Conferences

WI SHRM 2025 
State Conference

October 8-10, 2025
Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI



 

 

 

 

 


 

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – Brian Goodman, Storm Larson, Sandy Cohen, Jennifer Johnson
1:00 – 4:30 p.m. 
"The Annual Legal Update from Boardman Clark"

Join Boardman Clark for their Annual HR Legal Update. This session will include three different programs presented by Boardman Clark attorneys.   

Program 1: Understanding and Implementing Key Legal Developments Over the Past Year 

Program 1 Overview: It has been a busy year! This presentation will highlight the major legal issues facing employers in a rapidly changing legal landscape.  This presentation will also help employers navigate these legal developments.  Topics will include federal and state legislative and regulatory changes in addition to relevant case law for Wisconsin employers.  Specific emphasis will be given to what these developments mean for employers on a practical level.    

Program 2: Navigating the Uncertain Legal Landscape of DE&I 

Program 2 Overview: DE&I faces an uncertain and changing landscape, and understanding obligations in the workplace in the face of this uncertainty can be challenging. To help reduce that uncertainty, this presentation will help dispel common misconceptions about DE&I and alert attendees to gray areas in the law as well. This presentation will help employers understand how to navigate this charged issue.  

Program 3: Navigating ICE and Immigration Enforcement in the Workplace 

Program 3 Overview:  Immigration enforcement presents complex challenges for employers in balancing compliance obligations with employee rights. This presentation addresses the evolving landscape of workplace immigration enforcement, guiding employers to understand their responsibilities while minimizing legal and operational risks.



Brian P. Goodman is an attorney and a member of the labor and employment and school law practice groups of Boardman Clark. He assists employers with a wide range of legal issues including, hiring, discipline, terminations, leave issues under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), accommodation issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and many other day-to-day matters. Mr. Goodman is a frequent writer, presenter, and trainer on employment law matters.





Storm practices primarily in the area of labor and employment law. He takes a practical approach in counseling employers on how to resolve problems before they escalate but is unafraid to litigate when conflict cannot be resolved absent court intervention. Storm regularly appears before agencies as well as state and federal courts to advocate for his clients.




Sandy Cohen is a member of the Labor & Employment, School Law, and Municipal Law practice groups at Boardman Clark. She assists employers with legal issues such as employment investigations, employee discipline, handbook review, and leave issues under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Sandy graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School.


 


Jennifer’s immigration practice has transformed under the new administration to focus on preventative compliance strategies for businesses facing intensified workplace enforcement, including comprehensive I-9 audits and verification protocols. Jennifer specializes in preparing organizations with detailed response plans for potential enforcement actions, emphasizing proper warrant verification procedures and strategic designation of staff authorized to engage with immigration officials. Jennifer’s expertise extends to post-enforcement crisis management, helping businesses navigate the complex balance between compliance obligations and workforce protection during audits or raids at workplaces and educational institutions.

 

 

Wednesday, October 8, 2028 – Kelly Hirn
1:00 – 4:30 p.m. 
"Multi-Generational Management: Communicating and Influencing From Boom to Z"



From assumptions that no one wants to work anymore to refusing to adopt new tech, our stereotypes of the 4 generations in the workforce are causing rifts through organizational culture. Leading and managing these diverse perspectives can feel daunting but you don't need to adhere to strict in person policies, incorporate 80s and 90s pop culture, or master the use of 'no cap' in a sentence to get great results. In this session we'll learn time tested skills and strategies to lead teams to success. We'll also take the best from what each generation has to teach us to be adaptable for the next generation. Join us in bridging the generations.

Kelly Hirn has been leading and developing leaders for more than 20 years. Her experience in leadership in industries from insurance, hospitality, education, construction, and more has highlighted the underpinnings of an exceptional leader. Kelly's comical, real-world perspective on objective reflection and active development help her maximize the leadership skills of the clients she works with.


Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – Paula Rauenbuehler
1:00 – 4:30 p.m. 
"Emotional Intelligence: Leading With Heart & Mind"



Boost your leadership impact! This interactive workshop equips HR professionals with practical EQ skills to navigate complex situations, foster strong relationships, and communicate effectively. Learn to manage your emotions, influence others, and build a more positive and productive work environment. Walk away with actionable strategies to enhance your leadership and drive organizational success. This dynamic workshop, "EQ: Leading with Heart & Mind," directly addresses the Leadership & Navigation, Communication, and Relationship Management behavioral competencies within the SHRM BASK. It recognizes that in today's ever-changing landscape, particularly within HR, emotional intelligence is not just a "nice-to-have" but a "must-have" for effective leadership. This session offers more than just awareness and regulation of emotions; it delves into practical application and skill-building. Participants will gain tangible tools and strategies to enhance their EQ and leadership capabilities, ultimately contributing to a more engaged and productive workforce.

Paula Rauenbuehler, PCC, a seasoned HR pro & certified coach, understands your challenges. As a former HRD, she's navigated talent management, succession planning and employee engagement. Now, as CEO of Leading UP, she empowers HR professionals like you. With deep understanding of emotional intelligence and neuroscience of leadership, she's helped hundreds reach new heights.


Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – Sarah Noll-Wilson
1:00 – 4:30 p.m. 

"Building Powerful Teams by Overcoming Avoidance and Freeing the Elephants in the Room"


The strongest teams are not the ones without conflict; the strongest teams are those that know how to have conflict and thrive because of it. When teams are psychologically safe and adaptive, team members can be their whole authentic selves, they can ask questions, take risks, be able to fail, and disagree. There is a commitment to constant exploring, experimenting, and evolving on an individual level and as a team. Great teams do not happen by chance - they are built by choice. But what if people aren’t able or don’t know how to engage in honest conversations that are candid, compassionate, and curious? Then the room fills with avoidance and elephants start to take up space. Now our teams are not only avoiding conflict, but connection as well. To overcome our avoidance of the problem, we need to understand how and why we are feeding the elephant. By taking a Curiosity First Approach, we increase ownership, have kind and candid conversations, and build more powerful partnerships.

With over 15 years of experience in leadership development, Sarah Noll-Wilson has worked with more than 500 organizations and thousands of leaders globally to transform workplace cultures, strengthen relationships, and build high-performing teams. A trusted voice in leadership, Sarah is a contributor to Harvard Business Review and Forbes, and her expertise has been featured in BBC Radio, The Washington Post, Business Insider, and The New York Post.






 

WI SHRM is committed to keeping our conference as green as possible. We make an effort to provide all information electronically. We hope to limit use of excessive paper by offering electronic conference materials such as the conference schedule, speaker information, accommodation and travel information, and more. Please consider accessing information electronically before printing. We appreciate your efforts towards keeping the conference green as well!

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Conference Location:

Kalahari Resort
1300 Kalahari Drive
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965