Today’s workplace is a high-energy, ever-evolving dance floor—and HR professionals are the ones keeping the beat. From leading change and strengthening company culture to attracting top talent, staying in step with compliance, and guiding organizations with vision, HR is the rhythm that drives business success.
At this year’s conference, we’re turning up the volume and celebrating the passion, creativity, and dedication that HR brings to every workplace. You’ll gain fresh ideas, valuable connections, and the inspiration to keep your organization moving to the rhythm of progress—with heart, soul, and style.
Main Stage Headliner – Get ready for show-stopping keynotes from top HR leaders and industry hitmakers, spinning fresh tracks on topics from the SHRM Body of Applied Skills & Knowledge and the HRCI Body of Knowledge. Every session earns you SHRM and HRCI recertification credit—because leveling up your skills is always in tune.
Breakout Tracks – Jam out in sessions on the hottest HR topics—employment law, talent strategy, HR tech, leadership, and more. Each set is designed to sharpen your skills, expand your impact, and keep you moving to the beat of success.
Pre-Conference Jam – Kick things off early with our pre-conference sessions designed to build real-world AI skills. Work through HR scenarios on your own device while learning prompt engineering, mobile AI tools, sentiment analysis, and ethical best practices. The perfect soundcheck before the main stage begins.
Networking Jams – On Wednesday, September 16, and Thursday, September 17, we turn down the workday lights and turn up the groove. These evening socials are the perfect way to mix, mingle, and keep the rhythm flowing.
Exhibitor Spotlight – Step into the showcase and explore the latest HR tools, tech, and solutions—all in harmony to help your workplace hit the right notes.
Keep Your Credits in Key – Earn up to 12 recertification hours when you attend in person, or up to 22 hours with our On Demand recordings.
A Crowd That Moves You – Join 400+ HR pros—senior practitioners, supervisors, managers, and directors—ready to swap ideas, share wisdom, and inspire the next big HR hit.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Registration & Information Open | Foyer |
| 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Exhibitor Set Up | Exhibit Hall |
| 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Lucas Fender - Optional Pre-Conference Workshop & Lunch Being an AI-Savvy HR Manager: An Interactive Skills Workshop |
Kings A & B |
| 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Conference Opening & Welcome | Ballroom |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Johnny C. Taylor JR., SHRM-SCP - Opening Keynote | Ballroom |
| 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | SHRM Time | Ballroom |
| 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Break & Visit Exhibitors | Exhibit Hall |
| 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM | Introduction of Award Nominees | Ballroom |
| 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM |
Teresa Shulda Not-So-Dry Employment Law |
Ballroom |
| 4:45 PM - 6:30 PM | Social Event with Exhibitors | Exhibit Hall |
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM | Registration & Information Open | Foyer |
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Breakfast | Ballroom |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM |
Shannon McKain - Keynote Rally Mentality for HR Leaders |
Ballroom |
| 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Visit with Exhibitors | Exhibit Hall |
| 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Breakouts | |
|
Denise McClennon The Elephant in the Boardroom: When Leaders are Barriers to Psychological Safety |
Kings A | |
|
LeAnne Legass Becoming a Congruent Leader: How to Align Your Intentions and Impact |
Kings B | |
|
Chris Thixton The Financial Wellness Program Conundrum |
Kings C | |
|
Luke Goetting Unlocking Gen Z+ Potential: Future-Proofing Your Workforce for Innovation & Growth |
Flint Hills | |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Visit with Exhibitors | Exhibit Hall |
| 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Award Winner Presentations | Ballroom |
| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Lunch | Ballroom |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Jeanne Sparrow - Keynote The Power of Fearless Authenticity Clarity in Who You Are ...Intention in How You Lead |
Ballroom |
| 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Visit with Exhibitors | Exhibit Hall |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Breakouts | |
|
LeAnne Legass Three Reasons Your People Manager Training Falls Flat: How to Boost Engagement and Impact in Your Leadership Development Programs |
Kings A | |
|
Laura Clark Fey AI in Talent Management and Workforce Operations |
Kings B | |
|
Lei Comerford What Did My Brain Just Say (Mental Agility & Shifting Focus) |
Kings C | |
|
Melody Rayl Beyond the Paper Trail: Mastering the Art of Bulletproof HR Investigations |
Flint Hills | |
| 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Final Vendor Hall Time-Foundation and Vendor Gift Drawings | |
| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Breakouts | |
|
Kim Oppelt Three Strategies Organizations Can Use to Bridge Generational Work Values |
Kings A | |
|
Sean Hudspeth You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Relearning Balance to Better Support Others |
Kings B | |
|
Mike Smoots ERISA |
Kings C | |
|
Denise McClennon When Grown-Ups Need to Grow Up: Reducing Drama, Fostering Ownership and Developing Maturity in Leaders |
Flint Hills | |
| 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Social at The Museum of Art + Light | Exhibit Hall |
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Registration & Information Open | Foyer |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast | Ballroom |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM |
Corey Williamson - Workforce Community Keynote The Human Workplace: Leading with Connection to Strengthen Culture |
Ballroom |
| 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM | Transfer Break | Ballroom |
| 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM | Breakouts | |
|
Kristi Spaeth Show up and show out – How and why to present in excellence as an HR Pro |
Kings A | |
|
Stephanie Craig Why HR Leaders Should Be Involved with Crisis Planning |
Kings B | |
|
Slater Heglin Grief in the Workplace: Beyond "I am sorry" |
Kings C | |
|
Jamal Cornelius Inclusive Engagement: Empowering Introverts. Elevating Ideas |
Flint Hills | |
| 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM | Break Service | Ballroom |
| 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
Devin Henderson - Closing Keynote Something Greater Is Always Possible |
Ballroom |
| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Conference Closing | Ballroom |
As a valued business partner, here’s your chance to turn up the volume—showcase your “greatest hits” solutions, drop fresh tracks of innovation, and jam with hundreds of HR professionals, decision-makers, and workplace leaders. You’ll make connections that don’t just fade out—they’ll stay on repeat.
So, tune up your brand, polish your pitch, and grab your spot on the Soul Train. This is where relationships hit the right notes, your business takes center stage, and the whole HR community gets movin’ and groovin’ toward a brighter future.
Join us for an exclusive 1.5-day event created for executive-level and senior HR professionals with 10+ years of experience. This premier gathering features two dynamic speakers and multiple roundtable discussions designed to spark meaningful conversations and provide actionable insights. You’ll connect with peers facing similar challenges, gain fresh perspectives from industry experts, and collaborate on solutions to elevate your HR leadership. Whether your goal is to expand your professional network or strengthen your strategic expertise, this event offers the perfect setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your HR career and make valuable, lasting connections.
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Relive the most energizing HR moments from the 2025 KS SHRM Annual Conference—where ideas, insights, and connections hit their groove.
