General Information
Benefits of Attending
The TMHRA Annual Conference is designed for professionals in human resources and other city departments charged with human resources related issues. The general sessions are geared toward optimizing productivity, enhancing personal development, increasing knowledge, and strengthening the foundation of the human resources functions of municipal government. Additionally, the conference offers multiple concurrent breakout sessions in three different tracks: 1) employment law; 2) benefits and wellness/risk/employee relations; and 3) best practices.
TMHRA Boot Camp
TMHRA’s Boot Camp will cover topics such as employment issues related to social media, FMLA tips and tricks and other hot-topics among HR professionals.
The Boot Camp is limited to the first 100 registrants so register now. (Separate registration fee)
Who Should Attend
- Benefits/Risk Administrators
- City Administrators
- City Attorneys
- City Managers
- City Secretaries
- Compensation Managers
- Human Resources Directors
- Human Resources Staff Members
- Police and Fire Chiefs
- ….YOU!
Location
All events will be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center, 3100 Town Center Tr, Denton, TX 76201
Registration
Online Registration only. On-site registration will not be available.
*Membership applications take 48-72 hours to process from time of submission. You will not be able to register at the member rate until your membership application is fully processed. Visit our membership page for details.
The annual conference and pre-conference are separate fees. You may register for either or both events.
| Annual Conference | By April 19 | After April 19 |
| *Members | $350 | $545 |
| Non-Members | $475 | $545 |
| Pre-Conference Boot Camp | By April 19 | After April 19 |
| *Members | $100 | $100 |
| Non-members | $125 | $125 |
Sponsor Registration
All Sponsor staff is required to register online for the conference. Please choose the “sponsor comp” option to use your complimentary registrations. The complimentary registration does not include the pre- conference. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Haley Archer at harcher@cityofburnet.com.
Cancellation and Substitute Policy
If you are registered and cannot attend, we encourage you to send a substitute. If you cannot send a substitute, a $100 cancellation fee will be assessed if written cancellation is received by April 19. No refunds will be honored after April 19.
Hotel Accommodations
Embassy Suites is sold out at the TMHRA Group rate.
They might have some vacancies, but they will be at a higher room rate, and TMHRA has no contractual say in getting the rate reduced. Our obligations to the Embassy Suites has been fulfilled.
Alternative Hotel Accommodations
Please visit Discover Denton’s hotel webpage listing for housing options.
Please be aware of housing poachers if contacted about booking hotel rooms for the 2024 TMHRA Annual Conference. The only TMHRA-endorsed hotel for this event is The Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center. Please note we are NOT working with any other companies to provide housing. If you receive any pirating emails or calls, please refer them to Lavern Gaines at lavern@tml.org or 512-231-7447.
Continuing Education Credit
The Texas Municipal Human Resources Association is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
A certificate of completion and meeting code will be provided onsite.
Seminar Materials
All speaker presentations and handouts will be posted on our seminar materials page as they become available.
Meeting Accommodations
Meeting accommodations requests such as dietary restrictions must be submitted to Lavern Gaines by April 19 to be considered.
Attire
The conference attire is casual so please dress for comfort. Be sure to bring a sweater or jacket to the sessions in the event the meeting rooms are cold.
Questions?
Contact the TML Affiliate Services Department at 512-231-7400 or tmhra@tml.org.
Agenda
Tuesday, May 7
Sessions and speakers are subject to change without notice.
Please check the app for current updates.
1:00–4:30 p.m.
TMHRA Boot Camp
1:00–1:05 p.m.
WELCOME
TMHRA President, Lauren Safranek, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources, City of Frisco
1:05–2:15 p.m.
Social Media Issues
Cara White, Partner, Taylor, Olson, Adkins, Sralla, & Elam, LLP (TOASE)
2:15–3:30 p.m.
FMLA Tips and Tricks
Julia Gannaway, Partner, Ross | Gannaway | Clifton, PLLC
3:30–3:45 p.m.
BREAK
3:45–5:00 P.M.
Hot Topics — A Conversation Among HR Professionals
Catherine Clifton, Partner, Ross | Gannaway | Clifton, PLLC and Julia Gannaway, Partner, Ross | Gannaway | Clifton, PLLC, and Rodney Klein, Owner, Rodney Klein EEO Training
—
Kincaid/Chilton
Wednesday, May 8
Sessions and speakers are subject to change without notice.
Please check the app for current updates.
6:00-6:45 AM
Wellness Class – Denton Ballroom
Zero-impact strength building workout focusing on abdominal/core through standing and floor exercises provided by the City of Denton Fitness Program team!
This class is suitable for all fitness levels!
*Limited mats will be available. Exercises can be done without them but bring yours if you’d prefer to use one!*
6:00–8:30 a.m.
Embassy Suites Breakfast
For all conference attendees
—
Grand Foyer/Breakfast Area
7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Registration
—
Grand Foyer/Breakfast Area
8:30–8:45 a.m.
President’s Welcome
TMHRA President, Lauren Safranek, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources, City of Frisco
—
Kincaid/Chilton Ballroom
8:45–9:45 a.m.
TMHRA Professional Awards Presentation
LaShon Gros, Director, Human Resources & Civil Service, City of Taylor and Cat Schlueter, PHR; SHRM-CP, Human Resources Manager, City of Azle
—
Kincaid/Chilton Ballroom
9:45–10:15 a.m.
Networking Break
—
Vendor Hall/Grand Foyer
Concurrent Sessions
10:15–11:15 a.m.
FLSA – Dangers of Misclassification and White Collar Revisions — Are You Ready?
Julia Gannaway, Attorney, Ross | Gannaway | Clifton PLLC
—
Kincaid/Chilton Ballroom
The Government Information You Share, May Be Held Against You!
George Hyde, Law Partner, Hyde Kelley, LLP
—
Pioneer 1-2
6 Essential Questions to Ensure You Are Getting the Most From Your PBM
Lisa Gish, RN, MHA, CPB, Director of Client Experience, TrueScripts
—
Pioneer 3-4
11:15–11:45 a.m.
Networking
—
Vendor Hall/Grand Foyer
11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Networking Lunch
—
Eagle 1-2 and Grand Foyer
Concurrent Sessions
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Confessions of a 30 Year EEOC Employee
Rodney Klein, Owner, Rodney Klein EEO Training
—
Kincaid/Chilton Ballroom
Legal and Practical Considerations of Payroll Software Implementation
Catherine Clifton, Partner, Ross | Gannaway | Clifton, PLLC
—
Pioneer 1-2
Non-Traditional Pathways to the City Management Suite — How HR Professionals are Uniquely Poised for City Leadership
Claire Powell, City Manager, City of Lewisville, and Shante Akafia, Assistant City Manager, City of Lewisville
—
Pioneer 3-4
2:00–2:30 p.m.
Networking Break
—
Vendor Hall/Grand Foyer
Concurrent Sessions
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Care for Self to Care for Others
Craig Barnes, IPMA-SCP, Loss Prevention Training Specialist – Human Resources, TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool
—
Kincaid/Chilton Ballroom
Why it’s a Bad Idea to Send Your Employees to the Doctor
Stephen Gray, Circle Wellness
—
Pioneer 1-2
Navigating the Challenges of Public Safety Executive Recruitment
Chief Chris Connealy, Associate Vice President, Clear Career Professionals
—
Pioneer 3-4
3:30–3:45 p.m.
Networking Break
—
Vendor Hall/Grand Foyer
Concurrent Sessions
3:45–4:45 p.m.
Becoming an Employer of Choice in the New World of Work
Robert (Bob) Lavigna, Public Sector Senior Fellow, UKG
—
Kincaid/Chilton Ballroom
Money Talks – Multigenerational Financial Planning
Darrell Ellisor, Senior Vice President, HUB, and Susan Blassingame, Senior Account Manager, HUB
—
Pioneer 1-2
Title VII – It’s Not Just Roman Numerals
Jared Pope, CEO/Founder, Work Shield, Melissa Sullinger, Assistant Director of Human Resources, City of Pearland, and Sandy Huerta, Employee and Labor Relations Manager, City of Fort Worth
Pioneer 3-4
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Embassy Suites Evening Reception
—
Grand Foyer
Invitation-Only Dinners
6:00 p.m.
New Member Dinner
New TMHRA members over the past year are encouraged to attend, meet our board members, and network with other human resources professionals.
LSA Burger
Sponsored by HUB, TCG Consulting, and First Financial Group of America
Past Presidents’ Dinner
TMHRA past presidents reunite for dinner and to mingle.
Hannah’s – 111 W. Mulberry St., Denton, TX 76201
Sponsored by TMRS and Workshield
Thursday, May 9
Sessions and speakers are subject to change without notice.
Please check the app for current updates.
6:00-6:45 AM
Wellness Class – Denton Ballroom
Wake up and ZUMBA!! Join in and kick off the day with a dance party provided by the City of Denton Fitness Program team!!!
This class is suitable for all fitness levels!
*No equipment needed*
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Registration
—
Ballroom Foyer
6:00–8:30 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
For all conference attendees.
—
Grand Foyer/Breakfast Area
8:30–10:00 a.m.
You Want Me to Change Whaaat?!? Harnessing the Power of Change in the New World of Work
Julie Burch, Speaker, Julie Burch Speaks
—
Kincaid/Chilton Ballroom
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Networking Break
—
Vendor Hall/Grand Foyer
Concurrent Sessions
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Great Customer Service for Governmental Employees
Mark Stephens, Esq., Learning Facilitator, Stephens Training and Consulting
—
Kincaid/Chilton
Creating Sustainable Retiree Medical Plans
David Gibson, CEBS, Vice President, Client Services, Holmes Murphy & Associates
—
Pioneer 1-2
Attract Top Talent with Compelling Job Posts and Recruitment Marketing Tactics
Michael Hurwitz, President, Careers in Government
—
Pioneer 3-4
11:30 – 1:00 p.m.
TMHRA Networking Luncheon
—
Eagle 1-2 and Grand Foyer
Concurrent Sessions
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Face Your Fears: Addressing Concerns About Second-Chance Hiring
Cheri Garcia, Cornbread Hustle, Inc.
—
Kincaid/Chilton Ballroom
Rethinking “Culture”: What It Might Be, What It Definitely Isn’t and What HR’s Supporting Role Should Be
Jeffrey Ross, Esq., Deputy Director of HR, City of Farmers Branch
—
Pioneer 1-2
Leveraging Data to Inform Communications Strategies and Engage Our People
Kril Cunningham, Senior Vice President, Lockton Dunning
—
Pioneer 3-4
2:00–2:30 p.m.
Networking Break
—
Vendor Hall/Grand Foyer
Concurrent Sessions
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Navigating the AI Horizon: Strategies for secure and responsible integration of AI in Government
Nick James, Chief Executive Officer, WhitegloveAI
Performance Management Reimagined
Krystal Yates, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Founder, ERB Consulting
Pioneer 1-2
HR’s Role in Organizational Culture
Dr. GM Cox, Retired Police Chief and previous Director and Assistant Professor of MPA program, Tarleton State University
—
Pioneer 3-4
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Networking Break
—
Vendor Hall/Grand Foyer
Concurrent Sessions
3:45–4:45 p.m.
Master Change by Understanding What Motivates Employees and How Motivation Impacts Retention, Productivity & Team Building Arlene Gale, Speaker and Trainer, Arlene Gale LLC
Kincaid/Chilton Ballroom
Transforming Performance Evaluations: AI-Powered Strategies for HR Success
Hannah Michelle, Account Executive, Express Evaluations
Pioneer 1-2
Winning the Battle Against Burnout: Building a Thriving HR Team
Chad Wright, Founder+Coach, Forward Partners
Pioneer 3-4
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Embassy Suites Evening Reception
—
Grand Foyer
6:00–10:00 p.m.
Cheese & Pub Crawl– sponsored by Holmes Murphy and Avant
(Must be 21+ to participate.)
Stroll at your pace and visit any of the four local pubs for a 4oz beer (wine at Miss Angeline’s) and a serving of selected cheese to go with your hand-picked drink. Once downtown, you can also visit other restaurants, pubs, bars, and food trucks for dinner, drinks, and fun.
- Downtown Denton Pubs: Eastside/ Austin Street Truck Yard • Miss Angeline’s • Denton County Brewing Company • Oak Street Draft House
- Cheese provided by local Ten:One Artisan Cheese.
- Nuts, olives, and homemade pickles/carrots also included with some stops.
- Transportation provided, co-sponsored by Visit Denton
There are wrist bands of 4 different colors. To help distribute the participants so everyone doesn’t start at the same bar, we are suggesting the follow starting schedule. After the first stop, feel free to go to whichever bar you would like to go to next:
- Orange bands start at East Side
- Pink bands start at Oak Street Draft House
- Yellow bands start at Denton County Brewing Co.
- Blue bands start at Mis Angelines
MENU
- Oak Street Draft House: Prairie Breeze (1 year cheddar), cow, Iowa, paired with Peticolas Velvet Hammer
- Miss Angelines: Brabander goat’s milk gouda, Netherlands, paired with Schafer Pinot Noir, Mosel Germany
- Denton County Brewing Company: Ossau-Iraty, sheep, France, paired with Blind Faith
- Eastside: Red Dragon, cow, U.K., paired with Alstadt Hefeweizen.
—
Downtown Denton
Friday, May 10
Sessions and speakers are subject to change without notice.
Please check the app for current updates.
6:00–8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
—
Grand Foyer/Breakfast Area
8:30–9:00 a.m.
Business Meeting
All TMHRA members are requested to attend, as this meeting includes board member nominations.
—
Kincaid
Concurrent Sessions
9:00–10:15 a.m.
Elevating Employee Excellence: Growth and Development Initiatives
Dee Maddox, Owner and Founder, DMX Consulting —
Kincaid
Communicating with Emotional Intelligence
Rebecca Miears, Director of Human Resources, City of New Braunfels & Panel from City of New Braunfels
Chief Keith Lane, Police Chief, City of New Braunfels Chief Ruy Lozano, Fire Chief, City of New Braunfels
Pioneer 1-4
10:15–10:30 a.m.
Networking Break
—
Vendor Hall/Grand Foyer
Concurrent Sessions
10:30–11:45 a.m.
2024 Employment Law Update
Vathana Sivanesan, HR Consulting & Benefits Counsel, Compliance, OneDigital
—
Kincaid
The ART of Emotional Intelligence
Stevie Dawn Carter, CEO, Empathi
Pioneer 1-4