Conferences

WI SHRM 2024 VOLUNTEER
Leader Conference

August 8 & 9, 2024
Heidel House Resort
Green Lake, WI

Our Sponsors                          







 





 

Conference Description

SHRM Volunteer Leaders are among the most dedicated, passionate, and hard-working SHRM members. Whether you are a volunteer leader for your local chapter, student chapter, or the Wisconsin State Council; the 2024 WI SHRM Volunteer Leader Conference will be a fantastic opportunity to: 

 

  • Update you with the latest strategic initiatives from SHRM 

  • Equip you with the knowledge and resources to help you become a more effective volunteer leader 

  • Connect you with your fellow volunteer leaders from across Wisconsin 

  • Energize you with innovative ideas to bring back to your chapters 

This year’s WI SHRM Volunteer Leader Conference will be held on August 8th and 9th at the Heidel House Resort in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Event registration is now open. All SHRM volunteer leaders are encouraged to attend this conference to network, connect, and engage with your Wisconsin SHRM colleagues at this enriching and entertaining event. Whether you are an emerging or aspiring leader or someone who has been involved with volunteer leadership for years, you are sure to learn something new and make meaningful connections with other dedicated human resource professionals that will last long after the conference is over. 

The WI SHRM Volunteer Leader Conference Committee and our chapter host, Fond du Lac SHRM, are enthusiastically planning great programming, engaging events, and valuable activities for you! You will leave this conference knowing more about the vision and mission of SHRM and Wisconsin State Council SHRM, gain in-depth knowledge of our SHRM Core Leadership Areas, and learn how best to develop and maintain strong relationships and partnerships between SHRM, WI SHRM, our chapters, and our members. 

WI SHRM Chapter Award Nominations

The WI SHRM Volunteer Leader Conference is just around the corner and the conference committee is pleased to share with you the opportunity to be spotlight an outstanding volunteer or chapter initiative.  Wisconsin chapters are doing some fantastic and innovate work and we can't wait to recognize these achievements.

 WI SHRM would like to hear from you, our chapter leaders, and give you the opportunity to spotlight significant achievements, programs, and people that contribute to the advancement of HR.   An overview of this year's award categories for outstanding leadership and achievement can be found
he​re

We ask Wisconsin chapter and council leaders to read through the awards criteria and complete a short nomination by clinking on the link below to nominate a deserving chapter or individual.  You may make multiple submissions.  Each submission must be submitted separately.  The due date for submission is July 25, 2024.

 



Conference Registration Fees

HR Professional Rate:  $130
Student Rate:  $65



 


Student Rate is only for FULL-TIME students, not working professionals. Working professionals who are also working towards their bachelor's degree should register under the professional registration type, not as a student.

Recertification Information

SHRM Recertification Credit: 
Submitted for credit.
Code will be provided at the
conclusion of the conference.


      

Location / Hotel Accommodations

Heidel House
653 Illinois Ave, Green Lake, WI 54941
2 Queen Beds:  $179 per night + tax (12.5%)
2 Queen Beds Lakevw:  $194.00 + tax (12.5%)
King Suite Lakevw:  $194.00 + tax (12.5%)
King Bed:  $179.00  $194.00 + tax (12.5%)
Check-in time:  3:00 PM
Check-out time:  11:00 AM
Early Check-in /late check-out based upon availability.
Cancellation: 24 hours prior to scheduled arrival.

Reservation Phone: (920) 807-0300
Block is under WISHRM Volunteer Leadership Conference
Hotel Block closes July 8, 2024.


 

 

Conference at a Glance 

*Times and content subject to change without notice.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
9:00 am State Council Meeting
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Opening Welcome, Introductions and  How to Network 101

Networking 101 is designed to equip you with fundamental skills and strategies for building and maintaining professional relationships while making it fun and easy. You will learn tips about how to initiate conversations, ways to be helpful and supportive of your new connections, the dos and don’ts of networking, and overall best practices. Everyone will be able to test the new skills during the Speed Networking session!
 
Connie Bitter,
SHRM-SCP, PHR
State Director
Jen Zahari,
CSP
Leadership Director
12:00 - 12:45 pm Networking Lunch
12:50 - 1:05 pm

Sheree Yates,
SHRM-SCP, PHR
Foundation Director
Foundation Fundraising for Wisconsin SHRM

SHRM is posed to shape the talent and workplace landscape through its pivotal research, its development of strategies and its support of HR professionals, employers and employees.  The WI Foundation Director will share more about the important work conducted by the Foundation and provide insight into how you can be a part of it all. 


 
1:05 pm - 1:10 pm
 
Amy Doepke,
SHRM-SCP, SPHR
State Conference Co-Chair and Partnership Director
Volunteer Overview:  Annual State Conference 

What does it take to be a volunteer at an 1,500 person conference?!  Let's find out!

Conference Co-Chair Amy Doepke will give brief in's and out's about volunteering at State Conference and the benefits that come back to you in return for your service at the largest annual conference Wisconsin SHRM puts on!
1:15 - 2:15 pm Speed Networking

Join us for our first-ever VLC Speed Networking Session. This session is designed to help you make valuable connections in a fast yet effective way while strengthening your network. We’ve structured the session to help build rapport, initiate new relationships, and at the same time create a deeper understanding of Volunteer and SHRM roles. 
 
Jen Zahari, CSP
Leadership Director
Sheree Yates, SHRM-SCP, PHR
Foundation Director
2:15 - 2:25 pm Break
2:25 - 2:40 pm
 
Individual & Chapter Awards

This year's award winners will be announced and celebrated!

Presented by WI SHRM District Directors
  • Dani Stuhr, Northwest District
  • Pam Berkovitz, Northeast District
  • Katelyn Spanbauer, Northcentral District
  • Brittany Hanson, Southeast District
  • Mary Vogl-Rauscher, Southwest District

 
2:45 - 3:45 pm
 
 
 
Breakout:  Introduction to Volunteer Leadership | Katelyn Spanbauer & Pam Berkowitz

This session is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of volunteer leadership within SHRM. As a volunteer leader, you play a crucial role in shaping the experiences and outcomes of SHRM members, while also contributing to the overall mission and vision of your individual Chapters. Through this session, you will gain valuable insights into the skills, strategies, and best practices necessary for effective leadership, enabling you to inspire and guide your Chapter and Boards towards success. Whether you are new to volunteer leadership or looking to enhance your existing capabilities, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact in your role.
 
Katelyn Spanbauer, SHRM-CP, PHR
Northcentral District Director
Pam Berkovitz, SHRM-CP
Northeast District Director



Breakout:  Strategic Planning | Dani Stuhr

Strategic planning is the cornerstone of any successful organization, providing a roadmap to achieve long-term goals and objectives.  In this session, we will delve into some key components of an effective strategic planning process, some common pitfalls that chapters/organizations encounter and how to keep it adaptable. 

Learn from fellow leaders with SHRM on the tools and methodologies to enhance your strategic planning process.  Join us to gain valuable insights and practical tips that will empower you to chart a course for success and sustainability in your chapter.

 
Dani Stuhr, SHRM-CP
Northwest District Director

Breakout:  Succesion Planning | Britanny Hanson & Mary Vogl-Rauscher


Need a Plan for who is going to back up your current Board Members?

Join us for this interactive session on Succession Planning where best practices from other chapters will be shared. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as well as share your ideas. 

 
Brittany Hanson, MBA, PHR
Southeast District Director
Mary Vogl-Rauscher, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Southwest District Director
 
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm Break
4:00 - 4:30 pm

 
Pinnacle Award & Enterprising Award Winners:  Success Stories, Tips and Suggestions | Panel

Want to know what it takes to submit for a SHRM Pinnacle or WI SHRM Enterprising Leadership award?  A panel of past winners share their tips, tricks and stories!
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
 
 
Meet Your Council | Panel

Get to know more about each role and the Council Members in that role.  Learn about current and 2025 positions that will be open!
 
Connie Bitter, SHRM-SCP, PHR
State Director
Jen Zahari, CSP
Leadership Director
5:00 pm - 5:15 pm Closing Comments / Committee Recognition
Intro to the Evening / What's Coming for Tomorrow
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Reception | Dinner | Outdoor Activities
Cocktails & Dinner; outdoor lawn games and fire pit.  Music by Majic productions.
  *Times and content subject to change without notice.

 

Friday, August 9, 2024
7:30 am - 8:10 am Breakfast | Networking
8:10 am - 8:25 am

Sheree Yates,
SHRM-SCP, PHR
Foundation Director
 
Foundation Update & SHRM Foundation Resources | Sheree Yates, WI SHRM Foundation Director

Sheree witll discuss the latest from the SHRM Foundation and what resources they provide that all HR practitioners can take advantage of!
8:25 - 9:20 am Round Table CLAs
9:20 - 10:15 am
 

 
Breakouts:
  • Small Chapters (94 members or less)
  • Medium Chapters (95 - 200 members)
  • Large Chapters (201 or more members)
One of the best parts of being a SHRM Volunteer is that you are not alone! Join us for an engaging conversation in which we will discuss best practices and challenges that you are encountering from the previous day’s sessions.

Presented by WI SHRM District Directors
  • Dani Stuhr, Northwest District
  • Pam Berkovitz, Northeast District
  • Katelyn Spanbauer, Northcentral District
  • Brittany Hanson, Southeast District
  • Mary Vogl-Rauscher, Southwest District
10:20 - 10:45 am
 

Mary Cheddie,
SHRM-SCP
SHRM Update - Market Segmentation | Mary Cheddie

This session will be fast and furious! Want to know how to take your chapter to the next level? It is through member segmentation. Learn how to identify your segments, tailor your messaging, and build member loyalty, plus more...at least what all we can pack in 25 minutes.
 
10:45 am - 11:00 am Break
11:00 am - 12:00 pm


Anne Bonney

 
Keynote | Ignite Your Shift: Dancing in the Discomfort of Change with Anne Bonney

Change is hard. Factor it all in: new ideas, organizational change, industry evolution, technology modernization and even personal changes, and drop in a global pandemic, just for kicks. With all that, life can get pretty overwhelming. The problem is, change ain’t going away. The only constant IS change, especially in today's fast-paced world. Having the tools to deal with change and adapt to the challenges that transitions bring will improve your effectiveness and resilience.

In this engaging (and fun!) virtual or live presentation, Anne Bonney, Change Management authority and author, will spark your courage with the ground- breaking concepts from her red-hot book, GET OVER IT!. You’ll have to turn up the AC for this high energy, “bring the heat” keynote. Your participants will leave armed with strategies to extinguish the burning inferno that transition has caused on your teams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
  • Immediately impact your ability to manage change in your life with more confidence, courage and resilience.
  • Alleviate the burden of stress that change has caused.
  • Turn change into a unifying factor of pride and accomplishment where productivity and motivation will skyrocket.
Anne's Bio:  Anne Bonney, CSP® grew up with “talks too much” on all of her report cards, so she made it a career and now collects passport stamps on her way to share her extensive knowledge and experience in thriving through change with audiences of often overwhelmed professional adults. She is an engaging conference Emcee, a two-time author, host and creator of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast and a certified virtual and in-person presenter. After 20 years in highly successful corporate and non-profit leadership positions, she now uses her experience, education and expertise to ignite YOUR courage to build resilience in change, conquer challenging conversations and lead with emotional intelligence.
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm 


Jen Zahari, CSP
Leadership Director
Closing | Prizes | Silent Auction Winners | Sponsor Drawings

Jen Zahari, CSP, Leadership Director
  *Times and content subject to change without notice.


Foundation Fundraising Events

Cork Pull 
Back by popular demand, we are bringing back the cork pull.  Buy a cork for $15.00 and win a delicious  bottle of wine!  

Gift Card Game - Fill the Cup 
Participants will purchase a cup of their choice and receive a prize inside. Select cups will have a gift card prize inside or another treat.    Join in the fun of this tasty way to support the HR profession! 

Silent Auction
We invite you to also participate in the Silent Auction.  Bidding will start on Thursday, August 3rd and wrap up at 12 Noon on Friday.  Winners of the silent auction bids will be announced during the closing of the conference.

 

Music, Games and Networking!

After a full day of learning, get comfortable, grab your favorite beverage, and join us on the back patio of the Heidel House.  You can mingle with your fellow attendees while enjoying music and a spectacular view of the lake.  Be sure to get your throwing hand ready for the yard games we have prepared.  You can get a team together for Cornhole.  Test yourself with some giant Jenga or have some fun with the other game options.  Or, sit back, relax and enjoy the atmosphere.    

 

Attendee Cancellation:

A $30 administrative fee will be charged for conference cancellations received before July 25, 2024.  Requests for refunds after July 25th will be denied unless there are extenuating circumstances which prevent an attendee from finding another person to attend the conference in their place.  (An extenuating circumstance may include an unexpected death in the family or medical emergency).  Proof of the hardship will be required.  Changing work loads and/or staffing levels at your organization are not considered an extenuating circumstance for cancelling after the cut-off date.  These requests will be reviewed by members of the WI SHRM Executive Council, Leadership Director and the Conference Liaison Director on a case-by-case basis.
 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

 

Cottingham & Butler
800 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001

Contact:  Joey Backus
Email:  jbackus@cottinghambutler.com

Phone:  (262) 674-4171
Website:  https://www.cottinghambutler.com/
 
Cottingham & Butler has a long, rich history, starting as a local insurance agency on the upper banks of the Mississippi River in Dubuque, IA and growing into one of the largest insurance brokers in the U.S. Celebrating over 125 years of insight, Cottingham & Butler is a leader in offering innovative property & casualty and employee benefit insurance solutions. Our services include:
 
  • Property & Casualty Insurance
  • Safety and Loss Control Services
  • Employee Benefits Consulting
  • Benefit Claims Administration
  • Casualty Claims Administration
  • Captives & Programs
  • Compliance & HR Consulting Services
  • Wellness & Medical Management Services
Gallagher Insurance
245 Executive Drive, Suite 200
Brookfield, WI 53005

Contact: Josh Bergman
Email: Josh_Bergman@ajg.com

Phone: (262) 312-3086
Website: https://www.ajg.com

 
We are Gallagher, a global leader in insurance, risk management and consulting services. Much more than simply an insurance broker, we are an international group of partners that provide cost-effective, client-centric, and expertise-driven risk management solutions. Our leadership team fosters a dynamic, entrepreneurial culture that has made us an innovator in creating new products and services for our clients.











 


M3 Insurance
828 John Nolen Drive
Madison, WI 53713

Contact: Traci Licari
Email: traci.licari@m3ins.com

Phone: (414) 978-1439
Website: www.m3ins.com

 
M3 is a top 50 insurance broker and risk management firm in America. We’re leaders in the products we represent and the industries we serve. M3’s people are an extension of your team, providing world-class resources to help you manage risk, purchase insurance, and provide employee benefits. And our focus on community builds better places to live and work. For more information on M3, visit www.m3ins.com.
       
       

Seek Careers
1160 Opportunity Drive
Grafton, WI 53024

Contact: Debbie Fedel, 
CSP, PHR, SHRM-CP
Email: dfedel@seekcareers.com

Phone: (262) 377-8888
Website: www.seekcareers.com

 

SEEK Careers/Staffing, Inc. is a principle-based staffing resource dedicated to Servicing Your Success by exceeding your expectations.

SEEK’s Core Values – Integrity, Passion and Extraordinary Customer Service - are demonstrated by its teams as they provide assignment employees, vendor-on-premises consultants and direct-hire candidates.

We specialize in employment placedment for direct-hire, temporary-to-hire and contract opportunities in manufacturing, light industrial, skilled trades, administrative and a host of other positions as well.


Francis LLC
19435 W Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53045

Contact: Joseph Topp
Email: joseph.topp@francisway.com

Phone: (262) 781-8950
Website:  www.francisway.com

 

Achieving Work-Life-Money Balance with Conflict-Free Financial Wellness

Conflicted retirement plan investment advice costs America's workforce over $17 billion per year. You and your employees need an advisor you can trust; one who provides conflict-free retirement plan consulting to your organization and comprehensive, sales-free financial planning to your employees. Francis LLC is here to help you protect your organization and your employees' assets, and our financial wellness services ensure everyone is set up for financial success.


 
Edvest
525 Junction Road, Suite 6500
Madison, WI 53715

Contact: Kevin Pytleski
Email: kevin.pytleski@tiaa.org

Phone: (608) 234-6317
Website: www.edvest.com/employer

Edvest, Wisconsin's official 529 savings plan, is now available as a employee benefit.  Parents appreciate anything that can make saving for their child's future simple and affordable.  You can help employees save and enhance your talent retention and acquisition efforts.  You can add Edvest to your company's financial wellness line up, at no cost to your company and with no reporting required.  Learn more, and access free resources for Wisconsin employers at edvest.com or call 888.338.3789.

 
 

 

 
 

Contact Information

Rachael Brady
 

Jen Zahari, SCP
Leadership Director


Ph: 920.858.6653
Em:  leadershipdirector@wishrm.org

Term Start:  1/1/2022


Biography

Jennifer “Jen” Zahari is the founder of Strong Foundations Coaching & Consulting, LLC.  Jen works with individuals and businesses to encourage, empower, and engage through effective internal and external communication strategies.  These include identifying gaps, creating goals and action plans, team workshops, and more.  She has brought a unique life coaching model to workplaces, helping reduce the “life outside of work” impact on performance, productivity, and people.
 

Jen brings over twenty-seven years in leadership, communication, training, coaching, mentoring and a lifetime of personal experiences to the work she does.  She spent over fifteen years in the Staffing Industry, which brought an even deeper understanding of how people work, think, and why they do the things they do.  This also gave her a great understanding of where people, leaders, and companies often collide in their communication and why gaps happen.   

Jen believes the conversations that happen around “toxic bosses or bad employees” often come down to poor communication and a lack of shared understanding about how others communicate.  As we work to better understand each other’s communication styles, we can potentially reduce the frequency at which we have disagreements or disgruntled employees.

She is passionate about people, and it comes through in her work as a fiction author as well.  Jen is a published fiction author who is working to bring a wider personal understanding of mental health topics to her readers through this creative writing outlet. 

On the side, Jen loves spending time in her gym, spending time outdoors, finding adventures in nature, photography and being with her family and friends.

Jen currently serves as the Leadership Director for SHRM State Council.  She has served multiple positions both on the Council and State Conference Committee.  She has an Associate’s Degree in Marketing and 8 Certifications in varying Coaching modalities.
 


 

Additional Information

 
 

Resources