Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources Fall Conference

Thursday, September 12, 2024 – 8:30am to
Friday, September 13, 2024 – 12:00pm

Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources Fall Conference will include an MMA legislative update, networking opportunities, and workshops on key topics in municipal HR, including:
• Artificial intelligence in the public sector
• Mental wellness and work-life balance for HR professionals
• Building community and resilience in the workplace

The registration fee is $200 for the full conference, or $125 for Thursday only.

Agenda

Thursday, September 12

8:30-9:30 a.m.
Conference Registration & Welcome Breakfast
Ballroom 1 & 2
The 2024 MMHR Fall Conference Welcome Breakfast was made possible with the generous support of the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA).

9:30-9:45 a.m.
Welcome Remarks & Opening Announcements
Ballroom 1 & 2
Vanessa Hale, MMHR Chair

9:45-11 a.m.
AI and HR – Friends or Foes?
Ballroom 1 & 2
Joellen Cademartori, CEO and Co-owner, GovHR USA
Dewand Neely, CIO, GovHR USA and MGT Consulting Group
This workshop will provide an overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it works, and demonstrate best practices for using AI tools in municipal human resources.

11-11:30 a.m.
Legislative Update
Ballroom 1 & 2
Dave Koffman, MMA Legislative Director
Dave will review recent state and federal legislation affecting municipal government.

11:30-12:15
Regional MMHR Subgroup Networking
Ballroom 1 & 2
Get to know your neighbors! Attendees will break into small networking groups by region and discuss topics uniquely affecting their communities.

12:15-1:15 p.m.
Lunch
Ocean View Room

1:15-2:45 p.m.
AI Discussion Panel
Ballroom 1 & 2
Dewand Neely, CIO, GovHR USA and MGT Consulting Group
Attorney Nan ONeill, partner, Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane
Devon Fields, Deputy City Manager for Operations, Chelsea
Moderator: Michelle Pizzi O’Brien, Director of HR, Newton

2:45-3 p.m.
Healthy Snack Break

3-4:30 p.m.
Financial and Employee Health Impacts of Workplace Culture
Ballroom 1 & 2
Teresa Foley, Brace Space Consulting Founder and Lead Consultant
In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to identify microaggressions in the workplace, understand their impact on employees, and develop strategies for addressing them.

4:30-5:30 p.m.
Free time

5:30-6:30 p.m.
Reception
Courtyard
The 2024 MMHR Fall Conference Reception is made possible with the generous support of Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane. Rain location: Ocean View Room

6:30 p.m.
Dinner on your own
Enjoy the evening in Falmouth. A list of suggested local restaurants is available in the conference materials packet.

Friday, September 13

7-8 a.m.
MMHR Walking Club
Lobby
Join your colleagues for a morning beach walk! Meet in the Sea Crest lobby and explore the Shining Sea Bikeway. After introductions, the group will leave promptly at 7:05 a.m.

8-9 a.m.
Breakfast
Ballroom 1 & 2

9-9:05 a.m.
Opening Announcements
Ballroom 1 & 2
Vanessa Hale, MMHR Chair

9:05-11 a.m.
Transform Difficult Interactions with these 4 Storytelling Tools
Ballroom 1 & 2
David Sewell McCann, Teacher/Trainer, How To Story
During a uniquely divisive time in history, internationally known storyteller David Sewell McCann has four powerful storytelling (and story-listening) tools to help you with difficult messages, meetings and interactions. Learn how to better “read the room,” find quick connections, and use storytelling to de-escalate, moderate and welcome new ideas.

11-11:15 a.m.
Break

11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Small Steps & Slight Shifts
Ballroom 1 & 2
Lori Lambert-Osburn, MIIA Wellness Representative
Increasing self-awareness is the first small step toward thriving and flourishing. During this program participants will have the opportunity to assess where they are now, gauge their emotional, physical and mental response to stress and learn how small steps and slight shifts in perspective and behaviors can bring about improved outcomes in both personal and professional life.

12:15 p.m.
Closing Announcements & Adjournment
Boxed lunches will be available for attendees to eat or take with them.

Location
Sea Crest Beach Hotel, Falmouth

Contact
MMA Member Program Coordinator Anneke Craig, acraig@mma.org
Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources