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Sunday, August 25, 2019 | Day Zero

Experience a bit of everything on Sunday, August 25 at CAHR19!

8:00am – 5:00pm | HR Certification Preparation Course (Fri-Sun)

Have we mentioned these preparation courses yet? If you’re studying to ace your upcoming HR certification exam, you’ll find yourself in good company. Extend your learning by arriving Friday for a three-day preparation course.

Various (starting at 10:30am) Long Beach Experiences

This year, we wanted to craft even more unique experiences for you to enjoy the urban sophistication – and funky personality – of this beach town. Don’t you love choosing your own adventure? Our new CAHR19 Long Beach Experiences give you the chance to have a little fun before any learning begins. Sign up to come explore, create, or taste alongside local Long Beach artisans, curators, and advocates in our new CAHR19 Long Beach experiences!

Not registered yet? Not a problem. Complete your registration today to attend the largest HR event on the West Coast and add on one of our new Long Beach Experiences.

12:00pm – 6:00pm Attendee Registration Open

Come through registration on the Main Level (between 12:00pm – 6:00pm) to pick up your badge and swag bag so that you can glide in Monday morning. Expect good vibes, good tunes, and good people. Come hang out at CAHR19 and put the finishing touches on your agenda after picking up your badge & conference guide! This is also a good time to enjoy some tunes courtesy of DJ Noble, and hang out other HR pros.

Then, kickstart your learning and socializing with our pre-conference events! If you play your cards right, you may even be able to sneak in some local Long Beach experiences with your attendee badge discount.

1:00pm – 2:15pm (New) California Pre-Conference General Session with Jonathan Siegel

New at CAHR19 is the California Stage. This stage is the new home of all the sessions in our California Employment Law Track. Check out our first-ever Pre-Conference General Session at 1:00pm, presented by Jonathan Siegel from Jackson Lewis.

2:30pm – 3:45pm Pre-Conference Concurrent Sessions

After Jonathan Siegel’s session, stick around for one of our two afternoon concurrent sessions. It’s your choice between Managing Employee’s Off Duty Conduct: The Do’s and Don’ts or PIHRA #RealHR: Unapologetically Toxic – How Culture Impacts Your Organization’s Long-Term Success. You can’t lose!

4:00pm – 5:00pm PIHRA Annual Meeting

At 4:00pm, PIHRA members from all around the world will gather for our annual tradition at the California HR Conference – the PIHRA Annual Meeting. Come connect with fellow members, celebrate your membership, make your voice heard, and vote on association-wide issues.

5:00pm – 6:30pm PIHRA New Member Reception

At 5:00pm, the New Member Reception is designed to welcome new members and first-time attendees to connect with the conference community. Keep in mind that this event is at capacity; those who RSVP’d will come make connections, and welcome new community members over a unique experience!

7:00pm – 8:00pm (Doors Open) Games & Pre-Show Set with DJ Noble

At 7:00pm, doors open at the California Stage for the first ever Sunday Night Comedy Show, sponsored by Amtec! Come early to mingle, enjoy a fresh drink, make conversation over fun games  – and snag the perfect seat for the Comedy Show at the California Stage.

8:00pm – 9:00pm (New) Comedy Show with Al Madrigal (sponsored by Amtec) | California Stage

At 8:00pm, get ready to laugh your stress away with (former HR practitioner) Al Madrigal, stand-up genius, former writer for the The Daily Show, and most recently known for Night School with Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish. Laughing reduces stress – and we all have way too much of that in our lives, so come get your laugh on!

Monday, August 26, 2019 | Day 1

Welcome to Monday, August 26 at CAHR19!

6:15am – 7:00am Meet to Move

Start off strong with Meet to Move, powered by FitPros. Our Monday activity is a lovely walk to the waterfront and back. We invite you to come breathe the fresh Long Beach air, and make a new walking buddy with FitPros!

7:00am – 9:00am Coffee

Coffee is good – but free coffee? That’s even better. Grab your cuppa near the registration desk on the Main Level.

7:00am – 5:30am Registration Open

Our registration desk opens at 7:00am this year! If you don’t have your badge yet, bring your barcode, or just yourself, and we’ll get you checked in. The Registration Desk is also home to our INFO BOOTH, where all conference FAQ (and Lost & Found items) should be directed. We’ll have a dedicated Info Booth attendant who can answer all of your CAHR19 questions, so when in doubt, come to Registration!

7:30am – 8:45am First Time Attendee Orientation

If this is your first time at the California HR Conference, or you need a refresher, consider joining the First-Time Attendee Orientation! Build your CAHR19 plan with good company and kick off your experience with a smile. It’s the only session guaranteed to facilitate relationship-building, and where key PIHRA leaders share their “must-attend” sessions. Plus, each orientation has a surprise for attendees…you’ll have to be there to find out!

7:00am – 5:30am Nonprofit HR Track

Are you an HR professional employed by a nonprofit organization? Our Nonprofit HR Track in partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Management is just for you, on Monday only! Learn more about our Nonprofit HR Track here.

7:30am – 8:45am Concurrent Sessions

Monday’s early morning concurrent sessions provide a stellar lineup of speakers and topics, including compensation & benefits, managing communications during an investigation, wage & hour, and how to be the best HR business partner to the CFO. Find the best session to suit your purposes in our Session Directory!

9:00am – 10:30am Opening General Session with Keynote Speaker Daniel H. Pink

Keynote Speaker Daniel H. Pink will hit the Main Stage for his presentation on The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.

10:30am – 4:00pm Exposition Open

Our Expo is not to be missed – we have PUPPIES! Learn all about our 2019 features and exhibitors here.

10:30am – 11:15am Refreshments in the Expo

Head to the Expo to explore the exhibits, visit the Career Advancement Zone and Silent Auction, play with puppies, enjoy a refreshment, and check out a session or two on the Solutions Stages.

11:15am – 12:30pm Mega Session CHRO Panel moderated by Great Place To Work

At our Monday Mega Session, Julian Lute from Great Place To Work returns to the Main Stage to moderate a panel with two accomplished CHROs for It’s Not About Perks — The Secret to Attracting and Retaining Top Talent moderated by Great Place To Work.

11:15am – 12:30pm Concurrent Sessions

Find the best session to suit your purposes in our Session Directory.

12:30pm – 2:00pm Lunch in the Exposition

The middle of the day provides a fantastic, seated, buffet lunch, Expo time, and chances to make new connections!
*Note – Are you vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free? If so, please update your online registration to include your dietary restriction before Monday, August 19 at 12:00pm PST.

2:00pm – 3:15pm Concurrent Sessions

Find the best session to suit your purposes in our Session Directory! 

3:15pm – 4:00pm Refreshments in the Expo

Last year we heard feedback that our attendees are looking for a nutritious snack. Enjoy mini grain bowls with fun skewers in our afternoon refreshment break in the Expo! Plus, don’t forget all of the exhibits and features on your list to visit. Monday is a great day to visit our exhibitors so that you’re entered in all of the fun prize drawings!

2:00pm – 4:00pm Masters Series Session with David Swanson

In the late afternoon, popular 2018 speaker David Swanson returns to CAHR19 present his extended Masters Series session, Why Are We Still Lagging in People Analytics? From Idea to Action.

4:00pm – 5:15pm Concurrent Sessions

Find the best session to suit your purposes in our Session Directory.

5:30pm Open Evening with Exhibitors & Sponsors

Keep the HR party going Monday Night! Ask our Sponsors and Exhibitors about their plans.

5:30pm – 6:30pm CHRO Summit Social (Invitation Only)

An invitation-only event to kick off the 2nd Annual CHRO Summit.

6:00pm – 7:30pm Meet to Eat Gatherings

Sign up for a Meet To Eat gathering on the app.

6:00pm – 9:00pm Young Professionals Event

Are you within in the first few years of your career? The YP event is for you! Meet the awesome group of YPs who are ready to welcome you into the fold at the Young Professionals event (advance RSVP required).

Whichever path you choose Monday Night, be sure to also take the time you need to recharge to do it all again on Tuesday!

Tuesday, August 27, 2019 | Day 2

Tuesday, August 27 at CAHR19 is brimming with excitement. Although seasoned HR executives will be onsite attending the CHRO Summit, Tuesday is chock full of excellent business & HR content at every learning level.

6:15am – 7:00am Meet to Move

On Tuesday, our Meet to Move social (Powered by FitPros) features a calming, invigorating yoga session at 6:15am. If you’re a yogi, or an aspiring yogi, mark your calendar for this fun wellness activity.

7:00am – 9:00am Coffee

Brighten up your morning with coffee! We include a variety of creamers – including a dairy-free/vegan option.

7:00am – 5:30pm Registration Open

If you don’t have your badge, swing by to check in! Don’t forget, all of our FAQ about the conference can be answered at the Info Booth at Registration.

7:30am – 8:45am First Time Attendee Orientation

If Tuesday is your first day, consider joining the First-Time Attendee Orientation! It’s the only session guaranteed to facilitate relationship-building, and where key PIHRA leaders share their “must-attend” sessions. Plus, each orientation has a surprise for attendees…you’ll have to be there to find out!

7:30am – 8:45am Concurrent Sessions

Find the best session to suit your purposes in our Session Directory.

7:30am – 5:15pm CHRO Summit (Invitation Only)

Our second annual CHRO Summit will be in full swing, starting at 7:30am.

9:00am – 10:30am General Session with Keynote Speaker Linda A. Hill

On the Main Stage, learn from Keynote Speaker Linda Hill about Developing Talent That Can Lead Innovation and Digital Transformation.

10:30am – 4:00pm Exposition Open

Seriously, everybody, the CAHR19 Expo has PUPPIES. You can play with them, and you can adopt them (fully neutered, spayed, and more) at no cost, only at CAHR19. Learn more about our 2019 features and exhibitors here!

10:30am – 11:15am Refreshments in the Expo

In the Expo, enjoy refreshments, attend Solutions Stage sessions, and win epic prizes from the PIHRA Foundation and the Passport game. Prize winners are announced at the tail end of the afternoon refreshment break.

11:15am – 12:30pm Mega Session with Dan Schawbel

You’ll want to attend our Tuesday Mega Session at the Main Stage, presented by Dan Schawbel – Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation.

11:15am – 12:30pm Concurrent Sessions

Find the best session to suit your purposes in our Session Directory.

12:30pm – 2:00pm Lunch in the Exposition

Enjoy a fresh, seated, buffet lunch in the Expo! We recommend striking up conversation with your tablemates. If you’re with a group you already know, be sure to branch out and be inclusive – you never know if the person at your lunch table will be your new HR BFF!
*Note – please update your online registration to include your dietary restriction before Monday, August 19 at 12:00pm PST.

1:30pm PIHRA Foundation Silent Auction Closes

Remember that on Tuesday, the PIHRA Foundation Silent Auction closes early at 1:30pm, so get your bids and raffle purchases in before then. This is so that the winners can be announced in the afternoon Expo Break.

2:00pm – 3:15pm Concurrent Sessions

Find the best session to suit your purposes in our Session Directory!

3:15pm – 4:00pm Refreshments in the Expo & Prizes Announced

Wondering what kinds of prizes you might win? Check out our Expo Prizes and the PIHRA Foundation Silent Auction, and make sure to be in the expo to hear if you won!

2:00pm – 4:00pm Masters Series Session with Patrick Noonan

Ready to dig into an extended session, chock full of information and the latest academic research? Our Tuesday Masters Series Session,  Making the Law Work for You: Leveraging Legal Requirements to Achieve Business Objectives is just for you.

4:00pm – 5:15pm Concurrent Sessions

We’re so proud of our speakers and sessions offering. You’ll find the best session to suit your purposes in our Session Directory.

6:00pm – 7:30pm Meet to Eat Gatherings

Top the day off with a Meet To Eat dinner gathering, before heading to the CAHR19 Music Show together!

7:00pm – 8:00pm Doors Open for Music Show

Come play games, grab a fresh drink, and get ready for an immersive rock concert!

8:00pm – 9:00pm (New) Music Show with Ezra Ray Hart

The best of Sugar Ray, Better Than Ezra, and Tonic will put on a show-stopping concert playing their 18 Top-Ten Singles (and more!) for CAHR19 Attendees at the Main Stage. Thanks so much in advance to our sponsor SullivanCurtisMonroe for a fun night rocking out to some of the greatest hits of the 90’s!

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 | Day 3

Wednesday, August 28 is a special day at the California HR Conference, and in 2019 we’re ending with an extra special bang! After an incredible Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, attendees are glowing, confident, and ready to enjoy our last few hours together.

7:00am – 9:00am Coffee

Start off your final day the right way, with fresh coffee! By Wednesday, we all know exactly where we’re going. With no Meet to Move in the early morning, it’s the perfect time to take a new connection to coffee, browse the BookStore, or spend a few extra moments chatting with the familiar faces we’ve been learning with all week.

7:30am – 8:45am Concurrent Sessions

This period of cncurrent sessions covers reasonable accommodation, relationship intelligence, disability accommodation, and how to hire a criminal. We know it will be hard to pick just one. Find the best session to suit your purposes in our Session Directory!

9:00am – 10:15am Mega Session CHRO Panel

Notable sessions include a panel of California-based CHROs in our Gallup Moderated CHRO Panel – Future of HR: Intersection of the Workforce, Gig Economy, and Technology,

9:00am – 10:15am Concurrent Sessions

If you’re not into the Mega Session, find the best session to suit your purposes in our Session Directory! 

10:30am – 12:00pm Closing General Session with Keynote Speaker Amber Baldet

Join us to close out another epic HR conference with the intersection of tech, and HR. Don’t miss Amber Baldet’s closing keynote session The Seamless Workforce: How Blockchain Technology Can Help Power Next-Generation Organizations.

12:00pm Grand Prize Drawing

At the close of CAHR19, we’ll send you off in style by drawing a Grand Prize winner. You must be present to win – but don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of high-fives to give out if your name isn’t picked!

Your 1 Week Out Checklist 

☐ Hotel. 
Triple-quadruple check that you’ve reserved your hotel room. Even though we’ll be sold out of the most coveted hotel options, there will be an option for you nearby. Check cahr19.org/hotels for the best rates (and our official partners) closest to the convention center.

☐ Getting Around. 
Plan your mode of transportation from the airport (or from home, if you’re local!) to the convention, and forecast the drive time on Google Maps – we’ll have convention center parking information available as well. Preparing your expectations and familiarizing yourself with walking and driving around Long Beach will ensure a smooth start to your conference experience.

☐ Check the Weather. 
While Long Beach is beautifully sunny and mild (compared to the high desert) 95% of the year, we recommend checking the weather forecast even if it’s only to confirm what you already know – glorious summer days await at CAHR19.

☐ Master your Packing List. 
We suggest including business casual to business formal clothing, comfortable shoes, a swimsuit (even if you don’t end up at the beach, hot tubs are a fabulous way to decompress after a full conference day!), and an extra sweater in case the A/C is on full blast inside. Oh, and did we mention business cards? Those are a must!

☐ Write a creative out-of-office message. 
Help your employees know you are absent for their benefit – you’ll be bringing back new insights to innovate change in your organization, and a refreshed energy to power through until 2020. Here are some examples we’re fond of – and here’s your own OOO Generator.

☐ Grab your Long Beach Bucket List. 
With so many restaurants, cafes and experiences walking distance from CAHR19, make sure you have your list handy to get the most out of the city. Learn more about local activities and badge discounts.

☐ Watch for your CAHR19 App Login 
Watch for your email with your CAHR19 App login! This is the best way to start connecting with others before arriving in Long Beach.

☐ Confirm plans to meet up! 
Reach out to other attendees on the App, or personal contacts you have to schedule some time together at CAHR19.

☐ Gather your materials for the Career Advancement Zone. 
This is the area of the conference providing mock interviews, resume reviews, and professional coaching. Get more out of the resources by preparing yourself in advance.

☐ Double check your session plan. 
Do you have any Plan B’s? We’re doing everything we can to ensure you can get to your preferred sessions, but as we all know, Murphy’s Law often comes into effect when we’re least prepared. Remember, you’ll be able to access all session recordings in Fall 2019 if you order On Demand. Spend time locating a few Plan B sessions out of the 70+ available that you’d be willing to attend.

☐ Print out your registration barcode (in your registration email). 
This will help if you want expedited check-in at the conference. With your barcode, simply self-scan, then pick up your badge and book from our registration staff table. Can’t find your barcode? No worries, you can check-in without this!

☐ Stock up on pens and a blank journal.
Or bring your electronic laptop pen and iPad, whatever works best for you to take notes! We love the freshness of a new journal.

☐ Watch our hype video! 
The 2019 California HR Conference will be an amazing experience – check out our new video to prepare yourself for the amount of information, connection, pure joy, laughter, and inspiration you’re about to experience. We’re no scientists, but we think this will help you savor your 2019 experience!

Your Onsite Checklist  

☐ Get there early.
After all, the early bird gets the coffee…and the best seats! Our New Attendee Orientation sessions kick off at 7:30am on Monday and Tuesday. These sessions have helped countless first-, second-, and third-time attendees navigate the conference with confidence, and meet new HR buddies.

☐ Download the App. 
Make sure you have the app downloaded on your phone! You’ll receive your login via email. Use that to schedule your conference life, and start connecting with peers.

☐ Come on Sunday.
You’ll skip the registration lines on Monday, get your badge and conference guide in advance, and even have the chance to attend Sunday afternoon learning sessions! We’ll cap off Sunday with a side-splitting Comedy Show featuring Al Madrigal (sponsored by Amtec). You won’t want to miss it.

☐ Post photos and tidbits.
Whether you prefer the CAHR19 App, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn… use #CAHR19 and #MyCAHR19 to share your insights, experiences and cool finds with other attendees!

☐ Put yourself out there. Set a goal to meet (and stay in touch with) 3+ quality people.
Get to know those around you, especially during downtime like lunch! Give out your business card (or Apple ID) to stay in touch. This kind of opportunity to connect only comes once a year – especially with people at this caliber. So don’t miss your chance to meet sharp, savvy, friendly HR professionals from all over the globe. As made famous by Wayne Gretzy, “You miss 100% of the shot you don’t take.” Take ownership over getting to know those around you at the 2019 California HR Conference!

☐ Stop by the Expo. 
CAHR attendees are always bummed when the Expo closes – and we get it! There’s so much to explore. Make the most of your refreshment breaks and lunch breaks. Pick which features are most interesting to you and tailor your list from there!

☐ Don’t miss the food!
We’ll have coffee served in the lobby from 7:00am-9:00am, unique refreshment breaks in the Expo in the morning and afternoon, and a nutritious, delicious buffet lunch.
*In your registration, be sure let us know if you have dairy-free, gluten-free or vegan lifestyles so we can plan accordingly. 

☐ Meet to Eat
Dinner is on your own – why not meet enjoy it while making CAHR friends? Sign up for a Meet to Eat on Monday or Tuesday – or both! – for a priceless opportunity to grow your HR circle.

☐ Tuesday Night Music Show
Whatever you do, don’t miss our Music Show on Tuesday Night, sponsored by SullivanCurtisMonroe. This is your night to celebrate the hard work you do in HR – and the immense learning you’ve accomplished so far at CAHR19. With pre-show games and networking to get the party started, we’ll sing along to 18 chart-topping hits from iconic bands like Sugar Ray, Better Than Ezra, and Tonic. This will be a night to remember!

Your Post-Conference Checklist

☐ Register for the 2020 California HR Conference at ROCK-BOTTOM PRICES. 
Enough said.

☐ Post photos and videos – tag #CAHR19!
Whether you prefer the CAHR19 App, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn… use #CAHR19 and #MyCAHR19 to share your insights, and cool finds with other attendees!

☐ HR Certification. 
Using your Attendee Conference Guide (you’ll get this when you check in!), enter your recertification details and Program IDs while you have the materials handy. Whatever you do, don’t lose this guide. 🙂 

☐ Build rapport with those you met. 
Stay in touch with your new connections made at the conference; lifelong relationships take some effort! If you enjoyed meeting someone, or learned something amazing from them, reach out to thank them and let them know. Schedule time to FaceTime or meet for coffee if they’re local to you. If your schedules don’t align, there’s always #CAHR20!

☐ Browse the available speaker presentations and handouts. 
In September we’ll send you a link to the compiled presentations and resources from our speakers. This will be a great way to share your insights with your team, and demonstrate why you should all register for CAHR20 at the lowest possible rates!

☐ Order CAHR19 On Demand. 
Want access to the recorded sessions? The recordings from all sessions will be available in October 2019 – this is a valuable resource providing even more information and recertification credits.

☐ Take some extra time off. 
We recommend book-ending your conference experience with at least 1 full day off to help you recharge, digest, reflect, and synthesize the notes, information and new ideas you encountered at CAHR19. This extra time will bring more value to your company, making it easier to share insights with your team – and easier on yourself, as you’ll have a clearer sense of your personal next steps.

☐ Celebrate!
If no one else is telling you that you deserve a relaxing reward for all of your hard work, then hear it from us. If you stick around an extra day, or even half-day, you’ll be able to explore and enjoy even more of Long Beach – treat yourself to yoga at the park, sunbathing on the beach, a fresh haircut, or your favorite spa treatment! There’s also #retailtherapy across the street if you’re interested in that. Between all your CAHR19 learning, and your herculean efforts throughout the year to make your company the best it can be, you’ve earned it.

With so much to gain by attending, you’ll be pleased to know that registration for CAHR19 is still open. Have you heard about our group discounts for 3+ employees?

Learn more about our special rates, and register here to attend the best HR conference around!