI tools tailored to HR needs, and balancing innovation with responsibility. Attendees will leave with practical approaches for integrating AI into HR workflows while preserving the essential human element that drives success.

The Call to Climb: Find Your Path, Conquer Your Fears and Fulfill Your Destiny - 2344

Based on the upcoming book, The Call to Climb (Wiley 2025) The Call to Climb is an adventure in personal excellence. It's based on the premise that all of us are living in large sweeping loops and repetitive patterns driven by subconscious programming. If you want to live more fully and authentically, you must first recover your autonomy. This involves identifying fears and patterns and them making better choices. Only then can you live a life more aligned with your heart. This session will give you the blueprint to do just that.

Building a More Resilient Workforce Through Meaningful Mental Health Initiatives - 1565

Mental health has become a critical factor in maintaining a productive and engaged workforce. This session will delve into case studies over three organizations that have launched mental health initiatives to build employee resilience and enhance workplace culture, providing actionable insights for creating supportive work environments that prioritize employee wellbeing.

As Employee Engagement Decreases Nationwide, Here’s A New Way to Fix It - 1471

Two decades of Gallup data tell us that employee engagement has hardly ever improved and is now getting worse. Gallup also tells us that first-line managers impact 70% of their team’s employee engagement scores, yet companies continue to instinctively look to HR to implement one-size-fits-all programs for recognition, communications, and career development. The missing piece is clear, that managers are not held accountable for improving their team’s employee engagement score. This session will provide a clear path to convince your executive team to hold managers accountable for engagement scores, how to administer surveys better, the plusses and minuses of external benchmark data, and ways to coach those managers to succeed.

Now Is the Time for Introverted HR Professionals - 2021

Many people believe that HR pros must be extroverted to succeed because they like people. This is far from the truth. Introverts are uniquely equipped to meet the trials and tribulations of today's fast-changing workplace. Deep listening, reflection, preparation, analysis, and connection are a few of the qualities and strengths they leverage daily. In this session, you will learn about the trials quieter people face in the workplace. We will also address how they use remote and hybrid situations to re-energize and perform at peak capacity. We will share several case studies illustrating how HR professionals triumph and have used their introverted personalities to influence change.

A Conversation That Matters: Civility, Positivity, and Leadership - 2654

Join Emmy-winning actor, comedian, writer, and producer Jason Sudeikis for an inspiring fireside chat that explores the power of civility, positivity, and authentic leadership. This special general session will open with a compelling address by Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary at SHRM, who will deliver a Policy, Not Politics update. In a time of shifting regulatory landscapes and heightened polarization, Emily will offer a clear-eyed, nonpartisan perspective on the policies shaping the world of work—and the role HR professionals play in advancing meaningful, civil discourse in today’s workplace. Following Emily’s remarks, Jason Sudeikis takes the stage to explore the transformative power of kindness and empathy in leadership. Drawing from his personal journey and the creation of the beloved character Ted Lasso, Jason shares how purpose-driven leadership can impact not just teams, but entire organizational cultures. Through candid reflections and stories from his career, Jason will examine the role of motivation, goal-setting, and vulnerability in shaping meaningful leadership. He’ll also touch on overcoming impostor syndrome and using positive energy to face challenges with resilience and humor. Whether you're a leader, aspiring changemaker, or simply seeking to lead with greater compassion, this session offers heartfelt insights and actionable takeaways on what it means to create conversations and communities that truly matter.

Misunderstood or Misconduct? Rethinking Neurodiversity in the Workplace - 2455

This session will discuss--in a fun, interactive, engaging way--how to address alleged misconduct from neurodivergent employees. The session will cover: 1. Understanding neurodivergency--definitions and examples, common misconceptions and biases 2. Addressing alleged misconduct from neurodivergent employees--when neurodivergent behavior is misinterpreted as misconduct, intentional vs. neurodivergent "misconduct"

Closing General Session - 2657

Leadership at the highest levels requires resilience, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate constant change. In this rare appearance, President Joe Biden will offer reflections on the enduring challenges and responsibilities that come with leading across sectors, generations, and global events. Drawing from decades of public service, his perspective will illuminate the qualities that define impactful leadership in times of transformation. This session will be in-person and livestreamed for registered attendees only. Recording, copying, or rebroadcasting is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. All attendees entering the Main Stage will need to go through metal detectors. The restricted items will not be permitted into the Main Stage under any circumstances. • Luggage check will be available from 7 a.m. to noon in the Hall D Lobby at the SDCC. • Attendees can also livestream session on their personal devices through the attendee portal or app. Overflow viewing areas are available at the convention center at Spotlight Stage A (Sails Pavilion) or Ballroom 20A (Upper Level). • Doors are scheduled to open 75 minutes before the session start time. Attendees with accessibility and accommodation needs can enter 5 minutes prior to general doors opening at Hall H. Restricted Items: • No bags, food or beverage of any kind • Aerosols • Laser pointers • Ammunition • Mace/Pepper spray • Animals other than service/guide animals • Packages • Backpacks and bags of any kind • Selfie Sticks • Balloons • Signs of any kind • Bicycles • Structures • Coolers • Supports for signs and placards • Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems • Toy guns • Explosives • Weapons of any kind • Firearms • Any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard • Glass, thermal or metal containers This event is 18+ in accordance with SHRM’s Event Policies.

Rising Above the Storm: HR’s Higher Calling - 2655

After the turbulence of the past year, the HR profession stands more resilient, essential, and influential than ever. Does your work look and feel different now? It should. This session begins with the Ethical Leader of the Year Award (ELYA) Presentation, celebrating Fortune 500 CEOs who exemplify outstanding ethical leadership. Launched in 2022 as a partnership between the William G. McGowan Fund and SHRM, this prestigious award recognizes leaders who make sound business decisions that positively benefit people and society. Past winners include Charles Lowrey (Prudential Financial), Ed Bastian (Delta Air Lines), and Marvin Ellison (Lowe’s). Join us for the exciting live announcement of the 2025 award recipient and hear how today’s top CEOs are prioritizing ethics in the workplace. Following the award presentation, SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. will take the stage to reflect on how HR has braved the storms he forecast last year—emerging with a renewed perspective on what’s possible for the profession. With this fresh outlook, HR’s role evolves beyond managing change to setting the flightpath for what comes next: rebuilding displaced livelihoods and creating workplaces where everyone can rise to their full potential—and far beyond.

Around the Water Cooler with The Office Ladies Clarity Over Chaos: Workplace Truths & Trends Moderated by Brad Rencher, CEO of BambooHR - 2656

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey–co-hosts of the hit podcast Office Ladies and beloved cast members of The Office–join BambooHR CEO Brad Rencher for a Main Stage session that brings heart, humor, and fresh perspective to the chaos of modern work. Together, they’ll explore what’s changed, what hasn’t, and why culture still matters most. From hybrid schedules to AI anxiety, the workplace is full of new pressures–and old myths. This session cuts through the noise, separating fact from fiction with real stories, relatable insights, and more than a few laughs. Along the way, Brad will offer a practical framework for navigating today’s biggest shifts while staying grounded in what makes work with it: values, connection, and a sense of belonging. If you ever wondered what Dunder Mifflin would look like today, or how to build a culture that holds up under pressure–this is the conversation you won’t want to miss.

How To Build Mentally Resilient, High-Performing Teams - 1214

Employee burnout and high turnover plague today’s workplaces, with toxic environments cited as the #1 reason employees quit. SgtQ, a Marine veteran and award-winning business owner, shares proven strategies to break this cycle by identifying mental health challenges that prevent team performance. In this session, attendees will discover three mental health “camps” their employees belong to and learn to guide them towards "Camp Hope"—a framework that fosters trust, self-awareness, and effective communication. By building mentally resilient teams and promoting positive workplace culture, participants will develop scalable processes that enhance retention, boost engagement, and optimize revenue.

SHRM Executive Network (EN): Membership for HR Executives Today Building Tomorrow's World of Work - 2638

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. Speaker: Robin Marquart, SHRM-SCP Director, Executive Community

Break The Bottle - How to Shatter Limiting Beliefs and Unlock Mindset, Identity, and Peak Performance - 1772

In this powerful keynote, Michael Allison delivers a transformational message designed to help leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals break through the self-imposed barriers that hold them back. Break The Bottle and the 3-D Method are the call to action for those ready to shatter limiting beliefs, embrace a growth mindset, and unlock their true identity and potential to achieve peak performance in life and business. Drawing from his Own Experiences of Overcoming Adversity in the military, entrepreneurship, and leadership, Michael provides actionable frameworks, strategies and insights that inspire audiences to challenge their mental barriers and redefine their personal and professional paths. With a dynamic blend of storytelling, practical advice, and motivational guidance, participants will walk away equipped to achieve peak performance in both personal and professional endeavors. PDF: https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/ZkUyPdaQlswBgzZIcKi8/media/672cb7fac56b5f2a43e99440.pdf

Speakers

Aaron Quinonez

CEO • Author • Blox Judge • Business scaling coach, Reality TV Star
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Aimee Pedretti

Principal AI Transformation Expert
Mitratech

Angela Kinsey

Award-Winning Actress, Bestselling Author, Co-Host
Office Ladies Podcast

Betty Thompson

Chair, Board of Directors
SHRM

Brad Rencher

CEO
BambooHR

Dick Finnegan

CEO
C-Suite Analytics

Emily M. Dickens, J.D.

Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary
SHRM

James Robbins

Founder
The James Robbins Company LLC

Jason Sudeikis

Emmy-winning Actor, Comedian, Writer, and Producer
Emmy-winning Actor, Comedian, Writer, and Producer

Jenna Fischer

Award-Winning Actress, Bestselling Author, Co-Host
Office Ladies Podcast

Jennifer Kahnweiler

Speaker, Author, Podcast Host
Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D.

Joe Biden

46th President of the United States of America

Johnny C. Taylor Jr.

President and CEO
SHRM

Kia Roberts

Founder and Principal
Triangle Investigations

Michael Dickerson

CEO
Dickerson Consulting Group, LLC

Michael Allison

CEO
The Adversity Academy Leadership Development Group

Robin Marquart

Director, Executive Community
SHRM

Susan Anderson

Head of HR Compliance Experts
Mitratech

Tallys Moreth

Human Resources Generalist
ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks North America

TC Williams

Principal Consultant - Mercer Expatriate Benefits COE
Mercer