SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN SHRM TO HOST HR FORWARD CONFERENCE

Stay Compliant. Stay Connected. Stay Ahead.

Southwest Michigan SHRM will host HR Forward: Stay Compliant. Stay Connected. Stay Ahead. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals – St. Joseph in Saint Joseph, Michigan.



This dynamic half-day conference is designed for HR professionals, organizational leaders, and culture champions at every stage of their career — from entry level through the C-Suite. Attendees will gain practical tools, peer insights, and forward-thinking strategies to navigate today’s evolving workplace.

HR Forward will feature three expert speakers:

Monica Lloyd, People Forward, our Keynote Speaker, will share practical leadership strategies for leading with confidence and influence.

Elizabeth Williams, Rehmann will address the rapidly changing intersection of HR and artificial intelligence, offering guidance on leveraging AI responsibly and effectively.

Ben Perry, Barnes & Thornburg will help HR leaders stay compliant and prepared for emerging legal challenges.

Attendees will enjoy a complimentary breakfast upon arrival and snacks throughout the morning, with dedicated networking breaks designed to foster meaningful connections among HR and leadership professionals from across the region.

Early Bird Incentive: Register by July 15, 2026 to be entered into a drawing to win a free registration to the SHRM Michigan Conference in Grand Rapids (October 21–23, 2026). The winner will be announced after early bird registration closes. Registration is covered; travel expenses are the responsibility of the winner.

HR Forward is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors:

Corewell Health, Sturgis Bank, Cornerstone Alliance, and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“As the workplace continues to evolve, HR professionals are essential in driving organizational success and shaping the employee experience. HR Forward is designed to give them the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to lead with confidence and make a meaningful impact.”

— Katie Ittermann, Board President, Southwest Michigan SHRM

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Location: Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals – St. Joseph, Saint Joseph, Michigan

Audience: HR, Leadership & Culture Professionals | Entry Level through C-Suite

Host: Southwest Michigan SHRM

About Southwest Michigan SHRM:

Southwest Michigan SHRM is a local affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Whether you are new to the HR field or have many years of experience, the chapter serves as a local starting point for networking, information, professional development, and continued support of excellence in Human Resources. The chapter’s vision is to create a vibrant, connected HR community in Southwest Michigan where professionals thrive through lifelong learning, shared expertise, and a commitment to elevating the impact of human resources in every organization. Its mission is simple: to elevate HR in Southwest Michigan.

About the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber: The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is a non-profit business advocacy and collective-impact organization serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. Established in 1954, the Chamber works to strengthen regional assets, advocate for regional priorities, and cultivate an economic ecosystem that prepares the region for future opportunities.