PIHRA Marketing, Author at CAHR26 - Page 11 of 23
CAHR19 Business & HR Strategy Track Preview

CAHR19 Business & HR Strategy Track Preview

HR is the lifeblood of successful companies that often goes unnoticed as the strategic partner it is, but you can change that. How you position yourself and your department to the C-Suite is crucial to the adoption of HR as a strategic (and critical) driver of organizational success. You’ll find the best guidance on how to achieve this positioning within the Business & HR Strategy Track at the 2019 California HR Conference.

With expert speakers focusing on innovation, business competencies and strategic alignment, these sessions will give you actionable takeaways to change the conversation about HR in your next staff meeting. 

Take a look at what the Business & HR Strategy sessions have to offer below, then register to attend CAHR19 today to ensure your HR department gets the consideration it deserves. Your chance to save $100 with our Early Bird rate ends two weeks from today – Friday, May 31!

Business & HR Strategy


Expand your strategic toolkit with our Business & HR Strategy sessions at CAHR19.

What the CFO Wants You to Know as Their HR Business Partner
Monday, 8/26/2019 from 7:30am – 8:45am Presented by Paul Butler Credit: Business | Learning Level: Applied Everything you always wanted to know about finance but were afraid to ask! HR Professionals can only make so much contribution to their organization based on their technical competence. Over and above their area of expertise, they have to be excellent at managing themselves and at influencing others. But is that it? Is there anything else? Yes! In today’s highly competitive marketplace where HR Professionals must be able to demonstrate their strategic value to an organization, they also must have a sharp business acumen: in short, PIHRA members need to demonstrate Business Financial Intelligence. In this engaging, practical and participative session, Paul Butler will demystify working capital, the income statement, the balance sheet, the statement of cashflow and commonly-heard but commonly misunderstood terms such as; depreciation, goodwill, amortization, accruals, unearned revenue and EBITDA. Outsourcing is becoming increasingly common: be on the leading edge – be a true business partner by investing in your Business Financial Intelligence. You’ll leave this session smarter and with absolute clarity on the subjects discussed and addressed.

Paul Butler is a Client Partner with Newleaf Training and Development, based in Valencia, CA. Paul is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA), having qualified with Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Prior to starting Newleaf Training and Development in 2005, he served as a Regional Finance Director for Marriott International Hotels and Hilton International Hotels. Paul also served as the Director of Finance for Hilton Honors. Paul is a very engaging facilitator, able to take the complexity of a subject and distill it into simple, memorable concepts that can be immediately applied.

Organization Design: Going Beyond Drawing an Org Chart
Monday, 8/26/2019 from 11:15am – 12:30pm Presented by Kifaya Thallam Credit: Business | Learning Level: Foundational  With the changes in the economy, politics, demography and the speed of technology, businesses today operate in an environment that is far more complex and competitive than at any time in history. Therefore, to rely on traditional organizational structures that often characterized by too many management layers, bureaucracy, inflexible functions and silo’s will affect the sustainability of the business in the market The workshop/presentation shall explain the framework/ methodology of organization design from the decision stage to implementation covering all the elements of design (strategy, structure, management process, People & Reward) as proper organization design shall create alignment of the organization to its strategy and business model and the performance of people within the business is enhanced with corresponding benefits to results. Kifaya Thallam is a seasoned HR Executive with over 20 years of experience in HR, holding several key positions in Human Resources including, but not limited to Chief HR Officer, Regional Head of HR Group HR Advisor, Group HR Director, HR Consultant in Governmental & Multinational Organizations in the Middle East. Kifaya is specialized in HR Organization Design, HR Transformation and M&A, served in several industries; Telecommunications, Defense, Banking, Manufacturing & Transportation. In addition to her work Kifaya is an active speaker in HR Conferences in the Middle East & Europe (Dubai, Belgium, Spain, Budapest, Jordan) delivered several lectures and workshops on Organization Design, Talent Management & Performance Management. Kifaya holds several degrees; BSc, MSc, MBA & MA in addition to other several professional certifications in HR (CIPD, CAHRI, CPHR, CPD,BPS) completed her certification in Organization Design from USC. Kifaya is currently based in UAE-Dubai. 
How AI Can Prevent Workplace Harassment and Protect Your Bottom Line
Monday, 8/26/2019 from 2:00pm – 3:15pm Presented by Ben Mones Credit: Business | Learning Level: Applied Historically, there hasn’t been a viable solution for companies that want to address people risk management, prevent hostile workplaces and ensure that current/future employees are aligned with their mission/values. HR has had to rely on time consuming methods to vet employees that fail to provide a thorough picture of a new hire/existing employee. This is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes, as the reach of social media enables minor internal incidents to go “viral,” blossoming into consumer boycotts, ultimately affecting a company’s bottom line and shareholder value. HR professionals need the tools to proactively manage brand risk and identify toxic behavior, which is easily missed in the hiring/management process. AI presents a wealth of opportunities to solve this problem, at scale, by quickly and effectively identifying damaging behaviors for an employer and providing admin-level benchmarks on how they are performing against similar organizations. This session will review problems facing HR professionals and how these affect the goals of an organization, as well as how AI can be leveraged to address hiring and people risk management. It will explain how AI is reinventing the way that organizations handle HR functions and create fair/balanced workplaces where all employees feel welcome. Ben Mones is CEO and Co-Founder of Fama. Fama (fama.io) is an AI-based solution that helps companies limit the incidence of sexual harassment in the workplace, and similar, crippling issues such as abusive behavior and insider threats. They do this by applying machine learning to publicly available online information and internal HR data. Fama’s mission is to create a more productive and welcoming workplace, while ensuring that businesses are not exposed to unnecessary risk. Based in Los Angeles, Fama’s cloud-based software solutions are deployed globally, with enterprise customers in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia.
Disrupting the HR Model: What Happens When You Blow Up the Old Way?
Monday, 8/26/2019 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm Presented by Ramona Agrela Credit: Business | Learning Level: Strategic The University of California, Irvine (UCI) HR department has undertaken a significant transformation by unifying disparate HR units and elevating the visibility and leadership of HR to the chancellor level to provide more disciplined, strategic services. These changes respect the differences across three unique business enterprises — medical center, health affairs and campus — and includes a think tank partnership that works across the three units on initiatives that support the university’s strategic goals, addresses issues, and implements programs and applications that are changing the way UCI staff members work. We’ll share how individual units were reorganized to help solve problems at an enterprise level and the single service center that is the result of centralizing the three HR units to provide more shared, consolidated services. Ramona Agrela serves as the associate chancellor and chief human resources executive for the University of California, Irvine. She is the senior university official responsible for all human resources administration and operations and sits on the Chancellor’s Cabinet at campus and the CEO’s Cabinet for UCI Health. Ramona is a dynamic human resource professional with extensive, award-winning experience across multiple disciplines including labor relations, compensation/classification, executive compensation, employee relations, HRIS systems, and organizational development. She has been successful in implementing human resource programs in support of business strategies that motivate, retain, engage, and attract valuable employees. Through strong faculty, staff and student relationships across the organization, she has built successful partnerships that have helped launch many innovative human resource programs. With a passion for helping organizational leaders achieve their strategic goals through progressive talent management strategies, Ramona truly believes that HR’s role is to empower people to drive a culture of innovation, learning and service.
What’s in It for Me? The Business Case for Tailored Employee Communications
Tuesday, 8/27/2019 from 7:30am – 8:45am Presented by Gregg Apirian Credit: Business | Learning Level: Strategic Business leaders today are demanding better employee engagement, yet capturing employees’ attention has become exceedingly difficult as employees are increasingly dispersed, distributed and often deskless. As the workplace continues to evolve, HR practitioners are now challenged with reaching and engaging employees wherever they are and on whatever devices they use – and in this new landscape, a “one-size-fits-all” approach simply will not suffice. But while all effective marketers are accustomed to knowing and targeting their audiences, why has this same approach proved so challenging for HR when communicating with employees? This session will provide a deep-dive into the business impact of personalized, targeted communications, outlining best practices, strategies and actionable takeaways for HR to engage employees and segment communications to different groups by location, role, demographics, and more. Just like marketers, HR practitioners must take the time to know their employee audiences – learning what they want and when and how they want it. By creating audience profiles and strategically targeting their messaging, HR professionals will be able to not only compel employees to take the desired action and provide more relevance and value, but also more clearly define and deliver stronger results and performance. As Senior Director of Advisory Services at SocialChorus, Gregg develops and delivers a suite of strategic services that support communications professionals with the guidance to plan, create, publish and measure their communications. These experiences build trust with communications professionals and business leaders, drive employees to take action, and create winning company cultures. Gregg brings 20 years of experience ranging from customer experience and employee experience strategy, content creation, technology implementations, and data-driven marketing and communications. Over this time, he has worked with brands like GE, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Target, Verizon, OWN, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, Johnson & Johnson, HSN, Ann Taylor & LOFT, Nike, and Reebok. Gregg is passionate about helping HR and Internal Communications professionals innovate and activate employees through powerful branded content, communications and engagement. When not helping customers to define strategies that deliver desired outcomes, Gregg spends a good amount of time as an employee experience thought leader, writing articles for multiple blogs and publishers like Forbes, speaking at conferences. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, working out, and relaxing on the beach.
Technology is NOT the Solution: Bust the Myths about HR Technology
Tuesday, 8/27/2019 from 11:15am – 12:30pm Presented by Tina Robinson Credit: Business | Learning Level: Applied Technology is NOT the Solution: Bust the Three Myths about HR Technology that Keep HR Transactional, Disempowered, and Longing for Radical Transformation • Do you want more investment and support for your HR technology initiatives? • Do you want to get out of the HR weeks and help drive business strategy? • Do you want both? If so, join us for a rousing discussion about what HR technology can, can’t, and shouldn’t do in the modern enlightened workplace. We will dive into the benefits of a strategic vision and business case for HR technology, and how it can help you achieve your desired ROI from your program. And we’ll have fun exploring how HR can avoid shiny object syndrome and stay true to what really matters with humans at work. You will learn how technology can and should be: • An enabler of strategic touch rather than make HR “no touch” • Evaluated and measured as a strategic initiative • An example of exemplary change agility that starts with the “why” vs. the “what” As a talent executive, leadership coach, and organizational consultant, Tina Robinson empowers humans to love what they do, educates leaders on how to encourage and inspire this passion, and equips organizations with the structures, systems, and practices that support radical engagement. Tina solves humans-at-work challenges. Outcomes include: * Learning design, development, and delivery: Practical and engaging leadership development programs that result in positive measurable behavior change and mindset shifts. * Executive coaching: Leaders with tighter focus on critical business results, renewed engagement, strengthened workplace relationships, and improved communication with stakeholders up, down, across, and outside the organization. * HR strategy: Alignment of people initiatives with organizational priorities to exceed business and financial objectives through harnessed human potential – enabled by systems and measured by data. The new HR is HUMAN RELEVANCE. * Program stewardship: Complex global programs with clear measurable objectives and clockwork communication cadences, supported by engaged coalitions, that accomplish their purpose. * Workforce technology strategy: Value-driven business cases that secure financial investment and executive championing, guide implementation, and support ROI measurement of HRIS, from talent and learning management to applicant tracking systems. We all have our own moon shot, our big bold dream waiting to become reality. We each deserve to love what we do, to be radically engaged, and to have the opportunities and support to experience this love.
PIVOT! Turn Change & Disruption Into a Culture of Innovation & Agility
Tuesday, 8/27/2019 from 2:00pm – 3:15pm Presented by Adam Markel Credit: Business | Learning Level: Strategic Disruption is something we have come to expect more and more. If your organization is not prepared to manage and make the most of change, or is married to the status quo because the cost of failure is perceived as too high, your days are probably numbered. In fact, 88% of the Fortune 500 companies from 1955 are no longer in business. Constant and never ending innovation is the key to sustainable success. Our ability to reinvent and innovate – what Adam refers to as “pivotability” – is critical to business longevity. Without a pivot-ready culture, businesses run the risk of mediocrity creeping in, threatening an organization’s long term profits and even its very survival. Through a combination of foundational principles, case studies, stories, and interactive exercises, we will initiate a conversation that helps your team understand: ? How to enable your teams to not only embrace change, but utilize it effectively ? What “out of the box” really means and what it requires to implement ? How to build resilience into your organization for long-term growth ? How to prevent toxicity and turnover by aligning company goals with employee fulfillment and growth? Adam Markel is a CEO, Best Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, and Business Mentor. Adam has spent the past 10 years training hundreds of thousands of people all across the United States, Southeast Asia, Canada, Europe and Australia on how to PIVOT to living a life of purpose, passion and freedom. Known as one of the most charismatic speakers you’ll ever see, Adam Markel has reinvented what it means to be a heart-centered and inspiring leader. He’s admired for his refreshing and inspiring impact on entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and leaders worldwide. Adam is also the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of PIVOT: The Art and Science of Reinventing Your Career and Life. A Recognized Expert in the integration of business and personal transformation, Adam has been interviewed by: Fox News, Newsday, The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal and more. Prior to his work with New Peaks, Adam spent two years teaching junior high school English, founded a successful commercial real estate investment firm and went to law school — where he passed the New York State, New Jersey State and Federal Court bars. After law school Adam founded a multimillion-dollar law firm specializing in finance, commercial and employment litigation. Over the course of his 17-year practice, Adam represented over 1,000 matters with hundreds of clients including Citibank, Wachovia and HSBC.
Create an Effective Employee Experience Strategy Using HR Metrics
Tuesday, 8/27/2019 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm Presented by Melissa Anzman Credit: Business | Learning Level: Strategic Do you have a cohesive employee experience strategy or are you still focused solely on employee engagement and culture? Creating an effective employee experience is at the core of what HR leaders are being asked to create in today’s workplace – to entice key talent, become a top company to work for and help employees find meaning in their work. In this session, you’ll learn how to create an employee experience strategy based on HR metrics and analytics, ensuring your efforts have a positive lasting impact for your employees. Taking the guesswork out of true engagement and focusing on strategies that deliver an ROI for your HR department and reinforce your company’s bran at every touch-point along your employee’s life- cycle. In addition to learning the concepts, you’ll see how to instantly implement these solutions with a live example – seeing exactly how to create an effective employee experience at your company. Melissa Anzman is the CEO and Founder of bettHR. Since 2004, Melissa has been establishing employee focused communication solutions across global organizations, including establishing and leading Employee Communications and HR departments at several highly regarded organizations. Her work has been implemented at organizations big and small across various industries including automotive, non-profit, healthcare, financial services, publishing, aerospace, retail, and more. Melissa’s approach to delivering impact-based HR solutions, starts with understanding the metrics behind HR-activities, ensuring the HR strategic business partners are leading the organization from the front, and creating meaningful relationships between employees and their company. Her work has been featured in places such as Business Insider, Amex OPEN Forum, and the Huffington Post. Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a master’s degree in Business Administration (HR Management), from the University of Wisconsin.
Workforce Trends That Will Redefine the Workplace, Workers, and the Work
Wednesday, 8/28/2019 from 7:30am – 8:45am Presented by Shirley Davis Credit: Business | Learning Level: Strategic The work, workers, and workplace of the future will continue to undergo dramatic transformation. Research suggests that by 2030 workers will be older and younger at the same time, more educated and less skilled, hyper-connected through new technologies, and more ethnically diverse. How can we ready our organizations for this new workforce reality? What new strategies, competencies, and skills will be necessary to harness the benefits, yet counter the negative effects of these global disruptions? More importantly, what new leadership models will be needed in order to achieve high performance, innovation, and inclusiveness? Dr. Shirley Davis, a 30 year veteran in Human Resources, a business executive and consultant, and a leading authority on the changing global workforce will answer all of these questions in a high energy, provocative, and informative presentation. She will detail the megatrends and business implications that will shape the workforce of the future. Additionally, she will provide practical strategies and best practices that organizational leaders can employ today in order to ready their organizations to achieve sustainability, a competitive advantage, and greater Inclusion by 2030. Dr. Shirley Davis, CSP, is an accomplished corporate executive, global workforce management expert, a certified leadership coach, and a master of reinvention. She works with leaders at all levels and has worked in more than 30 countries on 5 continents and delivers more than 80 speeches a year. She brings a high-energy, high-content and high-value message to audiences all around the world. With over 20 years of business experience in a variety of senior and executive leadership roles with Fortune 100 companies, Dr. Davis’ expertise lies in providing solutions and strategies for achieving leadership excellence and in building high performance and inclusive workplace cultures where all talent can thrive. Most recently, she worked at the world’s largest HR membership association, the Society for Human Resource Management as Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion and Workplace Strategies. Dr. Davis has also been a featured expert on NBC’s The Today Show, the Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, USA Today, HR Magazine, Profiles in Diversity Journal, CNN.com, and Inclusion Magazine. She is the author of, “Reinvent Yourself: Strategies for Achieving Success in Every Area of Your Life,” and “The Seat: How to Get Invited to the Table When You are Over-Performing and Undervalued.”
Relationship Intelligence: HR's Bridge Between People and Performance - Michael Patterson
Wednesday, 8/28/2019 from 9:00am – 10:15am Presented by Michael Patterson Credit: Business | Learning Level: Strategic Until recently, successful leaders were defined by their ability to assess situations quickly, make decisions, take action, and deliver on goals. Now it’s based on how well they empower their teams to do so. Business performance, more than ever, is people performance, and navigating personality differences, whether developing leaders or achieving inclusion, can be helped by technology. In times of harmony, opposition, and inevitably, when tensions rise and conflict occurs, the right information helps your people become more fearless, innovative, and productive. In this breakout session, participants will discover how relationship intelligence empowers manager coaching conversations and other key interactions among the talented people you rely on to drive your business. Whether it’s a face-to-face meeting, presentation, text, or instant message, actionable insight provide in the moment by technology helps leaders and their reports keep relationship skills sharp when the day is demanding, allowing them to tailor their approach to one another in ways that bring out the best in each other and drive results. In this experiential session, all participants receive a complimentary Strengths Deployment Inventory (SDI 2.0) assessment, along with free basic access to the Core Cloud performance platform to personally experience the power of relationship intelligence. Michael Patterson, Ed.D. is a principal and author at Core Strengths, a global talent development company pioneering relationship intelligence as a utility for leaders. Using data created by the company’s strengths-based, psychological assessment, Dr. Patterson and his colleagues have created a cloud-based portal that puts relationship intelligence to work in daily meetings, conversations, and presentations, allowing leaders to bring out the best in their talent and drive results. In addition to his work with the Core Strengths team, Dr. Patterson is a frequent conference and keynote speaker and the co-author of the highly acclaimed book, Have a Nice Conflict: How to Find Success and Satisfaction in the Most Unlikely Places. He also teaches in the doctoral program at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology and in the Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program at Vanguard University. Dr. Patterson holds degrees from Wheaton College (IL), Troy University, Biola University, and Pepperdine University. He began his career as an active-duty Army officer and later served in the California Army National Guard. After completing his military service, Dr. Patterson had a successful, 20-year career at TAP and Takeda Pharmaceuticals where he held a variety of sales, marketing, training, and leadership development roles. Dr. Patterson now resides in Temecula, CA.

CAHR19 Keynote Speakers

Learn from World-Class Experts

Wednesday Keynote
AMBER BALDET

CEO, Clovyr, former Blockchain Program Lead at JP Morgan 

Tuesday Keynote
LINDA A. HILL
Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School & Bestselling Author of Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation

Monday Keynote
DANIEL H. PINK
Bestselling Author of When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, To Sell is Human and Drive

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Advance Your Career at the 2019 California HR Conference

Advance Your Career at the 2019 California HR Conference

The California HR Conference is the premier event for human resources directors, managers, executives, and business owners in California – and registering to attend CAHR19 is a great way to build your network and advance your career. 

Getting ahead doesn’t have to be difficult—invest four productive days toward advancing your career and gaining a better understanding of the trends that affect the future of your organization.

You are the ultimate human resource. As an HR professional, you are your organization’s first line of defense against litigation and workplace disputes, a manager of both risk and talent acquisition, a compliance aficionado and so much more.

At the 2019 California HR Conference, you’ll discover everything you need to excel in your multifaceted role, navigate notoriously complex regulations and elevate your position in your organization. Join more than 2,700 of your fellow HR professionals at the largest HR conference on the West Coast, where you’ll access a robust education program organized into nine distinct education tracks – covering topics like workforce relations, benefits, HR strategy and more – that address your targeted needs. Hear from 70+ industry leading speakers, source solutions from 170+ exhibitors on an experiential show floor, and make lifelong connections—all at a fraction of the cost of other HR events and with a risk-free guarantee.

Discover new ways to propel your career forward. At CAHR19, you’ll get the knowledge you need to transform your role and ensure that you’re seen as a strategic business partner with content focused on elevating HR’s position in the corporate world. Join us August 25-28, 2019, in one of the most quintessential California beach cities—Long Beach, and save $50 with Standard pricing by July 31.

Customized Tracks

Bring expert HR guidance back to your organization

With so many sessions, tracks and speakers focusing on the pulse of HR, CAHR19 provides ample continuing education and development for executive, director, and managerial-level professionals.

Investing in your professional development not only equips you for what’s changing in the field and new best practices in HR, but it’s a great way to say the L-word (“I love you!”) to your career.

Gain so much more customized learning by following one of our Tracks – & earn correlating recertification credits, too!

  • Business & HR Strategy: Elevate your HR strategy and earn 13.75 Business credits in this track.
  • HR Compliance: Stay on top of the latest Federal employment law cases with seasoned experts.
  • California Employment Law: California leads the nation in employment laws and regulations. Stay on the cutting-edge of employment law and earn 15.0 California-specific credits in this track.
  • Global HR: Take your global HR strategy to the next level and earn 8.75 Global credits in this track.
  • HR in Nonprofits: Attend the Nonprofit HR Track to gain tailored content you need to manage your load and meet other professionals who “Do More With Less!”
  • HR Executives: Attend the focused Executive Summit designed exclusively to ensure your time is invested in the essentials you need – and meet other peers across various industries.
  • View all tracks here.
  • View our Session Directory here.

Unique Experiences

Revitalize your work life. Relax and unwind at our social experiences – you may make new professional friends along the way

Human connections are central to what you do—and they’re also a big part of what keeps talented HR professionals coming back to CAHR every year. If educational sessions help you thrive in the practicals of your current position, the social experiences and networking at CAHR19 help you thrive in the longevity of your career no matter where it takes you. After all, it’s our peers who help us remember what we love and value about HR, help us troubleshoot issues specific to our industry and bounce ideas off each other, and help us secure our next position when the time is right.

CAHR19 social events provide the moments when you might meet a mentee you can invest in, or a mentor who can guide you. With a focus on community and the kind of laid-back, friendly vibe you’d expect to find in a California beach city, this is the best industry event for making meaningful, lifelong connections with people who understand the unique challenges you face as a California HR practitioner. Join 2,700 of your peers from a variety of industries—including healthcare, manufacturing and education—for fun, unique social experiences that connect you with people who “just get it.” Savor delicious refreshments and plated meals while you make career-furthering connections during breaks and Meet to Eat events. Share laughs and ideas at the Sunday Night Comedy Show and dance the night away with new friends at the Tuesday Night Concert. With plenty of good times to be had and hands to shake, there’s no better way to make important business connections and lasting friendships than by being here.

Highlighted Socials:

Coaching & Solutions

Career Advancement Zone, CAHR19 Expo, Solutions Stages

Go beyond labyrinth-like show floors full of endless booths and crowded aisleways. The 2019 California HR Conference is an immersive, multi-layered expo experience where you’ll discover cutting-edge solutions for your organization and assets to help you further your career. See the latest HR products and solutions from more than 170 exhibitors, offering everything from applicant tracking technologies and forecasting and management software to wellness programs and screening and assessment tools.

Snap a new photo for your LinkedIn profile at the Headshot Truck and set goals for your future in personalized professional coaching sessions. Whether you’re learning something new at a TED-style presentation on the Solutions Stages, guarding your bid in the PIHRA silent auction or taking advantage of the plentiful opportunities for meaningful networking, this is one show floor that you’ll want to spend a little extra time exploring.

Is your career in need of some personal attention? Perhaps you’re not sure how to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Sign up for a coaching session with the International Coaching Federation (LA Chapter), available as a complimentary add-on to your registration. You’ll gain tailored insight for your current stage and next steps from experienced professionals. Find your blind spots, and leave refreshed and ready to hit your next growth edge.

During breaks between concurrent sessions, don’t miss the Solutions Stages in the Expo. This year’s stage will include TED Talk-style sessions related to career development. While you’re in the Expo, you’ll find value in browsing providers and exhibitors who might have a brilliant solution for you to solve tactical issues. That solution could free up your time to better position HR in your organization and contribute more to the bottom line.

Earn & Recertify HR Certification

Everyone who earns their HR certification understands the value it has in their career. It’s a badge of honor showing your hard work and commitment to the profession – but maintaining your credential is also an ongoing responsibility to hone your craft, and an advantage that not only helps you stay competitive in the field, but more importantly stay compliant and equipped to lead your organization into the future of HR.

If you haven’t yet earned an HR credential, sign up for an exam preparation course as a pre-conference session.

For the already-certified, earning your recertification credits is arguably one of the most important aspects of the conference! At CAHR18 you will earn a sizable chunk of your ongoing HRCI, SHRM, MCLE recertification credits. Have a specialty HRCI certification? Sort by Track or HR Certification Type on our Session Directory to determine which sessions will help you earn your credits!

Recertification credits at CAHR19:

HRCI Recertification Credits

SHRM Professional Development Credits

MCLE

  • 18.0 HR (General)
  • 13.75 Business
  • 15.0 California-specific (one of the largest amounts you can earn at a conference!)
  • 8.75 Global
  • 18.0 SHRM Professional Development Credits
  • 15.0 MCLE credits

 

How to Recertify at the California HR Conference

To earn your recertifications, be sure to keep track of which sessions you attend in your printed Conference Guide. After the conference, you will enter the Conference ID number (listed in your printed Conference Guide) as well as enter the sessions into your online certification account. For HR (General) credit, the ID number will be sufficient. For specialty certifications (SPHR, PHRca, GPHR), you will need to enter each session title you attended that qualifies for that certification. In short: guard your Conference Guide with your life until you log your credits!

 

Earn & Learn even more!

Want to earn even more recertification credits? Pre-order the CAHR19 On Demand by adding it to your registration – and earn even more web credits as you gain access to content from all conference concurrent sessions! Take your California HR education home and gain even more insights from sessions you missed. After the conference ends and the recordings are processed, you will gain access to all concurrent sessions so you can learn at your pace, wherever you like.

 

Show your career some TLC and help yourself rise to the next level by registering for CAHR19.

 

♥ HR People are the best.

♥ HR People are the best.

HR professionals are fantastic, wouldn’t you agree? There are so many reasons to love HR pros.

Frankly, they’re some of our favorite people in the world. Not only are they hardworking and under-recognized, with immense collective power to transform business as we know it for the better, when a lot of them get together – there’s never a dull moment!

Here are some pictures from the 2018 California HR Conference that show off exactly what we’re talking about. 

See someone you know? Tag them on social media – they’re #HRFamous! 

Attendees discussing together at CAHR18
1. HR professionals are always talking about how learning changes lives.

 

HR professional on stage at CAHR18
2. HR practitioners are always willing to dive right in, no matter the challenge.

 

CAHR18 attendees smiling for a photo together
3. HR pros never miss a chance to cultivate camaraderie with everyone they meet.

 

CAHR18 attendees exchanging business cards
4. They proactively seek out connections that will help them become better HR professionals.

 

CAHR18 attendees mingling & playing air hockey
5. But the best HR practitioners also understand that PLAY unleashes creativity and drives success!

 

CAHR18 attendees dancing
6. Yep, HR pros will bust a collective move like no one’s business.

 

CAHR18 Attendee volunteering on stage
7. HR professionals love to share their talents to serve those around them.

 

HR professional speaking about influence
8. HR professionals understand the impact their work has on their company’s bottom line & their employees’ futures.

 

CAHR18 attendees with animated facial expressions exchanging ideas
9. HR professionals show no shortage of PASSION.

 

HR professionals smiling & dining together
10. HR practitioners clearly put the human in Human Resources.

 

CAHR18 attendees having fun in a group picture
If this looks like your kind of people, join us August 25 – 28!

Between our 70+ HR Learning sessions, highlighted speakers, entertainment shows, meaningful networking events, immersive expo experience, and record-breaking 18.0 HR recertification credits attendees can earn, CAHR19 is not to be missed!

Save $100 off your registration with early bird pricing today. 
Offer ends Friday, May 31, 2019.

 

2018 Attendee Testimonial

“Love this conference. Better than any other HR conference I’ve attended. Best value for my conference dollar.”

CAHR19 Keynote Speakers

Learn from World-Class Experts

Wednesday Keynote
AMBER BALDET

CEO, Clovyr, former Blockchain Program Lead at JP Morgan 

Tuesday Keynote
LINDA A. HILL
Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School & Bestselling Author of Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation

Monday Keynote
DANIEL H. PINK
Bestselling Author of When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, To Sell is Human and Drive

$100 Savings Ends Soon!

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:

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:

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Invest in your yourself and your HR career today.

CAHR19 Ultimate Attendee Guide – May 2019 Edition

CAHR19 Ultimate Attendee Guide – May 2019 Edition

It feels like only yesterday we were announcing registration was open for the 2019 California HR Conference. Now, here we are, with only four months left before we open the doors of the Long Beach Convention Center for four days of HR learning and fun. (If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time to catch Early Bird prices before they end May 31. If you have already registered, great! You’ll want to bookmark this post, as well.)
This is how we feel about saving money on awesome conferences…
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To prepare for your best CAHR19 experience, there’s plenty do to in advance, and since we know you hate rushing/last minute stress, this May Edition of the Ultimate Attendee Guide should serve you very well. Use it as a checklist to cover all your bases before joining us in Long Beach.
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Your Hotel Room

Reserve one of the discounted, super-convenient hotel rooms through our official partners listed on the website. These rooms sell out – months in advance – especially in the hotels closest to the convention center. Please be wary of any company claiming to represent CAHR19 housing – you can always find our official room blocks with the best rates at cahrconference.org/hotels!
CAHR19 Hotels

Your LGB Flight

What’s the best time to purchase airline tickets? Experts say three to four months out is generally a safe bet to secure the most reasonable prices. May this serve as your friendly reminder to book your flight to easy-in, easy-out Long Beach before it’s too late! Direct flights to LGB are available from most major U.S. cities, and the airport is a quick 15-minute ride from our epicenter.
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Your Time in Long Beach

While we can’t say enough wonderful things about the time you’ll spend inside the convention center, everyone needs to step out for fresh air and sunlight. Long Beach is a particularly fantastic place to do just that. Be prepared to take the advantage of everything this chic little city has to offer by looking at our attendee discounts, Yelp reviews of area restaurants and cafes, plus the waterside experiences to be had nearby your hotel. (Segway tours, anyone?)
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Your Professional Coaching

How’s your career doing? Feel like you could use a trajectory check, or maybe a boost to go after what you really want? Look no further than the free (yes, it’s 100% free) Professional Coaching at CAHR19, provided by ICFLA. Our conference is the perfect time and place to think about your HR career goals because you’ll be surrounded by so many different HR folks from all over the country. Exposure like this is a surefire way to start focusing on the bigger picture. Stay tuned for more details on how to sign up for coaching at the Career Advancement Zone at CAHR19.
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Sometimes self-coaching isn’t effective as we wish it could be…
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Professional coaching can inspire us, and help us make new discoveries.
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Your HR Certification Prep Class

Speaking of your professional future, how is your certification going? Kicking off your CAHR19 experience with an HR certification preparation class from Friday, August 23 to Sunday, August 25, is not only a great way to fortify your professional credentials, it’ll put you in the ideal learning mindset for the rest of the event. Plus, it gives you an excuse to come to Long Beach early and catch brand new, exclusive sessions and the Sunday night comedy show! You can add the prep class to your registration anytime. Available preparation courses include aPHR, PHR/SPHR, PHRca, and SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP.
HR Certification: aPHR Preparation Class $299
HR Certification: PHRca Preparation Class $449
HR Certification: PHR & SPHR Preparation Class $640
HR Certification: SHRM-CP & SHRM-SCP $1,050
Earning your HR certification can increase your earning potential, or secure the next move in your career.
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Your VIP Upgrade

Want to ice the cake of your CAHR19 experience this year? Adding our brand new VIP Upgrade to your registration is the way to go. It gives you reserved front row seating and viewing access AND exclusive opportunities to meet & greet highlighted speakers and entertainers. If having your seat saved and shaking hands with Daniel Pink or Linda A. Hill sounds like a good time, our VIP Upgrade is a must.
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CAHR19 Learning - CAHR19 Ultimate Guide - May Edition

Your Learning Plan – and Your Company’s Approval!

Scheduling time out of the office is never convenient, but the ROI of attending CAHR19 is immeasurable for both your career, and your company’s vitality. If you’re not sure how to demonstrate that, we’ve got you covered:
Step 1) Browse our 2019 Session Directory to start crafting your personal HR curriculum at CAHR19.
Step 2) Download our Attendee Justification Letter to highlight the value to your company, and request approval to attend. Did we mention our attendees save an average of $1068 compared to other HR conferences?
Step 3) Scroll back through this post to make sure you tack on your hotels, flights, and conference add-on features!

Join 2,700 other amazing HR professionals for an unforgettable, career-changing experience this summer. See you August 25-28, in Long Beach!


SAVE $100 BEFORE MAY 31

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HR Leaders Spotlight: Humans of CAHR19

HR Leaders Spotlight: Humans of CAHR19

WONDERING WHAT TO EXPECT AT CAHR19?

Meet the Humans (and HR Leaders) behind the CAHR19 Curriculum!

Best practices, recommendations, and real-life impact coming your way.

Humans of CAHR19: CAHR19 Task Force Want the inside scoop on CAHR19 from HR practitioners seeking transformational education? We interviewed nine HR leaders who’ve been to the California HR Conference anywhere from five to thirty-nine times. They’re the perfect people to ask about the hottest HR topics covered at CAHR19, what not to miss, and why it’s valuable to attend this conference again and again.

These are all local California leaders who have served the HR community in myriad ways. CAHR19 Task Force members have clocked in dozens of volunteer hours selecting the presenters and learning sessions for the CAHR19 curriculum. Some have participated in other long-term roles supporting this conference and host organization, PIHRA. All of them have a combined experience of 103 years attending this conference, having witnessed the full evolution of CAHR19 becoming the robust conference is today.

Let’s see what we can learn from them! After gaining their insights, we have an extra #ProTip for you today – $50 savings expire soon on July 31! Join the Early Bird club by registering today and save on your (and your team’s) CAHR19 registration.

HR Leaders Spotlight: Rose WanjohiGet to know Rose Wanjohi!

My name is Rose Wanjohi, PHRca, SPHR. I’m a Director of Human Capital for my company’s Los Angeles & Nevada Market Unit. I have been in Human Resources for over 15 years and I have worked in Manufacturing, Entertainment and Consumer Goods & Packaging. I love being in HR because I get to impact the business, and develop people in their careers every day. I love giving back to the community and serving on the CAHR19 Task Force is one of the way that I give back to the HR profession. I also mentor young professionals and support my community back in Kenya.

What’s special to you about CAHR19?

The content this year is very special for all HR professionals at all levels, from entry level, mid-manager and even the senior HR leaders. There is something for everyone!

How many (PIHRA &) California HR Conferences have you attended?

I’ve attended 7 California HR Conferences.

When the CAHR19 Task Force met to determine the sessions, did you notice an overriding theme for the content?

Innovation!

What are some general topics you’re excited to dive into at CAHR19?

I’m excited for the sessions that highlight what our business leaders look for in their HR partner. I’m looking forward to new California laws, and how HR can stay ahead of them for the businesses that we support.

Walk us through a day at CAHR19. What are some parts of the event that you never miss?

I love the Mega Sessions and the dynamic speakers that PIHRA brings every year – the California HR Conference keeps raising the bar. The HR Business & Strategy, California Employment Law, and Professional Development Tracks have some of my favorite sessions.

Tell us a story about how the conference made a difference in your career?

The California HR Conference has helped me get my HRCI recertification credits, increase my HR knowledge, and I have met some incredible HR professionals through the learning sessions and networking events.

What’s one actionable thing you learned at the 2018 California HR Conference?

I loved the panel session from 3 HR Leaders who spoke about their experiences of “Building a Great Place To Work For All”. They were simple and practical ways of empowering leaders and HR to create memorable experiences for all employees, this helps increase employee engagement and create a great culture.

What is the impact of the California HR Conference on your HR relationships & community?

PIHRA has made the power of learning and networking with other HR Professionals possible. I have made many great connections at the sessions, at networking events and at CAHR19.

Any last #ProTips for our first-time CAHR attendees?

Come with an open mind to learn, make a connection with someone that you didn’t know and make a personal or business impact with your knowledge by applying it. HR can change the world, You can change the world – it starts with us.

HR Leaders Spotlight - Humans of CAHR19: Nolan MarianoGet to know Nolan Mariano!

My name is Nolan Mariano, PHR, SHRM-CP, and I’m currently Regional HR Manager – West at Antech Diagnostics. As a volunteer, I’m a member of the PIHRA South OC Board and the CAHR19 Task Force. You can connect with me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ngmariano.

What’s special to you about CAHR19?

Just like every other conference, CAHR19 has amazing speakers. But what makes CAHR19 special is it doesn’t just include those speakers and programs that were popular last year. CAHR19 speakers and programs are relevant, up to date, and meaningful. There are tracks for every type of individual – YP’s up to CHRO’s. Finally, there are so many great HR pro’s to meet and talk about what we’ve learned during the sessions.

How many (PIHRA &) California HR Conferences have you attended?

5

When the CAHR19 Task Force met to determine the sessions, did you notice an overriding theme for the content?

In past years the focus has been to help YP’s learn and grow. This year we had an added focus on growing our HR Executives. There was so much more focus on HR strategy and concept than in the past – it will be really cool to see CAHR19 in action.

What are some general topics you’re excited to dive into at CAHR19?

Topic’s I’m really interested in this year include building on the employee experience, growing our brand, and driving the organization through change. These will help me make a real impact within my organization.

Walk us through a day at CAHR19. What are some parts of the event that you never miss?

Jump in to the early sessions, that’s where some of the best speakers are and that’s where I meet the most dedicated HR pro’s. Run through the booths, get a headshot (it’s time for a new one!) at the Headshot Truck, and network the night away with great people.

Tell us a story about how the conference made a difference in your career?

A few years ago I felt I was stuck – I wasn’t growing in my position and I didn’t have someone to help guide me. So I signed up for the California HR Conference, sat in on some amazing sessions, and met a lot of great HR pro’s. I had more confidence in my ability and friends I could lean on. Now I am happy with where I am at, I feel I’m achieving my personal/professional goals, and I can see the positive impact I’m making on my organization.

What’s one actionable thing you learned at the 2018 California HR Conference?

I sat in on a recruiting analytics session that really helped me bring back new ideas on how we could take the systems we already have, make a few tweaks, and vastly improve time to fill, quantity and quality of the candidate pool, and improve relationships with the hiring teams.

What is the impact of the California HR Conference on your HR relationships & community?

I really enjoy meeting people at the conferences. The most meaningful for me have been with the Young Professional (YP) group. There I can meet and network with YP’s eager to grow their careers and help them out like others have helped me.

Any last #ProTips for our first-time CAHR attendees?

Don’t just sit quietly in the sessions then go back home or to your hotel. Talk to people. Everyone around you is there to learn, and so much more learning happens when you’re talking to one another and sharing your thoughts and experiences.

 

Get to know Carol Box!

While I’m currently working as a consultant, most of my experience has been as a Senior HR Generalist, handling everything for the full cycle of employment experience. My first role was as a liaison with a PEO leasing company. I found I really loved HR and studied at a private university where I received my HRM Certification in 1999. As my company outgrew the PEO, I took on more of the HR role, from recruiting to payroll, then benefits administration, performance management, employee relations and other projects. My favorite role has been to partner with senior HR leadership to take on the transactional, employee-facing roles. I love solving problems, and while sometimes you can’t provide the end result employees want, it’s providing information and assistance that I enjoy. It has been my pleasure to be on the CAHR19 Task Force Committee for the past three years!

What’s special to you about CAHR19?

The California HR Conference is the one place where I can accomplish and learn so much, at a great price. It has everything for all levels of HR expertise – from newbies to senior leadership. We have worked hard this year to provide great learning experiences for as many professionals at all levels, with exciting topics and new speakers. From morning until late afternoon, you’re going to be presented with many choices to assist in your career development. And don’t forget the great networking options in the evening!

How many (PIHRA &) California HR Conferences have you attended?

I attended my first conference in 1998. For 20 years I have seen this conference become such a great, robust event. 

When the CAHR19 Task Force met to determine the sessions, did you notice an overriding theme for the content?

This year we were focused on ensuring that members had opportunities to hear from speakers that had not presented before. We tried very hard to find topics that were timely and provide a full spectrum of learning opportunities.

What are some general topics you’re excited to dive into at CAHR19?

I’m always looking into the HR “crystal ball” to anticipate what new laws and regulations are on the horizon. Plus, the keynote speakers have unique topics this year and are new to me, so I’m looking forward to learning new things. And of course there’s always the alphabet soup of leave laws – nothing like a good refresher!

Walk us through a day at CAHR19. What are some parts of the event that you never miss?

I have to admit I am an early bird, so the keynote and early sessions are a hit. I never miss the Exhibit Hall and the evening networking events. That’s where I renew connections and make new ones. There are so many sessions to choose from that I try to attend!

How has the California HR Conference made a difference in your career?

Every year, the conference allows me to improve and refine my skills. When I was a new member of the HR community, I met people that I could network with and make connections. Those connections came in very handy when I had questions or concerns, just being able to send an email or make a call were often critical to my success. In addition, meeting vendors at the Exhibit Hall provided resources for my employers that I could not necessarily have found on my own – for unique wellness ideas, employee events, benefits and even HRIS options.

What’s one actionable thing you learned at the 2018 California HR Conference?

I really enjoyed learning how to conduct a successful investigation and how important and challenging it can be to remain neutral. The presenter gave me some great takeaways that I was able to use immediately!

What is the impact of the California HR Conference on your HR relationships & community? 

Without the Conference I would not have been able to make as many great connections. The ability to meet not just others from your industry but many with unique ideas has been amazing. The HR community that attends the conference is dynamic, eager to share ideas and best practices and very welcoming! I can’t even narrow it down to one connection – my whole network is PIHRA members and my Board Members in Woodland Hills.

Any last #ProTips for our first-time CAHR19 attendees?

Your Conference Guide (which you’ll receive when you check-in at registration) is your best friend during the Conference. Download the CAHR19 app, plan your sessions (and have some second choices just in case). You’ll be able to view the PowerPoint presentations, learn about the sessions and speakers. Be sure to attend the evening events – it’s not just about learning but also having a fun time while doing it. Take at least one or two walks through the Exhibit Hall – we have great vendors for you to meet. And be sure to stop by the PIHRA Booth if you have any questions or concerns during the Conference (or just to say hi to our volunteers)!

HR Leaders Spotlight: Eileen YipMeet Eileen Yip!

My name is Eileen Yip, and I’m a Client Relationship Executive. I’ve been in HR for over 20 years. Currently I am the Educational Programs Chair for the Pasadena PIHRA Chapter, and a member of the CAHR19 Task Force.

What’s special to you about CAHR19?

Speakers, topics, networking, and learning the new tools for HR practitioners.

How many (PIHRA &) California HR Conferences have you attended?

I’ve attended 6.

What are some general topics you’re excited to dive into at CAHR19?

Artificial intelligence, keynote speakers, and HR compliance.

What is the impact of the California HR Conference on your HR relationships & community?

To be connected with various of HR professional among Chapters and meeting new people. The conference brings together many HR professionals from different industries to this important event once a year to share with the HR community that no one should miss out on.

Any last #ProTips for our first-time CAHR attendees?

Have fun and enjoy your time! Get ready to make new lifetime connections.

HR Leaders Spotlight: Wayne MunyerGet to know Wayne Munyer!

I am currently the Principal of my own HR Consulting business. I have been an HR Professional for over 30 years. I have been a PIHRA volunteer leader off and on since 1991. I served in various positions at the Chapter Level and PIHRA Board level including the Volunteer President of PIHRA in 2013-14, and I currently serve on the Board of Directors as the Regional Representative.

What’s special to you about CAHR19?

Every year I get excited to attend the California HR Conference because I enjoy furthering my knowledge in this great profession. This year, I am excited to hear Daniel Pink. He has been one my favorite people to listen to and learn from. Also, I get to see some of my professional connections who have become my personal friends. It is always great to see them at least once a year.

How many California HR Conferences have you attended?

This will be my 29th consecutive conference. I attended my first one in 1991.

Walk us through a day at CAHR19. What are some parts of the event that you never miss?

This may sound a little peculiar, but I always enjoying attending the First-Time Attendee session (Monday & Tuesday at 7:30am). It is great to see the energy of the Membership Team and the attendees. I never miss the keynote speakers. They are world class experts in their fields and I always benefit from what they say personally and professionally. I always choose my sessions prior to the conference so I can better plan my day. I always make time for the exhibitors. I have used their services to enhance the companies and clients I have worked for over the years. Last, but not least I make time to network during the day. It could be at lunch, or the Tuesday night events. You never know what new connections you will make!

Tell us a story about how the conference made a difference in your career?

I do not remember the year, but the speaker was Marcus Buckingham, one of my favorite speakers of all time, who spoke about the importance developing my strengths as an HR Professional and as a person. I was going through some struggles personally at the time and when he completed his message, I felt it was directed right to me. Since then, my outlook on how I succeed in my personal and professionals has assisted me with the successes I have had throughout my life and my career.

What is the impact of the California HR Conference on your HR relationships & community?

Attending the California HR Conference it has helped me become the HR professional I am, and will continue to be. I have developed lifelong relationships with the members of my profession that I could not done anywhere else. Whenever I’ve needed to reach a fellow constituent for a certain need, the relationships I have developed at the conference have been there for me.

What’s one memorable connection you made – how did you meet?

I have had a lot memorable connections, but since I have to choose one it was a year that I was president and a few of us were planning to spend some time together. That year I had a suite and I had a group of people come to my suite to play pool and just hang out. A fellow HR professional from England, who was one of the speakers at the conference came with a mutual friend. We connected immediately and today we still stay in touch.

Any last #ProTips for our first-time CAHR attendees?

A. Attend the First-Time Attendee Orientation.
B. Plan out the sessions you will attend before the conference.
C. Visit as many exhibitors as you can.
D. Attend all of the extra events that conference has to offer. Especially the Tuesday night event.
E. Check out the PIHRA Foundation Booth. Support our future HR leaders.
F. Network, network, network. Exchange at least 10 business cards a day. If you are in transition make sure you have business cards available.
G. Do not miss the keynote speakers!
H. Buy in to the conference experience. You will get more out of it if you prepare to receive knowledge.

CAHR19 HR Leaders Spotlight: Humans of CAHR19 - Kayt ReardonGet to know Kayt Reardon!

I’m the Director of HR for a children’s entertainment company. I’ve been working in HR for 14 years and love every minute of it. To support PIHRA, I help out with the conference Task Force and anywhere else I’m needed. Last year I did an interview with a college student to help them discover new career paths.

What’s special to you about CAHR19?

The community aspect of the conference as a whole. Additionally, of all of the HR conferences I’ve been to, CAHR always has the best sessions!

When the CAHR19 Task Force met to determine the sessions, did you notice an overriding theme for the content?

Employee engagement felt like a major theme for 2019. Though agility, change management, and pay equity also seem like hot topics.

What are some general topics you’re excited to dive into at CAHR19?

I’m looking forward to spending some time on more strategic aspects at CAHR19 – how to better align HR with company goals, how to revamp the candidate experience during recruiting, and of course – California law updates.

Walk us through a day at CAHR19. What are some parts that you never miss?

Arrive in time to get coffee and a good seat for the Keynote! Attend the morning sessions, cruise the exhibit hall, have some lunch, then off to the afternoon sessions. Many vendors have cool events and parties in the evening that you’ll miss out on if you don’t stop and say hi to everyone.

Tell us a story about how the conference made a difference in your career?

Through the conference, I’ve made professional and personal connections that will stay with me forever. Last year I was considering new opportunities and mentioned this to a vendor that I’d never met before. He asked a few key questions about what I was looking for, and then took me around the exhibit hall introducing me to tons of other vendors who may have connections that could land me a dream job. Although I ended up in a completely different company, the connections I made from that afternoon have been incredible.

What’s one actionable thing you learned at the 2018 California HR Conference?

I always leave the conference energized with new ideas to implement when I get back to the office. At CAHR18, I walked away with many new methods for helping to improve the overall culture at my last company.

What is the impact of this conference on your HR relationships & community?

The California HR Conference allows me to feel more connected to the HR community as a whole, which is especially important when you work as an HR department as one. As for connections – I met my go-to Workers Comp broker at a CAHR Conference a few years ago. We met because his company was raffling off a great prize! To this day I consider him a good friend and excellent resource.

Any last #ProTips for our first-time CAHR attendees?

Build your schedule in advance and be sure to schedule in some time for the exhibit hall. Also, book your spot at the Headshot Truck as soon as you can!

HR Leaders Spotlight: Virginia FloresGetting to know Virginia Flores

My name is Virginia Flores, and I’ve been a Director of HR for over 25 years. This year I’m a member of the CAHR19 Task Force. It was wonderful experience learn the process for selection and to collaborate with peers. We focused on selecting relevant topics with solid content for attendees. We all committed to take the time to review the submissions that select those with information needed for today’s HR professional.

I always encourage individuals wanting a career in HR to join PIHRA, and attend the monthly chapter meetings, as an introduction to the profession. The annual PIHRA Legal Update is always a must for me.

How many (PIHRA &) California HR Conferences have you attended?

Over 20!

Which topics are you excited to dive into at CAHR19?

Wage & Hour. Staying on top of the details in recent regulations and litigation case studies is so important on a Federal compliance level, and especially in California.

What are some parts of this event that you never miss?

General sessions with the keynote speakers are a must for me.

What is one memorable connection you made that impacted your career?

I met Mike Deblieux in the early 90’s at this conference. We met having lunch at the same table in back of the exhibit hall. Over the years, we have maintained a connection and built a friendship. Mike has been a valuable resource for me over the years. I obtained my SPHR because of Mike, and met Baskaran, who was part of the study group and became a friend.

Any last #ProTips for our first-time CAHR attendees?

Be prepared to network, make eye contact and conversation with other attendees, review your selection of sessions – have a back up plan (just in case), highlight vendors you are interested in meeting at the exhibit hall, and give yourself extra time for those vendors you hadn’t planned on meeting.

HR leaders spotlight: Herb CallahanMeet Herb Callahan! 

My name is Herb Callahan, I am Vice President of HR for Food Processing for Golden State Foods. I retired from the Marine Corps in 2005 and have been working in HR in Southern California ever since. I have attended numerous conferences over the years and am always scouring the local chapters for good monthly content. I consider membership in PIHRA to be a necessary “Tool of the Trade” and encourage as many HR colleagues as I can to join and attend the California HR Conference or PIHRA monthly meetings. There are always relevant topics that someone will benefit from.

What’s special to you about CAHR19?

I think this year’s focus on diversity and inclusion, analytics, along with ensuring we have the best presenters presenting the most relevant topics is going to make this year fantastic.

How many California HR Conferences have you attended?

I have attended at least 4 or 5 conferences over the years and paid for just as many that I had to pass off to another colleague due to a work conflict.

When the CAHR19 Task Force met to determine the sessions, did you notice an overriding theme for the content?

This was my first year as part of the task force, so the first thing I noticed was the diversity of the task force and how many different industries were represented. I also immediately recognized and was excited to see how determined this team was to ensure we were bringing the most relevant content to the attendees. The discussions we had about each topic and presenter were deep and meaningful. Attendees can rest assured this group of HR professionals dedicated significant personal time and effort to make sure this is one of the best conferences yet.

Which topics are you excited to dive into at CAHR19?

Analytics always excite me, but being new to a global role, I am excited to hear some of the global content.

Walk us through a day at CAHR19. What are some parts of the event that you never miss?

I always arrive early to network with other “early birds.” After that, I never miss the keynote speakers and never miss an opportunity at lunch to network with as many folks as I can. I might be a little different in that I typically don’t look for old friends, but look to find new ones at lunch. Finally, the exhibition hall is always a must see. I always have a need to look at a new provider for something so I do a little research first to map out my visit. Even if I don’t have a need, the exhibition hall can inspire new thoughts and ideas to bring back to work with me.

Tell us a story about how the conference made a difference in your career?

At my very first conference, when I was very new to HR, I was in the exhibition hall and I found a vendor I was acquainted with at their booth. He took me through an event they were doing where they were giving away gift cards. I failed at the event, and in hindsight I am embarrassed that I failed, but that vendor was kind, educated me on what I missed and gave me the gift card anyway. I walked away thinking that I have a lot to learn. Fast forward 15 years and I know now that without PIHRA and that spark the vendor gave me, I might not have had the exciting and rewarding HR career I have had.

What is the impact of the California HR Conference on your HR relationships & community?

The HR conference has become a staple for me and a necessary tool. I have met lots of great folks and developed lots of great relationships over the years. One of the earliest connections I have made and used over the years was Jacquelyn Thorpe from “Train Me Today.” When I first met her I was incredible impressed with her expertise, experience and of course her personality. The first time I used her to help with some training at my company she and her team knocked it out of the park! My 40 or so managers talked about her training for years and it really changed their minds on how to most effectively partner with HR. I have not worked with Jacquelyn for a while, but I still make recommendations for folks to reach out to her at least a couple times a year.

Any last #ProTips for our first-time CAHR attendees?

There is some much great content that you really should map out which presenter you want to see, which vendors you want to meet with, and make a commitment to meet a certain amount of new folks each day. Break away from the colleagues you work with and sit next to someone new, eat lunch at different tables, talk to the presenters…and don’t forget to have some fun!

HR Leaders Spotlight: BaskaranGet to know Baskaran!

My professional title is Principal Consultant for Hila Solutions, LLC, a “soup to nuts” HR Technology advisory firm for small, mid-size and enterprise firms in identifying right HRIS/HCM systems and help them in implementing, project management through ‘go live.’ My passion for giving back to the HR community continues with service as the PIHRA Programs Chair.

On Twitter you can find me at @baski_ la, and you can connect with me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/baski.

What’s special to you about CAHR19?

Every CAHR conference has been special to me, but as the 2019 Programs Chair, I am even more excited for #CAHR19 and very eager to see the fruits of the hard work of exceptionally gifted, committed team efforts of the 18-member Task Force, and the hard work of the unsung heroes at PIHRA Home Office.

How many (PIHRA &) California HR Conferences have you attended?

At least 11 conferences.

What’s not to miss at CAHR19?

The topics that I want to dive into at CAHR19 are HR Tech-related sessions, HR compliance, and general HR topics. I am keenly looking forward to the CHRO Mega Session Panel on Wednesday to hear from some of the biggest and most happening companies in SoCal. I’m also looking forward to Monday’s Great Place to Work Mega Session Panel, the Sunday Night Comedy Show, and the Tuesday Night Music Show.

How has this conference made a difference in your career?

HR conferences are all about learning new things, meeting new friends, and building a mutually beneficial friendship. I have learned and grown immensely from attending the California HR Conference; I am grateful for it.

What’s one actionable thing you learned at the 2018 California HR Conference?

I remember how the Great Place to Work organizations value their workforce, and what it takes to make them a “best place to work.” I also appreciated the value of endurance from Scott Kelly’s keynote session.

What is the impact of the California HR Conference on your HR relationships & community?

The California HR Conference has made tremendous difference to me personally and professionally – I am blessed to meet and make so many meaningful connections.

Any last #ProTips for our first-time CAHR attendees?

Plan your sessions; you can’t make it to all the sessions, so plan the sessions ahead of time, use the conference app to identify the people you want to connect with, prepare the elevator speech, be yourself. I use the conference app to plan meet and greets between sessions, during lunch breaks, etc. After the conference, please follow-up with the people, you met to build the relationship further!

We thank the entire #CAHR19 Task Force for their dedication to the human resource profession.

Cheryl Wyrick
Mark Christensen
Herbert Callahan
Carol Box
Justin Buntin
Liz Nguyen
Wendy Garcia
Monica Vega-Lopez
Jennifer Cummins-Martin
Nolan Mariano
Rose Wanjohi
Dr. Rober Adamik
Naureen McMillan
Karen Nash
Eileen Yip
Virginia Flores
Kayt Reardon
Baskaran Ambalavanan

Meet HR Leaders and trusted peers at CAHR19.

It’s never been more important to surround yourself with a trusted professional community. Grow your HR community and strengthen your career at the friendliest HR conference with the most robust sessions!

Want to save $50 on your registration? All it takes is three easy steps:

Step 1 – Browse our 2019 Sessions, our CHRO Mega Session Panelists, and our Featured Speakers to see a snapshot of the value you’ll bring back to your company.
Step 2 – Download our Attendee Justification letter to gain approval for you and your team to attend.
Step 3 – Don’t forget to register! Our Standard pricing ends July 31, and this month will be gone before we know it.

 

Invest in your professional present and future. Register to join 2,700 fellow HR pros August 25-28, 2019 in Long Beach, California!