2025 HR Recharge Conference

Join us for an energizing afternoon of learning, leadership, and connection at the HR Recharge Conference — a half-day event designed to equip and inspire HR professionals and business leaders.

Thursday, September 25, 2025
Turtle Run Golf Club — Danville, IL
Doors open at 11:30 AM | Lunch starts at noon | Programming runs 1:00–4:30 PM

$30 Early Bird Rate for non-members through August 31, CiHRG members attend for free (limited seating)

Price increases to $50 on September 1 — register early and save!

Register

Speaker Lineup

• Employment Law Update

Presented by Mallory Stumpf Zoya, JD, Employment Law Attorney with Ogletree Deakins

Session Description: Gain an overview of various Illinois laws that went into effect in 2025, including, but not limited to, prohibiting discrimination based on family responsibilities and reproductive health decisions, banning mandatory meetings in the workplace concerning religious or political matters, requiring pay scale and benefits to be included in job postings, creating new requirements for employment verification practices, eliminating non-compete and non-solicit agreements for individuals in certain industries, imposing restrictions on the use of AI in hiring and firing practices, requiring employers to allow employees to inspect pay stubs, and increasing the minimum wage. We will also address pending legislation signaling what might come next in 2026.

Presenter Bio: Mallory represents management in a wide variety of labor and employment issues, including single-plaintiff and class and collective action litigation under federal and state laws. Mallory also represents employers in pre-litigation matters before administrative agencies, conducts internal investigations for clients relating to employee complaints of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and other workplace misconduct, and provides advice and counsel to employers regarding handbooks, employment agreements, separation agreements, and personnel practices and policies. She is a dedicated management attorney who works collaboratively and creatively with clients to deliver effective and practical solutions in all areas of employment matters.

• AI-Powered Productivity: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Presented by Carissa Nelson

Session Description: Make AI your secret weapon for getting more done in less time. Get ready to explore practical AI tools that streamline workflows, boost productivity, and help you stay ahead in an ever-evolving workplace. Whether you’re an AI skeptic or an early adopter, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to integrate AI into your daily routine—without the overwhelm.

Speaker Bio: Carissa is a marketing and communications professional who is passionate about creating value-driven messaging that creates real and lasting impact. A Central Illinois native, Carissa is a College of ACES graduate with a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Illinois and a M.S. in Family & Consumer Sciences from Illinois State University. She has spent the past several years pursuing digital marketing certifications from Google, Facebook, Hootsuite and more. Her favorite thing about working in communications is creating valuable connections between people and information and loves using AI as a tool to make that easier and faster.

• Emotionally Healthy Leadership

Presented by Julie Birky, LCPC, Licensed Counselor & Leadership Coach

Session Description: Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about emotional well-being. This workshop guides participants through four essential practices of emotionally healthy leadership: engaging with emotions, building strong social connections, being present in important moments, and prioritizing rest. Through guided reflection and practical tools, leaders develop personalized action plans to integrate these practices into daily life. The workshop also helps participants recognize when and how to seek support, ensuring they lead with resilience, clarity, and authenticity.

Speaker Bio: As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about equipping leaders to foster mentally healthy environments within their organizations and communities. My journey in mental healthcare began in 2004, and since 2015, I’ve been licensed to practice in Illinois. My work focuses on mental health education, consultations, and supporting leaders who want to make a meaningful difference.

I love helping people discover insights they may already sense but haven't yet fully realized. Teaching, for me, is a creative process—a way to guide others on a journey of self-discovery, not just about mental health concepts, but about their own strengths, leadership, and potential to effect change. Whether I’m facilitating a workshop, leading a consultation, or holding office hours, my goal is to inspire confidence, clarity, and practical skills that leaders can apply immediately.

Who Should Attend?

• HR professionals
• Small business owners and department heads
• Anyone seeking practical, people-focused strategies

What You’ll Gain

• ✅ Legal insights to protect your organization and stay compliant

• ✅ Hands-on tips for using AI to improve productivity and workflows

• ✅ Tools to become a more emotionally healthy, values-aligned leader

• ✅ A chance to network, reflect, and recharge with peers

Convince Your Boss

Need help convincing your boss? We’ve got you covered! Customize our handy letter template to help make your case for attending the HR Recharge Conference 2025. You can use this to submit a formal request or as a guide for talking points.

Convince My Boss Letter Template

Event Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment is due at the time of registration. All registration fees must be paid by the event deadline listed.
Cancellations are eligible for a refund or credit only if made before the registration deadline. After that point, no refunds can be issued due to venue commitments.
If you can’t attend, a substitute may come in your place — just let us know at cihrg1@gmail.com.

Review the full Event Payment & Cancellation Policy for more details.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Email us at cihrg1@gmail.com to connect!

Spark Level Sponsor – $100

A little spark goes a long way! Show your support and plug into the local HR community.

Benefits include:

• Your logo featured on the event webpage
  
• Recognition from the podium during the event
• Social media mention before the conference

Power Level Sponsor – $250

Your support helps keep the energy flowing! Get noticed by professionals and decision-makers in our region.

Benefits include:

All Spark Sponsor benefits, plus:

• Your logo displayed on a shared sponsor slide during breaks
• Opportunity to include a flyer or giveaway item in the attendee welcome packet
• Priority option for sponsor table display (as space allows)

Megawatt Level Sponsor – $500 (limited availability)

The highest-voltage visibility! Fuel the future of HR in Central Illinois and stand out as a true supporter.

All Power Cell Sponsor benefits, plus:

• Exclusive recognition in opening and closing remarks

• Featured logo placement on the conference webpage

• Dedicated social media shoutout with your business logo and link

• Sponsor display table at the venue

• Two complimentary registrations

Connector Level Sponsor

Connector Sponsors provide unique, non-monetary support that powers the experience behind the scenes — from food and flowers to services and supplies.

Benefits include:

• Recognition from the podium during the event
• Your name/logo featured on the event webpage
• Social media thank-you with a shoutout to your contribution

Let us know how you’d like to help us stay fully charged — we would love to work with you!