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 Counsel, Warner Norcross & Judd

So much has changed over the past year, from anti-DEI Executive Orders and proposed changes to EEO-1 reporting requirements to new independent contractor and joint employment rules. At the same time, states are advancing their own regulations around AI, pay transparency, and LGBTQ discrimination protections. With shifting federal enforcement priorities and an increasingly complex patchwork of state laws, HR professionals are navigating a rapidly evolving compliance landscape. This session will provide an update on key federal and state developments, highlight emerging trends, and help participants understand what changes may be coming next.

9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Plenary 1 - Are My Handbooks Compliant?

TBD

10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Plenary 2 - Hot Topics in Benefit Administration and Litigation

Eric Gregory, Practice Group Co‑Chair ‑ Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Dickinson Wright

Class action lawsuits are arising from retirement plans to health plans and now to voluntary benefits. Mental health care and tobacco surcharge lawsuits are also charging ahead. And then there are the fly-by-night wellness or indemnity tax schemes being proposed to employers.   This session will go over the hot topics that HR needs to be aware of when doing benefit planning for employees. 

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Lunch

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Plenary 3 - TBD

Terry Bonnette, Partner, Nemeth, Bonnette, Brouwer PC

TBD

1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Plenary 4 - Retaliation in the Workplace: What Every Employer Should Know

Olivia V. Veldhuis, Member, Kerr Russell

Retaliation is the most common EEOC charge and not always easy to identify. Even casual remarks or routine management decisions can lead to claims. Even if the underlying claim is determined unfounded, retaliation claims can still survive. This session will explore the various guidance, provide examples of subtle retaliation, and offer practical steps to recognize, prevent, and respond to claims.

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Plenary 5 - FMLA, Discipline, and Termination: What You Can and Can't Do During Leave

Rebecca C. Seguin Skrabucha, Member, Bodman PLC

FMLA protections do not prevent employers from addressing legitimate performance, attendance, or conduct concerns. However, many organizations hesitate to take action during or around an employee’s leave out of fear of violating the law. This session will examine practical strategies for managing employee leave while remaining compliant with FMLA requirements. Participants will learn how to identify and address potential leave abuse, document issues appropriately, and navigate performance or disciplinary actions without interfering with protected rights.

2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Closing Remarks | Networking

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We have levels available for every price point.

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For more information or to secure a sponsorship, contact Anthony Kaylin.

2026 Sponsors

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Plenary Sponsors

Pricing

Early Bird Pricing Through August 14, 2026

ASE Member: $99
Non-Member: $129

Group Pricing

Groups of 3-5 save 10%; Groups of 6+ save 15%

This event will be held at Trillium.

17246 Van Wagoner Rd
Spring Lake, MI 49456

This program has been submitted for PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification credits through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) as well as SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification credits through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). The use of these seals is not an endorsement by HRCI or SHRM for the quality of the program. It means that this conference has met the HRCI's and SHRM's criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit.