Event Details

The Annual WKHRMA Seminar will be held on Wednesday, October, 23rd! Registration from 8:30 a.m.  - 9:00 a.m. Program from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

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Presentation Topics

 Extra! Extra! The Latest News from Courts, Regulators and Litigants!  All three branches of government have been busy this year from SCOTUS to local governments.  We will have a discussion about these breaking topics ranging from the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to the National Labor Relations Act to wage and hour issues and more.

AI in the Workplace –The Non-Human Resource – In the very near future, generative AI has potential to supplement and streamline human resources and performance management. This session will discuss the benefits and risks of AI in the workplace an dhow it is likely to be most beneficial in the HR context. 

Unseen Disabilities – Accommodating Mental Health Conditions – As employee requests for accommodating mental health conditions and other unseen disabilities continue to rise, employers often find themselves searching for answers. This session will utilize video vignettes to provide practical information on recognizing the need for accommodations and the role of the interactive process in navigating these tricky issues.

Politics in the Workplace – What Could Possibly Go Wrong? – This session will explore some of the issues employers may face with respect to what is expected to be unprecedented workplace tension during this election season, including a 10-Step Action Plan to assist employers in navigating these difficult issues.

Presenters

Melody Rayl

As a partner in Fisher Phillips’ Kansas City office, Melody Rayl zealously advocates for private and public-sector employers in all aspects of employment related counseling and litigation. Melody regularly advises and counsels her clients through difficult situations and provides training to supervisory and management level personnel on a variety of employment related topics to assist them in avoiding litigation before it happens.  When litigation does occur, Melody works with employers to develop an appropriate litigation strategy to address the unique nuances of each situation. She has successfully defended clients in individual discrimination, harassment and retaliation litigation from inception through resolution before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.  Melody is a frequent speaker on employment related topics to human resource professional and attorney colleagues throughout Kansas and Missouri.

Laura Bailey Brown

Laura Bailey Brown is a partner in Fisher Phillips’ Kansas City office and focuses her practice on defending and counseling employers in a variety of complex employment law matters including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and breach of contract.  Laura has broad experience in a myriad of industries and has represented clients across the spectrum, from small businesses to governmental entities to Fortune 500 companies.  As a skilled trial attorney, she has experience in all phases of the litigation process and has represented clients before federal, state, and administrative tribunals.  She regularly speaks and writes on employment and labor law issues, and she presents to attorneys, risk managers, and human resources professionals on an array of workplace issues, such as maintaining a respectful work environment, conducting internal investigations, and creating and maintaining effective employment policies.

Annual Seminar Sponsors: 

We are pleased to announce the following sponsors: 

• Freedom Claims
• Nex-Tech
• Nex-Tech Wireless
• Adams Brown
• Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Midland Marketing Coop
• The Chamber - Hays, KS
• Brown & Brown

If you are interested in sponsoring our upcoming seminar, please email wkhrma@gmail.com.