This event is exclusively for HR practitioners

Influencing Decisions, Aligning Stakeholders, and Driving Change

Your strategy might be right—but if it’s not landing, it’s not leading.

In today’s boardrooms, influence doesn’t come from data alone. It comes from how you tell the story.

This exclusive, small-group session is designed for senior HR leaders ready to elevate their executive presence and shape high-stakes decisions. You’ll gain a practical, repeatable storytelling framework to transform complex ideas—strategy, data, risk, and transformation—into clear, compelling narratives that drive action.

In this highly interactive workshop, you will:

• Turn complex people and business challenges into persuasive executive narratives
• Strengthen your influence in boardroom and C-suite conversations
• Present data in ways that inspire alignment and commitment
• Build a portfolio of ready-to-use stories for critical moments
• Lead change by connecting purpose, strategy, and action

This is not theory. It’s a hands-on, executive-level experience focused on real-world application—so you can walk into your next high-stakes conversation with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Space is intentionally limited to ensure a high-touch, peer-level experience.

About the Speaker:

Dave Minionis is the Managing Partner of Humanetrics, where he helps organizations build stronger leaders, teams, and cultures through high-impact learning and development.

With more than 25 years of experience, Dave is a trusted advisor on leadership, change, and organizational effectiveness. He’s known for delivering engaging, practical sessions that blend real-world insight, storytelling, and humor—making complex ideas both accessible and actionable.

Dave is also the author of Before You Say Another Word, focused on thinking on your feet in high-stakes moments, and has taught at both University of Virginia and George Washington University.

Timeline

8:00 am - 8:30 am - Registration + Breakfast + Networking

8:30 am - 10:30 am - Program

This is a complimentary event for HR practitioners.

Looking to make your next career move, explore new opportunities, or strengthen your professional brand? The HRLF Career Accelerator is a high-impact, 60-minute virtual session designed just for HR professionals like you.

Join a dynamic community of peers to learn practical career skills, share experiences, and expand your network—all from wherever you are. Whether you’re actively in transition or simply exploring possibilities, this session gives you the tools, insights, and connections to move your HR career forward with confidence and momentum.

Why Attend:

• Boost your career-ready skills and personal brand
• Learn from and connect with peers navigating similar journeys
• Access actionable strategies to accelerate your next career step
• Feel supported, connected, and inspired in a thriving HR community

Your career doesn’t wait—why should you? Join us and accelerate your next move!

Compliance Complexity: Navigating the Patchwork of Leave Laws

Managing employee leave has never been more complex. With federal mandates, state-specific requirements, and local ordinances constantly evolving, even well-intentioned employers can find themselves exposed. For multi-state employers, the risk is even greater.

In this session, you'll cut through the confusion and walk away with a clear understanding of how FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and state leave laws interact — and a concrete action plan to protect your organization.

Speaker Info:
Samantha Kavalir, Regional Director, Workforce Absence Management

 Sam comes to HUB International as the Director of Absence Management supporting our East Region.  A seasoned absence management specialist with over a decade of experience partnering to design and refine leave-of-absence programs.

Having worked on both sides- first within a major absence management carrier, and most recently an employer managing and creating the entire leave of absence program. This dule perspective allows her the unique perspective that will resonate with clients, bridging gaps, streamlining education and communication all while fostering a collaborative relationship among stakeholders.

Recognizing the complexities employers face as it relates to implementation, policy creation, workflow and employee experience.  Sam believes that well-managed absence programs create a culture of trust between employers and employees. By educating teams on policy details and legal obligations, she uses her knowledge to empower employers to find ways to work more efficiently, minimize risk and lead with compassion and clarity. 

Through a combinationy of hands-on expertise, instructional skill, and an unrelenting focus on continuous improvement, Sam continues to drive positive outcomes for employers committed to supporting their people.

Sam and her daughter, Danika, live just outside of Pittsburgh with their rescue dog Buddy and two kittens Pretzel and Grady.

In her free time, Sam enjoys spending time outdoors, antique shopping, doing home projects and camping.

This is a complimentary event for HR practitioners.

HRLF’s Federal Contracting Forum is a dedicated peer network for HR practitioners operating in the federal contracting space. This forum brings together HR leaders to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore best practices unique to the complexities of federal contracting.

Members engage in meaningful dialogue on topics such as compliance, workforce planning, talent acquisition, retention strategies, and organizational development—all within the context of federal regulations and contracting requirements. Through interactive discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and peer-to-peer networking, participants gain practical strategies to drive HR excellence in their organizations.

Whether sharing lessons learned, exploring innovative approaches, or building relationships with fellow HR professionals, the Federal Contracting Forum provides a trusted space to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving federal contracting environment.

This is a complimentary event for HR practitioners.

HRLF’s Nonprofit Forum is a peer network for HR professionals working in the nonprofit sector. This forum provides a collaborative space for HR leaders to share experiences, exchange best practices, and discuss challenges unique to nonprofit organizations.

Participants explore key topics such as talent acquisition and retention, workforce planning, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and compliance—all within the context of mission-driven organizations. Through interactive discussions, peer sharing, and networking, members gain practical insights and strategies to strengthen their HR impact and support organizational success.

The Nonprofit HR Forum fosters meaningful connections among HR practitioners, offering a trusted environment for collaboration, learning, and advancing the effectiveness of HR in the nonprofit sector.

This event is exclusively for HR practitioners

HRLF's Executive Skills Accelerator: Master Influence, Presence & Impact

Influence & Persuasion – Elevate Your Executive Impact

To drive meaningful organizational impact, today’s HR executives must move beyond a purely functional lens and operate as enterprise business leaders. This interactive workshop is designed to help you do exactly that.

You’ll learn how to identify the unique “motivational currencies” of your cross-functional stakeholders and position your initiatives in terms that resonate with their priorities. By sharpening these advanced communication and influence skills, you’ll strengthen your ability to gain executive buy-in and confidently navigate high-stakes decisions at the leadership table.

Key Focus Areas:

• Decoding Stakeholder Motivations
  Understand what truly drives decision-making across the business by identifying and leveraging the distinct priorities of your stakeholders.
• Framing the “Why”
  Translate HR insights into strategic, operational, and financial language that resonates with senior leadership.
• Securing Alignment & Buy-In
  Build the skills to navigate resistance, align competing priorities, and create consensus around your initiatives.
• Expanding Your Executive Footprint
  Position yourself as a trusted, enterprise-wide advisor—not just a functional HR leader.

Walk away with practical tools to influence across functions, secure executive alignment, and drive decisions that move your organization forward.

Speaker: Stacy Cook,  Principal at Perception Learning

is a dynamic speaker, trainer, and organizational development consultant who currently serves as a Principal at Perception Learning. With over 4,000 hours of classroom training experience, she specializes in helping individuals and organizations close challenging soft skills gaps through customized programs in leadership development, resilience, and performance management. Her diverse professional background includes leading the Learning and Development Center of Excellence at FMP Consulting, serving as a Program Manager for a Department of Defense Task Force in Baghdad, and working as a trainer and performance coach for The Alexander Company. A recognized thought leader who has presented at major events such as the ATD International Conference and the SHRM Annual Conference, Stacy focuses on delivering practical value and immediately applicable tools to her audiences. She holds an MA in Adult Learning and Leadership from Teachers College of Columbia University.

Timeline

8:00 am - 8:30 am - Registration + Breakfast + Networking

8:30 am - 10:30 am - Program

         

HR Impact Awards & Reception

Join us for an evening of celebration and networking as we honor outstanding HR professionals and teams who are making a measurable impact in their organizations. The HRLF Impact Awards recognize those who drive innovation, implement best practices, and contribute meaningfully to the HR profession and community.

Celebrate achievements, share insights, and connect with fellow HR leaders in a relaxed and festive atmosphere during our Reception, featuring drinks, light refreshments, and lively conversation. This event is a unique opportunity to recognize excellence, be inspired by peers, and expand your professional network.

Developing future leaders is a strategic imperative for any organization, and HR executives play a critical role in designing programs that identify, nurture, and accelerate leadership talent. This interactive session is designed specifically for senior HR leaders seeking to create or enhance leadership development initiatives within their organizations.

Participants will engage in a dynamic mix of expert insights, peer discussions, and practical exercises. The session includes a panel of HR executives sharing real-world approaches and lessons learned from implementing leadership development programs in their organizations. A case study exercise allows participants to apply these insights to a practical scenario, designing a leadership development program tailored to their organization’s unique needs.

By combining strategy, peer learning, and hands-on application, this program empowers HR leaders to build a sustainable pipeline of high-potential talent and ensure their organization is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Learning Outcomes:

• Assess organizational needs and identify high-potential employees for leadership development.
• Design a structured, scalable leadership development program aligned with business strategy.
• Apply coaching, mentoring, and experiential learning techniques to accelerate leadership growth.
• Learn from peers about successful approaches and common pitfalls in leadership program implementation.
• Translate insights from a case study into actionable steps for their own organization.

Key Takeaways:

• A framework for creating a high-impact leadership development program.
• Practical strategies and tools for identifying and developing future leaders.
• Peer insights and examples from real-world organizational programs.
• Actionable ideas to implement immediately in your organization.
• Enhanced understanding of how to measure and communicate the impact of leadership development initiatives.

Timeline

8:00am - 8:45am - Registration + Breakfast + Networking

8:45am - 9:00am - Interactive Team Building Activity

9:00am - 10:30am - Program

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR 1.5 HRCI + SHRM CREDITS

PROGRAM ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED

         

This is a complimentary event for HR practitioners.

Looking to make your next career move, explore new opportunities, or strengthen your professional brand? The HRLF Career Accelerator is a high-impact, 60-minute virtual session designed just for HR professionals like you.

Join a dynamic community of peers to learn practical career skills, share experiences, and expand your network—all from wherever you are. Whether you’re actively in transition or simply exploring possibilities, this session gives you the tools, insights, and connections to move your HR career forward with confidence and momentum.

Why Attend:

• Boost your career-ready skills and personal brand
• Learn from and connect with peers navigating similar journeys
• Access actionable strategies to accelerate your next career step
• Feel supported, connected, and inspired in a thriving HR community

Your career doesn’t wait—why should you? Join us and accelerate your next move!

Today’s HR leaders are navigating unprecedented complexity—shifting workforce expectations, rapid business change, evolving technology, and heightened executive and board expectations. This panel brings together senior HR leaders to share how they are redefining HR’s role to drive enterprise-wide impact.

Designed for CHROs, VPs, and HR Directors, this session will explore how HR leaders are aligning people strategy with business priorities, influencing enterprise decisions, and leading through transformation. Panelists will share practical insights, lessons learned, and real-world examples of how HR is shaping organizational outcomes—beyond programs and policies—to enable growth, agility, and sustained performance.

Participants will leave with a clearer perspective on the evolving HR leadership agenda and concrete ideas to elevate their own strategic impact within their organizations.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the core capabilities and mindsets required for HR leaders to drive enterprise impact
• Understand how senior HR leaders are aligning workforce strategy with business and growth objectives
• Explore effective approaches for influencing executive leadership and enterprise decision-making
• Learn how HR leaders are prioritizing and sequencing strategic initiatives in a complex environment
• Gain insight into how HR functions are evolving to meet future organizational demands

Key Takeaways

• Executive Perspectives: Real-world insights from senior HR leaders on what’s working—and what they’ve learned along the way
• Strategic Alignment: Practical examples of how HR can directly support and influence enterprise strategy
• Leadership Impact: Approaches to positioning HR as a trusted enterprise advisor and strategic leader
• Future Focus: Key trends and considerations shaping the next phase of HR leadership
• Actionable Ideas: Take-home strategies participants can apply to strengthen HR’s impact within their own organizations

Timeline

8:00am - 8:45am - Registration + Breakfast + Networking

8:45am - 9:00am - Interactive Team Building Activity

9:00am - 10:30am - Program

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR 1.5 HRCI + SHRM CREDITS

PROGRAM ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED

         

This is a complimentary event for HR practitioners.

HRLF’s Federal Contracting Forum is a dedicated peer network for HR practitioners operating in the federal contracting space. This forum brings together HR leaders to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore best practices unique to the complexities of federal contracting.

Members engage in meaningful dialogue on topics such as compliance, workforce planning, talent acquisition, retention strategies, and organizational development—all within the context of federal regulations and contracting requirements. Through interactive discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and peer-to-peer networking, participants gain practical strategies to drive HR excellence in their organizations.

Whether sharing lessons learned, exploring innovative approaches, or building relationships with fellow HR professionals, the Federal Contracting Forum provides a trusted space to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving federal contracting environment.

This is a complimentary event for HR practitioners.

HRLF’s Nonprofit Forum is a peer network for HR professionals working in the nonprofit sector. This forum provides a collaborative space for HR leaders to share experiences, exchange best practices, and discuss challenges unique to nonprofit organizations.

Participants explore key topics such as talent acquisition and retention, workforce planning, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and compliance—all within the context of mission-driven organizations. Through interactive discussions, peer sharing, and networking, members gain practical insights and strategies to strengthen their HR impact and support organizational success.

The Nonprofit HR Forum fosters meaningful connections among HR practitioners, offering a trusted environment for collaboration, learning, and advancing the effectiveness of HR in the nonprofit sector.

This event is exclusively for HR practitioners.

HRLF's Executive Skills Accelerator: Master Influence, Presence & Impact

 Build Trust Across the Enterprise

December 4, 2026 | 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Forge strong executive relationships that accelerate results.

• Identify, engage, and manage critical stakeholders effectively
• Navigate conflicts and competing priorities with ease
  Takeaway: Strengthen collaboration and gain support for your strategic initiatives.

Timeline

8:00 am - 8:30 am - Registration + Breakfast + Networking

8:30 am - 10:30 am - Program