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7:30 am – 5:30 pm
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AWC Registration Kiosk open
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7:30 – 8:30 am
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Networking breakfast
Breakfast provided.
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8 am – 7 pm
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Exhibit open
The exhibit hall will remain open throughout the day.
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8:30 – 9:45 am
General session
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Welcome and opening general session: The intersection of lived and learned experiences on civility in the workplace
Understanding how our experience influence how we see, receive, and respond to the world around us and learn how to ask questions that invite genuine inquiry that results in authentic relationships.
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9:45 – 10 am
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Break
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10 – 11:30 am
Concurrent sessions
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The art of leading change (In the midst of change)
Change is inevitable, but it's the leader's ability to guide through it that makes all the difference.
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Asking the Chiefs the right questions to make the right, data-driven decisions
How many firefighters/police officers do you really need? How well are your departments performing? Are "officers per 1,000" and "number of calls" really meaningful measures?
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Employee accommodations in a neurodiverse world
Learn about the complexities of addressing disability accommodations in a neurodiverse workforce by exploring the relationship between mental health conditions and accommodation needs.
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The secret sauce for workplace conflict resolution
You likely already know the importance of active listening, validating concerns, managing expectations, and Problem Solving, but do you know about the "Secret Sauce?"
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Using the budget as a communication tool in collective bargaining
Help your finance representatives focus on strategic negotiations using budget information as a communication tool.
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11:30 am – 12:45 pm
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Networking lunch
Lunch provided.
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12:45 – 2 pm
Concurrent sessions
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Have classification programs outlived their purpose?
Understand how past classification practices are influencing today’s programs.
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Lead between the lines: Using coaching and engagement to raise the performance bar
Undercover the secret to maximize employee’s abilities and talents while building cohesive teams.
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Leaving behind positional mindsets: New approaches to bargaining
Develop practical applications to apply to real world bargaining and dispute resolution scenarios.
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Trends in employment litigation and related tips/tricks for employers
Presenters will cover issues ranging from work-from-home accommodation requests, employers’ duty to prevent social media harassment and preserve electronic communications, and emerging challenges in settling claims.
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2 – 2:30 pm
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Exhibit break
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2:30 – 3:45 pm
Concurrent sessions
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First Amendment guidance for public agencies
A discussion of the key First Amendment questions raised with respect to agency action.
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Leadership through tough times: Managing layoffs and furloughs legally and effectively
No one welcomes a reduction in force, but when this becomes necessary, employers must ensure effective planning and lawful implementation.
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Top five public sector HR trends in 2025
Discover how workforce analytics and predictive insights can help agencies optimize hiring, succession planning, and resource allocation for long-term success.
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Voices from the other side – insights from former labor representatives
Gain some perspective from labor relations professionals who started their careers working on the labor side of the table and now represent management.
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3:45 – 4 pm
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Break
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4 – 5 pm
Concurrent sessions
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Common mistakes to avoid that can tank your grievance arbitration/ULP
A practical breakdown of employer practices that serve to undermine management decisions in the eyes of an Arbitrator or PERC Hearing Examiner.
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Discussion panel: Facilitating effective treatment for first responder PTSD
Learn how police and fire departments are connecting their staffs with help, and how they are educating their employees and their loved ones to recognize when help is needed.
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Future-proofing public sector workforce planning
We’ll explore real-world strategies to bring clarity and confidence to labor planning, helping agencies prepare for economic shifts, justify budget decisions, and foster sustainable relationships with employee groups.
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Maximizing productivity through effective employee reviews and PIPs
One of several important means of communication, employee reviews and performance improvement plans (PIPs) can build trust and drive performance if used thoughtfully.
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What’s perking at PERC?
Hear from Mike Sellars, Executive Director of the Washington PERC on some of the main labor law topics of the day.
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5 – 6:30 pm
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Exhibit reception
Engage with colleagues and exhibit vendors. Light hors d'ouevres provided.
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