SHRM-San Antonio - ELC 2025 Speakers

Horizontal Menu

2025 ELC Speakers

Andrew Malahowski -

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Session Title:

Session Summary:

Employers and their health plans have as many as eight annual governmental reporting requirements. If that number sounds too large to be true, now might be the right time to assess whether you are satisfying all applicable requirements. We will discuss Form 5500, PCORI, 1095/1094, Medicare Part D, RxDC, GCPCA, W-2. Health Cost Information, and M-1 reporting obligations, when they apply, and how to do it.

Learning Objectives:

Learn the applicability of key federal governmental reporting requirements.
Learn frequent errors made by employers in the area of governmental reporting.
Leave with a confident to-do list, with deadlines, for each reporting obligation.

Session Title:

Session Summary:

The 89th Texas Legislative Session brought forward numerous changes that will directly influence the employment landscape across the state. From workforce development initiatives and changes in hiring practices to employer compliance requirements and labor protections, this session introduced policies that will shape how businesses and public employers operate. This presentation will provide a focused overview of the most impactful labor and employment legislation, identify emerging trends, and help employers prepare for implementation and future regulatory shifts.

Learning Objectives:

Learn how key labor & employment laws from the 89th Legislative Session impact hiring, benefits, wages, safety, and reporting plus what employers need to know about compliance and workforce management.
Review key labor & employment bills that failed in the 89th Session but may return. Gain insight into their content, support, and opposition to anticipate future risks or opportunities for your organization.
Explore key employment issues prioritized this session and gain insight into how Texas lawmakers approach labor policy, helping you understand the strategy behind new laws and future legislative trends.

Juan Cruz -

JCA Law, PLLC

Matthew Myers –

Myers Immigration Law

Session Title:

Immigration, Form 1-9 & Employer Compliance Updates Under Trump's Administration

Session Summary:

The session will give an update on developments and HR policy recommendations for Form I-9 and Employer Compliance as well as changes to U.S. immigration policy impacting U.S. employers under the Trump Administration.

Learning Objectives:

KEYNOTE SESSION

Session Title:

From Policy to Partnership: Elevating HR Through Legal Expertise and Strategic Influence

Session Summary:

Opening:

HR’s role is evolving—no longer just compliance cops but strategic advisors.
AI is changing the game—policy knowledge is becoming automated; what will differentiate HR professionals is judgment, influence and adaptability.
Understanding employment law isn’t just about knowing the rules—it’s about navigating the gray areas.

Key Business Challenges for the HR Partner:

HR as A True and Trusted Business Partner: Moving Beyond Compliance

AI can look up employment laws, but it can’t replace strategic HR judgment.
How HR professionals must develop critical thinking, influence and adaptability.
The shift from "You can’t do that" to "Here’s a way we can achieve our business goal."
Balancing policy, business needs and risk management.
How to assess and balance legal, ethical and business implications in complex cases.

Building Influence as an HR Professional

Adaptability & Strategic Judgment: What separates great HR leaders from average ones

Learning Objectives:

Knowing the law isn’t enough—AI will replace that function. Your power is in applying judgment, influence and adaptability.
HR should focus on strategic solutions rather than just risk avoidance.
Navigating gray areas is what makes HR a critical business function—not just compliance police.