HR + Benefits Conference Agenda

Agenda

Agenda is subject to change. All times listed are Pacific time. Meetings will take place at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa. Agenda is subject to change.

Attending this conference earns you three credits toward your NTCA certificate: B105, B111, T108. Learn more about NTCA certificate programs.

Sunday, August 4

4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Registration
Sponsored By:

Monday, August 5

8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Registration

8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast

8:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
First-Time Attendee Session
Kimberly Nunnally, Vice President of People, NTCA
If this is your first time attending the HR + Benefits Conference, this session is designed to help you familiarize yourself with the structure, sessions and networking opportunities throughout the conference. In addition, you will get to know NTCA Staff.

9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Opening General Session

Welcome
Kimberly Nunnally, Vice President of People, NTCA

Opening Keynote
Zap the Generational Gap! Transforming, Recruiting, Retaining and Engaging Multigenerational Teams
Meagan Johnson, Generational Expert, Speaker and Author
Think you have already heard everything about the multiple generations? Think again. Generations and the gaps that separate them are in constant flux; what worked last year probably will not work today. Anybody still using their VCR? What seemed like a perfect solution yesterday is the source of tomorrow’s problem. You really need to get all those home movies put on disc … Wait! I mean digital storage. Oh No! I mean The Cloud! The potential for collision, conflict and confusion between the generations has never been greater, and the chasm is growing wider every day we ignore the problem.

Panel Discussion
HR Workforce Challenges: An Executive Perspective on Workplace Flexibility, Recruiting and Training

11:10 a.m.–Noon
Peer-to-Peer Roundtables
Join one of three roundtable discussions, organized by company size, so you can network with peers from companies who can relate to your very own experiences. This unique opportunity allows for an exchange of invaluable advice and perspectives. The interactive session brings individuals from different member companies together to share their experiences and learn from one another.

Noon–1:00 p.m.
Lunch

Concurrent Sessions
The conference continues with breakout sessions in three tracks:

HR Foundations: Processes, benchmarks and other resources essential to human resources work

Strategic HR: Strategies to improve HR processes and workplace culture

NTCA Benefits: Updates for NTCA benefits including GHP, annual enrollment, tools and other resources

1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions

HR Foundations
Wage and Hour Hot Topics
Navigating the complexities of wage and hour laws can be a daunting task for HR professionals. Hear practical solutions for common issues in this critical area. Topics addressed include ‘on call’ pay, overtime pay and flexible work schedules. Join your peers for an engaging discussion and leave with actionable takeaways to address wage and hour challenges in your workplace.

Strategic HR
Meagan Johnson, Generational Expert, Speaker and Author
Join Meagan for this "Part II" continuation of her opening keynote. This session has more of a workshop feel and will include discussions around case studies.

NTCA Benefits
Group Health Program Updates for 2025
Jennifer Moore, Vice President of the Group Health Program, NTCA
Learn more about changes in the NTCA Group Health Program for 2025 and what you need to do to be prepared for the new plan year.

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions

HR Foundations
Wage and Hour Hot Topics
Navigating the complexities of wage and hour laws can be a daunting task for HR professionals. Hear practical solutions for common issues in this critical area. Topics addressed include on-call pay, overtime pay and flexible work schedules. Join your peers for an engaging discussion and leave with actionable takeaways to address wage and hour challenges in your workplace.

Strategic HR
Conflict Resolution Strategies
Participants will gain insights into a range of conflict resolution strategies and techniques that HR professionals can implement to foster a positive workplace culture.

NTCA Benefits
Group Health Program Updates for 2025 (Session repeats.)
Jennifer Moore, Vice President of the Group Health Program, NTCA
Learn more about changes in the NTCA Group Health Program for 2025 and what you need to do to be prepared for the new plan year.

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions

HR Foundations
"Survey Says": How to Conduct and Then Effectively Implement Employee Surveys
This session is designed to equip HR professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct insightful employee surveys and translate the findings into actionable strategies that can improve employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Make your surveys a powerful instrument for organizational growth and employee satisfaction.

Strategic HR
No Bullhorns Needed: How to Get Your Voice Heard by Senior Leadership
Start making your ideas count when they matter most. Confidently present your ideas and ensure they are considered by senior leadership. Enhance your professional influence and contribute more effectively to your organization's success.

NTCA Benefits
Benefit Trends: What is Ahead and How to Plan
Kimberly Nunnally, Vice President of People, NTCA
This session will review benefit trends in the rural broadband industry and give you tools to help plan your benefit offerings for 2025 and beyond.

4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Enjoy an opportunity to meet and greet other HR and benefits professionals.

Tuesday, August 6

8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Registration

8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m.–9:50 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions

HR Foundations
Communicating the Unexpected
Jill Vanness, Director of Benefits Communications, NTCA
Strong communication skills are needed at all levels of leadership and HR is certainly no exception. This session will review best practices for communicating to employees or other audiences when there is not a lot of time to plan.

Strategic HR
Creating an Inclusive Workplace Culture
Join your peers for this transformative session and take the first step towards creating a more inclusive and thriving workplace culture. Cultivate an environment where every employee feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute their best.

NTCA Benefits
Stay up to Date: Retirement Programs
Scott Gardner, Vice President of Pension Services, NTCA
NTCA staff will share updates to the NTCA Retirement & Security Program and the NTCA Savings Plan and review flexibility options available in both programs to help with structuring your retirement benefits.

10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions

11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions

HR Foundations
Retention: How to Keep Your Best Employees
Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer, Lighthouse Research & Advisory
Join us for an insightful session led by Ben Eubanks, a leading expert in human resources. As the Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory and the host of "You're Only Human" podcast, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. Improve employee retention and maximize the potential of your workforce.

Strategic HR
Updating Your Policy and Procedure Manual
Listen to this member panel to ensure your policy and procedure manual supports your organization's goals and values. By the end of this session, you will have the tools and knowledge to create a manual that is clear, compliant and a cornerstone of your HR strategy.

NTCA Benefits
Medical Benefits in Retirement
NTCA staff will help you navigate medical benefits at retirement so that you can assist perspective retirees with questions during this key decision-making time.

11:50 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Lunch

1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Closing General Session
The conference concludes with an afternoon of critical conversations for HR professionals in rural broadband.

Employment Law Updates for 2024
Courtney Wenrick, Associate, Womble Bond Dickinson
Shannon “Missy” Sumerell Spainhour, Partner, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP
This session will guide you through key employment law updates and connect them to practical implications for when you return home.

More Time, More Impact: How Generative AI Gives HR Pros Superpowers
Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer, Lighthouse Research & Advisory
How many of us in our daily work actually get to do those things that drew us into HR in the first place? If we're honest, we often spend too much time on busywork, repetitive tasks, and other activities that don't bring out our best abilities and passions. But what if we told you that generative AI was a way to change that? Join Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer of Lighthouse Research, and learn how to use AI to tackle your "to do" list and refocus your efforts and attention on creating better relationships and impact.

The Fun Factor: Transforming the Workplace Through Joy and Play
In today's fast-paced work environment, maintaining high levels of engagement and productivity can be challenging. Join us for an uplifting session into the transformative power of fun in the workplace. Integrating fun and play into work routines can significantly boost employee morale, creativity and productivity.

4:45 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway With NTCA Rural Broadband PAC
Off-site event

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Wednesday, August 7

8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Registration

8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
OSHA Seminar
Join this kick-off to an in-depth 10-hour session on general industry at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Compliance Seminar and earn an OSHA Compliance Certificate. Separate registration is required.
Presented by:

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Thursday, August 8

8:00 a.m.–Noon
OSHA Seminar (continued)

HR + Benefits Conference Agenda

HR + Benefits Conference Agenda

Agenda

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