Sponsored by Murtha Cullina LLPPresented in partnership with SHRM CT HR Council Get a fresh perspective on the most important topics in human resources. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the experts and network with your peers.  Agenda7:30 am Registration, networking & continental breakfast 8:30–9:40 amKeynote Presentation: How Changes in Washington Affect HR The outcome of the 2012 election gives new energy to HR issues now  being reviewed by Congress and the Obama Administration. Workplace regulatory agenda and HR public policy initiatives -- including deficit reduction, tax reform, and immigration reform – will have a real impact on the workplace.  And decisions on the deficit and tax reform will impact employer-sponsored healthcare, as well as pension and fringe benefit plans.Robert J. Carragher, Senior State Affairs Advisor, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) will discuss these and other related legislative issues and provide an up-to-date analysis of current federal regulatory activity.Breakout SessionsConcurrent Sessions: 9:50–10:15 am Government Audits: Greeting the Agency Investigator It’s a quiet day in the office, when an agency investigator appears at your door. Are you prepared to handle this disruptive and possibly expensive visit? We’ll reviewCompliance obligations that can result in a government audit or investigationHousekeeping and strategic matters (putting the best foot forward; cooperating without giving up the farm)Efficient and cost-effective strategies for addressing compliance issuesLauren M. Filiberto and Michael C. Harrington, Attorneys, Murtha Cullina LLPEmployment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) Many businesses have EPLI as part of their overall insurance and risk management strategy, perhaps even as an unknown rider on their general liability coverage. Because EPLI impacts your response to an employment-related complaint, having a clear understanding of this important insurance protection is essential. We’ll review:EPLI basicsMaking the most of its protectionsNegotiating the most affordable coverageEffective use of outside legal counselHugh F. Murray III and Melissa A. Federico, Attorneys, Murtha Cullina LLPConcurrent Sessions: 10:25–11:50 am Total Rewards in the Healthcare Reform Era Healthcare reform impacts more than just group medical insurance. This session examines how changes in cost/premium strategies and new rules governing wellness efforts will impact the integration of these programs—and expenses—into traditional benefit and reward programs. Garry Straker, CEBS, Principal Partner, CohnReznick Benefits Consultants and John J. Turgeon, CPA, HCS Partner, CohnReznickLeaves of Absence Federal and state law provides employees with substantial rights to take leaves of absence for a variety of reasons. Often, the key to the courthouse door is an employee belief that his or her rights were not respected. In this session, we’ll:Provide an overview of laws affecting Connecticut employersDiscuss relevant casesDescribe steps to effectively manage employee absences, and reduce the likelihood of successful litigation if an employee is not returned to workLouis B. Todisco and Stella Szantova Giordano, Attorneys, Murtha Cullina LLPNoon–1 pm: Lunch (included in registration fee)Concurrent Sessions: 1:05–2:30 pm NLRB’s New Presence in the Nonunion Environment The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) no longer limits its focus to worksites where a union represents the workers under a collective bargaining agreement, or employees express interest in forming a union. This presentation addresses:The NLRB’s perspective on what’s personal and what’s work-relatedEffective policies and strategies for managing employee conduct on and off  the jobHugh F. Murray III, Attorney, Murtha Cullina LLPThe Difficult Employee As the saying goes, “20% of your workforce eats up 80% of your time.” Learn steps you can take to turn your most challenging employees into star players. Join last year’s keynote speaker for a review of practical and effective strategies in this thoroughly engaging pep talk. Kenya Rutland, Principal, KJR ConsultingClosing Session: 2:30 to 3:30 pmConnecticut Legislative Update What proposed changes to state law—if enacted—could impact business and pose challenges to HR in the form of new and confusing mandates? We’ll give you a comprehensive report on the latest proposals, issues warranting close scrutiny, and areas of focus for the business community working with elected officials in Hartford.Eric Gjede, Assistant Counsel, CBIA This program has been approved for 5.5 (General) recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute.The use of this seal is not an endorsement by the HR Certification Institute of the quality of the program. It means that this program has met the HR Certification Institute's criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit. Tune to WFSB Channel 3 or WTIC 1080 for cancellations due to inclement weather. CBIA Member/CT SHRM (CT Sales Tax: $10.48) 186.12 Non Member (CT Sales Tax: $13.02) 231.00