Community Calendar https://www.tcshrm.org/events/event_list.asp Mon, 6 Jul 2026 08:00:45 GMT Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:30:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 Twin Cities Society for Human Resource Management (TCSHRM) TCSHRM July 2026 Legal Summit https://www.tcshrm.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2016294 https://www.tcshrm.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2016294 .red { color: #000; } .content h4 s .red strong { color: #F00; } .content h4 .red strong { color: #F00; } 2018 TCSHRM Spring Conference Registration

Join us in person on July 22, 2026, at the Eagan Community Center for our July Legal Summit. This timely session will help you stay informed on recent changes, emerging trends, and what HR professionals need to know.

TCSHRM is excited that this program will feature speakers from Bassford Remele, P.A. Attorneys Andrew James, Beth LaCanne, Danielle Fitzsimmons and Cassandra Jacobsen will provide sessions on 2026 HR and Employment Legislative and Case Updates, DEI/ Reverse Discrimination, and have an open forum Off The Clock: Everything You Wanted to Ask an Employment Lawyer session.

Agenda:

● 7:30-8:00 am – Registration/Networking/Light Breakfast
● 8:00-8:15 am – Welcome & Kickoff
● 8:15-9:10 am – Session 1: 2026 HR and Employment Legislative and Case Updates
● 9:10-9:20 am – Break
● 9:20-10:15 am – Session 2: Examining DEI and Reverse Discrimination: Charting a Course Through Changing Legal Tides
● 10:15-10:25 am – Break
● 10:25-11:30 am – Session 3: Off The Clock: Everything You Wanted to Ask an Employment Lawyer
● 11:30-11:35 am – Closing

Sessions:

Session 1: 2026 HR and Employment Legislative and Case Updates

This session provides a high-level briefing on the pivotal 2026 court rulings and federal legislative shifts reshaping the employer-employee relationship.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Analyze key 2026 court rulings and federal legislative changes impacting employer-employee relationships and global workforce management.
  2. Apply current HR trends and inclusive management best practices that align with diversity, inclusion, and applicable employment laws.
  3. Interpret evolving employment rights and labor standards concepts to support effective employee and labor relations.

Speakers:

 

Beth LaCanne

 

Beth LaCanne is a litigator focused on labor and employment law and professional liability. She represents employers and licensed professionals in complex disputes and counsels clients on workplace compliance, discipline, accommodations, and terminations. Beth defends against discrimination, retaliation, and wage-and-hour claims and frequently advises on licensing and malpractice matters in the healthcare and insurance fields. Admitted in Minnesota and Wisconsin, she is vice president of the Hennepin County Bar Foundation Board and serves on Minnesota’s Commission on Judicial Selection for the Tenth Judicial District.

 

Cassandra Jacobsen

Cassandra is a litigator with a focus on defending claims in state and federal court arising out of employment relationships including discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of employment or non-competition agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, defamation, tortious interference with contract and wrongful discharge.

Employers also turn to Cassandra for practical guidance on workplace issues. In addition to partnering with businesses to develop well-written workplace policies, Cassandra drafts and negotiates employment and separation agreements, restrictive covenants, and provides management training tailored to specific business needs.

Cassandra has experience guiding employers through sensitive internal complaints and investigations, performance management, discipline and termination, reductions in force, responding to agency charges, and managing parallel civil litigation and media considerations.

 

Session 2: Examining DEI and Reverse Discrimination: Charting a Course Through Changing Legal Tides

This session analyzes the shifting legal standards surrounding workplace DEI programs in the wake of recent Supreme Court scrutiny and a rising tide of reverse discrimination litigation. Participants will explore practical strategies for balancing inclusive initiatives with strict compliance to mitigate risk in this increasingly litigious environment.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Examine evolving legal standards and recent court decisions affecting workplace DEI initiatives and reverse discrimination claims.
  2. Develop strategies for balancing inclusive workplace programs with compliance requirements to reduce organizational legal risk.
  3. Interpret current U.S. employment laws and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Speakers:

Andrew T. James

 

Andrew James is an accomplished employment lawyer who represents clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits, educational institutions, individuals, and everything in-between. Drew advises employers on all aspects of HR and workplace law, including hiring, termination, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, leave laws, policies and procedures, and internal investigations. Drew conducts workplace trainings to ensure his clients are prepared to navigate difficult compliance issues. Drew is also a highly skilled litigator who has tried and won cases in federal and state courts nationwide and is known for securing victories through both trials and motion practice. Before joining Bassford Remele, Drew practiced at a national Am Law 100 firm, served as in-house counsel in the financial-services industry, and has worked as a criminal defense attorney. Drew is licensed to practice law in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Utah.

 

Danielle W. Fitzsimmons

 

Danielle Fitzsimmons serves as co-chair of Bassford Remele’s Employment Law
Practice Group. She focuses her practice on employment litigation and counseling,
representing employers in managing risk, creating and implementing employment
policies and agreements, and defending claims arising out of employment
relationships.

Danielle has deep experience working with employers in employment litigation,
employment counseling, workplace investigations, restrictive covenants, and
commercial litigation.

 

Session 3: Off The Clock: Everything You Wanted to Ask an Employment Lawyer

Four Bassford employment/HR lawyers will host an interactive, open-mic session designed to tackle your most pressing workplace legal questions. This is your chance to get unfiltered, real-time insights on the employment dilemmas keeping you up at night.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify current legal trends and emerging workplace issues affecting global workforce management and employment practices.
  2. Evaluate HR best practices related to inclusion, diversity, leave, and benefits compliance within evolving employment laws.
  3. Apply practical guidance from employment law experts to address complex employee relations and workplace legal challenges.

Speakers:

Andrew T. James

 

Andrew James is an accomplished employment lawyer who represents clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits, educational institutions, individuals, and everything in-between. Drew advises employers on all aspects of HR and workplace law, including hiring, termination, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, leave laws, policies and procedures, and internal investigations. Drew conducts workplace trainings to ensure his clients are prepared to navigate difficult compliance issues. Drew is also a highly skilled litigator who has tried and won cases in federal and state courts nationwide and is known for securing victories through both trials and motion practice. Before joining Bassford Remele, Drew practiced at a national Am Law 100 firm, served as in-house counsel in the financial-services industry, and has worked as a criminal defense attorney. Drew is licensed to practice law in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Utah.

 

Beth LaCanne

 

Beth LaCanne is a litigator focused on labor and employment law and professional liability. She represents employers and licensed professionals in complex disputes and counsels clients on workplace compliance, discipline, accommodations, and terminations. Beth defends against discrimination, retaliation, and wage-and-hour claims and frequently advises on licensing and malpractice matters in the healthcare and insurance fields. Admitted in Minnesota and Wisconsin, she is vice president of the Hennepin County Bar Foundation Board and serves on Minnesota’s Commission on Judicial Selection for the Tenth Judicial District.

 

Cassandra Jacobsen

Cassandra is a litigator with a focus on defending claims in state and federal court arising out of employment relationships including discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of employment or non-competition agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, defamation, tortious interference with contract and wrongful discharge.

Employers also turn to Cassandra for practical guidance on workplace issues. In addition to partnering with businesses to develop well-written workplace policies, Cassandra drafts and negotiates employment and separation agreements, restrictive covenants, and provides management training tailored to specific business needs.

Cassandra has experience guiding employers through sensitive internal complaints and investigations, performance management, discipline and termination, reductions in force, responding to agency charges, and managing parallel civil litigation and media considerations.
 

Danielle W. Fitzsimmons

 

Danielle Fitzsimmons serves as co-chair of Bassford Remele’s Employment Law
Practice Group. She focuses her practice on employment litigation and counseling,
representing employers in managing risk, creating and implementing employment
policies and agreements, and defending claims arising out of employment
relationships.

Danielle has deep experience working with employers in employment litigation,
employment counseling, workplace investigations, restrictive covenants, and
commercial litigation.

Thank you to our Sponsor!


Event Fees:

TCSHRM Legal Programs are designed to bring HR and legal professionals together to explore timely employment law topics in a practical, engaging format. These sessions go beyond legal theory to focus on real-world implications, compliance considerations, and actionable takeaways. Our goal is to create a collaborative space where professionals can learn from experts, ask questions, and gain clarity to confidently navigate today’s evolving legal landscape.

2026 Legal Programs details:

- October Virtual Legal Pop-up (Virtual) - 10/15/2026 - Topic TBD

We highly recommend taking advantage of this bundle offer to save while maximizing your learning opportunities!

 

Not a member? TCSHRM Membership has many benefits. Click here to learn more or join now.

Come Together, Learn Together, and Shape the Future of HR Together.

Save 20%  when you sign up 3 team members or Save 30%  when you sign up 5+ team members.

Email info@tcshrm.org  today to register together!

Credits:

TCSHRM is applying for 3 SHRM and 3 HRCI credits.

 

SHRM Credit Competency Types: Business Acumen, Communication 
 HRCI Credit Type: General 

Questions about SHRM Credits? Please visit SHRMCertification.org
 Questions about HRCI Credits? Please visit HRCI.org

Location/Parking:

Location:
Eagan Community Center
1501 Central Pkwy
Eagan, MN 55121

We are offering 50% discounted rates for our summits, conferences and in-person events for members in job transition. Please contact info@tcshrm.org for more information. 

If you need help paying for any of our summits, conferences, and any in-person events, you can reach out to Goodwill’s Dislocated Worker program. They can provide funds to areas related to the job search, which often includes covering professional memberships and other employment training fees.

To apply / determine if you are eligible for the Dislocated Worker program, please reach out to Avery Bardell at abardell@gesmn.org or 612-286-8597. More information can be found at this link.

TCSHRM Program and Conference Cancellation Policy

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT TCSHRM August HR Exchange: Competency and Skills Onboarding for Retention https://www.tcshrm.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2063395 https://www.tcshrm.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2063395 @media only screen and (max-width: 767px) and (min-width: 320px) { #SpContent table td { width: 100% !important; display: block; margin: 0 auto; } }  

This session focuses on transforming onboarding into a strategic driver of retention by equipping new employees with the skills, competencies, and confidence they need to succeed from day one. Participants will explore an onboarding experience that goes beyond information delivery and by using a knowledge of competencies and skills, builds capability, productivity, and retention.

The session will examine how generational perspectives influence onboarding preferences, helping organizations tailor onboarding approaches that resonate across a diverse workforce. It will also highlight key differences across industries and how these impact onboarding and skill-building strategies.

Finally, participants will gain insight into selecting and optimizing training/communication platforms that align with organizational goals, learner needs, and scalability.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify strategies to design onboarding programs that build employee confidence, skills, and retention.
  • Analyze how generational and industry differences impact training approaches and employee engagement.
  • Apply training platform selection methods to enhance personalized learning and competency development.
Thank you to our Sponsors!

               

Agenda:

9 am - 9:30 am: Welcome & TCSHRM updates
9:30 am – 10:30 am: Workshop
10:30 am – 10:45 am: Break
10:45 am – 11:30 am – Workshop

Speaker:

Allen Mavis, Workforce Development Training Specialist, Minnesota Skill-Based Hiring Accelerator

Allen has a 16-year history of providing individual and group employment development services to a wide demographic. He holds a master’s in education with a specialty in career and technical curriculum, a bachelor’s in behavioral science, and a Human Resources Generalist certification from the University of Minnesota.

Allen’s current workforce development training specialist position has him supporting 150 professional staff in competency onboarding and professional development.

Allen is also actively engaged as a business instructor, teaching skills-based hiring, retention, and employee advancement practices to HR and hiring management while acting as a consultant. He has developed a nationally recognized skills-based delivery model alongside the Minneapolis and St. Paul Chambers of Commerce and the Twin Cities Metro County Workforce Boards.

Event Fees:

Join us for this TCSHRM HR Exchange where HR minds meet and ideas ignite.

HR Exchanges are programs designed to spark meaningful conversations and elevate HR expertise. Each session brings together passionate HR practitioners and thought leaders for interactive discussions that go beyond theory—sharing real-world insights, innovative strategies, and practical solutions. Our goal is to create an engaging space where professionals connect, learn, and inspire each other to drive impactful change in their organizations.

Remaining 2026 HR Exchange dates, venues, and topics:

  • December HR Exchange (Virtual) - 12/1/2026 - Topic TBD

We highly recommend taking advantage of this bundle offer to save while maximizing your learning opportunities!

Come Together, Learn Together, and Shape the Future of HR Together.  

Save 20% when you sign up 3 team members or Save 30%  when you sign up 5+ team members.

Email info@tcshrm.org  today to register together!

Not a member? Become a member here.

Credits:

TCSHRM is applying for 2 SHRM and 2 HRCI credits.

Questions about SHRM Credits? Please visit SHRMCertification.org
Questions about HRCI Credits? Please visit HRCI.org

Parking Instructions:

All conference rooms are located on the building’s first floor by taking the elevator from the second floor lobby. If you get off the elevator on the 1st floor the North and South are down the hall in the southwest quadrant …. the large Training Room is on the corner of that hallway (by the doors leading outside).

Member Ambassador Program:

At TCSHRM, we believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our members, especially newcomers. Our Member Ambassador Program is designed to help new members feel welcome and connected when attending chapter meetings, programs, conferences, and socials. Click here for more information.

Need support paying for this or other TCSHRM events?

We are offering 50% discounted rates for our summits, conferences and in-person events for members in job transition. Please contact info@tcshrm.org for more information. 

If you need help paying for any of our summits, conferences, and any in-person events, you can reach out to Goodwill’s Dislocated Worker program. They can provide funds to areas related to the job search, which often includes covering professional memberships and other employment training fees. To apply / determine if you are eligible for the Dislocated Worker program, please reach out to Avery Bardell at abardell@gesmn.org or 612-286-8597. More information can be found at this link.

To apply/determine if you are eligible for the Minnesota Job Partners program, please call 612-676-3710. More information can be found at this  link .

TCSHRM Program and Conference Cancellation Policy.

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