Mid-Year Update from the State Director
“Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin' into the future” – Steve Miller (Fly Like an Eagle)
I find it hard to believe that we are already halfway through 2026! I’ve just returned from the SHRM Annual Conference in Orlando (watch for a separate story), and there is so much to reflect on that we have accomplished so far this year. I am constantly amazed at what we can carry out as a volunteer organization, and I am so proud of what we do.
Let’s take a stroll through the first half of the year before we look at what lies ahead of us in the latter half of the year.
1. Connecting and Scoping Goals
In January, we hit the ground running with our new 2026 State Council, welcomed several new members to our ranks, and began laying the foundation for the months to come. We proceeded with ideas and goals that emerged from our Strategic Planning activities and continued working on several events scheduled for the new year.
2. An Expanded and Reimagined WI SHRM Workplace Policy Conference
Our first major event of 2026 was our Workplace Policy Conference, held from February 18-19 at our new venue, Marriott Madison West. We expanded the format to a 1.25-day event, kicking off with an afternoon keynote and an evening vendor fair reception. Day two featured our highly anticipated annual Legal Update with legislative partner Boardman Clark LLP, alongside valuable insights from Michael Aitken, SHRM's EVP of HR Professional Solutions. It was an incredibly successful event that supported HR professionals as they navigate today's evolving workplace landscape. Special shout-outs to Legislative Director Jay Stephany and his planning committee for their work, as well as Partnership & Sponsorship Director Ian Weide, who exceeded expectations by filling our first-ever Workplace Policy Conference vendor fair with both established and new exhibitors. We look forward to next year’s event at the same location in February 2027.
3. Setting Sail on the HR Conference Cruise
Just a few weeks later, WI SHRM proudly partnered again with HR Indiana SHRM, the Michigan Council of SHRM, and Aspect Marketing to present the 2026 HR Conference Cruise from March 16-21. Sailing aboard Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas out of Port Canaveral, Florida, attendees escaped the winter cold for a perfect blend of learning and relaxation. Our unique "surf and turf" format featured pre-cruise webinars followed by 10 hours of high-quality onboard learning during days at sea. It was a fantastic opportunity for networking and making long-lasting professional connections. Watch for information about the 2027 HR Conference Cruise, coming soon!
4. Career Readiness at the WI SHRM Student Summit
Our final major event for the first half of the year was the WI SHRM Student Summit, held on April 18 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus. This high-energy, interactive day was specifically tailored for HR students and emerging professionals. The program focused heavily on career readiness, covering topics like navigating professional workplace expectations, identifying personal core values, and evaluating organizational culture. Students also engaged in an applied session, mapping out future career paths and learned how to leverage generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot as career transition partners. This investment in the future of our HR profession aligns perfectly with our mission. Thank you to College Relations Director Sarah Reuter and her planning committee for managing a great event. This was Sarah’s first event, and she has set the bar high for herself. I can’t wait to see what Sarah has planned for next year!
5. Looking Ahead to the Second Half of 2026
While we have already done a lot in the first half of the year, we have plenty more to look forward to as we enter the latter half of the year:
- WI SHRM Volunteer Leader Conference (August 13–14): We will be gathering the hard-working volunteer leaders of our chapters and councils at the Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan, WI. Led by Leadership Director Pam Berkovitz, this two-day event is designed to recharge our leadership batteries, align with Core Leadership Areas, and offer fresh insight into SHRM's strategic direction. Attendee registration is officially open, and we can’t wait to network and connect in Delavan!
- WI SHRM State Conference (October 14–16): Celebrating 40 Years of HR Learning, Leadership, and Connection, our premier annual event returns to the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. Themed "HR: Breaking Barriers & Empowering Change," this milestone conference will feature top-tier industry experts, extensive networking, exhibitors, and a vibrant community of HR professionals. We have three amazing keynote speakers, who I am proud to call my friends: John Bernatovicz, Scott Tillema, and Jennifer McClure. I have connected with and have heard them speak numerous times, and I’m so happy to share them with our attendees in October. Thank you to our Conference Co-Chairs, Kris Giblin and Lisa Henke Dehnert, and the entire State Conference Planning Committee for their work throughout the year. Registration and lodging blocks are open now, so secure your spot!
A Sincere Thank You
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our phenomenal State Council leaders and local Chapter Volunteers. Everything we achieve is powered entirely by your investment of time and talent. What you do matters! Balancing these roles alongside your families, employers, and other responsibilities is no small feat, and your dedication does not go unnoticed. Seeing the incredible impact our 17 local chapters make across the state is a powerful reminder that the personal and professional growth we experience together is worth every ounce of effort and is “paying it forward” to the HR professionals within our chapter and Wisconsin communities.
Thank you for everything you do! Let’s carry this momentum forward and make the second half of 2026 our best yet!
Jeff Palkowski, MHRM, SHRM-SCP, PHR, PMQ
WI SHRM State Director 2025/2026
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