The Florian Gardens
2340 Lorch Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701 United States
Event will be held in the Silverleaf Ballroom – located on the right side of the building if you enter through the front doors.
Ruder Ware and the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce are partnering to present the Annual Employment & Benefits Conference at The Florian Gardens Conference Center (map and directions) on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
7:30 a.m. Registration
8:00 a.m. Welcome & Introductions
8:05 – 8:55 a.m.
Immigration Law Update for HR Professionals: Keeping Pace With a Changing Immigration Landscape
Presenter: Attorney Sam Moheban
Immigration Attorney Sam Moheban will present on current issues facing HR professionals as they navigate the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration law. His session will review key developments to immigration policy and enforcement, with a focus on policy shifts, enforcement trends, and compliance strategies. Attendees will leave better equipped to manage foreign national employees and respond effectively to regulatory audits among ongoing legal and policy changes.
8:55 – 9:00 a.m. Transition
9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
Employee Handbook Essentials and Hot Topics
Presenters: Attorneys Nicole Stangl and Morgan Sweeney
Attorneys Nicole Stangl and Morgan Sweeney will present an overview of the latest trends in employee handbooks, including updates to social media policies, PTO practices, and compliance essentials. This session will highlight what HR professionals need to know to keep workplace policies current, compliant, and culturally aligned.
9:50 – 10:10 a.m. Break
10:10 – 11:00 a.m.
Prioritizing Workplace Drama!
Presenter: Attorney Sara Ackermann
Human Resources professionals know that workplace drama isn’t just disruptive—it’s risky. Attorney Sara Ackermann will spotlight the high-stakes issues that fuel the most legal headaches, including FMLA, disability accommodations, workers’ comp retaliation, and sexual harassment. Expect practical tips, common pitfalls, and insights to help you stay ahead of the drama. Come ready with questions!
11:00 – 11:05 a.m. Transition
11:05 – 11:55 a.m.
Wage and Hour Update: Including No Tax on Tips and Overtime
Presenters: Attorneys Mary Ellen Schill and Nicole Stangl
Staying up to date with wage and hour practices is crucial for HR leaders. Attorneys Mary Ellen Schill and Nicole Stangl will walk through changes to the wage and hour landscape being imposed under H.R.1 and other common hot wage and hour topics facing HR leaders.
Noon – 1:00 p.m. Lunch, Stump the Experts: Over lunch, participants are invited to challenge the attorney team with real-world questions HR professionals face every day.
Cost to Attend:
Registration Includes:
Sponsored by:
Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C.
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce