AGENDA

8:45 a.m. | Opening Remarks

9 a.m. | Michigan’s Workforce in Focus: Labor Market Trends and Employer Impacts

Join Robert Half International for a timely overview of key labor market trends shaping the state’s workforce, from hiring and retention challenges to emerging industry shifts. This session will highlight actionable data insights to help Michigan employers understand what’s changing and how to plan ahead.

• Presented by: Leo Norling, talent manager, and Rochelle Carrasco, SHRM-CP, recruiting manager, Robert Half International

9:30 a.m. | Top Three Must-Know Federal Changes that Effect Your Workplace; When to Worry

• Presented by: Clifford Hammond, shareholder, Foster Swift 

10:30 a.m. | Networking Break

10:45 a.m. | Morning Breakout Sessions (Choose One)

Obesity and the Modern Workforce

This presentation positions obesity as a chronic disease rather than a lifestyle choice, helping HR and benefits leaders better understand its impact on employee health, engagement and well‑being. It explores the stigma and bias associated with obesity and how these challenges affect employees in the workplace. Attendees will gain insight into the health consequences of obesity and the resulting implications for employers, including healthcare costs, productivity and absenteeism. The presentation also examines the return on investment of evidence‑based obesity treatment and provides practical, actionable strategies HR teams can use to enhance benefits design, foster a supportive culture and better support employees in managing obesity effectively.

• Presented by: Carrie Morrison, medical account associate director, Novo Nordisk   

Safety First: Mitigating Risks in a New Era for the Workplace 

Workplace safety is evolving fast, driven by new OSHA priorities, rising mental health concerns and the realities of hybrid and remote work. In this practical breakout, participants will explore the most common workplace risk factors affecting small and mid-sized businesses, including workers’ compensation trends, behavioral health impacts and compliance challenges across a variety of workplace environments. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to reduce incidents, strengthen safety culture and proactively address emerging risks before they become costly claims or disruptions. 

• Presented by: Mike Meehan, senior loss control specialist, AF Group

From Law to Policy: Translating New Employment Laws into Everyday HR Practices

This session walks employers through how to translate new legislation into clear, actionable workplace policy, from compliance review and policy drafting to manager communication and employee rollout. Attendees will leave with a practical, step-by-step roadmap they can use to implement new regulations with confidence and consistency.

• Presented by: Erik Bradberry, senior attorney, Plunkett Cooney

11:45 a.m. | Lunch and Networking

1 p.m. | Afternoon Breakout Sessions (Choose One)

Dumbing-Down Benefits, How Best to Explain Benefits to Your Employees 

When communicating benefits to your employees, it's crucial to use clear and simple language that everyone can understand. Communicate clearly by steering away from jargon and technical language and use straightforward examples that connect with the person's daily experiences.  Easy-to-read materials lead to better utilization, reduced administrative issues, increased loyalty, enhanced productivity, and greater trust in employer offerings. Making benefits straightforward helps employees recognize value and supports retention by reducing confusion and stress. This session aims to deliver comprehensive guidance on how to accomplish this objective. 

• Presented by: Gin Gibson, consultant, HRM Services

Mastering Conscious Conversations to Drive Results

• Presented by: Tammy Lake, co-founder, and Logan Cohen, co-founder, True North Leadership Solutions

AI Guardrails: Reducing Bias, Protecting Data and Staying Compliant

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a core HR tool, but improper use can create significant operational, legal and ethical risks. This session helps HR leaders understand how AI is being used across the organization, identify common risks such as data bias and apply practical tools, culminating in an AI risk-mitigation checklist tailored for HR. 

• Presented by Aaron Graves, member, and Christina Nechiporchik, senior counsel, Bodman  

2 p.m. | Networking Break

2:15 p.m. | Legal Lightning Round: HR Edition

• Presented by: Scott Eldridge, principal, Miller Canfield

3:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks and Summit Conclusion