Warner 2024 HR Seminar In-Person Event

Please join Warner’s employee benefits and labor and employment attorneys for the 2024 HR Seminar, hosted on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in the Ambassador Ballroom of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. This full day of presentations will focus on a variety of topics spanning law changes and current trends impacting the employee benefits and labor and employment landscape.

Multi-attendee Discount: If three or more people from the same organization attend, you may receive a 15% registration discount. Be sure to enter “WNJ-HR-2024” as the promotional code to receive the discount.

Lunch and materials are included with every registration. Program materials are provided online in advance of the seminar.

Parking is free for those who park in the DeVos Place parking lot. (Vouchers are only valid for the DeVos Place parking lot/ramp and will not apply to the hotel ramp or valet parking.)

Agenda
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.        
Registration
8:30 – 9:15 a.m.        
Retirement Update
Justin Stemple
SECURE Act 2.0 remains the headline news for retirement plans but rest assured there continue to be other important developments. This session will provide updates other than SECURE Act 2.0, from general trends in the retirement plan market to what we are learning from government audits and retirement plan litigation to recent guidance regarding the use of forfeitures.
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.      
SECURE Retirement Legislation Update: Additional Guidance, Administration and Implementation
Heidi Lyon, Jennifer Watkins and Bran Cross
The SECURE Acts (1.0 and 2.0) have significantly affected retirement plans. Since last year, the government agencies charged with enforcing the legislation have started to issue administrative guidance on how plans should operate under the new laws. This session will review recent developments in SECURE guidance, advice for implementing the laws, open questions and law changes still to take effect.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.    
Break
10:30 – 11:15 a.m.    
SECURE Retirement Legislation Update: Additional Guidance, Administration and Implementation (cont.)
Heidi Lyon, Jennifer Watkins and Bran Cross
11:15 – 12:00 noon  
ERISA Fiduciary Rx: Prescribing Success in Health and Welfare Fiduciary Duties
Stephanie Grant
In light of recent legislative changes and ongoing litigation, ERISA fiduciary duties concerning health and welfare plans have come under scrutiny. Join Stephanie Grant in this informative session as she navigates the intricate landscape of legal obligations, providing invaluable insights into your fiduciary responsibilities. Stephanie will not only clarify your fiduciary duties but also offer practical strategies for enhancing plan governance. By equipping you with the necessary tools and knowledge, you’ll be empowered to effectively mitigate the risk of fiduciary breach claims related to your health and welfare plans.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.      
Lunch
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.        
Employing Noncompete and Confidentiality Agreements
Zainab Sabbagh and Jarrod Trombley
Noncompete and confidentiality agreements are indispensable tools for safeguarding a company's intellectual property, trade secrets and competitive edge, while simultaneously shaping the professional careers of employees. In this session, we will offer an insightful update on recent legal developments and navigate the complexities inherent in these important components of both employment and business relationships. Join us as we address the nuances of noncompete and confidentiality agreements, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively navigate this critical aspect of modern employment law.
1:45 – 2:30 p.m.        
Employer Policies Under Fire
Jonathan Kok, DeAndre’ Harris and Danica Hosaka
We will delve into the aggressive approach the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), other government agencies and states have taken on workplace rules and regulations. This session will provide guidelines essential for employers to foster a compliant workplace while also protecting their business interests.
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.        
Break
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.        
Law Shanty on the Road
Steve Palazzolo and Janelle Shankin
The infamous Law Shanty returns to the Amway Grand Plaza. Law Shanty host Steve Palazzolo will be joined by Janelle Shankin as they discuss a number of important issues for employers. No PowerPoints, just free-flowing conversation.
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.        
Navigating the Intersection: Pregnancy Discrimination Act, ADA and FMLA Compliance
Allyson Terpsma, Anne Steen and Abigail Coté
In this session, we'll dive into the recently enacted Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act alongside an examination of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). We’ll review the complex and sometimes overlapping regulatory frameworks surrounding leaves and other accommodations frequently sought in the workplace and provide practical guidance on navigating them effectively.