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    2026 ASHRM Conference: Anchored in Purpose: Embracing the Future of HR

    April 17, 2026
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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    Village Commons Community Center
    1326 Main Chapel Way
    Gambrills, MD 21054
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    Anchored in Purpose: Embracing the Future of HR

    Join us for Anchored in Purpose: Embracing the Future of HR, a meaningful day of connection, learning, and forward-thinking conversations with HR professionals from across our community. Start the morning with a light breakfast and coffee, engage in thoughtful dialogue throughout the day, and enjoy lunch together as we explore how HR leaders can stay grounded while navigating what’s next.

    REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE APRIL 10TH!

    Tickets: $119.00 for ASHRM Members | $149.00 for Non-ASHRM Members | Please contact Conference Chair, Mark Humphries at [email protected] for student pricing. 

    Speakers

    Eric Brown, HR Consulting Services Manager, Marsh McLennan Agency
    TOPIC: AI and HR - What We've Learned and Where it is Going
    As AI continues to transform the workplace, its influence on human resources is becoming increasingly significant. In this timely session, Eric Brown highlights the benefits of AI in enhancing efficiency and decision-making while addressing the ethical challenges the arise, such as bias and privacy issues. You will gain insights inti responsible AI implementation and strategies to navigate the complexities of AI in HR. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge with the knowledge to leverage AI effectively while maintaining ethical standards, preparing for future trends in the evolving HR landscape.
    Christine Walters, J.D., MAS, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Independent Human Resources & Employment Law Consultant, FiveL Company
    TOPIC: Maryland FMLA Legal Update
    Maryland’s family and medical leave landscape continues to evolve, and HR leaders need to stay ahead of the changes. In this practical legal update, Christine V. Walters draws on more than 25 years of experience in human resources, employment law, and compliance to walk attendees through the latest Maryland FMLA requirements and what they mean for employers. Participants will gain clear guidance on compliance considerations, common pitfalls, and actionable steps to help ensure policies, practices, and communications are aligned with current law.
    Katie LaCelle, Owner of Cressana | Leadership Coach, Nally Ventures Leadership
    TOPIC: What the Circus Taught Me About Leadership
    High-stakes circus environments demand trust, presence, and calm under pressure, the same skills leaders need at work. Drawing from her background as a leadership coach, former executive director, and circus performer, Katie LaCelle offers a fresh, body-aware perspective on leadership effectiveness. This session helps HR professionals understand how nervous system states impact leadership behavior and provides practical strategies to support grounded presence, trust, and performance during change and challenge.

    Maria Alessandri, Founder | Horse and People Project
    TOPIC: Communication, Leadership, and… Horses?
    What if the most honest leadership feedback came from a 1,000-pound partner who responds only to clarity, consistency, and trust? In this engaging session, Maria Alessandri draws on her work in equine-assisted leadership development to explore how horses mirror our communication, boundaries, and presence. Through powerful stories and the metaphor of the round pen, participants will gain practical tools to lead more intentionally, communicate more clearly, and strengthen trust across teams and relationships.

    Thank You To Our Sponsors! 
    Marsh McLennan Agency, NFP, Strategic Factory, PNI•HCM with isolved, The Standard, Paylocity, Corporate Synergies, AKRON, Inc. and Sentinel Security Solutions LLC

         

     

     

    Conference Agenda

    8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration Opens, Continental Breakfast, Networking, Visit Sponsors & Check-out Raffles
    8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. WELCOME
    8:45 a.m.- 9:05 a.m.

    SESSION – Shari Arends, Deputy Director of MD SHRM & John Mauck, Director of MD SHRM 

    HR Connections: Local Opportunities with ASHRM & MD SHRM
    9:05 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

    SESSION – Maria Alessandri, Founder, Horse and People Project

    Communication, Leadership, and… Horses? (1.25)
    10:20 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. STRETCH & BREAK - Please visit our sponsors & check out the raffle
    10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

    SESSION – Christine Walters, J.D., MAS, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Independent Human Resources & Employment Law Consultant, FiveL Company

    Maryland FMLA Legal Update (1.25)
    11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. LUNCH – Visit sponsors & check out raffle
    12:30 p.m. - 12:50 p.m. Networking Activity
    12:50 p.m. - 2:05 p.m.

    SESSION – Katie LaCelle, Owner of Cressana | Leadership Coach, Nally Ventures Leadership

    What the Circus Taught Me About Leadership (1.25)
    2:05 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. STRETCH & BREAK - Please visit our sponsors & check out the raffle
    2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

    SESSION – Eric Brown

    AI and HR - What We've Learned and Where it is Going (1.25)
    4:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Wrap Up – Door Prizes and Raffle (must be present to win)

    Evaluations and Certificates upon departure

    REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE APRIL 10TH!

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    Tickets

    $119.00 ASHRM Members

    $149.00 Non-ASHRM Member Ticket

                                                          

    REFUND POLICY:  Once an event is booked, ASHRM is obligated to certain minimum fees (speaker, room, food, etc.) therefore refunds can only be offered if cancellation is made at least 14 days prior to the scheduled event date.  However, if you are unable to attend, we would encourage you to send someone else in your place.  We can accommodate that up to time of meeting!  Thanks so much for your understanding!