As we start our second day of the ASHHRA 47th Annual Conference & Exposition, we’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, tragedy and recognize those who lost their lives; those who lost family, friends and co-workers; and those who have fought for our freedom every day since.

Today begins with Regional Breakfasts (7:45-9 a.m.), where attendees can obtain region updates, share ideas and best practices, and network with colleagues from their area. The Regional Breakfasts will be held in the Convention Center North Building, Rooms 121-125. Thank you Regional Breakfast Sponsors CIGNA Intellectual Property, Inc. (Regions 1 and 8); MedImpact Healthcare System, Inc. (Region 4), and Chessboard Consulting (Region 5).

Our Opening Ceremony kicks off at 9:15 a.m. and runs until 11, featuring announcements, presentations, and a hearty dose of leadership inspiration from "Leadership Lion" Chip Madera. Let Madera take you on a journey of personal reflection that entertains, educates, and gives you the ability to release passions and commitments to yourself, both personally and professionally. You’ll return to work inspired and ready to engage your workforce.

At the conclusion of our opening ceremony, please spend quality time in the exhibit hall to speak with exhibitors and learn more about products and services that can help you be more effective and efficient. After you’ve attended learning sessions in the afternoon, join us again in the exhibit hall from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for food, drinks, and networking at the Exhibitor Appreciation Social.

To cap off the busy day, buses will begin boarding at 7 p.m. (at the convention center) for the MetLife Social Event at Aunt Chilada’s. Join us for some Southwestern hospitality! Attendees must purchase a ticket for the event. 

Saturday’s pre-conference learning sessions delivered an array of topics to educate health care human resource professionals from every sector. Speakers and panelists spoke with attendees on topics such as trends in health care, finance fundamentals, and health care reform.

What’s on Tap Today?
1:15-2:45 p.m. Learning Sessions
• 7 Ways to Keep Your Best Nurses (PS/LT)
• Understanding the "New Normal" in Total Rewards Programs (HBK/HRD/LT)
• Breaking Down Silos: Exposing Wage & Hour Issues Created By Hospital Operations (HBK/MLP)
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Building a New Health Care Workforce (CC/MLP)
• Health Reform Engagement: Are You Ready? (LT/MLP/NP/NH)
• Leading Change: Implementing Improvements in Health Care Organizations (AB/LT/HBK)
• Employer Brand vs. Social Media (NH/NH)
• Health Care HR Hot Topics Panel (ALL/PL)

3- 4:30 p.m. Learning Sessions
• Understanding Your Organization’s Change Readiness (PS/MLP)
• From Building Competency to Delivering Optimal Business Results (HRD/LT)
• An HR Executive Guide to Navigating Executive Compensation (HBK/LT)
• Understanding the Needs of Transgender Individuals (CC/MLP)
• The Storm (Continually) Brewing Out West (HRD/MLP)
• Spurring Innovation: Translating Transformative Ideas into Performance Gains (PL/LT)
• The Need for Transparency: How it Impacts Your Role as a Fiduciary (NH/NH)
• Changes at the Top ... New Faces in Health Care HR Leadership Panel (ALL/CC)
• Benchmarking your Retirement Plan—How do your plans stack up to those of your competitors? (HRD/MLP)

Stop by the Genius Bar near the resource library (third floor of the convention center) for download and navigation assistance or to view Twitter activity about the conference. The App is available for iPhone and Android devices and allows you to have the conference – session schedules, exhibitor locations, personal scheduling – at your fingertips! Continue to use your conference App to navigate through conference activities through the end of the conference.

Check out TV monitors for ASHHRA conference Twitter feeds.

ASHHRA recognized first-time conference attendees, new to the profession, new ASHHRA members and ASHHRA Mentoring Program participants on Saturday at a Special Recognition Reception. In addition to attendees having an excellent opportunity to network, several award winners were recognized.

Attendees enjoy Saturday evening's Special Recognition Reception.

The Gary Willis Leadership Award, named for beloved former ASHHRA board member Gary Willis, who passed away in 2010 after battling stomach cancer, recognizes mid-level managers and directors who have made outstanding leadership and operations contributions to their organization. ASHHRA proudly recognized the 2011 recipients, Kristen Fox, Director, Human Resources, Kadlec Regional Medical Center, and Dr. James C. Williamson.

Gary Willis Leadership Award winners Dr. James Williamson and Kristen Fox with Helene Sigrand of AHA Solutions, which co-sponsored the award with ASHHRA.

The New to the Healthcare Profession Award was presented to Cathy Henesy, SPHR, Manager-Career Services, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas; Christie White, HR Benefits Supervisor, Valley Baptist Health System; and Ursula Pawlowski, Health Care Human Resources Professional at Large. ASHHRA thanks these eager professionals for making the career decision to join the health care human resources industry.

New to the Healthcare Profession Award winners (from left to right): Ursula Pawlowski, Christie White and Cathy Henesy with Michael DiPietro of HealthcareSource, which sponsored the award.