
ATTENDING FOR THE FIRST TIME - Targeted Event Agenda Built Just For You
Maximize Your First SHRM25 Experience
Sessions
Leading Change with Agility, Adaptability and Accountability - 1749
Even with the best intentions, 70 percent of organizational change initiatives fail. Worse yet, the need to pivot swiftly and evolve quickly when leading change is growing, but the ability to do it is shrinking. Instead of your next change effort exerting a heavy toll—both human and economic—discover actionable strategies for how to be a catalyst and lead the charge toward a positive and successful future. Apply an intentional approach to avoid derailing mistakes, and instead, foster enhanced communication, accountability and productivity. Manage the predictable dynamics that negatively impact change by better controlling emotional reactions and avoiding resistance. Model the right behaviors to preserve trust, cultivate commitment, and enhance morale. Inspire teams to achieve success by fostering an agile mindset and empowering them to thrive in a fast-paced, unstable environment.
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"
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.
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.
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.
Are You an HR Pro in California or have Operations in California? Give Us 20 Minutes and We Might Make Your Role Easier! - 2639
Does navigating workplace operations in California make your pulse quicken? Leverage the plethora of resources available as a SHRM member by joining us for an interactive session where our panel will share: where to get the latest updates on CA workplace practices, how to engage with local HR communities, how you can track state legislation and compliance changes, and how to obtain the tools and information you need straight from your CA-focused SHRM team. Relax, it will all be OK - SHRM has you covered!
Teach the Geek to Speak: Speaker Training Programs for Technical Staff - 1256
AI. Green technology. Augmented reality. All these topics are popular nowadays. Companies are either using them directly or developing products that incorporate them. Organizations need people who have the aptitude to learn technically complex topics quickly. The technical staff are these people. For a variety of reasons, though, technical professionals can struggle with communicating these topics, especially to non-technical audiences. HR leaders can help overcome this challenge by developing speaker training programs for the technical staff. In this session, we will discuss why developing a speaker program makes sense, what developing a speaker program entails, and how to track the usefulness of the program. This session is for HR leaders who recognize the issue of their technical staff struggling to convey technical information that others in the organization can understand and appreciate and are open to the idea of establishing speaker training programs to address the issue.
Speakers

CEO • Author • Blox Judge • Business scaling coach, Reality TV Star
Action Button
AC
State Council Director-Elect
SHRM California State Council

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

Chair, Board of Directors
SHRM

CEO
BambooHR

CEO
C-Suite Analytics

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

Executive Director Northern CA
SHRM

Founder
The James Robbins Company LLC

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

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

46th President of the United States of America

President and CEO
SHRM

Founder and Principal
Triangle Investigations

President & CEO
HBL Resources, Inc.

CEO
The Adversity Academy Leadership Development Group

Membership In
SHRM

Founder
Teach the Geek

Human Resources Generalist
ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks North America

Founder and Owner
Achieve Positive Outcomes, LLC
Activities
Conference Orientation - 2658
First-time conference attendees and conference veterans are all welcome during this opportunity to hear how to maximize their SHRM25 experience in San Diego. Glean how to utilize the conference mobile app, preview the overall agenda day by day on how to plan your schedule based on session type or learning level, how to navigate the conference campus, and more!
CLICK HERE TO TAKE POLL: https://web.polly.ai/kswgat
SHRM Expo Open Hours - 2682
Discover the world’s largest HR solutions center at the SHRM25 Expo! Explore cutting-edge HR products and services, enjoy Bevi’s Standup 2.0 water coolers, get a free professional headshot at Checkr’s Headshot Studio, and join Paylocity Gives to give back to the community. Visit the Expo Theaters for education, demos, thought leadership and make sure to grab a Passport and collect stamps from exhibitors all around the hall to submit for a chance at a great prize!
SHRM Expo Open Hours - 2683
Visit the SHRM25 Expo, the world’s largest HR solutions hub! Explore innovative HR products, enjoy Bevi’s Standup 2.0 water coolers, snag a free headshot at Checkr’s Headshot Studio, and join Paylocity Gives. Stop by Expo Theaters for education, demos, thought leadership, and win prizes with your Passport!
SHRM25 Expo Opening Reception - 2680
Experience the SHRM25 Opening Reception in the Expo Hall! Network with peers, explore innovative solutions, enjoy entertainment, and kick off the conference with energy and excitement.
Tuesday Night Entertainment Featuring Josh Groban - 2641
Enjoy your final evening at SHRM25 with special entertainment from Josh Groban! This will be an in-person only event and will not be livestreamed. Seating Schedule: Lining up for this event is not permitted until 5:00 pm. Reserved Accessibility & Accommodations Advanced Seating opens 5 minutes before general seating. General seating begins at 6:30 pm. Notice of Special Effects: Entertainment may include strobe lighting, flash photography, and special effects