Description

WHEN: Friday, September 5th from 12:00pm - 2:00pm
WHERE: Boulder Marriott Hotel | 2660 Canyon Boulevard | Boulder, Colorado 80302
COST: Free for Members | $35 for non-members. 

Ahead of the HR Compliance Curve: Laws and Regulations to Have On Your Radar for 2026.

Join us for a timely and engaging luncheon featuring a panel of seasoned experts who will unpack the latest employment laws, upcoming regulatory changes, and the evolving workplace trends shaping 2026.

In addition to legal insights, our panel will share practical resources, real-world strategies, and proactive approaches to help you navigate challenges around workforce planning, employee engagement, DEI, and organizational culture. Whether you’re leading an HR team or wearing multiple hats, this session will empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to stay ahead—strategically and compliantly.

Agenda:

12:00 Lunch

12:15 Panel (presentation and Q&A)

Confirmed Speakers:

Skills-First Talent Practices: A Strategic Imperative for HR
Dr. Jessie Roller

This presentation introduces "Skills-First Talent Practices," a modern approach essential for today's HR professionals, as traditional methods no longer meet evolving business needs and changes in the workforce. Adopting a skills-first strategy significantly reduces recruiting bias and improves retention rates. You'll learn the "what, why, and how" of this shift in practices to unlock your organization's full potential.

Reevaluating DEI Policies and Programs in the Wake of Trump 2.0
Joseph Hunt, Spencer Fane

With the new presidential administration, there is increased attention on diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) in the workplace. Even well-intentioned DEI initiatives can invite litigation and other challenges, particularly under the second Trump Administration’s executive actions. Employers implementing or updating their DEI policies and programs should understand the legal and practical considerations involved. This presentation will provide an overview of DEI issues in the workplace and best practices to help employers handle the challenges of achieving their DEI goals in a legally compliant manner.

Workforce Boulder County | Community Services
Samara Portis, Business Services Supervisor

The Business Services Team offers a robust range of no-cost services designed to support employers in meeting their recruitment goals and building a skilled, qualified workforce. Services include recruitment assistance, candidate screenings and assessments, labor market information (LMI), employee training and retention strategies, and connections to additional local resources tailored to business needs.

Leading through Disruption and Change: Supporting Employee Mental Health
Christina Torizzo, MPH, Sr. Lead Consultant, Kaiser Permanente

Uncertainty is a growing aspect of life today — and it’s affecting employee mental health, well-being, and productivity more than you might realize. From natural disasters to organizational fluctuations, preparing for unprecedented challenges has emerged as an essential skill for business leaders to have. Meet the moment using a playbook to help you support employee mental health and become a source of strength for your workforce. 

COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS: By attending this event, all participants are expected to abide by these, BOULDER CHAMBER Community Agreements and Code of Conduct.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUTING: The BOULDER CHAMBER and Boulder Chamber Transportation Connections (BCTC) encourage you to use sustainable transportation options to get to Chamber events! Learn more about transportation options in Boulder and how BCTC can help employers encourage their employees to commute sustainably, on the BCTC website or by emailing us at transportation@boulderchamber.com. BCTC promotes transportation choices that are efficient & sustainable and enhance the Boulder community as a great place to live, work, & play.

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE: By attending this event, photographs and videos of the event and individuals will be public and possibly used on future marketing for the BOULDER CHAMBER and its associates.

NOTE: The opinions and information provided by the BOULDER CHAMBER event speakers are strictly those of the speakers. The BOULDER CHAMBER does not necessarily endorse their opinions and has not independently verified the information presented.