CAHR19 Sunday Recap

by PIHRA Marketing | Aug 26, 2019 | Blog

Sunday is always a special day at the California HR Conference. We on the PIHRA and CAHR teams get to see all our hard work come together, attendees start their conference experience early, and the Convention Center starts buzzing with excitement.

We all get to bask in the newness and anticipation of the HR awesomeness that takes over Long Beach before the event really gets rolling. If you couldn’t make Sunday at CAHR19 part of your professional development this year, below are some highlights of Day 1. (And if you couldn’t make it at all this year, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for regular updates with hashtags #CAHR19 and #MYCAHR19.)

Sunday Registration

Badge? Check. Bag full of CAHR19 info and goodies? Check. App downloaded and hashtags identified? Check! Those who joined us yesterday got to settle in and take care of some housekeeping early. They also got to enjoy DJ Noble’s first set, all the books in the SHRM Store, and enjoy using our neat Contact sharing feature in the app. Don’t forget to scan the people you meet!

New Member Reception

There’s no better time to expand your HR circle and share some common ground with your peers than at the New Member Reception. This year’s get together came complete with a bourbon tasting, basil peppered bacon, and plenty of get-to-know-you exercises. Laughter filled the room more often than not as hands shook across the tables. Stories of life changing moments that led everyone into the HR industry were swapped and reminisced over. In short, friendships were formed and networks grew.

Al Madrigal Stand Up Comedy

When you work in HR, you’ve gotta have a sense of humor. Our performer last night is an expert in laughter AND Human Resources! Al had the entire room rolling and doubled over with tales of his 10+ years in HR. He put on his progressive discipline hat and took us through hilarious examples of how not to use social media if you want to keep your job and reputation intact. His frank observational jokes provided the perfect compliment to all the serious HR content.

This is just a small portion of what happened during our first day in Long Beach. Stay tuned for more updates and follow #CAHR19 on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

Parking Details & More – From A to Z at CAHR19

by PIHRA Marketing | Aug 23, 2019 | Blog

Within 48 hours, 3,000 HR professionals and community members will roll into Long Beach, ready to connect, revitalize their career, enjoy Southern California to the fullest, and gain a wealth of insight to bring back to their organizations.

This guide will prepare you to make your way to Long Beach, California – and make the most of #CAHR19!

Let’s start with The Basics…

When:

Sunday, August 25 – Wednesday, August 28
Registration opens at 12:00pm-6:00pm on Sunday, and the conference concludes at 12:00pm on Wednesday.

Where:

Long Beach Convention Center, 100 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

How To Get Here:

View parking information below (and visit our Travel Page)

Recertification Credits for 4-Day Attendees:

Up to 18.0 HR (General) Credits & PDC’s.

#ProTip: Keep track of your credits by using the “Design Your CAHR19” section in the Conference Guide! Check the CAHR19 App for the most up-to-date accreditations for each session.

Parking at CAHR19

There are three lots available for you to park at CAHR19. Each lot costs $15 per day.

Those who arrive early **may** get a spot at the closest lot:

Option 1 – Only 200 spots at the Convention Center Lot

Use This Address: Long Beach Convention Center, 100 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

We do not recommend parking here as the lot will fill up quickly. For the first lucky few attendees who get a spot here, well done!

Option 2 – 1,400+ spots at the Terrace Theater Garage

Use This Address: 66 S Collins Way, Long Beach, CA 90802-4801

Parking at the Terrace Theater Garage is your best bet – plus, you’ll get to walk the lovely elevated pedestrian Rainbow Bridge from the top of the parking lot to the Convention Center!

Once you park, take the elevator up to the Rainbow Bridge and enjoy a breezy, scenic walk.

Here’s how & where to park at the Terrace Theater Garage and walk down the Rainbow Bridge, starting from Seaside Blvd. Click the first picture and use the right arrow key to continue:

Turn left onto Collins from Ocean Blvd.

Enter into the lot off of Collins Rd.

Take the elevator up to the Rainbow Bridge.

Ascend the stairs to find the Rainbow Bridge.

Here’s the Rainbow Bridge you’ll be walking down.

Walk down the beautiful Rainbow Bridge to the convention center.

You’ve reached your destination!

Enter the Convention Center and walk down the hall to find Registration!

parking-map

Parking Option 3 – If you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency:

Use this address: Hyatt Regency Long Beach, 200 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

What Do I Do When I Arrive?

If you’re an Attendee:

After walking across the Rainbow Bridge, enter the Convention Center and make your way down the hall to visit the Registration Desk.

At Registration, you can check in by giving us your name, or bringing your printed barcode to self-scan. The Registration Area also has our Info Booth! The Info Booth is our place for Q&A, Lost & Found, and the best way to reach a staff member. If you see any issues to be addressed, this is where to take them!

We’ll print your CAHR19 badge, and our helpful staff and volunteers from Kelly Services will hand you your CAHR19 bag, which includes:

Your Conference Guide – a printed guidebook to help you navigate #CAHR19 and contains the information you need to enter your HR recertification credits. Please keep this book safe until you log your certification! You can use it to keep track of your credits during the conference as well.
A mixture of important information & cool HR swag, including Bombas socks!!
Your Passport Card for the Marketplace Expo Passport Game

The next step as an attendee is to find out what you want to attend first, put your best self forward, and go for it! Connect with your peers on the app. Tweet or post your #CAHR19 experience on social media using hashtags #CAHR19 or #MyCAHR19. Build meaningful, in-person connections with local California peers. And live your best life in Long Beach. If you’re lucky, you already RSVP’d for a Long Beach Experience.

If you’re an Exhibitor:

Visit the Exhibitor Line at Registration to print your badge. Need to know where your booth is? View the CAHR19 Booth Map in advance! Your conference guide will be brought to you at your booth by our Deputy Executive Director & Exposition Coordinator so they can welcome you and ensure you’re all set to rock.

If you’re a Speaker:

Head straight to the Speakers Lounge to pick up your badge, check in, and prepare for your session! Check your inbox for additional details from the CAHR19 Team including parking & where the Speakers Lounge is located.

If you’re a Mother:

Our Mother’s Lounge is available in Room 103A for your convenience. To locate Room 103A, use the CAHR19 App maps, Conference Guide, or ask at the Info Booth!

So, I’ve downloaded the CAHR19 App, and picked up my badge & conference guide… Now what?

What’s Good at CAHR19?

CAHR19 App Reminder

If you are registered, login to the CAHR19 App today! The App is the most up-to-date resource for all sessions, credits, information, and connecting with fellow attendees. Turn push notifications ON so you can receive helpful reminders and tips!

Your login becomes usable within 24 hours of your registration. Use the email that you registered for the conference with, and password CAHR19.

Pre-Conference – Friday & Saturday

This year CAHR19 starts even earlier than ever with our HR Certification Preparation Courses! These courses are for the go-getters pursuing their HR certification & preparing for the exam this fall. If you didn’t make it this year but are interested in earning your aPHR, PHR, PHRca, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP, check back for our other course offerings or plan to add this to your conference experience at CAHR19!

Pre-Conference: Sunday

Our Pre-conference registration & sessions is an invitation to extend your conference experience! Check in between 12pm – 6pm on Sunday to receive your badge, conference guide, & bag, and attend our afternoon sessions to earn credit! View the full agenda here.

Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday

With so much happening every day, we covered your day-to-day activities on our CAHR19 Day to Day Agenda! Take a look if you haven’t already.

Get ready to make new connections while refueling!

Lunch & Snacks & More at CAHR19

Coffee

CAHR19 is proud to serve coffee to attendees every morning from 7:00am – 9:00am in the Main Lobby by Registration, SHRMStore, & concurrent session rooms.

What’s new with our coffee this year? We’ve upgraded from small 8oz cups to a more sizable 12oz cup! Now you can fill your cup to the brim and enjoy the perfect amount of coffee. You’re taking the time to invest in yourself, so we raise our 12-oz coffee cup to you!

But wait, there’s more…we’re offering dairy-free options at our morning coffee table! Choose from Half & Half, Fat-Free Milk, Almond Milk, and Soy Milk to your liking.

Morning Refreshment Breaks in the Expo

Our morning refreshment breaks are going to dazzle and delight you. Enjoy Mexican Sweet Breads in the Expo break area on Monday Morning, and on Tuesday Morning… enjoy Taiwanese and Chinese inspired pastries! YUM.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan snack options will be available at the PIHRA Booth – sponsored by KIND. Thanks KIND!

Lunch

Don’t go hungry at CAHR19. Feed your mind, body and soul while sharing insights with your peers at our lunch tables.

Monday Lunch features Mediterranean Spinach Salad with Olives, Feta Cheese, Cucumber, Fried Chick Peas, and with a Citrus Vinaigrette, Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Fresh Herbs, Caprese Chicken with Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil, Grilled Pita and Hummus, and Baklava!

Vegan and Gluten/Dairy-sensitive folks: you have your own lane! Find the Vegan/GF/DF-specified table in the lunch area.Your Monday lunch option includes Mediterranean Spinach Salad with Olives, Cucumber, Fried Chick Peas, and with a Citrus Vinaigrette, Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Fresh Herbs, Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Chimi Churi, Pickled Fresno Chili and Fried Herbs, Hummus, Vegan Gluten Free Raspberry Mousse Cake.

Tuesday Lunch features an elevated Antipasto Salad with Romaine Lettuce, Shredded Salami, Fresh Mozzarella, Olives, Tomatoes and Cucumber with Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette, Orzo Salad with Feta Cheese, Arugula, Cucumber, Tomato Pesto and Italian Parsley, Assorted Rolls and Butter, Beef Stroganoff, and Tiramisu. Yum!

Vegan and Gluten/Dairy-sensitive folks: you have your own lane! Find the Vegan/GF/DF-specified table in the lunch area. Your Tuesday lunch option includes Antipasto Salad with Romaine Lettuce, Olives, Tomatoes and Cucumber with Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette, Gluten Free Pasta Salad with, Arugula, Cucumber, Tomato, and Italian Parsley, Mushroom Stroganoff with Gluten Free Penne, Red Wine, Cremini Mushroom Puree, Carrots and Celery, and Vegan Gluten Free Mango Mousse Cake. Also yum!

Click here for a few preview pictures of lunch!

Meet to Eat

Sign up by 3:00pm on Tuesday at Registration to join a group! Choose from the restaurants below. Groups will meet at 5:45pm at the Convention Center Main Lobby & leave together.

Exhibitors, Solutions, Headshots, Coaching, Prizes…

All About the
CAHR19 Expo!

You won’t want to miss all the HR goodies and exhibits at the CAHR19 Expo! This year the Expo is bigger than ever, offering you tons of HR swag, creative exhibits from our sponsors & solutions providers, the PUPPY PLAY ZONE, 36 fifteen-minute Solutions Stage sessions, countless conversational opportunities, and we’re bringing back our Career Advancement Zone. Check out more information below!

– 200+ Sponsors & Exhibitors

– Passport Game: get your passport card (located in your conference bag) stamped, and submit your card to enter to win the Passport Grand Prize of $500 cash!

– PIHRA Foundation Silent Auction & Raffle

– Solutions Stage Sessions (15 minute TED-Style) on 3 themed stages

– The Headshot Truck

– The Career Advancement Zone featuring Professional Coaching, Resume Reviews, Mock Interviews & more

– Prizes, prizes, prizes!

We can’t wait for you to experience #myCAHR19, build your #HRCommunity, connect with engaging speakers, take home practical tools & resources, and have a blast with us in Long Beach.

If you’re still looking for more information, check out our Session Directory & Agenda, and when in doubt, visit us at the Info Booth at Registration onsite to ask away.

Did you miss the boat, find this page, and decide you want to join us at #CAHR19? It’s not too late to register – register online at cahrconference.org/register or come to Registration onsite and we’ll take your payment there!

See you in Long Beach!

– The CAHR19 Team

Al Madrigal Interview: From HR to Stand-up Comedy

by PIHRA Marketing | Aug 22, 2019 | Blog

What kind of comedian starts out in HR? The best kind, it turns out!

We knew CAHR19 Comedian Al Madrigal was a cool guy, but when we heard he had over 10 years of HR experience — it was fate; we had to interview him.

If you’re not familiar with Al Madrigal, you definitely know his work. You may have seen his regular correspondence on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Night School with Kevin Hart & Tiffany Haddish, his 2013 stand-up special “Why Is the Rabbit Crying,” his 2017 stand-up special “Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy,” or his award winning and critically acclaimed docu-comedy “Half Like Me.” He has been seen on Conan, The Tonight Show, The Late, Late Show, @Midnight and Jimmy Kimmel Live. He’s a standup legend and an L.A. local with the kind of stories that will leave you in stitches.

CAHR19 Entertainer Al Madrigal

Comedy Show Sponsor:

With such a heavy hitting comedy resume as that, we can’t wait for him to grace the CAHR19 California Stage this Sunday night, August 25.

We’ll see you upstairs in the Grand Ballroom at 7pm when doors open for DJ Noble’s Pre-Show, right? You are registered… right?

If not, you can still register now to attend the conference or register onsite during our Sunday Registration Desk Hours, 12pm – 6pm at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Without further ado, here’s our interview with ex-HR practitioner & comedy genius Al Madrigal.

CAHR19: What was your first HR position?

Al Madrigal: I actually started working in HR at a very young age because my mother worked at PEO in San Francisco when was growing up. I was filing personnel folders and stapling new employee paperwork at the age of 8! Eventually my mom cobbled enough money to buy the company when I was in high school and I began working there regularly during college. I fired my first employee at the age of 19 and became the go-to person for terminations and progressive discipline until I was 32.

Did you ever incorporate comedy/humor in your role as an HR Professional?

Al Madrigal: I tried here and there to use humor to lighten the mood during difficult situations but for the most part as everyone in HR is well aware, there’s little room for jokes in our job unless we’re trading war stories with fellow HR pros – it’s best to play it straight.

Do you ever use your HR experience as material for your comedy shows?

Al Madrigal: I’ve fired over one thousand individuals, I’ve been choked and had to chase people down, I have great HR stories – whenever I’ve tried to tell those stories on stage people in the audience always clam up and see me as the bad guy. Eventually I just stopped trying – I have written several scripts that have been sold to networks over the years that are HR-centric.

How has being an HR professional helped your comedy career?

Al Madrigal: I feel very comfortable in front of a variety of people and like I said, I have amazing stories. I also feel extremely calm in high pressure situations. There’s a lot of pressure in standup comedy and acting but, after firing a ton of people and having many awkward conversations from aggressive body odor to teaching a group of people how to properly use an American restroom, it’s easy to just stand there and tell jokes or memorize lines while standing in the right spot..

What is your most memorable experience as an HR professional? (non-identifying, just a general experience)

Al Madrigal: I went to fire a buff physical therapist guy masquerading as a physician; he grabbed me by the throat and pushed me up against the wall. At that point I had fired about 800 people. I calmly said, “You have two choices, either take the check in my jacket pocket or hit me and I call the cops. I suggest you take the check.” He took the check, walked away and then I peed my pants a little.

What do you miss most about being an HR professional?

Al Madrigal: No offense. But zero. You guys are way too under-appreciated and have a ton of stress. I’m an actor in TV and movies, I get over-appreciated.

What advice would you give current HR professionals?

Al Madrigal: Ooooph, I’ve been out of the game for a very long time. But, I would say trust your instincts when hiring. You develop a sixth sense when it comes to people – trust yourself.

Thanks so much for your time, Al! See you on Sunday!

Well folks, there you have it. Not everyone is cut out to be an HR practitioner. And isn’t it nice to know you have Al Madrigal’s eternal respect and gratitude?

Whether it’s over a CAHR19 lunch, at a Meet to Eat, or before Al’s show, be sure to take the opportunity to exchange stories and laughs just like he described. There’s nothing like connecting with others who truly understand the highs and lows of your daily life – and no better place to connect with like-minded folks than the 2019 California HR Conference.

CAHR19 Keynote Speakers

Learn from World-Class Experts

Monday Keynote

DANIEL H. PINK

Bestselling Author of When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, To Sell is Human and Drive

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

Wednesday Keynote

AMBER BALDET

CEO, Clovyr, former Blockchain Program Lead at JP Morgan

Countdown to Al Madrigal's Set at CAHR19

Day(s)

Hour(s)

Minute(s)

Second(s)

Advance your organization.
Accelerate your professional growth.
Go ahead – have the time of your life, too.
Attend CAHR19!

HR Sunshine Sessions at CAHR19

by PIHRA Marketing | Aug 21, 2019 | Blog

Want to mix things up as you advance your HR career? Add some cool ocean breezes to your professional development this year at the 2019 California HR Conference in gorgeous Long Beach, CA. We’re proud to introduce a first in HR conference history (drumroll please…) OUTDOOR LEARNING!

This year we wanted to take even more advantage of the gorgeous weather in Long Beach, and so the Sunshine Sessions came to life. These sessions will be held between the Convention Center and the Hyatt and offer you the option to sharpen your HR edge outside in the gentle ocean air.

Let’s face it, even in Southern California we don’t get outside as much as we should. Now you can enjoy a portion of your top notch, world-class HR education and unique social experiences in a brand new light (pun intended) and get a little extra vitamin D.

Read up on each of the session’s details below and register today to join the fun (and learning) in the sun!

Professional Development Track | HR (General) Credit

Five Powerful Improv Exercises to Strengthen Soft Skills

Monday, August 26th from 11:15am – 12:30pm

Presented by Viet Hoang, Partner at Pint Size Ideas

Improv training has been trending in the talent development community as an effective method for developing soft skills. The premise of improv is simple. Performers work together to create unscripted scenes, without an opportunity to plan. Improv is successful when performers listen actively, support the ideas of others, contribute information to move the scene forward, and remain flexible to changes. These are the same soft skills HR professionals seek to develop in their workforce! For organizations, improv training is creative approach to strengthening communication, collaboration, creativity and agility. In this interactive session, you’ll be out of your seat experiencing firsthand five powerful improv exercises. Learn how to implement the exercises and discover an inquiry strategy to help translate improv skills to the workplace.

Talent Management Track | HR (General) Credit

Best Practices for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace

Monday, August 26th from 2:00pm – 3:15pm

Presented by Allison VanKuiken, Executive Director at Trans Can Work

The landscape for LGBTQ inclusion is changing every day. In the US, an estimated 1.4 million adults in the US identify as transgender. A study put out last year by the Williams Institute discovered that 27% of youth in California are identified as transgender or gender non- conforming. When thinking about younger generations, we know that in the year 2025, millennials will represent 75% of the workforce. And millennials are more than 2xs as likely to identify as LGBTQ and more likely to identify as non-binary or genderfluid than previous generations. For employers, it is no longer a matter of what to do if they have transgender employees, but a matter of preparing for when they have transgender employees. This session will provide an environment for professionals to elevate their cultural competency of transgender inclusion. Learn important human resources information about how to hire and support talented employees who are transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC). Topics covered will include: The business case for TGNC inclusion The gender spectrum & transgender identities Coming out & navigating transition in the workplace Concrete actions for employers to elevate the level of inclusion in the workplace

Professional Development Track | HR (General) Credit

Self-Awareness & Leadership: The Critical Impact of EQ on Your Results

Monday, August 26th from 4:00pm – 5:15pm

Presented by Camille McKinney, Leadership Coach and Consultant at Leveraged Leaders

Organizations invest in expensive leadership development programs, with the goal of positively impacting business results. Unfortunately, these programs are typically focused on leadership skills that are tactical, like how to manage performance, delegate tasks or write a performance review. While these tactical skills are important, these programs put little if any focus on WHO WE ARE as leaders… To up-level leadership effectiveness, consider how developing one’s Emotional Intelligence (EQ) can be an innovative approach to increasing personal and team effectiveness, improving employee engagement, and positively impacting overall business results.

Talent Management Track | HR (General) Credit

10 Minutes by Friday: Enhance Motivation and Accelerate Business Results

Tuesday, August 27th from 11:15am – 12:30pm

Presented by Gregg Lederman, President of Employee Engagement at Reward Gateway

Eighty-plus years of research has proven that humans CRAVE three things that enable them to become more motivated: Respect: Help me feel respected for the work I do. Purpose: Show me how what I do has purpose, makes a difference, and is relevant to the organization. Relationship: Help me build stronger connections with people, especially my immediate manager/supervisor. Lederman says, “We, as humans, love recognition, but we struggle to give enough of it. Whether we want to admit it or not, recognition plays a huge role in our everyday work lives— in our happiness, well-being, and working relationships. Learning to strategically recognize employees is the most effective and efficient way to give people what they CRAVE. Doing so leads to accelerated improvements in employee engagement and the work culture, which together inspire a more consistent customer experience.” In this highly interactive keynote, supervisors, managers, and executives commit to the 10 Minutes By Friday™ habit for giving people more of what they CRAVE! In return, they become better managers and leaders who are able to achieve the business results that matter most to their team, department, and/or organization.

Total Rewards Track | HR (General) Credit

Too Much of a Good Thing? The Perks and Pitfalls of Unlimited PTO

Tuesday, August 27th from 2:00pm – 3:15pm

Presented by Marina Galatro, Sr. HR Consultant at Gallagher

As the paid sick leave law wave continues to ripple across the country, companies are looking at ways to meet or exceed the now more than 40 different paid sick leave laws. The idea of unlimited PTO is still splashing through HR professionals’ minds as an alternative way to beat the explosion of paid sick leave laws and as a way to attract and retain talent. Need to go to Hawaii for five weeks? Yes, go — it’s paid time off! Need a “mental health” day or two (or five)? Why not — it’s paid time off! No questions asked. But before implementing such a program, is it too much of a good thing? Will it improve morale and work-life balance or will it cause fear within the organization? Is it a true total rewards element that attracts and retains top talent? What about employees who need an extended medical leave of absence? Are they paid for the full leave duration? “Unlimited” may not really mean without limits. Attend this session to learn what you should know and consider before transforming your total rewards strategy to include an unlimited paid time off program.

Professional Development Track | HR (General) Credit

Success in a New Role: How to kick a$$!

Tuesday, August 27th from 4:00pm – 5:15pm

Presented by Carol Marzouk Executive Lion Tamer, CEO at Executive Lion Tamer

Do you have new managers in your organization that were promoted because they were excellent contributors? Have you ever seen a new executive take on a role that is bigger than they can handle? Have any of your leaders felt that they were way above their head? Have YOU ever felt that way? Help yourself or your leaders make a great impression when they take on a new role and want to succeed during the crucial first 90-100 days. In this session, you will go through the steps necessary in order to help yourself and your leaders kick a$$ in their new role. Some of which include helping your boss win, getting to know your team, aligning with the key players, avoiding landmines, observing and discovering before jumping in, Creating your development plan, and Creating your plan of action.

Let’s make this official.

Join the largest local HR community in the world for HR best practices on the beach!

California HR Conference attendees enjoy:

Advanced HR learning from nine tracks and more than 70 speakers like Stacey Lewis and Daniel Pink
Puppies. Yes, you can play with puppies in our Expo (and adopt them for free!)
Carefully planned lunch menus and snacks
The music show featuring Ezra Ray Hart and standup comedy with Al Madrigal
3 Solutions Stages designed to make your HR life easier

Not registered yet? You still have time to register and join us! We all hope you can make it this year and look forward to seeing you.

See you in Long Beach!

Sincerely,
Team CAHR19