8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Registration | Continental Breakfast | Networking
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Keynote - Employment Law Update
Robert Dubault, Partner, Warner Norcross & Judd; Tiffany VanderKolk, Senior Councel, Warner Norcross & Judd
From shifting federal enforcement priorities to evolving state-level laws, HR professionals are navigating a rapidly changing legal environment. This session will provide updates on key federal actions including DEI, EEOC, and DOL developments alongside Michigan-specific changes such as ESTA and minimum wage enforcement. Stay informed on the latest changes and what's likely ahead.
9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Plenary 1 - Balancing Diversity Initiatives with Legal Risk
Rebecca C. Seguin-Skrabucha, Member, Bodman PLC
As diversity programs expand, so do concerns about legal exposure. This session addresses the complex balance between proactive DEI efforts and risk mitigation. Topics include unconscious bias training, employee resource groups, data collection, and communication strategies. Learn how to develop compliant, impactful diversity programs and avoid possible lawsuits concerning DEI and False Claims Act charges.
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Plenary 2 - Navigating Religious Accommodation Requests
Terry Bonnette, Partner, Nemeth, Bonnette, Brouwer PC
Requests for religious accommodations are on the rise. This session will walk through recent EEOC guidance and how to evaluate claims of sincerely held beliefs. Learn your responsibilities, how to respond appropriately, and how to ensure accommodations don’t compromise operational needs.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Lunch
12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Plenary 3 - Audits, Actions and Adversaries: Navigating Today’s Hottest Issues in Retirement and Health Plan Enforcement
Eric Gregory, Practice Group Co‑Chair ‑ Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Dickinson Wright
In an era of heightened regulatory scrutiny and evolving participant rights, both retirement plans and health plan fiduciaries are seeing increased audit activity and litigation risks. This session will explore the latest trends in DOL and IRS enforcement, class action litigation, and the real-world compliance pitfalls that trigger them. Learn about current priorities for retirement plan (e.g., SECURE 2.0 compliance, forfeiture litigation, cybersecurity best practices) and health plan (e.g., mental health parity, participant fee litigation, and No Surprises Act enforcement) contexts.
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Plenary 4 - Intermittent FMLA Leave: Control and Compliance Strategies
DeAndre Harris, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd
Intermittent FMLA leave is among the most difficult types to manage. This session offers strategies to monitor and control leave, identify abuse, and maintain compliance. Learn how to create clear procedures and action plans to reduce disruption and protect your organization.
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Plenary 5 - Announced Soon!
Kerr Russel
2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks | Networking