2025 WI SHRM VOLUNTEER Leader
Conference

August 14-15, 2025
Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront | Oshkosh, WI

Our Sponsors

SHRM Volunteer Leaders are among the most dedicated, passionate, and hard-working SHRM members. Whether you are a volunteer leader for your local chapter, student chapter, or the Wisconsin State Council; the 2025 WI SHRM Volunteer Leader Conference will be a fantastic opportunity to: 

• Update you with the latest strategic initiatives from SHRM 
• Equip you with the knowledge and resources to help you become a more effective volunteer leader 
• Connect you with your fellow volunteer leaders from across Wisconsin 
• Energize you with innovative ideas to bring back to your chapters 

This year’s WI SHRM Volunteer Leader Conference will be held on August 14th and 15th at the Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Event registration is now open! All SHRM volunteer leaders are encouraged to attend this conference to network, connect, and engage with your Wisconsin SHRM colleagues at this enriching and entertaining event. Whether you are an emerging or aspiring leader or someone who has been involved with volunteer leadership for years, you are sure to learn something new and make meaningful connections with other dedicated human resource professionals that will last long after the conference is over. 

The WI SHRM Volunteer Leader Conference Committee and our chapter host, Oshkosh SHRM, are enthusiastically planning great programming, engaging events, and valuable activities for you! You will leave this conference understanding more about the vision and mission of SHRM and Wisconsin State Council SHRM, gain in-depth knowledge of our SHRM Core Leadership Areas, and learn how best to develop and maintain strong relationships and partnerships between SHRM, WI SHRM, our chapters, and our members. 

WI SHRM Chapter Award Nominations

The WI SHRM Volunteer Leader Conference is just around the corner and the conference committee is pleased to share with you the opportunity to be spotlight an outstanding volunteer or chapter initiative.  Wisconsin chapters are doing some fantastic and innovate work and we can't wait to recognize these achievements.

 WI SHRM would like to hear from you, our chapter leaders, and give you the opportunity to spotlight significant achievements, programs, and people that contribute to the advancement of HR.   An overview of this year's award categories for outstanding leadership and achievement can be found he​re. 

We ask Wisconsin chapter and council leaders to read through the awards criteria and complete a short nomination by clinking on the link below to nominate a deserving chapter or individual.  You may make multiple submissions.  Each submission must be submitted separately.  The due date for submission is July 14, 2025.
 

Sponsorship opportunities available now! 

Conference at a Glance 

Thursday, August 14, 2025
9:00 - 11:30 am	WI SHRM State Council Meeting Core Council and Local Chapter Presidents & President Elects
9:30 - 11:0 am	Vendor Booth Move In
11:00 - 5:30 pm	Registration Open
11:30 - 11:35 am	Welcome and Agenda Overview   Jeff Palkowski, MHRM, SHRM-SCP, PHR, PMQ State Director Pam Berkovitz, SHRM-SCP Leadership Director
11:35 - 12:00 pm	Puzzle Activity We'll kick off our conference with an engaging networking activity!  Dust off your puzzle skills - your group will be tasked with completing a puzzle (with some fun twists thrown in).  The group to finish their puzzle the fastest wins.
12:00 - 12:45 pm	Networking Lunch
1:05 - 1:15 pm	Volunteer Update:  Annual State Conference  What does it take to be a volunteer at an 1,500 person conference?!  Let's find out! We will give brief in's and out's about volunteering at State Conference and the benefits that come back to you in return for your service at the largest annual conference Wisconsin SHRM puts on!
1:15 - 2:45 pm	Speed Learning and Networking Activity | 4 Rounds Choose Your Table, Move to New Tables, Learn and Share Your Wisdom! Join us for a fast-paced, interactive session designed to spark ideas, share best practices, and connect with fellow SHRM chapter leaders. Think speed dating — but for volunteer leadership! Here’s how it works: You’ll participate in four 20-minute rounds of small-group discussion, each at a different table with a unique topic. Facilitators will guide the conversation, but this is your chance to share, ask, and learn from each other. After each round, you’ll rotate to a new topic and new group of peers. Whether you're a seasoned leader or brand new to your role, this session is all about learning on the fly, making connections, and walking away with actionable ideas to take back to your chapter. Pick your topic. Grab a seat. Let’s talk shop.
2:45 - 3:00 pm	Break
3:00 - 4:15 PM Bruce Waller	Keynote | Get Ready to ACT: Action Changes Things! with Bruce Waller   Join Bruce W. Waller for a dynamic keynote session that doesn't just inspire — it activates. At the start of Day 1, you'll take part in a quick, powerful exercise designed to turn insight into impact. In just 5–10 minutes, you’ll write down one meaningful action — your “ACT” — to boost leadership, culture, or chapter engagement. Keep it visible, keep it real, and be ready to share. Because at Wisconsin SHRM, we don’t just talk leadership — we live it. One post-it. One action. Real change.
4:15 - 4:30 pm	Break
4:30 - 5:30 pm	WI SHRM Shark Tank    Pitch. Connect. Win. Get ready for a high-energy, interactive session where chapter leaders become innovators and pitch their best ideas to a panel of SHRM “Sharks” — including keynote Bruce Waller! What to expect: Chapters pitch creative initiatives in quick, two-minute presentations Sharks give live feedback and ask the tough questions Audience votes on the best ideas to take back to their own chapters Top three presentations win prizes and SHRM Foundation donations! This is your chance to spark ideas, steal (the good kind) inspiration, and have fun while helping shape the future of your chapter. Think bold. Pitch smart. ACT big.
5:30 - 8:00 pm	Evening Networking Reception | Heavy Appetizers | Refreshments After a full day of learning, get comfortable, grab your favorite beverage, and join us on the patio next to the river!  You can mingle with your fellow attendees while enjoying  spectacular views.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the atmosphere!
5:00 - 5:15 pm	Closing Comments / Committee Recognition Intro to the Evening / What's Coming for Tomorrow
	*Times and content subject to change without notice.

 

Friday, August 15, 2025
7:15 - 8:00 am	Breakfast | Networking
8:10 - 8:15 am	Foundation Update & SHRM Foundation Resources  Latest SHRM Foundation information and a quick update on the status of fundraising during the conference!
8:30 - 9:30 am	Individual & Chapter Awards This year's award winners will be announced and celebrated! Presented by WI SHRM District Directors Jill Gorres, Northwest District Margaret Baltus, Northeast District Bobbie Moore, Northcentral District Brittany Hanson, Southeast District Mary Vogl-Rauscher, Southwest District
9:30 - 9:50 am Heather Merrick, SHRM-SCP	SHRM Update Get the latest SHRM updates with Wisconsin's Members & Community Director, Heather Merrick, SHRM-SCP.
9:50 - 10:00 am	Break
10:00 - 11:00 am	Breakouts: Small Chapters (94 members or less) Medium Chapters (95 - 200 members) Large Chapters (201 or more members) One of the best parts of being a SHRM Volunteer is that you are not alone! Join us for an engaging conversation in which we will discuss best practices and challenges that you are encountering from the previous day’s sessions. Presented by WI SHRM District Directors Jill Gorres, Northwest District - Small Bobbie Moore, Northcentral District - Medium Brittany Hanson, Southeast District - Large Margaret Baltus, Northeast District - Large
11:00 - 11:15 am	Break
11:15 - 12:00 pm Bruce Waller	Workshop | Day 2: Let’s Put Your ACT into Action! with Bruce Waller   Day 2: Let’s Put Your ACT into Action! This isn’t just talk — it’s transformation. In this 30-minute table discussion, you’ll share your personal ACT from Day 1 and collaborate with fellow leaders to turn individual commitments into chapter-level impact. Here’s what to expect: Share your action Brainstorm 1–2 key initiatives for your SHRM chapter Build a plan to support and hold each other accountable Small steps. Big change. Let’s ACT now and lead forward — together.
12:00 - 12:15 pm  Pam Berkovitz, SHRM-SCP Leadership Director	Closing | Prizes | Silent Auction Winners | Sponsor Drawings Pam Berkovitz, SHRM-SCP, Leadership Director Conference closing, wrap up, silent auction winners announced and prize drawings galore!
	*Times and content subject to change without notice.

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Foundation Fundraising Events

Cork Pull 
Back by popular demand, we are bringing back the cork pull.  Buy a cork and win a fabulous bottle of wine!  

Silent Auction
We invite you to also participate in the Silent Auction.  Bidding will start on Thursday, August 14th and wrap up at 12 Noon on Friday.  Winners of the silent auction bids will be announced during the closing of the conference.
 

Music and Networking!

Join us for a laid-back evening of good vibes and great connections on the back patio of the Oshkosh Marriott—right on the river! We’ll have drinks, heavy snacks, music setting the mood, and plenty of friendly faces to chat with. Whether you're swapping contact info or just swapping stories, it’s the perfect way to unwind, mix, and mingle. Come for the views, stay for the convo.
    

Attendee Cancellation:

A $50 administrative fee will be charged for conference cancellations received before July 31, 2025.  Requests for refunds after July 31st will be denied unless there are extenuating circumstances which prevent an attendee from finding another person to attend the conference in their place.  (An extenuating circumstance may include an unexpected death in the family or medical emergency).  Proof of the hardship will be required.  Changing work loads and/or staffing levels at your organization are not considered an extenuating circumstance for cancelling after the cut-off date.  These requests will be reviewed by members of the WI SHRM Executive Council, Leadership Director and the Conference Liaison Director on a case-by-case basis.
 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

 

Cottingham & Butler 800 Main Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Contact:  Joey Backus Email:  jbackus@cottinghambutler.com Phone:  (262) 674-4171 Website:  https://www.cottinghambutler.com/   Cottingham & Butler has a long, rich history, starting as a local insurance agency on the upper banks of the Mississippi River in Dubuque, IA and growing into one of the largest insurance brokers in the U.S. Celebrating over 125 years of insight, Cottingham & Butler is a leader in offering innovative property & casualty and employee benefit insurance solutions. Our services include:   Property & Casualty Insurance Safety and Loss Control Services Employee Benefits Consulting Benefit Claims Administration Casualty Claims Administration Captives & Programs Compliance & HR Consulting Services Wellness & Medical Management Services	Gallagher Insurance 245 Executive Drive, Suite 200 Brookfield, WI 53005 Contact: Josh Bergman Email: Josh_Bergman@ajg.com Phone: (262) 312-3086 Website: https://www.ajg.com   We are Gallagher, a global leader in insurance, risk management and consulting services. Much more than simply an insurance broker, we are an international group of partners that provide cost-effective, client-centric, and expertise-driven risk management solutions. Our leadership team fosters a dynamic, entrepreneurial culture that has made us an innovator in creating new products and services for our clients.
M3 Insurance 828 John Nolen Drive Madison, WI 53713 Contact: Traci Licari Email: traci.licari@m3ins.com Phone: (414) 978-1439 Website: www.m3ins.com   M3 is a top 50 insurance broker and risk management firm in America. We’re leaders in the products we represent and the industries we serve. M3’s people are an extension of your team, providing world-class resources to help you manage risk, purchase insurance, and provide employee benefits. And our focus on community builds better places to live and work. For more information on M3, visit www.m3ins.com.	Seek Careers 1160 Opportunity Drive Grafton, WI 53024 Contact: Debbie Fedel, CSP, PHR, SHRM-CP Email: dfedel@seekcareers.com Phone: (262) 377-8888 Website: www.seekcareers.com   SEEK Careers/Staffing, Inc. is a principle-based staffing resource dedicated to Servicing Your Success by exceeding your expectations. SEEK’s Core Values – Integrity, Passion and Extraordinary Customer Service - are demonstrated by its teams as they provide assignment employees, vendor-on-premises consultants and direct-hire candidates. We specialize in employment placedment for direct-hire, temporary-to-hire and contract opportunities in manufacturing, light industrial, skilled trades, administrative and a host of other positions as well.
Edvest 525 Junction Road, Suite 6500 Madison, WI 53715 Contact: Kevin Pytleski Email: kevin.pytleski@tiaa.org Phone: (608) 234-6317 Website: www.edvest.com/employer Edvest, Wisconsin's official 529 savings plan, is now available as a employee benefit.  Parents appreciate anything that can make saving for their child's future simple and affordable.  You can help employees save and enhance your talent retention and acquisition efforts.  You can add Edvest to your company's financial wellness line up, at no cost to your company and with no reporting required.  Learn more, and access free resources for Wisconsin employers at edvest.com or call 888.338.3789.
By registering for this conference, you agree to share your contact information with sponsors/exhibitors of the event and any photographs taken may be used for publication and/or marketing purposes.