2026 Labor Relations/Human Resources Conference

An overview of the current state of the industry, the importance of labor relations and human resources professionals, and projections for the future.

This interactive training reveals the powerful role empathy plays in transforming workplace culture. Participants explore the two core forms of empathy—cognitive (understanding others’ perspectives) and emotional (feeling what others feel)—through engaging discussions, real-life scenarios, and science-based assessments that measure their personal empathy levels.

Framed as an innate superpower we all possess, this session shows how empathy enhances leadership, fosters deeper employee connections, and mitigates biases. By making the invisible visible, this training empowers participants to identify blind spots, improve communication, and build trust across the differences that divide organizations. Rooted in the belief that empathy is not a weakness but a form of wisdom, this experience inspires change from the inside out.

A personal perspective on the strategic role of Human Resources, how leadership adapts and changes as the industry evolves, current market drivers and the effect on HR, moving from a "white glove" approach to a more systems-based delivery system, and other related and timely topics.

Guidelines and insights from an antitrust expert on lawful industry collaboration, including compliance at industry gatherings and in peer discussions, and how to identify red flags and manage risky situations.

A review of Empower, an employee engagement and advocacy program developed by AFPM designed to equip refining and petrochemical sector workers with the tools and information needed to share our story with local communities and policymakers.

Critical insights into existing, changing, and new federal workplace and employment laws, agency enforcement trends, and hot topics like AI in hiring and high-profile litigation.

NLRB updates, insights, recent developments and potential future changes.

Personal insights and updates from the bargaining table.

This session will cover recommended practices for the compliant use of generative AI, real-world pitfalls to avoid, and designing human-in-the-loop processes.

Update and lessons learned from the Boeing Defense Strike Negotiations

LRHR Committee transition announcements and close of conference.