Saddle up for Success at the 2026 KC SHRM Conference, where HR and business pros will gather to wrangle the toughest workplace challenges and ride boldly into the future of people strategy.
This year’s western‑themed roundup will tackle the big‑ticket issues—compliance hurdles, leadership and employee development, talent retention, organizational culture, and engagement—while also shining a spotlight on forward‑looking 2026 initiatives such as AI‑supported HR operations, data‑driven decision‑making, and modernized workforce planning.
With an expected turnout of 400+ attendees and more than 50 exhibitors, this year’s event promises one of the most dynamic showings yet, bringing together professionals ready to dust off their boots, steer through today’s HR wild terrain, and leave with actionable insights that help their organizations thrive on the open range.
Five Reasons to Saddle up for Success:
1. Wrangle Real-World Insights – Hear from trailblazing industry leaders sharing practical strategies on workplace culture, leadership, and HR best practices.
Tracks:
• Leadership & Development
• Talent Management & Acquisition
• AI, Data, & Tech
• Compensation & Benefits
• Legal & Compliant HR
2. Round Up Powerful Connections – Expand your professional network and build relationships with peers, mentors, and decision-makers across the region.
3. Sharpen Your Leadership Spurs – Strengthen your HR and leadership skillset through engaging workshops and forward-thinking sessions.
4. Ride Away Inspired – Gain fresh perspective and actionable ideas from our dynamic keynote speaker to help you lead with confidence.
5. Stay on the Certification Trail – Earn valuable recertification credits while staying ahead of emerging HR trends and business strategies.
Where we’re not just talking about HR challenges, we’re learning to navigate the Wild West of work with confidence. We’ll grab the reins on the issues that can feel unpredictable—compliance shifts, culture, engagement, retention, leadership—and we’ll wrangle them into practical actions you can actually use. When you leave each session, you’ll feel more prepared, more equipped, and ready to ride back to your organization with tools you can put to work immediately.
Keynote Speaker:
Devin Henderson is a multi-talented powerhouse: an experienced presenter and seasoned performer, having logged thousands of performances as an award-winning comedian and magician and an in-demand keynote speaker. His unique combination of skills and storytelling and his hilarious and engaging interaction are what make him an audience favorite. His clients have included Pepsi, Hallmark, Cerner and hundreds more. His performances have been called, "unreal," "unexpected," and "unforgettable" and he delivers the ultimate keynote experiences to inspire possibilities, purpose and impact.
And we’re debuting a first-ever morning Fireside Chat with a Special Guest from National SHRM.
Annual Kern County SHRM mixer to follow!
We will once again be closing the conference this year with a networking social to give all attendees, speakers, and vendors further opportunity to connect.
Don’t miss this opportunity for professional learning, career enhancement and member engagement.
Click on sponsor logo to learn more about the sponsor!
Click on sponsor logo to learn more about the sponsor!
Click on sponsor logo to learn more about the sponsor!
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