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Tuesday Night Entertainment Update from the 2018 California HR Conference

Tuesday Night Entertainment Update from the 2018 California HR Conference

Sometimes even the best laid plans don’t work out they way you want. That’s life, right? We at the California HR Conference are dedicated to putting on the best HR event on the West Coast no matter what curve balls we may encounter.

So while we regret to share the news that Jay Leno will not be performing at CAHR18, we are thrilled to announce that comedians and cast members of Whose Line is it Anyway? Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood will be our new Tuesday Night Entertainment! These legends of improv comedy are bringing the king of laughs that involve the entire audience – the perfect way to wrap up a full day of learning and networking. 

How do I get in on this?

As long as your full conference registration includes Tuesday, or you’ve got an Expo+ Pass, you’re automatically on the list to participate in this hilarious improv performance, described by Mochrie as, “We like to say it’s like a live version of Whose Line without the tall guy and the black guy.” We’re also moving the show onto the main stage of the Long Beach Conference Center, which means we have much more capacity, we’re getting rid of with our waiting list, and you can purchase a guest ticket for a friend or colleague.

Don’t forget to pick up your ticket from SullivanCurtisMonroe at Booth #207!

What’s the show going to be like?

“A lot of games will be familiar to fans of Whose Line,” says Mochrie of An Evening with Colin and Brad. “Because there are just two of us, there’s some games we’ve made up or combined with other games. It’s even more interactive than the TV show. Every scene starts with something from the audience. We have audience members on stage with us for about 80 percent of the games. So it’s a highly interactive evening.”

What about my ticket to see Jay?

If you’ve already registered and got a ticket to see Jay, or were on the waitlist, not to worry. We’re automatically updating your registration for the new show and giving you the option to purchase a guest ticket. If you haven’t registered yet, what are you waiting for? Reserve your spot today so you can join the fun! Here’s more about Brad, Colin, and the comedy you can expect for Tuesday night.

Brad Sherwood (Cranuis giganticum)
As a young hatchling, Brad Sherwood (Cranius gigantum), fled the ice plains of Chicago for the arid expanse of the Rocky Mountains, where he settled at the epicenter of art and coyote sculptures, Santa Fe New Mexico. Weaned on green chiles and isolation, he became a savant of self-amusement.

Years later, he hopped a hobo train to the Pacific Ocean where he searched for people willing to employ someone with an abnormally large skull. Eventually, he was plucked from the Venice Beach Freak Show by a band of improvising gypsies who passed him from troupe to troupe, until he was sold into servitude to some British Choreographer/Pirates. They, in turn, sold him to a British improv TV show, where he was hired to teach Canadians how to be funny.

Now, he is ward and caretaker of his least successful pupil, Colin Mochrie. Brad is given a stipend from the Canadian government to keep Colin from hurting himself or livestock. As part of Colin’s therapy, Brad tours with him in an improvised stage performance that helps creatively channel Mochrie’s delusions.

Colin Mochrie (Hilaritycus smoothius)
Scotland, that craggy, majestic, malt whiskeyed land, has spawned many myths besides the Loch Ness Monster. One such legend is Colin Mochrie (Hilaritycus smoothius). A migratory creature that left his birthplace for the Great White North (Canada), Colin learned his theatrical craft through repeated behavioral rituals at Studio 58 located in the mountain nestled, sparkling jewel of the Northwest, Vancouver, British Columbia.

A hard-working, imaginative mammal, Colin used his chameleon-like skills to blend in with others of his ilk, never being noticed, until noted anthropologists Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson discovered him at the Toronto Second City. Moving him to the Whose Line is it Anyway Institute in historical and damp London, England, Patterson and Leveson slowly groomed Colin till he became international sensation. Working with Drew Carey at the U.S based institute of the same name, only increased interest in the reclusive beast.

Now touring with the remora-like Brad Sherwood, the pair are constantly flying around the continent, bringing joy with their unashamed antics and bizarre behavior.

We are grateful to our Tuesday Night Event sponsor, SullivanCurtisMonroe, for their continued commitment to bring you this night to remember at CAHR18.

Please send us an email at info@cahrconference.org if you have any questions about your registration. We can’t wait to see you, and laugh with you, in Long Beach!

CAHR18 Standard Rates End Next Week

CAHR18 Standard Rates End Next Week

As we place the finishing touches on the 2018 California HR Conference, we’re wondering where the last few months went. Our Standard Rates end in one week (July 31, 11:59pm PT, to be exact) and we’re just over a month away from kicking off the conference. Are you as excited as we are?

It seems like only yesterday we were telling you about Mel Robbin’s 5 Second Rule keynote, the history of Long Beach, and all the ways you can advance your HR career by attending CAHR18. Before you know it, you’ll be sharing pictures from the conference with friends old and new, admiring your fresh recertification credit count, and feeling a renewed sense of pride and dedication to your role in the advancement of the larger HR community.

While this all sounds fun, maybe you haven’t registered yet because you can’t get away for the pre-conference sessions AND the full three days of content and networking. Hey, we get it. Sometimes the hustle takes priority even if getting away can put you ahead of the game. However, if you can get away for even just one day, it’s totally worth it. 

Here’s an example of what your Monday, August 27th experience at CAHR18 could look like:

6:15am – 7:00am: Meet to Move!
Start your day energized and ready to rock at Meet to Move! On Monday, we’ll be led through a Vinyasa Yoga program, where the breath acts as an anchor as our FitPro guides your flow from one pose to the next, increasing your strength and flexibility in equal measure. Bring comfortable clothing and a towel – and if you have a yoga mat, go ahead and bring that too.

7:30am – 8:45am: Concurrent Sessions
Get up to speed on the latest California-specific compensation info with Sense on the Dollar: Pay Equity Trends and Strategies for Compliance. If you want to get connected to the CAHR18 community, you’ll want to opt for our interactive New Attendee Orientation during this timeslot. The best part of our early morning concurrent sessions is we’ve already brewed the coffee for you!

9:00am – 10:30am: General Session
Find inspiration in a moment at our Opening Keynote with Mel Robbins, who will rock your world with The 5 Second Rule.

10:30am – 11:15am: Marketplace & Refreshments 
Grab coffee and a snack in our Marketplace and make some new connections. Have you ever had Porto’s? If not, you’re literally in for a treat. We’d also recommend snapping your headshot at The Headshot Truck before the line gets too long later in the afternoon!

11:15am – 12:30pm: Concurrent Sessions
Prepare yourself for what’s what’s next in the HR ecosphere at Future-Proofed: Reimagining HR Jobs in the Artificial Intelligence Economy.

12:30pm – 2:00pm: Lunchtime!
Take your time enjoying a delicious Kailua pulled pork, toasted coconut rice and tropical salad lunch in the Marketplace while discussing the morning’s sessions with other attendees. When you finish eating, why not peruse the PIHRA Foundation Silent Auction, and check out some of the exhibiting companies’ solutions?

2:00pm – 3:15pm: Concurrent Sessions
Make sure your organization’s numbers are lining up with success at Return on Talent Investment – The Final Frontier in Human Capital Metrics.

3:15pm – 4:00pm: Marketplace & Refreshments
Recharge for the last stretch of afternoon sessions with coffee and donuts! While you’re in the Marketplace, check out a few sessions at our HR Business, Learning, and Career Solutions Stages. Plus, visit the exhibitors who’ll stamp your Passport and help you enter to win prizes!

4:00pm – 5:15pm: Concurrent Sessions
Dial up the strategy behind your recruiting with lessons from a tech giant at Reaching Candidates: Make the Job Search like an Amazon Buying Experience.

That’s a lot to cover in one day, plus, if you’re a PIHRA member, you won’t want to miss the PIHRA Annual Meeting from 5:30PM to 6:00PM.

And who are we to tell you what to do with the rest of your night? Long Beach hosts a fantastic night life with a little something for everyone. It’s the perfect little city to cap off your CAHR18 experience. 

Don’t miss the chance to take $50 off ALL this content and opportunity. Register before July 31 to save!

#CAHR18 1-Day Registration Rates

Until
April 12

Until
June 7

Until
July 31

Starting
August 1

PIHRA Member
$345
Nonmember

$495

PIHRA Member
$370
Nonmember

$520

PIHRA Member
$395 
Nonmember

$545

PIHRA Member
$420 
Nonmember

$570

 

Gaining Approval To Attend

 
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Use this customized request letter (word document) to share with your supervisor the sessions you want to attend, and the value you will bring back to your organization.

Invest in your yourself and your career!

CAHR18 Track Preview: Business & HR Strategy

CAHR18 Track Preview: Business & HR Strategy

HR is the lifeblood of successful companies that often goes unnoticed as the vital element it is. Putting HR on the same level as sales, marketing, IT, etc., will bring a company to far greater heights, but doing so requires a keen understanding of how HR fits into a larger business strategy. Here’s where the Business & HR Strategy at the 2018 California HR Conference come into play.

The sessions in this track will teach you strategic approaches to maximizing employee performance and building business value by creating solid plans, measuring your efforts, and gaining buy-in from the C-suite. With expert speakers focusing on innovation, business competencies and strategic alliances, this session is not to be missed.

Learn more about everything you have to gain from these session below, then register to attend CAHR18 today. Your chance to save $50 with our Standard Rates ends July 31st!

TRACK SPONSOR: 

Business & HR Strategy

Strategic planning. Innovation. Business competencies. This valuable conference track has them all.  

Business Financial Intelligence for today's HR Professional

Sunday, 8/26/2018 from 2:30pm –  3:45pm, and
Monday, 8/27/2018 from 11:15am – 12:30pm  
Presented by Paul Butler, Client Partner, Newleaf Training And Development
Track: Business & HR Strategy
Credit: Business

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. Business Financial Intelligence is a mindset and skillset FEW HR Professionals have and ALL organizations need. Help your career and better serve the C-Suite by attending this session.

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Taking Your Succession Plan From Good To Great
Monday, 8/27/2018 from 7:30am – 8:45am 
Presented by Michael Timms, Principal, Avail Leadership
Track: Business & HR Strategy
Credit: Business

As of 2018, the baby boomer exodus from the workforce has kicked into full gear, and it’s only going to get worse over the next 10 years. But despite their efforts to implement succession plans, very few organizations believe that they have a succession plan that actually works. Many organizations have taken the initial steps to implement a succession plan, but most are left wondering what else they can do to have a succession program that actually delivers measurable results. Taking Your Succession Plan From Good To Great highlights the most common mistakes organizations make in succession planning, and provides strategies and tools used by world-class organizations to overcome them. Participants will learn key principles to help them turn their organization into a leadership development machine. They will also learn tips from the pros to help facilitate high potential development, and elevate their succession plan to world-class. In addition to new insights and an action plan to implement them, participants will receive free tools and templates.

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Positioned for Excellence: Resolving Organizational Conflict

Monday, 8/27/2018 from 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Presented by Pamela Green
Track: Business & HR Strategy
Credit: Business

Today, more than ever, leaders are having to press their way through, conflict, chaos and confusion to execute business strategies. This requires a solid foundation of strong communication and conflict resolutions skills in today’s climate. The ability to bring people together to achieve a common goal can be challenging in any environment, but what can a leader do to achieve excellence when external influences impact internal outcomes? A change in behavior starts with changing the way you think before you can execute strategic outcomes.

Learn how a change in your thinking can result in sustained positive changes in your behavior and in the behaviors of others. This highly engaging presentation will help you capture and convert your mental model and transform your behaviors for high impact performance. You’ll learn, laugh, think, and feel motivated to embrace conflict and use it to your advantage to set your organization onto a solid path of the success you desire most.

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The Theory of Elasticity: The Future of Human Resources
Monday, 8/27/2018 from 4:00pm – 5:15pm  
Presented by Stacie Mallen, Chief People Officer, Campuslogic
Track: Business & HR Strategy
Credit: Business

Throughout her career and personal life, on common denominator has been a clear and present edge for Stacie Mallen: Resilience. The other constant that has provided the opportunity to grow breakthrough cultures in 8 different High Growth Start-Up Companies: Igniting Rebellion. These two factors combine to create the Theory of Elasticity. The Definition of Elasticity: The ability to be adaptable. As the world changes all around us, the practice of HR itself is having to migrate, but we are way behind as far as priorities, metrics and organizational development.

You will walk away with some new perspectives on the following age-old topics:
• What metrics can we capture as LEAD MEASURES that help us predict business response to change?
• What is Cultural Elasticity and how does it apply to High Growth Companies, Large Enterprise Business and Stable Mid-Cap companies alike?
• How does the spirit of rebellion create forward thinking innovation within the context of process, business and top line success?
• What is Reflection and how does it foster greater Organizational development?
• How does someone in the practice HR embody Resilience themselves to guide the organization through change and evolution of

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People Analytics: Delivering Measurable Business Impact
Tuesday, 8/28/2018 from 7:30am – 8:45am
Presented by David Swanson, Consultant and Author, Davidswansonhr
Track: Business & HR Strategy
Credit: Business

Using data to drive measurable business outcomes and preparing the workforce to be important participants in driving the strategy and sustainability of an organization are today’s keys to success.

This session will provide a hands-on guide for designing data-driven people strategies that can act as catalysts for change and transformation. Human Resources professionals will gain an overall understanding of the field of data analytics as it pertains to people practices. In addition, information will be provided to motivate and inspire leaders to combine the power of data and analytics with their own expertise, thus enabling the more effective use of an organization’s most precious resources: people’s time and energy.

The four stages of analytics will be discussed, common pitfalls of people analytics programs, how to find and use data, winning support for a people analytics program, diagnosing what has happened, predicting success, and proscribing change based on data not intuition.

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Understanding Metrics – How to Connect HR’s Goals to Business Strategy

Tuesday, 8/28/2018 from 11:15am – 12:30pm
Presented by Ryan Kohler, CEO, Applicantpro
Track: Business & HR Strategy
Credit: Business 

As an HR Professional, you’re required to add value to the overall objectives of your organization by ensuring that your department’s goals align with your company’s business strategy. In order for this parallel to occur, HR must have a firm understanding of what key metrics consist of and how they impact the overall success of an organization. Ryan will guide participants through the sometimes overwhelming world of business metrics and more importantly, how to make HR more competitive by connecting the dots between HR metrics and business strategy so that they become one and the same.

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Developing HR as a Strategic Business Partner: HR Transformation 3.0
Tuesday, 8/28/2018 from 4:00pm – 5:15pm
Presented by Margaret Graziano, CEO, KeenAlignment and Tiffany Tremmel, Chief Talent Strategist, Clow Valve
Track: Business & HR Strategy
Credit: Business

The life of your company depends on the culture you inspire. The number one driver of employee engagement and workplace performance is culture, so why do so many companies fail at establishing one that wins? Current research suggests that one of three hiring decisions is based on insufficient information for either party to make informed choices. Similarly, one in three new hires does not make it past their one-year work anniversary. Creating a high-performance organization requires a paradigm shift and an increased focus on workforce engagement.

Join Tiffany Tremmel, Chief Talent Strategist of Clow Valve Company and Margaret Graziano, CEO of KeenAlignment, through their journey to transform a 139-year old manufacturing company into a 21st Century optimizer of people and talent by creating a culture of purpose, passion and learning.

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Beyond Engagement: The New Frontier of Belonging
Wednesday, 8/29/2018 from 7:30am – 8:15am
Presented by Tiffany Stith, President, COO, Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc.
Track: Business & HR Strategy
Credit: Business

From Airbnb to Brene Brown, there is a frontier beyond employee engagement being forged – and it’s called “belonging.” Heralded by an emerging workforce that wants more than flexible work hours, C-suite visionaries are integrating corporate purpose and employees’ quest for significance into strategies that are redefining workplace fulfillment. Whether your company’s newly on the path of reinvention or simply looking for a cultural tune up, there is a proven set of questions, considerations, interventions and measurement that you can use to tap into this movement.

You will leave the session with the following takeaways:
1. Fundamentals on building a culture of belonging
2. Practices in assessing current state and gaps
3. Practical action steps to build your belonging road map

Join this panel of C-suite change makers and thought leaders, including Lawry’s President and COO Tiffany Stith, Califia Farms Chief People Officer Karen Gifford and Bolton Executive Vice President Jacque Roth, for inspirational stories and practical tools to create belonging at your workplace.

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HR Technology as a Strategic Investment
Wednesday, 8/29/2018 from 9:00am – 10:15am
Presented by Jacqueline Kuhn, EVP, Strategic Consulting Services, HRchitect
Track: Business & HR Strategy
Credit: Business

The use of technology in HR continues to be a key tool, but proving to Senior Management that it is a strategic investment has been challenging. For HR to make that last key jump from administrative to executive, it is paramount that the correct technologies and tools are in place. This session will outline methods to prove the strategic value of an HR technology investment.

The presenter will explain how to position the acquisition and use of HR technology as a strategic investment for the company and will also identify various methods to create the business case and cost justification to allow for purchase and implementation of HR technology. Additionally, the presenter will demonstrate how to use HR technology analysis to create meaningful business related analysis and analytics.

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Invest in your yourself and your career!

No Bagged Lunch at CAHR18

No Bagged Lunch at CAHR18

Attending a professional conference refreshes your routine in the best way possible, replacing your daily grind with novelty, innovation, and inspiration. The 2018 California HR Conference provides four days for you to get out of the office, enjoy the vibes of sun-soaked Long Beach, and surprise yourself with something different. It’s the perfect place to book a massage, test out a new drink, put yourself out there to make new connections, and treat yourself to that morning pastry – and what the heck, why not dessert, too!
Dive into this tiramisu after lunch on Tuesday #CAHR18
In all seriousness, we take lunch time at #CAHR18, well, seriously. The midday break is the perfect time to network with others, process the insights you’ve learned, unwind & refuel between learning sessions, pick someone’s brain about how their organization handles issues, and lounge around while taking your time to enjoy a full lunch break – for once.

Never Lunch Alone

As Keith Ferrazzi writes in “Never Eat Alone,” amazing relationships and business opportunities can arise from simply sharing a meal with others. And with all your HR peers gathered in one place, lunchtime at CAHR18 is brimming with potential for you to find your #HRtribe community. Professional lunches have the potential to be about so much more than just staving off a growling stomach, and we support that!  Besides, don’t you want to eat a proper lunch on a plate at a table at an event?

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Hot, Fresh, Food – just the way you need it.

The California HR Conference has always been proud to serve a hot, fresh, buffet lunch to attendees, with plenty of time to network, and plenty of seating in the dining area and the marketplace. It is a non-negotiable, no-brainer, cornerstone that we provide you with a Real Meal™ for lunch, with actual time to digest it and form relationships, and with specific options available for those with lifestyle restrictions. Dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free options are available and easy for you to select in advance, during your online registration

 

Drumroll, please…

Now that you’re almost as excited about lunch as we are, without further ado, we’re thrilled to provide you with our first-ever Lunch Menu Preview! Try not to drool on your desk. 😉

This year’s menu is inspired by local Long Beach cuisine & ingredients, featuring regional specialties/favorites from the many global cultures that form the heartbeat of Southern California.

Refresh Yourself with Bevi!

This year, Bevi 💦 smart water coolers will provide you with extra refreshment at the California HR Conference! You will be able to select filtered water, fizz, and flavors to enjoy personalized drinks like strawberry lemongrass, cucumber, lime mint, peach mango, and more. We invite you to bring your own eco-conscious water bottle like S’well, Klean Kanteen or HydroFlask.

If you prefer no-frills in your hydration, we will also have plenty of fresh water coolers available as well!

Monday Lunch & Refreshments

Tropical Green Salad
#CAHR18 Monday Lunch includes Tropical Green Salad
The full Kalua Pulled Pork plate with Hawaiian Bun
#CAHR18 Monday Lunch includes Kalua Pulled Pork, and Toasted Coconut Rice
Bacon Wrapped Dates With and Without Cheese
At Monday's PIHRA Annual Meeting at #CAHR18, enjoy stuffed peppers!
Kalua Pulled Pork
#CAHR18 Monday Lunch includes Kalua Pulled Pork
Toasted Coconut Rice
#CAHR18 Monday Lunch includes Toasted Coconut Rice
Don’t forget about…

 

  • Monday morning refreshments: #1 Yelp-Rated Porto’s Brand pastries/donuts to go with the coffee
  • Monday Dessert at Lunch: Pineapple Upside Down Cake
  • Hors d’oeuvres at the PIHRA Annual Meeting: Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

Tuesday Lunch & Refreshments

Chicken Parmesan & Baked Ziti Plate
Tuesday's lunch at #CAHR18 includes Chicken Parmesan & Baked Ziti
Chicken parmesan
Tuesday's lunch at #CAHR18 includes Chicken Parmesan
Baked Ziti
Tuesday's lunch at #CAHR18 includes Baked Ziti
Tuesday Morning Donuts and Coffee
Who doesn't love donuts with their coffee? Fuel up on Tuesday morning at #CAHR18!
Antipasta Salad
Tuesday's lunch at #CAHR18 includes Antipasta Salad
Avocado Toast
Tuesday Refreshment Break at #CAHR18 includes Avocado Toast
Tiramisu
Enjoy Tiramisu for dessert after #CAHR18's Tuesday Lunch
Is anyone else getting hungry…?
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Join us at the 2018 California HR Conference for a continuing education experience that’s personally, professionally, and culinarily unique to California.

Register for CAHR18 today!

Invest in your yourself and your career.

CAHR18 Track Preview: California Employment Law

CAHR18 Track Preview: California Employment Law

How have recent legislative changes affected California’s workplaces, and what do you need to know to best protect your organization? At the 2018 California HR Conference, we have you covered with an entire track devoted to California Employment Law and all the vital current information your organization needs to remain compliant while navigating tricky nuances.

California is always on the cutting-edge of HR developments due to its complex and ever-changing legislative environment, so you know what you learn here will help keep you ahead of the California employment law curve.

Our California Employment Law track is designed to help make your life easier, so take look at the speakers and sessions in the track preview below, then register to attend today!

TRACK SPONSORED BY: 

California Employment Law

Practicing HR in California is a constantly moving target. Invest in these sessions for California-specific content, recertification credit, and more.
Practical Applications: Navigating California’s Latest Ban The Box Law
Sunday, 8/26/2018 from 2:30pm –  3:45pm, and
Monday, 8/27/2018 from 11:15am – 12:30pm  
Presented by Teresa McQueen, Attorney, SAFFIRE LEGAL, PC and Alan Crivaro, Attorney, Law Office of Alan J. Crivaro
Track: California Employment Law
Credit: California-specific

California’s latest Ban The Box Legislation makes significant changes to current workplace employee selection processes.

This program will:

1) highlight the statute’s prohibitions against the use of an applicant’s criminal conviction history in making employee selection decisions prior to a conditional offer of employment; and

2) offer a unique perspective on the statutory requirement to “make an individualized assessment” of the applicant’s criminal history in relation to its impact on the specific job sought.

Presented from the unique perspectives of an employment law attorney and a criminal defense attorney, this program will offer insight and practical applications for assessing the nature and gravity of prior offenses, considering the relevance of how much time has passed since the prior offense and how these factors weigh against the nature of the job held or sought.

Participants will gain a practical understanding of what constitutes a conviction and a dismissal under California law. Attendees will also gain a deeper understanding of the statute, its overarching purpose, prohibitions and notification requirements, and will leave with a better understanding of how to operate within the new statutory scheme in order to provide a compliant and discrimination free workplace.

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Not So Breaking News-Harassment Policies and Investigations Under Fire
Monday, 8/27/2018 from 7:30am – 8:45am 
Presented by Betsy Johnson, Shareholder, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak
Credit: California-specific

It seems like not a day goes by without another story breaking in the media about unlawful harassment. The #MeToo and #timesup campaigns have spawned a significant increase in internal employee complaints of harassment. How employers respond to and handle these internal complaints can determine whether or not an employee files a lawsuit. A robust program that includes a comprehensive harassment policy, a user-friendly complaint mechanism, and a rigorous internal investigation protocol can be the difference between resolving complaints internally and civil litigation.

This session will focus on employer policies and internal investigations. We will cover the scope of employers’ legal obligations to address harassment complaints and conduct internal investigations. We will also look at and dissect a California harassment policy, share tips regarding effective methods for conducting investigations, and collectively build a “best practice” compliance program.

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Sense on the Dollar: Pay Equity Trends and Strategies for Compliance
Monday, 8/27/2018 from 7:30am – 8:45am
Presented by Holly Lake, Partner, Miller Law Group
Track: California Employment Law
Credit: California-specific

Pay equity continues to be one of the hottest trends in workplace law, and high profile equal pay lawsuits continue to dominate the headlines. While the tech industry has been a key target of equal pay litigation, the gender divide in compensation is an issue for many industries. This program will examine the fair pay laws that apply to California workplaces, discuss how to conduct a fair pay audit and what is and isn’t a legitimate business reason for pay disparities, provide do’s and don’ts for compliance with legal restrictions on seeking applicant salary history information, and offer practical strategies for achieving pay equity compliance in your company.

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Weeding Out Misinformation: HR & Legalizing Cannabis in California
Monday, 8/27/2018 from 2:00pm – 3:15pm  
Presented by Corey Tobin, Assistant Vice President, Bolton & Company
Track: California Employment Law
Credit: California-specific

Despite legalizing recreational cannabis in California, confusion remains among employers on requirements to accommodate an employee’s use or possession of the drug. Employers have no obligation to accommodate cannabis. However, that’s where things get fuzzy. Should you evaluate your drug policies or hold a zero tolerance standard and risk losing good talent? What if your new employee tests positive for cannabis and he/she has a doctor’s note? Say your star employee gets in an accident on the job and tests positive for cannabis? How should employers safeguard in this brave new world of weed?

You will leave the session with the following takeaways:

1. As a new industry and market, what are the projected business trends in California for legal cannabis distribution?
2. What to do if your employee tests positive
3. Understanding of what to do in the stickiest situations
4. How to protect your company and still grow your talent

Join this discussion with AALRR Cannabis Practice attorney and Corey Tobin, Cannabis Practice Lead at Bolton & Company.

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Onboarding Landmines: Preventing Problems With New Hires In California
Monday, 8/27/2018 from 4:00pm – 5:15pm
Presented by Jennifer Raphael Komsky, Partner, Levinson, Arshonsky & Kurtz, LLP
Track: California Employment Law
Credit: California-specific

The onboarding of new hires is often fraught with costly mistakes. Aside from the numerous required forms and policies in California, the improper classification of new employees could expose the company to expensive and harmful litigation. Further, job descriptions are not just a recruitment tool, but an essential document that can prevent many employee issues down the road. Being proactive and knowledgeable about the hazards inherent in the hiring and onboarding process will alleviate many employment problems for the duration of the employment relationship. This program is essential for anyone tasked with the hiring or onboarding of new employees. Attendees will learn an arsenal of proactive steps they can take from the time of an employee’s first day to mitigate the risk of employment litigation in California’s ever-changing legal landscape. 

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California's Fair Pay Act: Every Employer's Steps to Compliance
Tuesday, 8/28/2018 from 7:30am – 8:45am
Presented by Rich Falcone, Attorney, Littler Mendelson
Track: California Employment Law
Credit: California-specific

Given the significant emphasis on pay equity issues, employers are well advised to take a close look at their compensation policies and practices. Conducting a compensation analysis and determining any necessary remediation is not for the inexperienced. When you sit down with your legal counsel and review these new laws, here’s what you should know.

1. California Fair Pay Act Basics

  • The Basic Legal Requirements
  • Pay Equity
  • Pay Transparency
  • Records Retention
  • Enforcement
  • Salary History
  • Providing Position Pay Scales Upon Request
  • How the Act Eliminates Most Employer Defenses
  • Employer Use of Seniority, Performance and Quality of Work
  • Employer Use of Factors Other Than Sex to Justify Wage Differences

2. How to Audit Your Pay Systems / Compensation & Compliance Analysis

  • How to Identify Substantially Similar Jobs
  • How to Determine Sex-Based Wage Differences
  • Employer Defenses to Wage Differences
  • Use of Statistical Analysis
  • Taking Corrective Action
  • Attorney Client Privilege and Audit Results

3. The Biggest Myths About the Act

4. Your Steps to Compliance

5. Handouts: Audit & Checklist Forms

LEARN MORE

Slaying the California Wage and Hour Dragon
Tuesday, 8/28/2018 from 11:15am – 12:30pm
Presented by Allison Eckstrom, partner, Bryan Cave
Track: California Employment Law
Credit: California-specific

The presentation will focus on the most common wage and hour violations in California, including employee misclassification, timekeeping violations, wage statement compliance, meal/rest break compliance, vacation/sick policies, final payment of wages, minimum and overtime requirements, etc. Additionally, the presentation will address a common-sense approach to auditing wage and hour compliance.

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Vacation, PTO, and Sick Leave Policies in CA: Navigating Legal Landmines
Tuesday, 8/28/2018 from 4:00pm – 5:15pm
Presented by Brian Nagatani, Partner, Hixson Nagatani LLP
Track: California Employment Law
Credit: California-specific

California employers are too often blindsided by California’s restrictive laws concerning vacation, PTO, and sick leave policies, which vary widely from the laws of most states. The situation has only been exacerbated by California’s tricky new paid sick leave law.

This session will assist you to spot and correct key compliance issues, including with respect to:

  • The most common errors employers are making in implementing and overseeing California’s paid sick leave law
  • California law restrictions on the accrual “cap” that may be placed on vacation/PTO
  • Why nearly all forms of “floating holidays” and “comp time” run afoul of California law
  • When employers may/may not require use of various forms of paid time off during a leave of absence or company shutdown
  • Restrictions on when employers may require exempt employees to use various forms of paid time off during an absence

LEARN MORE

California Compensation Crisis: How To Pay Your Employees Properly!
Wednesday, 8/29/2018 from 7:30am – 8:15am
Presented by Greg Labate Partner, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter
Track: California Employment Law
Credit: California-specific

There has been a recent increase in claims, lawsuits and class actions centered on compensation issues in California. This seminar will show employers how to pay their employees properly under the law and provide employers with cutting edge strategies to avoid this compensation crisis. We will address recent California case law and legislation concerning minimum wage, commissions, overtime, equal pay, pay history, and more. We will review the federal Equal Pay Act, as well as the recent amendments to the California Equal Pay Act, also known as the Fair Pay Act. We will discuss how to conduct an equal pay self-audit and strategies to remedy any inconsistencies. We will instruct employers how to respond to internal equal pay complaints. We will consider the effects of the new law banning inquiries into salary history. We will identify local ordinances that differ from state minimum wage, and how increases to minimum wage have a ripple effect in the workplace. We will provide practical advice on how the new laws affect day-to-day business operations, and changes employers can make take to ensure compliance. This will be an informative and entertaining presentation that California employers should not miss.

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Working with Transgender and Non-binary Employees
Wednesday, 8/29/2018 from 9:00am – 10:15am
Presented by Deborah Birndorf, Attorney, Birndorf Law Offices, APC
Track: California Employment Law
Credit: California-specific

California is the first state to recognize a third gender. So, how does this affect workplace discrimination and harassment? Learn about California’s new law expanding the categories of sexual harassment to include gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation, and find out what information must now be included in each employer’s sexual harassment training. Determine whether your company is infringing on any transgender rights and, if so, what to do about it. We will also discuss what policies your company can institute to recognize, prevent and stop all types of sexual harassment.

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Keep your HR department two steps ahead of the rest of the country with #CAHR18’s California Employment Law sessions.

Register for #CAHR18 by July 31st to save $50 off of onsite rates!

Invest in your yourself and your organization!

The Path to CAHR18: A Concise Guide for Getting Here

The Path to CAHR18: A Concise Guide for Getting Here

Picture yourself with a packed suitcase, sunglasses on. Your destination: the 2018 California HR Conference in sunny, laid-back Long Beach, CA. You’re coming for four days of learning ALL the new HR best practices, and refreshingly unique social events where you’ll let loose, make new career connections, and expand your HR community.
You’re coming to discover trusted solutions, get some sweet HR swag, make lots of memories, fine-tune your resume, take a nice new professional headshot, and of course, enjoy some fun in the SoCal sun.

Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

By the end of this blog post, you’ll have everything you need to register for the 2018 California HR Conference and turn this dream scenario into a reality.

Step 1. Decide what to learn at CAHR18. The Sessions are Live!

Using our Session Directory, you can see the full spectrum of courses, credits, speakers, tracks, and sort by whichever is most important to you. Give it a spin and find the sessions that fit your professional development needs. With a full conference pass, you’ll earn up to 16.75 recertification credits, and with the extra On Demand option you can earn dozens more.

Step 2. Justify Your Trip & Gain Approval
Today more than ever, it’s vital to demonstrate your return on investment. We’ve crafted a tool for you to show your organization that it is well is worth the cost to attend the California HR Conference. Simply download our template letter, and fill in the blanks using the sessions you selected from our directory. Plus – compared to national conferences, #CAHR18 is a steal for the value you’ll gain here.

California HR Conference in Long Beach, CA

Step 3. Getting Here
The California HR Conference is situated in Long Beach, California at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, which is easy to access (15 minutes) from stress-free Long Beach Airport, 25 minutes from LAX, and 30 minutes from John Wayne Airport in Orange County. For locals, click here for directions.

 

Southwest Airlines Official Travel PartnerSouthwest Airlines – The Official Travel Partner of CAHR18
We love Southwest Airlines. From their snacks, to their service, to their uniquely lovable personality, we are proud to present Southwest as our official #CAHR18 Airline Partner. This year, Southwest is making it easier for you to travel to #CAHR18!  Southwest Airlines is offering a a discount and Rapid Reward Points through their SWABIZ® account. This gives you a 10% discount off Anytime & Business Select® fares and a 3% discount off select Wanna Get Away® fares for travel to and from the conference. Book your travel between June 15th, 2018 and August 12th, 2018 to take advantage of the discounted rates. (Discounts are available for travel August 23rd, 2018 through September 1st, 2018.) Take advantage of the discounted rates and book now! Use Corporate ID: 99609602.

By flying Southwest Airlines, as a California HR Conference traveler, you’ll enjoy benefits such as:

  • 50% bonus Rapid Reward points for your travel to & from the convention with Rapid Rewards # added to your reservation. To enroll in the Rapid Rewards program, click here.
  • No baggage fees (first two bags)
  • No change or cancellation fees
  • No peak travel or fuel surcharges
  • Consistently ranked the “Best in Customer Service” by DOT

When you use your #CAHR18 Southwest Discount before August 12th, be sure to Enter Corporate ID: 99609602.

Step 4. Staying Here
Need a place to stay once you get here? Head on over to reserve your room at one of our official partner hotels. Our room blocks are filling out fast, so don’t wait.

The California HR Conference has so much to offer your organization, and even more to offer YOU during your 4 days of learning & fun in Long Beach.

Complete Step 1 of your trip by registering for CAHR18!