2025 HR Conference: A Bold Step into the Future of Work

The 2025 HR Conference in Long Beach brought together 100 human resources professionals for two days of insightful sessions, meaningful discussions and valuable networking. Hosted by HASC and the California Hospital Association (CHA), this inaugural event marked an important step forward in exploring the evolving landscape of HR in health care.

Day One: Tackling Today’s Biggest Challenges

Day one focused directly on recruitment and retention—two of the most pressing challenges facing HR professionals today. Industry experts shared strategies for attracting quality talent in a competitive labor market. Attendees gained hands-on tips on creating the kind of workplace culture that improves long-term retention while addressing evolving employee needs.

Jacquelyn Stevenson of Alliant, our Diamond event sponsor, helped set the tone with her presentation, “The Tender Care and Feeding of Your Workforce.” She noted, “Despite challenges, many health care workers remain deeply committed to their patients,” reminding attendees that with their demanding roles, these staff may need care and support themselves.

Another key session provided guidance on managing reasonable accommodations in the workplace. Attendees took away a deeper understanding of their legal responsibilities and how to balance employee needs with maintaining organizational efficiency.

One of the day’s most popular sessions, “State of the Unions: Labor Wants What?,” dove into current union dynamics and the changing relationship between employers and organized labor. Many attendees gained new insights into today’s evolving labor landscape.

As the first day concluded, a thorough legislative update prepared us for upcoming changes. From recent developments to future regulations, this session ensured HR professionals could navigate the shifting regulatory terrain with confidence.

Day Two: Innovation Takes Center Stage

Day two began with Kris Hamilton from Titus Talents, our other Diamond event sponsor, showcasing an innovative system that’s “equipping health care systems to make the best attraction, hiring, engagement, and development decisions.” View video clip

Next came an exciting announcement about HASC’s newest Endorsed Business Partner, an event sponsor. Jeff Niles, SoCal Works, unveiled the company’s powerful system to address temporary staffing shortages—one that will soon be available to all HASC members.

In one of the conference’s most anticipated sessions, Lindsay Szymanski and Christopher Spiers, JD, Jones Day, helped calm HR leaders’ concerns about AI in the workplace. Stressing that “AI can be an ally” when properly understood and integrated into a company, they walked us through practical approaches to leveraging AI while ensuring transparency and accountability.

Brooke Kozak, Shaw Law Group, then offered valuable guidance in conducting workplace investigations. Attendees learned key strategies and best practices for navigating sensitive situations and legal requirements while ensuring fairness and protecting employee rights.

Closing Insights and Looking Forward

We closed with an engaging Hot Topics session with expert panelists. The panel created space for audience questions about the latest trends and challenges impacting HR leaders in health care. The conference wrapped up with a lively raffle sponsored by our generous event partners, leaving attendees on a high note and looking forward to future events.

The 2025 HR Conference highlighted current trends while preparing attendees for a future where health care HR professionals will lead through technological changes and evolving workplace expectations. The event reinforced that HR leaders play a crucial role in both responding to and driving positive change.

CHA and HASC give our sincere thanks to all speakers, sponsors and attendees for making this first event a success. We look forward to continuing the conversation next year!