TMHRA Annual Conference-2024

AgendaBoot CampRegister

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 ConferenceBy April 19After April 19
*Members$350$545
Non-Members$475$545
Pre-Conference Boot CampBy April 19After 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  [email protected].

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 19No 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].

Agenda

Tuesday, May 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Crawlsponsored 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

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

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

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