Bob Gregg | Boardman Clark LLC
Attorney and WI SHRM Legislative Partner

Keeping Up with the Times - Employment law Update and Trends

About the Program.  Bob Gregg and Storm Larson will provide their always-anticipated legal and employment law update, focusing on the top policies HR professionals must prepare for in 2026. Known for his engaging style, Bob will also share some of the most unusual and intriguing cases currently shaping employment law.

Bob Gregg is an employment relations attorney with more than 30 years of experience representing clients on complex issues.

Bob litigates a wide variety of employment cases on behalf of employers, including discrimination, wage, and hour, FMLA, ADA, unfair discharge, contracts, privacy, and more. His main emphasis is helping employers achieve enhanced productivity, creating positive work environments, and resolving employment problems before they generate lawsuits. Bob conducts proactive management seminars throughout the United States to teach supervisors how to recognize issues and avoid liability.

Bob is nationally recognized for his work on respectful workplace education, employment and service provision, and has helped numerous public and private employers. As a founding faculty member of the Department of Defense Race Relations Institute, he developed anti-discrimination programs for military bases worldwide. As Chief Equal Rights Officer for the Wisconsin Personnel Commission, he was responsible for implementing some of the first anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies and practices in the United States. He is a Nationally recognized authority on workplace issues.

Bob’s practice also has a special focus in documentation issues. He is retained to conduct high level, sensitive investigations for both public and private sector organizations. Bob trains HR staff, security personnel, and civil investigators in the concepts of properly investigating employment issues.

Mike Aitken is the Executive Vice President, HR Professional Solutions at SHRM, following 15 years of leading SHRM’s successful advocacy programs as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.

Mike is a leading authority on issues important to the human resource profession and drives SHRM’s membership and customer vision, ensuring excellent customer experiences, and implementing the organization’s newly developed business strategy.

He applies his proven model of engagement to shape the future of work, workers and workplaces. He is an expert relationship-builder across diverse constituencies and stakeholders, always seeking out the “win-win” in every situation.

As a member of SHRM’s executive team, Mike also plays a key role in setting the strategic direction of the organization, offering important counsel on SHRM’s educational programs and professional development opportunities.

Prior to joining SHRM in 2003, he spent 14 years with the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR), which represents more than 23,000 HR professionals at over 1,900 higher education institutions. In 2015 and 2016, Mike served as an employer representative on the U.S. delegation to the International Labour Conference.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Diego.

Navigate the complex intersection of artificial intelligence and human resources in this thought-provoking session that explores the ethical implications of AI-powered HR technologies. Through the lens of "Black Mirror"-style scenarios, participants will examine critical considerations in AI implementation, from algorithmic bias in recruitment to privacy concerns in employee monitoring.

 This cutting-edge session addresses pressing questions about responsible AI adoption, data governance, and maintaining human-centered practices in an increasingly automated HR landscape. Learn practical frameworks for evaluating AI solutions, implementing ethical guidelines, and ensuring transparency in AI-driven decision-making processes. Discover strategies to balance technological innovation with employee rights, diversity and inclusion, and organizational values. Essential for HR technology leaders, DEI professionals, and decision-makers involved in digital HR transformation who want to harness AI's potential while avoiding potential pitfalls and maintaining workforce trust.

Master the art of strategic workforce planning through the lens of chess mastery, inspired by The Queen's Gambit's brilliant approach to strategic thinking and calculated decision-making. This innovative session reimagines talent management and workforce optimization by applying grandmaster-level chess strategies to today's complex labor landscape. Learn how to anticipate market shifts, identify critical skill gaps, and position your organizational talent for future success. Participants will explore data-driven workforce analytics, succession planning frameworks, and agile talent deployment strategies that create sustainable competitive advantages. Through practical scenarios and interactive exercises, discover how to develop multi-move strategies that align workforce capabilities with emerging business needs while maintaining organizational agility. Perfect for HR strategists, talent management professionals, and business leaders who need to navigate the increasingly complex dynamics of workforce transformation, skills evolution, and talent marketplace disruption. 

 • Learning Objective 1: Develop and implement forward-thinking workforce planning strategies using predictive analytics and strategic foresight methodologies to anticipate future talent needs and market shifts. 

 • Learning Objective 2: Master techniques for creating dynamic succession planning frameworks that ensure organizational resilience and maintain competitive advantage in rapidly evolving markets. 

 • Learning Objective 3: Design and execute data-driven talent optimization strategies that effectively balance current operational needs with future capability requirements while maximizing ROI on human capital investments. 

Shari Simpson stands at the forefront of the human resources field, blending 20+ years of rich experience with cutting-edge educational credentials. As a seasoned HR professional, Shari's expertise spans a broad spectrum – from training and development to talent acquisition and employee relations. Her insights are further enriched by an MBA, an MHRM, a Certificate in E-commerce Management, and a SHRM-SCP certification. Currently, she is expanding her horizons by pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Innovation at Purdue. Shari's commitment to HR excellence extends beyond traditional roles. She is the dynamic host of the HR Mixtape podcast, where she delves into diverse HR topics with industry experts, sharing invaluable insights that resonate across the field. This platform has highlighted her as a thought leader and showcased her talent in bridging theory and practice in HR. Renowned for her eloquence and depth of knowledge, Shari is a sought-after speaker at local and national conferences. Her collaborations with other industry leaders have significantly elevated the discourse in HR, payroll, and business sectors, particularly within and outside Paylocity. Beyond her professional pursuits, Shari's life is rich with personal achievements and interests. A proud mother of three sons—one a veteran and two currently serving in the US Navy—she balances her demanding career with the joys of being a dog mom and an avid reader. Her 25-year marriage to a fire department Chief adds another layer of depth to her understanding of service and dedication. Shari Simpson is more than an HR professional; she is a beacon of innovation and leadership, inspiring others through her work, her words, and her unwavering commitment to excellence in human resources.

Accountability doesn’t have to feel like a chore – it’s your secret weapon for success! In this high-energy, hands-on session, you’ll crack the code to accountability using one simple formula: Accountability = Clear Expectations + Feedback. Forget micromanaging and messy miscommunications. This workshop will show you how to set the stage for crystal-clear expectations and give feedback that actually fuels problem-solving, ownership, and creativity.

Through fun exercises and real-life examples, we’ll teach you how to make accountability a team sport. You’ll learn how to ditch the awkwardness of tough conversations, turn clarity into your superpower, and leave with tools to build a culture where everyone shows up, takes ownership, collaborates effectively, and drives results. Let’s make accountability something your team actually loves – yes, it’s possible!

• Learning Objective 1: Clarity is Key. Understand how clear expectations eliminate ambiguity and empower teams to own their responsibilities.

• Learning Objective 2: Feedback That Lands. Master the art of providing feedback that motivates and drives continuous improvement.

• Learning Objective 3: Create a Culture of Accountability. Learn how to foster collaboration and trust through consistent communication and follow-through.