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Morning Keynote Presentation

Afternoon Keynote Presentation

Brian D. Griffin

Hot Off the Press: The NLRB Decisions Everyone Is Talking About

Over the past year, the National Labor Relations Board has continued to issue significant decisions, guidance, and rule changes that are reshaping the landscape of labor relations. From evolving interpretations of employee rights and employer obligations to shifts in enforcement priorities, these developments have important implications for both labor and management.  Staying informed on these changes is critical for employers, unions, and labor-management professionals navigating today’s workplace. Join this experienced panel as they provide an update on recent NLRB decisions, emerging trends, and key areas of focus for the agency moving forward. The discussion will highlight practical implications for the workplace and help attendees understand how these developments may affect labor-management relations in the coming year. 

Speakers: Eric Taylor, NLRB Region 9; Pam Newport, Attorney, Herzfeld, Suetholz, Gastel, Leniski and Wall PLLC; Justin Flamm, Taft Law

The Evolving Workplace: Navigating Flexibility, Fairness and Consistency  

Workplace expectations around flexibility, mental health, caregiving responsibilities, and productivity are evolving rapidly, while many workplace policies, operational oversight, and collective bargaining agreements were developed under very different conditions. As these expectations shift, labor and management are increasingly encountering situations where employee needs intersect with workplace standards, established practices, and the day-to-day demands of running a workplace.   This session will explore how these dynamics appear in everyday workplace scenarios. Through practical examples and discussion, participants will examine considerations for navigating these situations while maintaining fairness, consistency, and effective workplace operations. 

Speakers: Louis Gray and Latrice Ponder, Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center

Changing of the Guard

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Speakers: Ashley Schleicher, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council; Frank Warnock, and Johnny Mason

From Conflict to Cooperation: Turning Tension into Teamwork - The Power of Cooperations

Conflict doesn’t mean the relationship is broken—it means the work matters. Every disagreement is a signal that people are invested in fairness, dignity, and the future of the workplace. Interest-Based Bargaining challenges us to stop arguing over positions and start uncovering the interests that unite us. When management and union leaders choose transparency, curiosity, and good-faith dialogue, conflict becomes the engine for cooperation and shared solutions. By focusing on mutual gains—safe workplaces, strong operations, and respect for employees—we move from “who’s right” to “what works.” This is how we turn conflict into cooperation and lead together with purpose. 

Speakers: Kelly Winston, William Lee, Jessica Freyler and Kourtney Powell, Hamilton County; Neidra Kennedy, Kyle Benton, and Darius Fierson, AFSCME 

Leading Through Conflict: Keeping Conversations Productive When Emotions Run High 

Difficult conversations can quickly unravel when emotions take over and clear thinking takes a back seat.  In today’s workplace, HR professionals and union representatives are often on the front lines of high-stakes, emotionally charged conversations. When tensions rise, even routine discussions can quickly escalate—impacting relationships, morale, and outcomes. This session explores how emotional intelligence helps you recognize those moments in yourself and respond with intention rather than reaction. Participants will learn practical ways to stay grounded, manage emotional responses, and guide conversations that might otherwise escalate. We will also focus on how to respond when others are emotionally triggered, offering approaches that help de-escalate and keep dialogue productive. 

Speakers: Sandra Spataro, ����ר�� Haile College of Business; Ashley Weingard, ����ר�� Career Advisor and Licensed Therapist

Employment Law Update: The Cases and Compliance Issues You Need to Know 

Employment law continues to evolve rapidly, creating new compliance challenges for both labor and management. This session will provide a timely update on key developments affecting today’s workplace, including recent cases and trends involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other significant employment laws. Join this experienced panel as they break down important court decisions, regulatory developments, and practical implications for employers, unions, and HR professionals navigating today’s workplace. 

Speakers: J. Corey Asay, HKM Employment Attorney; Evan Priestle, Taft Law

Arbitration Session

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Speakers: Bill Heekin, David, Mike Hawkins and Carl Vineyard

AI Session

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Speakers: Brian Griffin and John Gray