About the Seminar

Join us for a complimentary in-person client seminar packed with timely insights, real-world case studies, and practical strategies to help you navigate the evolving workplace landscape.

Sessions will cover:

• The current state of employment law
• Managing employee leave under the ADA, FMLA, and workers’ compensation
• Iowa-specific drug testing requirements
• Hot topics in immigration law
• Key litigation trends employers should watch for
• The growing role of AI in the workplace

Whether you're in HR, management, legal, or executive leadership, this seminar offers valuable takeaways for you and your team.

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Agenda

Check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. Lunch and a panel discussion about the current status of employment law will begin at noon and the seminar will conclude at 4:00 p.m. There is no webinar/online option to attend this year.

You are welcome to attend all day or choose the portions best suited for you.

11:30 a.m. – Check-in
12:00 p.m. – Lunch Panel Discussion
1:10-2:00 p.m. – Afternoon Session I  
2:10-3:00 p.m. – Afternoon Session II
3:10-4:00 p.m. – Afternoon session III

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Lunch | 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Rooms 312-315
Current and Developing Status of Employment Law | Beth Coonan, Maggie Hanson, Ann Kendell, and Jo Ellen Whitney, moderated by Lori Chesser 
The only constant in employment law is change. This panel discussion will touch on the status of last year’s priorities (such as the demise of the non-compete) to current changes and challenges.

Session I | 1:10-2:00 p.m.

Room 302
Immigration Hot Topics for Employers | Lori Chesser and Kailey Blazek Naranjo
From shifting visa policies to increased enforcement, immigration remains a dynamic challenge for employers. This session will break down the latest developments impacting Iowa employers, with practical guidance on compliance, workforce planning, and navigating immigration issues in today’s regulatory environment.

Room 303
Litigation in the Workplace: What Today’s Trends Mean for Tomorrow’s Decisions | Joni Ploeger, Kacy Flaherty-Tarpey, Spencer Willems, moderated by Beth Coonan
Join employment litigation attorneys for a panel discussion on navigating the latest litigation trends in HR and employment law. This session will provide employers and HR professionals with crucial insights into emerging legal challenges, with a focus on helping you stay ahead of the curve to minimize your risk in an increasingly complex legal environment.

Session II | 2:10-3:00 p.m.

Room 302
Babysitting Robots: Considerations and Concerns for AI in the Workplace | Jo Ellen Whitney and Logan Kraus
As AI tools become more common, employers need to take care to ensure their employees are using them appropriately, and in a way that protects business and client information. This session will cover how common AI tools work, suggestions for workplace policies and procedures, and privacy considerations for using AI responsibly.

Room 303
Top 10 Ways to FLSA Liability (and how to avoid them) | Maggie Hanson and Meg Moritz
Get clocked in and lawyered up for a discussion about all things wage-and-hour, with a focus on common pitfalls and strategies to avoid. We will discuss recent developments, including the sudden increase of child labor enforcement actions, and also touch on some pointers related to core requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act as staying compliant with the FLSA continues to be an increasingly complex challenge. This session aims to demystify the FLSA, with practical guidance to help identify and mitigate risks.

Session III | 3:10-4:00 p.m.

Room 302
The Bermuda Triangle: Temporary Leave Under ADA/FMLA/Workers’ Comp | Joni Ploeger and Emma Terrell 
One of the most common types of questions we get from employers has to do with an employee needing temporary leave.  ADA, FMLA, and workers’ compensation all have different requirements and procedures for temporary leave. We will explore those interactions and disconnects to help you navigate these tricky temporary leave situations.

Room 303
Drug Testing in Iowa: Navigating a Legal Minefield | Ann Kendell and Katelynn McCollough
Iowa’s drug testing laws are among the most complex in the country—and missteps can be costly. This session will unpack the state’s unique statutory requirements, share recent updates, and offer practical compliance tips to help HR professionals avoid common pitfalls and legal exposure.

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Questions?

A few days before the event, registrants will receive an email with the final details and logistics. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact Cara.Seidl@dentons.com.