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SHRM Inland Empire News & Events - September 2026
Message from SHRM Inland Empire President Elect
If you’ve ever wondered why the IESHRM Annual Conference rises above other local HR events, let me break it down in a way that feels real, relevant, and honestly… a little fun.
1st
We’re not just any chapter, we’re a mega chapter. Yep, the big kind. We’ve got over 600 members representing every corner of the HR world in the Inland Empire. When you walk into our conference, you’re stepping into a space full of professionals who understand your challenges, your industries, and your “did that really happen today?” moments. Everyone in the room gets the IE workforce because they’re living it right alongside you.
2nd
We build our sessions around local industries; logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, education, public sector, and the small businesses that keep our region moving. If it matters in the Inland Empire, it’s on our agenda; this is content you can use.
3rd
Connection is our superpower. And with a chapter our size, you’re not just meeting a handful of people. You’re tapping into one of the largest HR networks in Southern California. The conversations, the collaborations, the “OMG, I’ve been dealing with that too!” moments happen naturally because our community is engaged, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping each other grow.
And let’s talk value. Our conference offers HRCI recertification credits, making it one of the most cost‑effective ways to stay certified while getting high‑value learning. We keep pricing accessible because we’re a not‑for‑profit chapter committed to serving our community and not profiting from it.
So why choose IESHRM over other local conferences? Because we’re big enough to offer depth, diverse perspectives, and strong programming, but local enough to stay personal, relevant, and community‑driven. Basically, we’re the perfect mix of “wow, this is impressive” and meet folks who understand your HR stories without needing a translation.
IE SHRM Annual HR Conference
October 15, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Add to Calendar
Delta Hotels Ontario Airport | 2200 East Holt Boulevard | Ontario, CA 91761
Venue website | Directions
The Inland Empire SHRM Annual Conference is Back!
The workplace is evolving faster than ever—and HR is leading the way.
Join us at the 2026 Inland Empire SHRM Annual Conference: Culture, Connection & the Future of Work, where we'll explore how today's HR professionals are shaping organizations that thrive through innovation, meaningful human connection, and cultures that inspire people to do their best work.
As artificial intelligence, changing workforce expectations, and new ways of working continue to transform our organizations, one thing remains constant: people are at the heart of every successful workplace. This year's conference will bring together HR leaders, business executives, and workplace innovators to share practical strategies, emerging trends, and fresh perspectives that will help you lead your organization into the future.
Whether you're building high-performing teams, navigating workplace transformation, embracing AI, strengthening leadership, or creating a culture where employees feel connected and engaged, this full-day experience is designed to equip and inspire you.
Why Attend?
Shape the Future of Work
Explore the trends redefining today's workplace—from artificial intelligence and workforce planning to employee experience, leadership development, workplace culture, and the evolving role of HR as a strategic business partner.
Earn Recertification Credits
Receive up to 6 SHRM and HRCI recertification credits while investing in your professional growth and maintaining your certifications.
Learn from Visionary Leaders
Hear from nationally recognized keynote speakers, HR executives, thought leaders, and practitioners who are transforming organizations through innovative leadership, people-first strategies, and forward-thinking solutions.
Discover Innovative Solutions
Connect with leading HR technology providers, consultants, and service partners showcasing products and services designed to help your organization succeed in an ever-changing workplace.
Build Meaningful Connections
Network with more than 250 HR professionals, executives, managers, and business leaders from across the Inland Empire who are passionate about advancing the profession and supporting one another.
Be Inspired to Lead
Leave energized with practical tools, actionable ideas, and new professional relationships that will help you strengthen workplace culture, foster meaningful connections, and confidently navigate the future of work.
Whether you're an emerging HR professional, an experienced practitioner, or a senior executive, the 2026 Inland Empire SHRM Annual Conference will challenge your thinking, expand your network, and equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to build workplaces where people—and organizations—can thrive.
Because the future of work isn't just about technology. It's about creating cultures where people feel connected, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Welcome New Members
Please join us in welcoming the newest member of SHRM Inland Empire:
- Luretta Greeley
We’re delighted to have you in our community! Each new member brings unique experiences, ideas, and perspectives that make our chapter stronger. We look forward to learning from one another, building meaningful connections, and continuing to advance the people profession together throughout 2026.
Welcome to SHRM Inland Empire—we’re so glad you’re here!
Legal News
An arbitration agreement is a powerful tool utilized by employers to resolve disputes outside of court to minimize exposure and legal fees. It has become a common agreement in the hiring process across many industries. However, whether an arbitration agreement is enforceable under state and federal law is often a hot point of contention. California Assembly Bill 2155 aims to clarify one area of uncertainty in this regard.
California AB 2155
Earlier this summer, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2155 (AB 2155), which declares that any arbitration agreement that is not enforceable under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) is likewise unenforceable under the California Arbitration Act (CAA). The new law takes effect January 1, 2027.
The FAA deems arbitration agreements valid, irrevocable, and enforceable, except for certain specified types of agreements. For example, the FAA specifically states that transportation workers, such as those “contracts of employment of seamen, railroad employees, or any other class of workers engaged in foreign or interstate commerce” cannot be subject to arbitration.
Also, since 2021, federal law, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act (EFAA), prohibits employers from enforcing mandatory arbitration for disputes involving sexual harassment or sexual assault. The EFAA allows plaintiffs who have filed sexual assault or sexual harassment claims to opt out of arbitration agreements with regard to such claims.
The CAA also provides that written agreements to submit controversies to arbitration are valid and enforceable under State law, but the CAA does not currently include the same carve outs as the FAA. Accordingly, California employers argued in the past that even if the FAA did not apply, the CAA still supports the enforcement of an arbitration agreement invalidated under the FAA. Now that argument is eliminated as AB 2155 expressly states that “agreements to submit to arbitration [are] unenforceable where the agreement would not be enforceable under the Federal Arbitration Act.”
AB 2155’s stated purpose is to ensure that California’s arbitration statute is in line with the federal law and parties who fall outside the FAA’s reach or whose claims are otherwise excluded from mandatory arbitration under federal law cannot be compelled to arbitrate under the CAA as an alternative pathway. Rather than specifying categories of claims that cannot be forced into arbitration, AB 2155 incorporates existing federal limitations, likely will incorporate any future federal limitations into the CAA, so that the two laws may operate in harmony.
Key Takeaways
This development should serve as a reminder for employers to review their current arbitration agreements before the new year to ensure they are consistent with AB 2155 and other changes to the law that have taken place recently. Arbitration agreements remain a highly effective dispute resolution tool, but only if they are carefully drafted to ensure they are enforceable. As arbitration law continues to evolve, employers should regularly review their agreements with counsel to evaluate the language to be certain that it will be upheld should it be challenged.
This AALRR publication is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in reaching a conclusion in a particular area of law. Applicability of the legal principles discussed may differ substantially in individual situations. Receipt of this or any other AALRR publication does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Firm is not responsible for inadvertent errors that may occur in the publishing process.
© 2026 Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
The HR Huddle
October 13, 2026 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Virtual (Zoom)
Add to Calendar
The HR Huddle series is a valuable resource for HR professionals, offering a monthly deep-dive into the latest legal updates, trends, and best practices in employment law. This collaboration with the legal experts of AALRR equips HR professionals and business leaders with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the workplace, ensuring they stay ahead in a field that's constantly evolving. In this series, here insights and best practices on topics related to compliance, policy-making, and employee relations, these webinars are designed to strengthen the skills necessary for the dynamic and demanding world of human resources.
The HR Huddle Occurs Every 2nd Tuesday.
There is NO COST TO YOU!
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