Information

      Conference Sponsors

      Location

      Fees & Registration

      Schedule & Programs

      Networking Reception

 

 

 

The 2026 Human Capital Conference

GMA SHRM is excited to announce its 20th Annual Human Capital Conference will be Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI!   

Today's workforce and the world of HR are constantly changing.   The 2026 Human Capital Conference is focused on identifying issues around the bend, providing new tools, and sharpening existing ones to help YOU drive change in the workplace and in your organization.  

Featured Keynote Presenter:

Paul J. Long

Paul J. Long is a leadership and culture expert who teaches organizations the principles of Fundamism™—a deliberate approach to connection that creates unbeatable workplace cultures.

Drawing from his experience answering 80 customer service calls daily and leading teams of thousands for a Fortune 300 company, Paul developed Fundamism through real-world application. His methodology centers on three simple, actionable practices: owning what you can control, breaking cycles through brain pattern interrupts, and creating moments that matter.

As host of The Fundamism Podcast, Paul shares practical insights with culture champions who are transforming their organizations through the power of deliberate connection.


Keynotes:

  • Culture By Design

  • The Unforgettable Leader

 

Featured Breakout Presentations:


 

Dr. Shari Simpson
Paylocity

Black Mirror: The Ethics of AI in HR

April Scott
University Wisconsin Madison

Is Resilience Enough?
When Trauma Shows Up to Work

Summer Rector
 

AI and Automation Impact
on Total Rewards
 



Sarah Marshall & Rebecca Swanson
humanworks8

From Search to Success:
Elevating Talent Discovery at Your Organization
 



Laura Bermudo & Charlie Parker
Hausmann Group
 

Trends in Benefits



Brian Goodman & Storm Larson
Boardman Clark Law Firm

HR Legal Update



Jen Emmons
Company

Communication, Conflict Management, and De-escalation



Hope Broadus, JD
UW School of Medicine and Public Health

From Courtroom to Conference Room: Thinking Like Counsel, Acting Like HR, Leading with Integrity
 



 

 


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Conference Sponsors

Please help us thank our conference sponsors who make this great event possible.
 

Conference Premier Sponsors:

Conference Business Sponsors:
 

Location

Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
If special accomodations are needed, please contact the chapter office.

 

 
Fees & Registration

Registration includes:

  • 2 Keynote Presentations

  • 3 Breakout Sessions

  • Lunch - Hot buffet lunch with gluten free and vegetarian options available. 
    Please contact GMA SHRM with any dietary requirements.

Registration Type

Before May 8

After May 8

 


     GMA SHRM Chapter Member - login required

$149

$169

 

     Non-Member

$249

$269

 

     New Member Special
     Conference Registration and 1 year GMA SHRM Membership
       That's 26 recertification hours for only $269!

$269

$269

 

 


 

Schedule

Conference has been approved by SHRM and HRCI for 6 credit hours!


For detailed session information, go to the Breakout Session Description page or click on a topic below.

Time

 

Program

7:30 to 8:15

 

Registration and Beverages 

8:05 to 8:30

 

Welcome

8:30 to 9:30

 

Morning Keynote: Paul J. Long  - Culture by Design

9:30 to 9:45

 

Break 

9:45 to 11:00

 

Breakout Session 1

1-A From Courtroom to Conference Room: Thinking Like Counsel, Acting Like HR, Leading with Integrity, Hope Broadus, JD, UW School of Medicine and Public Health

1-B  The 4 C’s: A Transformative Framework for Benefits Success,  Laura Bermudo & Charlie Parker, Hausmann Group

1-C Black Mirror: The Ethics of AI in HR, Dr. Shari Simpson, Paylocity

11:00 to 11:15

 

Break

11:15 to 12:15

 

Keynote:  Paul J. Long - The Unforgettable Leader

12:15 to 1:00

 

Lunch and Announcements 

Hot buffet lunch with gluten free and vegetarian options available. 
Please contact GMA SHRM with any dietary requirements.

 1:15 to 2:30

 

Breakout Session 2


2-A Is Resilience Enough? When Trauma Shows Up to Work,  April Scott
University Wisconsin Madison

2-B From Search to Success: Elevating Talent Discovery at Your Organization - Sarah Marshall & Rebecca Swanson, humanworks8

2-C Employment Law Update, Brian Goodman and Storm Larson, Boardman & Clark Law Firm

 2:30 to 2:45

 

Break

 2:45 to 4:00

 

Breakout Session 3


3-A Communication, Conflict Management, and De-escalation ,  Jen Emmons, Jen Emmons Consulting

3-B AI and Automation Impact on Total Rewards - Summer Rector,

3-C Employment Law Update, Brian Goodman and Storm Larson, Boardman & Clark Law Firm

 4:00 to 5:00

 

Networking Reception & Prize Drawing

As is tradition, our day will conclude with a networking reception and prize announcements.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Networking Reception

As is tradition, our day will conclude with a reception and networking.   

 

 

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mended  Equal Opportunities