2024 Conference Schedule (2024)

Track

Location

Legal

Grand Theater

HR/Solutions Technology

Magnolia 2-5

Best Practices

Magnolia 1,6,7

Benefits

Cedar

Leadership

Grand Summit

Communications/Recruiting/Marketing

Pine

HR Mix

Oak

9/23/2024

12:45pm - 2:00pm

Department: Legal
Location: Grand Theater

10 Steps to an Effective Misconduct Investigation
Rick MCgee Effective employee misconduct investigations involve 10 steps, starting with deciding if an investigation is needed. Learn how to plan the investigation, choose an investigator, and gather relevant documents, texts, and videos. This session aids both novices and experts in conducting fair and effective misconduct investigations.

Department: HR/Solutions Technology
Location: Mag 2-5

From Paperwork to Progress: A Digital HR Transformation Journey
Sunshine Brown HRMS and Gila River began their HR transformation journey over three years ago with UKG (formerly UltiPro). This session will delve into their growth, lessons learned, and impart helpful insights for others aiming to transform their people departments.

Department: Best Practices
Location: Mag 1,6,7

Balancing Capability and Capacity: Optimizing Human Potential in the Workplace
Alicia Finley To navigate ARPA funding requirements effectively with minimal risk, this session will conduct a comprehensive Capability and Capacity Assessment, prioritizing key departments. Using an hourglass graphic, participants will visualize current situations and identify bottlenecks hindering success. They will learn to implement strategies targeting turnover, compensation, and workplace culture, supporting tactical plans for internal change management. This proactive approach fosters stability, attracts skilled employees, and ensures responsible spending of funds.

Department: Benefits
Location: Cedar

Forgotten Fortune
Brahm Rossiter Join us for an enlightening session on understanding investments and associated fees in various tribal investment programs, such as retirement and children's trusts. Gain actionable insights to make sound financial decisions for your organization's success.

Department: Leadership
Location: Grand Summit

An Unconventional Approach: Leveraging Kindness As A Strategy For Success Cindy Rowe Kindness is a strategic asset for success, fostering trust, collaboration, and leadership. It builds strong relationships, enhances teamwork, and resolves conflicts effectively. Through networking, problem-solving, and stress reduction, kindness cultivates a positive personal brand and sustains long-term success. Embracing kindness not only benefits others but also enhances one's own well-being and contributes to a more fulfilling and successful life.

Department: Communications/Recruiting/Marketing
Location: Pine

Retention is Dead
Jerrod Murr In our discussion, we'll explore innovative retention and recruitment strategies post-COVID. Utilizing powerful analogies and quotes, we'll underscore HR's pivotal leadership in shaping the evolving workforce landscape. Emphasizing the "Recruitment and Retention Cycle," we'll delve into its significance in modern HR management, recognizing its critical role in navigating 21st century human resource challenges.

Department: HR Mix
Location: Oak

Taking Care of your Energy is Essential to Feeling Like you are Gangbusters in your Job.
Denise Alley
In this workshop, participants will identify what drains your energy and learn ways to rejuvenate and energize your mind and body. Physical light movements, breathing, coloring and energy techniques will be taught to enhance vitality, mental focus, and well-being in the workplace.

2:15pm - 3:30pm

Department: Legal
Location: Grand Theater

AI in HR
Drummond Generative AI, like ChatGPT, Bing, Gemini, Lumen, and DALL-E, is reshaping HR. This session covers AI's role in HR, explaining its workings, benefits, and pitfalls. We'll discuss legal and ethical implications, applications in HR, preparation strategies, and policy considerations. A demo will showcase the technology, providing an eye-opening experience for attendees.

Department: HR/Solutions Technology
Location: Mag 2-5

Emerging Trend: How AI is Enhancing Career Advancement and Talent Acquisition in Tribal Gaming
Brian Ferrilla Judy Wright
John H. Haney Raquel Sapigao Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the Tribal Gaming industry, enhancing both gaming operations and back-of-house activities. This session explores AI's role in efficiently locating, hiring, and licensing staff with the ideal skills and cultural fit for various roles. We'll also discuss how AI helps experienced staff find career opportunities, highlighting the NIGC’s “3 for 35” initiative. Industry experts in HR, employment law, and technology will provide a comprehensive discussion.

Department: Best Practices
Location: Mag 1,6,7

Empowering Managers: Effective Strategies for Pay Discussions
Stacie Jackson
Kim DeFilippis In the realm of HR, pay is pivotal, impacting talent attraction, motivation, and retention within tribal entities. Open dialogue about pay is crucial, yet many managers find it challenging. Defaulting to "Talk to HR" undermines managerial authority. Embracing pay transparency builds trust. This session empowers managers to effectively communicate pay practices, understand the value exchange, determine salaries, navigate transparency, and handle difficult conversations.

Department: Benefits
Location: Cedar

Employee Benefit Updates: 2024 and Beyond Liliana Salazar Join HUB International for essential 2024 and beyond benefit compliance updates. Stay informed and ensure your business complies with the latest regulations.

Department: Leadership
Location: Grand Summit

Playing the Leadership Game: A Proposal for Development and Success Jennifer Rogers
Tena Jolley "The Leadership Game" is an engaging resource inspired by John Maxwell's teachings, designed to elevate leadership within organizations. Through interactive gameplay, it enhances leadership awareness, fosters communication, and introduces transformative principles. By playing, teams, clients, and coworkers can boost their leadership skills and foster positive change. This innovative approach makes learning enjoyable, enriching everyone's leadership intelligence.

Department: Communications/Recruiting/Marketing
Location: Pine

Why Talent Matters
Timothy Furlong In the post-COVID economy, leadership must evolve to meet the changing demands of a new generation. Talent is key, requiring investment and nurturing for retention. Our session highlights leadership agility as vital for navigating modern workforce dynamics. We explore why talent matters and how adaptable leadership enables organizations to attract, retain, and sustain top performers, ensuring competitiveness in today's dynamic marketplace.

Department: HR Mix
Location: Oak

Crafting Effective Learning and Development Initiatives for Your Organization Marcus Diaz Recognition strategies like monetary incentives, non-monetary recognition, and personalized appreciation drive engagement. Manager training ensures effective implementation, while technology automates tracking and showcases recognition. Employee incentive programs, including professional development, flexible working arrangements, wellness initiatives, and personalized rewards, enhance productivity. Tailored experiences based on individual preferences foster higher engagement levels.

9/24/2024

10:00am - 11:15am

Department: Legal
Location: Grand Theater

Social Media and the Workplace Drummond Employees often spend work and personal time on their phones, leading to social media criticisms against colleagues, the Tribal employer, and supervisors. This program explores a Tribal employer's rights regarding employees' social media use, both during and after work, and addresses conflicts with tribal rules on civility, harassment, and maintaining a positive work environment.

Department: HR/Solutions Technology
Location: Mag 2-5

Leveraging the Power of HR Tara Waddle Elevate your HR practices by leveraging AI as your secret weapon. We'll cover user-friendly AI solutions for growth strategies, talent acquisition, training, stakeholder engagement, and more–all while fostering a thriving and connected workplace community. Future-proof your tribal organization, no coding degree required!

Department: Best Practices
Location: Mag 1,6,7

Shining a Light on Mental Health: Awareness and Access to Resources TeriLynne Kisto
Jake Aguas This session addresses workplace harassment trends and its mental health impact on employees. It identifies warning signs and offers prevention strategies. It guides employers in developing supportive strategies for affected employees.

Department: Benefits
Location: Cedar

The Role of Human Resources in the Risk Management Process Amerind Join Amerind to explore The Role of Human Resources in the Risk Management Process. Gain insights into how HR can mitigate risks and enhance organizational safety.

Department: Leadership
Location: Grand Summit

Cultivating Calm in the Storm: Finding Growth Paula Allen It’s stormy out there!  Do you want to know why you’re frustrated?  Your old tool kit doesn’t work in today’s toxicity.  Let’s learn how to calculate your emotional growth.  We’ll take an issue you have present day and walk through each step to the other side of the issue.  We’ll come back together as a group in a year to see the results!

Department: Communications/Recruiting/Marketing
Location: Pine

How Cultivating Connection Improves Business Niki Ramirez In this session, attendees will grasp the significance of workplace connections from a business standpoint. We'll delve into fostering deeper connections and how HR professionals can spearhead this effort. Exploring human nature and brain science, we'll discuss best practices for implementing HR systems, policies, and programs that lay the groundwork for meaningful connections in the workplace.

Department: HR Mix
Location: Oak

Listening Strategies and Tools to Improve the Employee Experience.
Dara McCoy How can HR professionals help their organizations better understand and respond to the needs of their employees? This session will cover how to develop effective employee listening strategies including assessing organizational readiness to receive feedback, determining the best tools (surveys, focus groups, HR analytics) for listening, design and implementation of listening tools, and how to utilize insights for data-driven decisions.

12:45pm - 2:00pm

Department: Legal
Location: Grand Theater

Drafting Tribal Employment Laws & Codes
Rick Mcgee This session will address the steps necessary to promulgate a tribal employment law, discuss who should be in the room working on the project, and some of the challenges in completing this important work.

Department: HR/Solutions Technology
Location: Mag 2-5

Practical & Uncommon Excel Tricks to Visualize Data
Ben Scholl Data surrounds us, but exceptional HR leaders stand out by using data to tell compelling stories, with visuals playing a crucial role. This section shares tips and tricks for effective data visualization using Excel, aimed at all HR professionals.

Department: Best Practices
Location: Mag 1,6,7

Designing Your Organizational Development Blueprint: Strategies for Success
Kenneth Pearson This session explores the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Organizational Development Department's journey of budget reduction while enhancing capabilities, becoming a strategic growth partner. Innovative strategies reveal insights into scaling impactful OD programs without increased costs. Learn about leadership development, succession planning, mentorship, policy, and process improvement, showcasing transformation into a strategic planning core.

Department: Benefits
Location: Cedar

Wellness @ Work
Kirk Buchanan Lincoln recognizes the importance of resource sharing for Tribal self-reliance. Tribal leaders tackle challenges like workforce sustainability while enhancing members' quality of life and economic development. With expertise in Native communities, we offer tailored retirement solutions to increase readiness. Financial wellness resources and personalized support reengage employees with retirement plans, fostering confidence and better saving habits for holistic well-being.

Department: Leadership
Location: Grand Summit

Resilient Leadership: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Outcome
Nathanial George "Resilient Leadership" delves into stress, exploring its impact and how to build resilience. Learn to identify stressors, cultivate resilience, and apply it to become a better servant and leader. The program prompts introspection, fostering confidence to confront daily challenges and transform outcomes. Embrace your inner strength, grow through struggles, and adopt a resilient mindset to navigate work and life effectively.

Department: Communications/Recruiting/Marketing
Location: Pine

Beyond Succession: Crafting a Blueprint for Sustainable Leadership Transition
Karla Bylund Succession planning involves identifying critical roles and preparing individuals to assume them. Our session covers steps in developing a plan, identifying key positions, assessing internal candidates' readiness, and crafting development plans.

Department: HR Mix
Location: Oak

Got a Lawyer on Speed Dial? Ten Areas in Which Human Resources May Involve Legal to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Liability Katya Lancero This presentation will explore the top ten areas in which a Tribe’s Human Resources may consider involving an employment law attorney to increase efficiency in business operations and reduce risks of liability to the Tribe, from evaluating the legality of employment practices to preparing investigatory reports in ways that best protect the Tribe.

2:15pm - 3:30pm

Department: Legal
Location: Grand Theater

Handling Employee Mental Health Issues
Drummond Mental health issues in employees pose a significant HR challenge. Unlike visible injuries, mental health symptoms can be difficult to manage. HR must navigate frustrated supervisors, conflicting policies, and support for employees. This program examines HR's role in adhering to Tribal laws, protecting employee and Tribal rights, and holding employees accountable.

Department: HR/Solutions Technology
Location: Mag 2-5

Game Up for Health: Engaging, Educating, and Empowering through Gamification
Dr. Tom Chamberlain
Bryant Phillips Discover how EdLogics and FireKeepers Casino Hotel revolutionize employee healthcare through game-based learning. Four years of collaboration enhance benefits awareness, encourage compliance with screenings and therapies, with minimal HR effort. This partnership sets a new standard for workplace benefits.

Department: Best Practices
Location: Mag 1,6,7

Harnessing Insights: Leveraging Data from Employee Surveys for Informed Decision-Making
Sommer Mason Embark on a journey into data-driven decision-making with Gallagher Surveys' insights. Explore reports like the National Benchmarking Survey, Salary Planning Survey, and more. Engage in interactive discussions, sharing best practices and real-world implementations. Gain actionable insights to enhance your organization's decision-making processes. Join us for an hour of discovery and leave armed with innovative ideas to integrate into your workplace.

Department: Benefits
Location: Cedar

Relocation 101: What Exactly is it and How Can it Help my Tribe with Recruiting and Retention?
Marian Feher Chad Helgemo This session demystifies relocation by providing an overview and the flexible options that are available based on the individual needs of the Tribe. It explains the benefits of relocation for recruiting, budgeting, retention, planning, simplicity, and consistency throughout the Tribe.

Department: Leadership
Location: Grand Summit

Strategies for Retention and Growth
Diane Ristau This session focuses on cultivating engaged leaders, including aspiring Tribal Members, to drive organizational success. Offering specific insights, it aligns leadership experiences with strategic objectives, boosting commitment, job performance, and business results across the board.

Department: Communications/Recruiting/Marketing
Location: Pine

Building Confidence, Competence, & Credibility
Paul Figueroa Participants learn effective techniques to create the changes they want and increase their self-confidence, capability and as such – their credibility. They discover new skills in communication, conflict resolution / prevention and setting and achieving their goals. Participants discover how to look at “mistakes” in a new way and how focusing on what works – and amplifying these things – achieves dramatic, positive results. Also, they learn how to be more comfortable with trying new things, accepting change and taking on new challenges.

Department: HR Mix
Location: Oak

Fueling Engagement: Unleashing the Potential of Mission and Values Ruth Tidmore HR heroes, gear up for a thrilling journey into the heart of organizational mission and core values! Beyond mere plaques, they're the catalysts for transforming teams. Join us for an exhilarating session packed with best practices, epic fails, and humor. From start to finish, we'll ride through the wild world of mission and values, turning the ordinary into extraordinary.

3:45pm - 5:00pm

Department: Legal
Location: Grand Theater

A Comprehensive Preference Checklist
Rick Mcgee This practical session reviews existing preference laws and policies, urging participants to identify areas for improvement. It focuses on three critical preference areas: scope, list, and test. Each concept is examined using a checklist approach, supplemented with real-life examples.

Department: HR/Solutions Technology
Location: Mag 2-5

A Buyer’s Roadmap to Selecting your Next HR Technology
Dan Price Human Resource professionals are rarely involved in HRIS/HCM technology solution searches, typically encountering this one to three times in their careers. This session offers guidance through the eight stages of a real search, sharing best practices, tools, challenges, and overcoming objections. It prepares professionals for the process and sets clear expectations.

Department: Best Practices
Location: Mag 1,6,7

Cultivating Connections: Building Strong Mentorship Networks within Tribal Communities
Charles Walters Under the guidance of Chief Human Resources Officer Charles Walters, Isleta Resort & Casino has pioneered a remarkable Tribal Mentorship Program. This initiative empowers Pueblo of Isleta members, bridging traditional wisdom with modern skills. By fostering learning and growth, it creates a synergy benefiting the entire community.

Department: Benefits
Location: Cedar

Is the Whole Thing Broken or are We Just Going Broke? Managing RX Costs and HR Mark Patrick Rx accounts for about 30% of claims and these costs will continue to spike. With GLP-1 weight loss drugs dominating utilization today, and massively expensive gene therapy on the horizon, every HR person is trying to manage costs and employee demand. Learn why America’s appetite for drug use is skyrocketing and arm yourself with some best practices for prescription coverage.

Department: Leadership
Location: Grand Summit

The Necessity of Adaptive Leadership for HR Professionals
Ronetta (Roni) Briggs Responding to business uncertainty demands adaptive leadership, particularly in Human Resources. Adaptive leadership involves anticipating future needs, articulating them to garner support, fostering continuous learning and adjustment, maintaining accountability, and embracing transparency and feedback. As the workforce evolves, the role of managers shifts significantly, emphasizing the collaboration, empowerment, and mentorship that is crucial for navigating modern organizational landscapes effectively.

Department: Communications/Recruiting/Marketing
Location: Pine

SAM Henny WINNER 2023-Community Mentorship Development Kamie Best Davina Aleem The Pathways Mentorship Program, tailored for Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) members, provides growth opportunities for leadership roles within GRRC. Offering two development programs: Level 1 Program: For those aspiring to Assistant Supervisor, Supervisor, or Manager roles. Level 2 Program: Geared towards Assistant Director and above positions, requiring some college education or leadership experience.

Department: HR Mix
Location: Oak

What is the Tribal Adjudication Program and how will your Organization Benefit? Michele Justice We are pleased to announce our partnership with NNAHRA, which will begin in 2024. As a result of this partnership, you will now be recognized as a Tribal Adjudicator Professional (TAP), and your training will count towards credits with your Tribal Human Resources Profession (THRP) and the Society for HR Management (SHRM).

9/25/2024

10:45am - 12:00pm

Department: Legal
Location: Grand Theater

Department: HR/Solutions Technology
Location: Mag 2-5

Combating Human Trafficking in the Tribal Gaming and Hospitality Industries Jeannie Hovland George Jenkot Durante Blais-Billie This panel will delve into a multiagency collaboration involving the National Indian Gaming Commission, Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, Treasury, tribes, and tribal gaming enterprises to combat human trafficking in the tribal gaming and hospitality sectors. The discussion will highlight resources available for gaming industry employees and strategies to recognize and respond to human trafficking.

Department: Best Practices
Location: Mag 1,6,7

Crafting Employee Handbooks: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid
Cristin Heyns-Bousliman
Sam Bolen REDWLLC’s HR Consulting team leaders leverage over 100 years of combined experience in employment litigation and HR leadership to enhance your employee handbook. Gain insights on crafting a practical handbook that effectively addresses liability concerns. This session, tailored for experienced professionals, benefits all levels.

Department: Benefits
Location: Cedar

Enhancing the Sovereignty of your Tribe through Employee Benefits
Douglas Roehm Charles Carlson 73% of adults believe the healthcare system is not meeting their needs, and behavioral health/substance abuse claims have moved from #13 to #5. As quality is not improving, how are you leveraging your tribal sovereignty and health benefit plans to obtain the results you’re looking for? Come see SSG (super smart guys) to learn about what’s next and how to enhance your sovereignty through your benefit plans.

Department: Leadership
Location: Grand Summit

The Essence of Culture: Unveiling the Foundation of Organizational Identity
Janine Sam
Rebecca Wheeler Participants will gain expertise in crafting Human Resource policies and administration practices aligned with the values of the Employer Tribal Nation. By leveraging Cultural Knowledge Keepers, they'll shape a staff environment that benefits both the organization and the Nation. Additionally, collaboration with Language/Culture departments can integrate language into HR practices, contributing to language preservation efforts while enhancing organizational culture and effectiveness.

Department: Communications/Recruiting/Marketing
Location: Pine

Attracting Top Talent: The Power of Human Resources in Employer Branding
Ernest Vargas
Armida Vargas In today’s competitive talent market, HR professionals must become strategic marketers to attract top talent. This session explores HR's role in shaping the employer brand and crafting communication strategies to enhance employer appeal to job seekers.

Department: HR Mix
Location: Oak

Workforce Planning for the Close-Out of Pandemic Recovery Funds Jennifer Parisian The pandemic not only expanded the role of human resources at Tribes but also led to a renewed focus on the need for Tribal employees in certain areas. With the influx of recovery funding, such as the American Rescue Plan Act, Tribal governments hired new staff to take on additional responsibilities. As many of these programs will begin to sunset, how should Tribes begin planning their workforce, payroll, and other administrative costs?

1:45pm - 3:30pm

Department: Legal
Location: Grand Theater

Crafting and Implementing a Tribal Workplace Aggression and Violence Prevention Plan
Max Mueller This 75-minute session provides practical insights into addressing aggressive and violent behavior in tribal enterprises. It distinguishes between forms of workplace aggression and examines the impact of bullying and inappropriate behavior. The program offers actionable strategies to foster a positive work environment.

Department: HR/Solutions Technology
Location: Mag 2-5

HR Professionals Play a Critical Role in Ensuring Data Security Within Organizations
Joey Sullins HR professionals are pivotal in safeguarding organizational data security.

Department: Best Practices
Location: Mag 1,6,7

Mastering Financial Wellness: Strategies for a Healthy Financial Future
Tina Herndon Employers can promote financial wellness through various means, with partnerships with financial institutions being the most cost-effective. TFCU offers free financial wellness support to all members and business partners, providing accessible resources for improved financial health.

Department: Benefits
Location: Cedar

Retirement Overview on Social Security and Medicare
Tamie Mongold
Debbie Pucciarelli Discover how your organization can support team members with retirement planning. This session provides an overview of Social Security and Medicare, helping employees understand and navigate these crucial benefits.

Department: Leadership
Location: Grand Summit

Becoming the Leader Others Want to Follow: Strategies for Success
David Miller Leadership in an organization is just like any other role. Some are good at it, others…not so much. The good news is that everyone can learn the skills necessary to be a leader that inspires, motivates, and empowers success. It starts with the idea of leading without a title. This action-packed session will explore the concepts of becoming the leader that others truly want to follow.

Department: Communications/Recruiting/Marketing
Location: Pine

Recruitment Strategies, Best Practices and Innovative Approaches for HR
Kaycee Wayka
Marcus Perez In today's competitive job market, effective recruitment strategies are essential. This session equips HR professionals with best practices, covering: Building an Employer Brand, Targeted Sourcing Techniques, Candidate Experience Optimization, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Innovative Interview Techniques, Onboarding Excellence. From crafting a compelling brand to optimizing candidate experiences and using data analytics, learn to attract and retain top talent.

Department: HR Mix
Location: Oak

Elevating Tribal HR: Transforming Departments into Strategic Partnerships
Skye Skinner This hands-on training empowers Tribal HR Leaders to strategically transform their departments. Participants engage in a comprehensive process to enhance HR effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals.