14th Annual HR Conference
For over 14 years, The MBA has brought together one of the largest groups of HR professionals in the region for this signature event, filled with learning experiences, relevant vendors, networking opportunities, and expert guest speakers.
THE NEXT HR CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE:
Wednesday,
November 4, 2026,
from 8 am to 4 pm.
What to Expect
- Expert Keynote Speakers
- Essential Labor & Employment Law Updates
- Peer-to-Peer Networking
- Premium Vendors
- Lunch, Snacks and Beverages
- Amazing Prize Giveaways
Pricing
Members’ Early Bird Pricing: $350*
Nonmembers: $550
*Early bird pricing ends August 1
Exhibit at HR Conference:
Conference Exhibitor: $750
Location
Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier
Erie, PA 16507
A DAY DESIGNED FOR HR PROFESSIONALS, BY HR PROFESSIONALS
This event brings together experts and peers from across the region to discuss today’s most important workplace topics.
Attendees will gain practical insights and actionable takeaways on today’s most important workplace topics and emerging HR trends, including:
EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATES
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
RECRUITING AND RETENTION
WORKPLACE CULTURE
COMPLIANCE & HR BEST PRACTICES
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
MEET THE KEYNOTE FOR HR CONFERENCE
Steve Gilliland
The Speaker: Recognized as one of North America’s most requested and popular speakers, Steve Gilliland was inducted into the celebrated Speaker Hall of Fame in 2012. He is a master storyteller and brilliant comedian, evidenced by his status on SiriusXM Radio’s Laugh USA and Jeff and Larry’s Comedy Roundup. In 2015, he was recognized by his peers as one of the top 10 motivational speakers in the world from over 9,000 candidates.
The Author: Beyond his remarkable speaking career, Steve is also a highly accomplished and prolific writer. He’s an eight-time bestselling author, with titles such as Detour, Enjoy The Ride, Hide Your Goat, If Leadership Is a Game, These Are the Rules, It Is What You Make It, Making a Difference, The Cherry on Top, and Turn the Page. His impact as an author earned him the distinction of Author of the Year
The Businessman: Steve Gilliland built a multimillion-dollar company from the ground up, which the Pittsburgh Business Times named one of the fastest-growing companies in the region. He believes that if you continually add value to your company, industry, customer, and yourself, you will always be a leader. You will be purpose-driven rather than process-driven and make a difference.
STEVE'S KEYNOTE DISCUSSION:
IT IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT
More than ever, individuals hold the power to rely on collective strength, think differently, and find ways to make themselves stronger and more complete. Your response to challenges is not a product of circumstance but a reflection of your mindset. This relevant and timely keynote speech unveils the tools to cultivate a specific mindset that directly impacts your behavior in different situations. It illuminates the keys to solving the problem instead of accepting it and guides you on how to readjust your thinking and react in any situation to impact your success positively. It’s time to let go of the passive “it is what it is.” It’s time to embrace a new mindset: it is what you make it!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- How to shrink the negatives, find the positives, and magnify them.
- How to shut out the noise, eliminate distractions, and stop permitting people and circumstances to ruin your day.
- How to keep moving forward regardless of what the world throws in your path.
- How to create a ripple that will impact others and leave behind a legacy.
THE BREAKOUT SESSION: HIDE YOUR GOAT
Our fast-paced and stress-filled schedules open the gate to allow people and circumstances every opportunity to “get our goat.” Hide Your Goat puts into perspective how your daily life intersects with people of diverse backgrounds, opinions and personalities. In this eye-opening session, Steve Gilliland shows how to avoid being robbed of the opportunity to perform at peak performance because of negativity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- How to head off conflict when negativity runs rampant & how to improve your own outlook
- How to deal with by-products of bad attitudes
- How to assign the right value to every situation & not give people permission to ruin your day
Additional Speakers
Inclusive Leadership: Building Sustainable, High-Performing Workplace Cultures
Brandon K. Wiley, MS, LPC at OpenedEyes
- Foster stronger team connection and communication
- Promote psychological safety and employee engagement
- Reduce burnout and improve workplace wellness
- Strengthen collaboration and team cohesion
- Lead with greater awareness, empathy, and intentionality
We Told Them… Didn’t We? Why onboarding fails even when you think you’ve covered everything.
Casie Lucas-Szumigala, Founder, Culture & Communication Strategist, Click Pragmatics
Most onboarding programs focus on policies, procedures, and job responsibilities. Yet many new hires still struggleno. And it’s not because they weren’t trained, but because they were never taught how to navigate the culture.
The biggest gaps in onboarding often aren’t found in the handbook. They’re found in the unwritten rules: how decisions are made, how challenges are handled, how feedback is given, and what success really looks like on the team.
In this engaging session, discover how assumptions, communication styles, and generational influences shape the way new hires interpret information. Learn practical strategies for creating onboarding experiences that build clarity, connection, and confidence from day one.
You’ll also explore why new employees may be your most valuable source of feedback, and how their fresh perspective can reveal hidden gaps in training, communication, and workplace culture before they become costly problems.
Navigating Workplace Harassment Investigations
Marcia L. DePaula, Member & Nelva J. Smith, Member, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
About Marcia: Marcia DePaula is a Member at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC and Practice Group Leader for the firm’s Labor & Employment Department. She advises employers on labor and employment matters, helping organizations navigate workplace challenges, reduce legal risk, and resolve disputes with practical, business-focused solutions. She also has extensive experience advising higher education institutions and representing clients before administrative agencies and in court.
About Nelva: Nelva Smith is a labor and employment attorney who advises employers on a wide range of workplace issues, including day-to-day HR matters, litigation, workers’ compensation, and workplace safety. Known for her practical guidance and strong advocacy, she helps organizations across industries, including manufacturing, construction, automotive, and aviation, navigate complex employment challenges and protect their interests.
HR PERSON OF THE YEAR
The MBA is excited to celebrate our member Human Resource professionals and recognize those in the HR profession who exemplify outstanding achievement within our local business community. Help us honor the top HR professionals in the MBA’s membership region, who have made significant contributions to their organizations and profession, by submitting a nomination today!
Please note: Nominees must be employed by an MBA member company.
NOMINEE INFORMATION:
- NAME
- TITLE
- COMPANY
- YEARS WITH COMPANY
- CONTACT EMAIL
- PHONE
WHY THIS PERSON SHOULD BE NOMINATED CRITERIA:
EXPERTISE AND LEADERSHIP
Note the nominee’s level of expertise and leadership in HR. Factors include professional experience, years of service, and the ability to drive positive change.
INFLUENCE AND INVOLVEMENT
Include the nominee’s influence and involvement within their field? This can include factors such as involvement in the local community and related organizations, as well as state and national associations.
RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Indicate any recent awards or achievements that contribute to their business/ industry influence.
Nominations due to ktorres@mbausa.org by Friday, July 31, 2026. Once the nomination information is collected, the nominee list will be reviewed by MBA. Nominees will be notified in August 2026 and recognized in the MBA Annual Report (special ad packages available). The 2026 MBA HR Person of the Year Award winner will be voted on by membership and announced in the upcoming issue of the MBA Business Magazine and recognized at the 2026 HR Conference on November 4.
Sponsorship
BECOME A CONFERENCE EXHIBITOR
Position your company in the center of the conference experience with an exhibit space in the main conference area. Your package includes one 8-foot skirted table, one full conference registration with lunch, snacks, and beverages, plus valuable opportunities to engage with attendees and speakers while promoting your products and services throughout the event.
We would like to thank all our event sponsors for making the HR Conference possible and offering premium services to our attendees!
2025 sponsors include:
Contact us now to learn more about being a sponsor.
HR Conference 2025
