CiHRG Half-Day Conference

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Lunch served at 11:30 am, program scheduled 12-4 pm.
Please RSVP by Thursday the week prior to ensure appropriate meal counts.

Join CiHRG for an engaging professional development program featuring three timely topics designed to strengthen HR professionals and the organizations they support.

Combatting Burnout

Presented by Liz Lamb, Performance Consultant, Sarah Bush Lincoln
Burnout, compassion fatigue, and persistent negativity can have a significant impact on employees and workplace culture. Liz will explore the differences between these challenges, how to recognize the warning signs, and practical strategies for building resilience. Participants will also learn techniques for recognizing and reframing negative thought patterns using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) concepts to support positive mental wellbeing.

Coaching & Developing

Presented by Brad Himes, Employee Relations Specialist, Sarah Bush Lincoln
Effective coaching can help employees improve performance while creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Brad will introduce practical coaching techniques and tools leaders can use to engage employees, strengthen performance, and develop their teams. Participants will explore the GROW Coaching Model and leave with strategies they can immediately apply in the workplace.

Why HR Should Own AI Adoption — and How to Start

Presented by Scott Pooch, Founder, 401Grow
AI adoption is a people challenge as much as a technology challenge—which puts HR in a unique position to lead. This hands-on session approaches AI like a new employee that needs onboarding, clear expectations, and effective management. Participants will explore HR's role in AI training, policy, change management, and adoption while developing a documented AI workflow based on their own work and an outline for a practical, one-page organizational AI use policy.

Three topics. Three practical learning opportunities and professional development focused on challenges shaping today's workplace.

Event Location: CityView @ Illinois Terminal (In-Person) 

 In-person attendance, arrive at the main entrance of Illinois Terminal (45 East University Ave, Champaign) and go left to take the elevators to the 4th floor. There is free parking to the east of the railroad tracks in the lot that is just south of Chester St. and west of Water St. If you choose this parking, you would walk under the viaduct on Chester St. to head to Illinois Terminal. However, you can also choose to pay for parking in the lot just outside of the terminal. 

This session will be eligible for both SHRM and HRCI Credits.