ATTENDING AS AN INTERNATIONAL ATTENDEE: This targeted event agenda is built just for you.
Connect with your global community and maximize your experience at SHRM25. Below are recommendations for your time in San Diego.
Sessions
Effective and Compliant Workplace Programs Ensuring Equality in the Workplace - 2653
The legal landscape for workplace programs has shifted in 2025, prompting organizations to reassess and evolve their initiatives. Executive actions, agency guidance, and legal challenges are reshaping employer practices, requiring HR professionals to stay informed and compliant. This session offers a concise update on key legal developments affecting workplace programs, hiring practices, and non-discrimination policies. Learn how federal guidance is being enforced, what litigation risks to watch, and how employee expectations are shifting. We’ll cover best practices for aligning programs with legal requirements while supporting equal opportunity and business goals. Designed for HR professionals managing workplace policies and legal risk, attendees will gain actionable strategies to assess, adjust, and strengthen their programs in response to the changing legal environment.
Get It in Writing: How to Start the Process of Documenting Your Immigration Policy - 2374
All employers who hire or send employees across international borders - whether to engage in business activities, carry out short-term assignments or relocate for the long term - benefit from having a written immigration policy that covers the legal and practical issues of global travel and international relocation. A written policy helps companies meet duty-of-care obligations, prevents border issues and detainments and ensures that employees have the right to work when they arrive in their destination country. Additionally, a policy sets uniform expectations and guidelines to prevent managers and employees from running afoul of local labor laws or other sponsorship requirements. However, if you’ve never documented your immigration practices before or have a smaller corporate immigration program, you may not know where to start. Join BAL’s legal experts for a quick start guide on documenting your immigration policy.
Suffering in Silence: The Hidden Costs of Migraine and Chronic Conditions at Work and Tools to Take Action - 1956
Migraine is the second leading cause of workplace disability, affecting 1 in 7 people globally. Yet, new research shows most employees with chronic conditions like migraine do not disclose to their employer, and are working through the pain. Presenteeism takes a heavy toll on engagement, creativity, and safety, with migraine-related productivity loss estimated at $24 billion annually. Employers can gain a competitive edge in supporting and retaining workplace talent by addressing the stigma around chronic pain, improving access to treatment, and managing risk factors that complicate conditions like migraine. To help HR leaders take action, the Health Action Alliance—the nation’s largest network operating at the intersection of business and public health—will showcase a new suite of free tools with strategies to examine workplace policies, communicate health information, and support employees through their treatment journey, ultimately strengthening a healthy, thriving workforce.
Global Gag Order? Workplace Speech Around the World - 2178
Last year’s election may be over, but its fallout lingers on. Most of us are familiar with what can and can’t be said by employees at work, off duty and on social media regarding touchy subjects like politics, religion, protest rallies and social justice movements. But what about employees overseas? Learn just how much legal protection an employer’s workers have in other countries, and when and how us-based HR can discipline or terminate employees who engage in disruptive speech. Learn what US laws relating to speech at work may be applied to non-us employees, and what country laws protecting employee speech may shield your global workforce from disciplinary actions.
Activate the Remarkable: Harness Optimism to Build a Culture of Engagement, Innovation and Success - 1373
With the non-stop pace of change, divisiveness, and feeling a lack of control, people have slipped into a place of hopeless passivity where just getting by has become good enough. This mindset stifles innovation, forward-thinking, purpose, and decision-making, leading to disengagement in the workplace and disconnection from one’s full potential. No wonder Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace Report found that 62% of employees are not engaged and well-being has declined worldwide! However, you can combat this problem by instilling optimism into your work culture and into your life. Researchers have found that leading with optimism increases employee connection by 20%, decreases stress at work by 30%, and increases achievement and profits. In this session, leaders will learn how to instill optimism, hope, connection, and purpose into their organizational culture – generating greater business success and a stronger alignment between employee engagement and organizational goals.
Expatriate Benefits Strategies for 2025 and Beyond - 1514
Theme & Objective: Active Management & Ongoing Strategic Review are Critical to a Successful Expatriate Benefits Program. Review key considerations for Expatriate Benefits Programs: changing needs of employees, rising hard-to-predict costs, the new shape of assignments, increasing / fast-changing regulations, evolving provider landscape and growing number of unexpected global crises. Again, the discussion will center around active management and ongoing strategic review of expatriate insurance and benefits programs: benefit design, vendor selection/management, financial review, compliance monitoring and governance.
Strengthening the Education to Employment Pipeline: Together, We Can Align Education, Skills, and Workforce Needs - 2665
The workforce of tomorrow depends on the actions we take today. Yet, gaps between education, employer needs, and workforce readiness threaten economic growth and workplace success. HR professionals are uniquely positioned to close these gaps—driving solutions that align education with evolving workforce demands and advancing skills-based hiring strategies Industry leaders will explore the policies that shape the education-to-employment pipeline. Through two focused segments, attendees will gain insights and strategies to support both education reform and modern talent acquisition, including: • How institutions are integrating skills-based learning to produce job-ready graduates. • Career and Technical Education (CTE): Expanding non-traditional pathways, including apprenticeships and industry credentials, to meet labor market needs. • K-12 and Workforce Readiness: The role of early career exposure, work-based learning, and essential skills development in preparing future talent. Visit the webpage
Navigating the New Immigration Landscape: Preparing Employers for Enhanced Audits and Work Authorization Challenges - 1367
In light of former President Trump’s re-election, sweeping changes to the U.S. immigration system are on the horizon, with employers facing a new era of heightened compliance demands. This panel will explore what these shifts mean for businesses, focusing on the sharp increase in Form I-9 audits and tightening work authorization restrictions for foreign employees. Join a former trial attorney who handled Form I-9 audits and litigation during the prior Trump administration to discuss practical strategies for navigating these changes, ensuring compliance, and supporting your organization’s workforce needs in this evolving regulatory landscape.
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.
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.
Speakers
Award-Winning Actress, Bestselling Author, Co-Host
Office Ladies Podcast
CEO
BambooHR
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
Fayetteville State University
President and CEO
myFutureNC, Inc.
President
Strayer University
Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary
SHRM
Award-Winning Actress, Bestselling Author, Co-Host
Office Ladies Podcast
46th President of the United States of America
CHIEF BELONGING OFFICER
MJA & CO LLC
Senior Director, Associate General Counsel - i9Success
Vertical Screen, Inc.
President and CEO
SHRM
Partner
BAL
Partner
BAL
Shareholder
Greenberg Traurig
President and CEO
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
Partner
Fragomen
Director & Lead, Research + Advisory
Meteorite | Health Action Alliance
Chief Communications Officer, Keynote Speaker, Author and Executive Coach
National DCP
CEO
SkillUp Coalition
Human Resources Generalist
ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks North America
Principal Consultant - Mercer Expatriate Benefits COE
Mercer
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