Tuesday, April 15: 1 - 5 p.m.

You don’t want to miss this pre-conference session by three of the most respected voices in federal employment law. They will cover entitlements to leave, focusing on situations in which leave must be granted as compared to situations in which the supervisor may exercise discretion. Plus, you'll learn what medical documentation establishes a right to sick leave, and what to do if the employee fails to provide acceptable documentation, as well as how to avoid ADA violations on medical inquiries. What's more, you'll discover the best ways to manage AWOL situations, approved-leave terminations, medical inability to perform, FMLA abuse, and fitness-for-duty limitations.

Wednesday, April 16: 8:45 -10 a.m.

In his best-selling book, A Whole New Mind, Dan Pink persuasively argued that the era of the knowledge worker (“left brainer”) is ending, and the era of the creative, big picture thinker (“right brainer”) is dawning. In this entertaining and provocative presentation, Mr. Pink updates us on some of the ways this important trend is manifesting itself in the federal government and other sectors. Always provocative and entertaining, Dan will offer hands-on tools and tips, as well as real-life examples, to help you navigate in this new "Federal World."

Wednesday, April 16: 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Every major workplace survey conducted over the past 20 years has shown workers want more recognition and praise. But far too many managers think that doing so will create jealousy among those not recognized and make the management team look “soft.” The transformative power of purpose-based recognition produces astonishing results. It is recognition done right — recognition combined with four other core traits of effective leadership. You'll learn the remarkably simple and powerful methods great managers use to provide their employees with effective recognition. And you'll learn how these great managers lead with carrots, not sticks.

Thursday, April 17: 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.

In this truly compelling and inspirational keynote address, Commissioner Griffin will review recent EEOC initiatives on disability and the impact they may have on your workplace. More importantly, she'll share with you her passion for inclusion, promoting the rights of all citizens to participate fully and equally in the social and economic life of our country.

EEO1: Turf War Truce: How to Develop Effective Working Relationships With HR
Stephen Opperman, Senior Associate, GRA, Inc., Denver

Wednesday, April 16: 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

EEO specialists often advise managers and provide information to employees about EEO issues, disputes and resolutions. But if you’re not careful, it’s easy to get cross-threaded with the HR specialist who also supports these people on a daily basis. Mr. Opperman will show you how to build and maintain bridges with your HR counterparts, and how to work together on critical staffing, human capital planning, EEO and labor relations issues. After all, an effective working relationship is vital to the success of both programs.

Wednesday, April 16: 1:45 - 3 p.m.

In the first of two parts, you'll be provided with a user-friendly analytical model for evaluating whether a specific medical condition is a disability, and whether the employee with the condition is an “individual with a disability” as defined by the ADA. You’ll leave this session with confidence that you’re correctly identifying those disabled employees who are entitled to ADA coverage.

EEO2 (Part II): Defining Who Is Entitled to Reasonable Accommodation
Gary Gilbert, Attorney, Federal Employment Law Training Group,
    Silver Spring, Md.
Ernest Hadley, Attorney, Federal Employment Law Training Group,
    Wellfleet, Mass.

Wednesday, April 16: 3:45 - 5 p.m.

The degree of difficulty goes up a notch in Part Two of this session. You’ll address the interactive nature of “individualized inquiries.” And you’ll learn how to apply the critical concepts of essential job function, reasonable accommodation and undue hardship in the workplace to remain ADA compliant.

Thursday, April 17: 8:45 - 10 a.m.

Did you ever wonder what goes through the administrative judge’s mind during a hearing? These three Chief AJs will share their observations about common mistakes, pitfalls and best practices based on their more than 60 years of combined experience in hearing complaints. You'll learn their views of settlements, amendments, investigations and witness questioning. This interactive session gives you the unique opportunity to ask the judges about every aspect of the complaint hearing process — because the next time you see them, they’ll be asking the questions.

EEO4: EEOC Law Update
Donald J. Names, Counsel, Office of Civilian HR, Dept. of the Navy,
    Washington, D. C.

Thursday, April 17: 10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Before you address any EEO-related legal issue, you must thoroughly analyze each situation against the constantly evolving case law and the dozens of new decisions issued each month. This is no easy task. Mr. Names, an expert in the field, will guide you through the EEOC's latest and most important decisions on issues such as disability, harassment and retaliation. You’ll leave this session with a thorough understanding of the impact of recent EEOC rulings on the body of case law governing the federal workplace.