Human resource keyboardMake plans now to attend the biggest employment law conference in Southwest Florida, HR Law & Solutions, now in its 25th year! Henderson Franklin’s Employment Law and Workers’ Compensation attorneys will return to Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers on Friday, March 10, 2017, for a fun-filled day of education. Click here to view the seminar brochure.

Topics and Speakers

8:30 – 9:45 a.m. Legislative and Case Law Update
Speakers:  Robert C. Shearman, Esquire and Vicki L. Sproat, Esquire
Bob and Vicki will provide an interactive update on notable court decisions, including cases addressing contentious employment policies and other noteworthy employee claims. Attendees will learn practical advice and tips for businesses to reach their goal of a compliant workplace under current laws and regulations.

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The ADA – 25 Years Later
Speaker:  John F. Potanovic, Esquire
On March 5, 1992, Henderson Franklin sponsored its first “Employer’s Update,” where John spoke to a small gathering at the Royal Palm Yacht Club about a brand new law – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Much has evolved since then. 25 years later, the Henderson Franklin seminar is called “HR Law and Solutions” and has 300+ attendees each year; the Royal Palm Yacht Club is a Pinchers Crab Shack; and John no longer has need for a blow-dryer. In this session, John will discuss the more difficult issues confronting employers attempting to steer clear of ADA problems, and he will share best practices to assist in dealing with these challenging issues.

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. How to Avoid Costly Litigation in Workers’ Compensation
Speakers:  David Roos, Esquire, Michael McCabe, Esquire and Tania Ogden, Esquire
Henderson Franklin’s Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorneys will share strategic tips employers can implement to help avoid costly litigation. They will discuss best practices with regard to policies that should be in place before the injury, how to manage and set employees’ expectations when an injury occurs, employer do’s and don’ts, as well as return to work policies. David, Michael and Tania will also share the importance of communication between the employer, insurance company and defense attorney(s) to try and achieve the best outcome possible for the employer.

1:45  – 2:45 p.m. New Year, New Administration: What Does 2017 Hold for Employers?
Speakers:  Panel discussion moderated by Suzanne M. Boy, Esquire, with panelists Robert E. Weisberg, Esquire, Regional Attorney for U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Miami) and Benjamin Yormak, Esquire
There is little doubt in employer and HR circles that the ever-evolving nature of employment law can make management and prevention of problems difficult for even the most experienced leaders. After a 2016 that saw the Department of Labor roll out its huge new overtime changes mid-year, only to have implementation halted just weeks prior to the effective date, this has probably never been more true for 2017, when there is significant uncertainty surrounding what the new Administration will mean for employment laws. In this session attendees will have a unique look into what experts from all sides of the employment law world believe is on deck for 2017, including: potential changes to minimum wage and overtime laws, paid sick/maternity leave; the status of sexual orientation/gender identity protections; and, the ever-changing NLRB rulings. The panelists will also share their best tips to help employers stay in compliance and reduce exposure to the many employment claims prevalent today.

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. The Co-Workers’ Challenge
Guest Speaker Scotty Gunther
The Co-Workers’ Challenge is a quick paced, unique program that combines humor, motivational speaking, and leadership training. This session promotes teamwork, communication, and stress relief for HR professionals and other leaders through laughter. The Co-Workers’ Challenge provides participants various tools, strategies and tactics that they can use to help facilitate better communication, forge stronger working relationships among co-workers, and diffuse difficult or stressful situations more effectively.

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. 25th Anniversary Celebration
Please join us for a cocktail hour to celebrate our 25th Anniversary!

Continuing Education

This conference has been approved by SHRM for 5.75 PDCs and from HRCI for 6 Recertification Credit Hours (General).

Conference Partners

We are grateful for the support and sponsorship of Lykes Insurance (lunch sponsor) and of Gravity Benefits (our 25th Anniversary Celebration Sponsor), as well as our in-kind partners Charlotte County SHRM, SHRM SWFL, and HR Collier.

Registration

Registration is $50 per person and includes a continental breakfast, plated lunch, seminar materials and valet parking. To online register now, click here.

Join the discussion on social media using the #swflhrlaw hashtag.

We hope to see you soon! For group reservations or questions, please contact me at gail.lamarche@henlaw.com or by phone at 239-344-1186.