The MBA is gearing up for its 12th annual HR Conference on November 6 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, presented by premier sponsor ECCA Payroll, Knox Law, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, Widget Financial, C.H. Reams, VBA, Life Force Wellness, and United Concordia Dental. Here, MBA Vice President and Employment Counsel Tammy Toman, JD, PHR, SHRM-CP, discusses what’s in store — including a full day of interactive learning experiences, high-caliber vendors, networking opportunities, and a fantastic lineup of expert guest speakers.
The MBA’s HR Conference is the premier HR event in the region. Tell us what makes this conference so unique and what’s new this year.
What sets it apart is our commitment to delivering an experience that is both innovative and highly relevant. For our 12th conference, we’re building on a tradition of excellence with several unique elements that continue to make our event a standout in the industry. Each year, we bring together a lineup of experts who offer deep insights into current HR trends, challenges and future directions, as well as high-caliber vendors and of course networking opportunities.
You are expecting another huge turnout in 2024. Why is this event such a draw for HR professionals from Erie and beyond?
I think the draw of the conference is what makes the conference so unique. Our conference consistently delivers innovative content that addresses the latest trends and challenges in HR. Attendees leave with invaluable insights and actionable strategies that they can directly apply to their own organizations.
This year, Debbie Peterson, CSP, is going to give the keynote address on “Lead Yourself First: Strategies Unlocking Your Potential and Inspiring Others.” What can you tell us about Peterson and her presentation?
We are excited to have Debbie join this year’s lineup of speakers! Her presentation is highly interactive in which attendees will discover what authenticity means in life and career so that they show up as who they are regardless of the circumstance. The goal is to have attendees explore what authenticity in the workplace looks like, what gets in the way, and strategies to better incorporate this powerful leadership strategy.
Another new name added to the list of speakers is MBA instructor Andrea Bierer of DBC Remodeling in Erie. Tell us more about what she’s going to discuss.
Andrea is going to be presenting, “Unleashing Your Team’s Genius: How understanding everyone’s Working Genius can lead your team from frustration to fulfillment.” Andrea brings a vibrant energy to her programs, making leadership development and learning exciting and impactful.
What other compelling topics are going to be addressed?
At this year’s conference, we are thrilled to feature presentations from two distinguished law firms, each bringing valuable insights on critical issues affecting the modern workplace. Steptoe & Johnson PLLC will lead a session addressing “Employee Mental Health and Well Being.” Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. will present “Law Update: Order in the Court: How Recent Court Decisions are Shaping the Workplace.”
Both sessions are highly anticipated, as they address relevant and evolving topics in the HR and legal fields. By incorporating these presentations, we aim to equip our attendees with essential knowledge and tools to effectively manage legal challenges and support their workforce in today’s dynamic environment.
These topics not only reflect current trends and issues but also underscore our commitment to providing valuable, actionable content that meets the needs of HR professionals across various sectors.
One of the highlights of this year’s conference is the second annual HR Person of the Year Award presentation. What makes this award so special?
Being in its second year, the HR Person of the Year Award has already begun to build a tradition of honoring excellence. It signifies our ongoing commitment to recognizing and celebrating the vital role of HR professionals in shaping the future of work.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
We hope to continue to grow the conference as it fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose in our HR community. Attending this conference is not just about gaining knowledge — it’s about becoming part of a vibrant and supportive community, discovering new opportunities, and being inspired to make a difference in your organization and the HR field. We’re excited to welcome new and repeat attendees and look forward to an exceptional event!
To learn more about this year’s MBA HR Conference, visit mbausa.org.
