Bloomington-Normal Human Resource Council upcoming events

Spring 2026 HR Professional Book Club (April 17, 2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

We’re excited to announce our Spring 2026 HR Professional Book Club! We’ll be reading Strong Ground by Brené Brown—a powerful exploration of resilience, leadership, and connection.

Book Club Details

Book: Strong Ground

Author: Brené Brown

Session Dates: Every 2 weeks on Fridays from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm:

Session 1: February 20
Session 2: March 6
Session 3: March 20
Session 4: April 3
Session 5: April 17
Session 6: May 1

Location: Hybrid via Teams and in-person (The Baby Fold & Illinois Soybean Association)

Session 1: The Baby Fold - 1701 W. Market St. Normal, IL 61761

Sessions 2-6: Illinois Soybean Association - 1108 Trinity Lane Bloomington, IL 61704

Book Options: Hardback, e-book, or audiobook (please select via registration)

Reading: Approximately 65+ pages per session

What’s in it for you?

Free copies of the book will be provided to BNHRC members. Non-members are welcome to join but will need to purchase their own copy.
Earn HR certification credits: Participate and earn valuable HR certification credits
Engaging discussions: Explore meaningful topics with peers in a supportive environment
Flexible format: Participate in a hybrid format—join in person or virtually, depending on your preference and schedule
Professional networking and development: Connect with fellow HR professionals and grow your skills

Can’t make every meeting? We understand life happens—if you miss a session, no worries! You’ll still benefit from reading the book and can catch up with the group.

Interested in joining?

Register by January 28th to reserve your spot, get your free copy of Strong Ground, and start earning HR certification credits!

Let’s go on this inspiring journey together!

SHRM Talent 2026 (April 19, 2026)

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Skills development is now a business imperative. As technology, AI, and workforce expectations reshape the job market, organizations must rethink how they attract, develop, and retain talent.

At SHRM Talent 2026, you'll gain practical strategies and actionable insights to embed skills development and HR technology across your talent lifecycle — from hiring to engagement to retention.

Learn more and register.

April Chapter Meeting - How to Succeed as a One-Person HR Department (April 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

April Chapter Meeting

Topic: How To Succeed as a One-Person HR Department

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Format: Hybrid meeting - choose from in-person or virtual options:

In-person: Join our speaker at Bloomington Public Library with lunch and networking provided
Virtual: Presentation streamed via Microsoft Teams

Featured Speaker

Wendy Sellers

The HR Lady®

What You'll Learn

Being the entire HR department can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re expected to be the expert, the mediator, the strategist, and the problem-solver at all times. If you’re an HR department of one (or a manager handling HR without formal support), this live, interactive training is designed specifically for you.

This session breaks down:

How to stay organized and prepared for controllable HR tasks
Remaining neutral while managing employee conflict and sensitive issues
Navigating both planned responsibilities and unexpected HR challenges
Confidently delegating performance and behavior management to leaders
Using technology to increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden
Identifying cost-effective resources and outsourcing solutions

If you're doing HR solo (or not!), this training will help you stop reacting and start leading.

Agenda

11:30 AM – In-person attendees join for networking + boxed lunch
11:50 AM – Virtual attendees join the Microsoft Teams meeting
11:55 AM – Chapter announcements + speaker introduction
12:00 PM – Presentation + Q&A

Lunch Options (In-Person Only)

Select from the following boxed lunch options from McAlister’s:

Pecanberry Salad – Mixed greens, grilled chicken, berries, candied pecans, raspberry-pecan vinaigrette
Turkey Club Croissant – Turkey, bacon, cheddar, Swiss, veggies, mayo, honey mustard; chips, pickle, cookie
Veggie Wrap – Spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, avocado, herb mayo; chips, pickle, cookie
Black Angus Roast Beef – Roast beef, bacon, cheddar, Swiss, veggies, horseradish sauce; chips, pickle, cookie

Recertification Credits

Attendees will receive one SHRM professional development credit (PDC) and/or one HRCI credit.

Registration Policy

Registration deadline is Friday, April 24 at 12:00 pm
Anyone may attend in place of an active BNHRC member
Guests welcome ($15 guest fee due by registration deadline)
First-time guests and potential new members attend free!
Review our event payment policies

Questions?

Email us at hello@bnhrc.org

2026 ILSHRM State Conference (April 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

HR's Wild West: Wrangling Today's Workforce

Saddle up for the premier HR event in Illinois! The 2026 ILSHRM State Conference is circling back to the Tinley Park Convention Center with a bold new theme: HR’s Wild West: Wrangling Today’s Workforce. Join hundreds of HR professionals, business leaders, and workplace innovators from across the Midwest as we tackle the modern frontier of human resources.

Learn more and register.

Spring 2026 HR Professional Book Club (May 01, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

We’re excited to announce our Spring 2026 HR Professional Book Club! We’ll be reading Strong Ground by Brené Brown—a powerful exploration of resilience, leadership, and connection.

Book Club Details

Book: Strong Ground

Author: Brené Brown

Session Dates: Every 2 weeks on Fridays from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm:

Session 1: February 20
Session 2: March 6
Session 3: March 20
Session 4: April 3
Session 5: April 17
Session 6: May 1

Location: Hybrid via Teams and in-person (The Baby Fold & Illinois Soybean Association)

Session 1: The Baby Fold - 1701 W. Market St. Normal, IL 61761

Sessions 2-6: Illinois Soybean Association - 1108 Trinity Lane Bloomington, IL 61704

Book Options: Hardback, e-book, or audiobook (please select via registration)

Reading: Approximately 65+ pages per session

What’s in it for you?

Free copies of the book will be provided to BNHRC members. Non-members are welcome to join but will need to purchase their own copy.
Earn HR certification credits: Participate and earn valuable HR certification credits
Engaging discussions: Explore meaningful topics with peers in a supportive environment
Flexible format: Participate in a hybrid format—join in person or virtually, depending on your preference and schedule
Professional networking and development: Connect with fellow HR professionals and grow your skills

Can’t make every meeting? We understand life happens—if you miss a session, no worries! You’ll still benefit from reading the book and can catch up with the group.

Interested in joining?

Register by January 28th to reserve your spot, get your free copy of Strong Ground, and start earning HR certification credits!

Let’s go on this inspiring journey together!

May Chapter Meeting - Mini Roundtables (May 26, 2026)

Tue, 26 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

May Chapter Meeting

Topic: Mini Roundtables

Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Format:

In-person: Join us at Bloomington Public Library with lunch and networking provided

What You'll Learn

Roundtable topics (each person to experience three tables):

The 30-Day Onboarding Sprint
Recruiting Speed Without Lowering the Bar
HR Inbox Triage (High Volume, High Risk)
Recognition That Changes Behavior (Not Just "Nice Work")
Policy and Handbook "Clean-Up" Hot Spots

Agenda

11:30 AM – Join for networking + boxed lunch
11:55 AM – Chapter announcements + roundtable explanation
12:00 PM – Mini roundtables

Lunch Options

Choose from the following lunch options from Jason's Deli:

Turkey Deluxe – Roasted turkey breast, leafy lettuce, tomato, on an Ancient Grain bun and assorted cheeses. Includes chips, pickle, and chocolate chip cookie.
Ham Deluxe - Ham, leafy lettuce, tomato, on an All-butter Croissant and assorted cheeses. Includes chips, pickle, and chocolate chip cookie.
Nutty-Mixed Up Salad - Grilled, 100% antibiotic-free chicken breast, grapes, strawberries, cranberry-walnut mix, organic field greens, and feta with balsamic vinaigrette and chocolate chip cookie.
Veggie Sandwich – Organic spinach, guacamole, hummus, Roma tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, on an Ancient Grain bun with Fresh fruit and chocolate chip cookie.

Recertification Credits

Pending

Registration Policy

Registration deadline is Friday, May 22 at 12:00 pm
Anyone may attend in place of an active BNHRC member
Guests welcome ($15 guest fee due by registration deadline)
First-time guests and potential new members attend free!
Review our event payment policies

Questions?

Email us at hello@bnhrc.org

HR Roundtable: The 50 Threshold: What, When and How Businesses Should Prepare for a Growing Workforce. (June 11, 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

June HR Roundtable

Join BNHRC for our next HR Roundtable on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 12 - 1 PM!

About our Roundtables:

LEARN: Roundtables are designed for BNHRC members to have an open discussion and a safe space to share and learn from each other.
NETWORK: A guest may attend in place of a BNHRC member and will be asked to include the BNHRC member's name on their registration.
IN-PERSON: This roundtable will be held in person. A boxed lunch will be provided.

Featured Topic: The 50 Threshold: What, When and How Businesses Should Prepare for a Growing Workforce.

Location: The Baby Fold - 1701 W. Market St. Bloomington, IL

Lunch Options

Choose from the following lunch options from Jason's Deli:

Turkey Deluxe – Roasted turkey breast, leafy lettuce, tomato, on an Ancient Grain bun and assorted cheeses. Includes chips, pickle, and chocolate chip cookie.
Ham Deluxe - Ham, leafy lettuce, tomato, on an All-butter Croissant and assorted cheeses. Includes chips, pickle, and chocolate chip cookie.
Nutty-Mixed Up Salad - Grilled, 100% antibiotic-free chicken breast, grapes, strawberries, cranberry-walnut mix, organic field greens, and feta with balsamic vinaigrette and chocolate chip cookie.
Veggie Sandwich – Organic spinach, guacamole, hummus, Roma tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, on an Ancient Grain bun with Fresh fruit and chocolate chip cookie.

Recertification Credits: Pending

Registration deadline: Monday, June 8, 2026

Questions?

Email us at hello@bnhrc.org

SHRM 2026 Annual Conference & Expo (June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Join the world’s largest HR conference at SHRM 2026! With 375+ expert-led sessions, global networking, and actionable strategies, it’s your chance to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of HR.

Learn more and register.

Central Illinois HR Conference (July 31, 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:45:00 GMT

Save the date for Friday, July 31st. More details coming soon!

August Chapter Meeting - The Intentional HR Leader (August 25, 2026)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:50:00 GMT

August Chapter Meeting

Topic: The Intentional HR Leader

Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Time: 11:50 am - 1:00 pm

Format:

Virtual: Presentation streamed via Microsoft Teams

Featured Speaker

Danielle Shroyer

HR Leadership Coach and Advisor, Engage HR

What You'll Learn

Shift from reactive, overwhelmed problem-solving to intentional, strategic leadership. Focus on building leadership presence, communicating with clarity and purpose, and setting emotional boundaries so HR can stop constantly putting out fires and start shaping outcomes. Through simple, practical frameworks, learn how to lead with confidence, influence effectively, and create sustainable impact in your organizations.

This session breaks down:

Strengthening Leadership Presence

Communicating strategically under pressure

Setting emotional boundaries for HR

Influencing without force
Tools to maintain calm in the chaos

Agenda

11:50 AM – Virtual attendees join the Microsoft Teams meeting
11:55 AM – Chapter announcements + speaker introduction
12:00 PM – Presentation + Q&A

Recertification Credits

Pending

Registration Policy

Registration deadline is Friday, August 21 at 12:00 pm
Anyone may attend in place of an active BNHRC member
Guests welcome ($15 guest fee due by registration deadline)
First-time guests and potential new members attend free!
Review our event payment policies

Questions?

Email us at hello@bnhrc.org

HR Roundtable: Wellness Programs That Actually Work- Moving beyond “step challenges” to holistic well-being. (September 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

September HR Roundtable

Join BNHRC for our next HR Roundtable on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 12 - 1 PM!

About our Roundtables:

LEARN: Roundtables are designed for BNHRC members to have an open discussion and a safe space to share and learn from each other.
NETWORK: A guest may attend in place of a BNHRC member and will be asked to include the BNHRC member's name on their registration.
IN-PERSON: This roundtable will be held in person. A boxed lunch will be provided.

Featured Topic: Wellness Programs That Actually Work- Moving beyond “step challenges” to holistic well-being.

Location: TBD

Lunch Options TBD

Recertification Credits: Pending

Registration deadline: Monday, September 7, 2026

Questions?

Email us at hello@bnhrc.org

September Chapter Meeting - Topic TBA (September 22, 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:30:00 GMT

September Chapter Meeting

Topic: TBA

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Format: Hybrid meeting - choose from in-person or virtual options:

In-person: Join our speaker with lunch and networking provided
Virtual: Presentation streamed via Microsoft Teams

Featured Speaker

TBA

What You'll Learn

TBA

Agenda

11:30 AM – In-person attendees join for networking + boxed lunch
11:50 AM – Virtual attendees join the Microsoft Teams meeting
11:55 AM – Chapter announcements + speaker introduction
12:00 PM – Presentation + Q&A

Lunch Options (In-Person Only)

TBA

Recertification Credits

Pending

Registration Policy

Registration deadline is Friday, September 18 at 12:00 pm
Anyone may attend in place of an active BNHRC member
Guests welcome ($15 guest fee due by registration deadline)
First-time guests and potential new members attend free!
Review our event payment policies

Questions?

Email us at hello@bnhrc.org

October Chapter Meeting - Topic TBA (October 27, 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:30:00 GMT

October Chapter Meeting

Topic: TBA

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Format: Hybrid meeting - choose from in-person or virtual options:

In-person: Join our speaker with lunch and networking provided
Virtual: Presentation streamed via Microsoft Teams

Featured Speaker

TBA

What You'll Learn

TBA

Agenda

11:30 AM – In-person attendees join for networking + boxed lunch
11:50 AM – Virtual attendees join the Microsoft Teams meeting
11:55 AM – Chapter announcements + speaker introduction
12:00 PM – Presentation + Q&A

Lunch Options (In-Person Only)

TBA

Recertification Credits

Pending

Registration Policy

Registration deadline is Friday, October 23 at 12:00 pm
Anyone may attend in place of an active BNHRC member
Guests welcome ($15 guest fee due by registration deadline)
First-time guests and potential new members attend free!
Review our event payment policies

Questions?

Email us at hello@bnhrc.org

November Chapter Meeting - Topic TBA (November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 17:30:00 GMT

November Chapter Meeting

Topic: TBA

Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Format: Hybrid meeting - choose from in-person or virtual options:

In-person: Join our speaker with lunch and networking provided
Virtual: Presentation streamed via Microsoft Teams

Featured Speaker

TBA

What You'll Learn

TBA

Agenda

11:30 AM – In-person attendees join for networking + boxed lunch
11:50 AM – Virtual attendees join the Microsoft Teams meeting
11:55 AM – Chapter announcements + speaker introduction
12:00 PM – Presentation + Q&A

Lunch Options (In-Person Only)

TBA

Recertification Credits

Pending

Registration Policy

Registration deadline is Friday, November 13 at 12:00 pm
Anyone may attend in place of an active BNHRC member
Guests welcome ($15 guest fee due by registration deadline)
First-time guests and potential new members attend free!
Review our event payment policies

Questions?

Email us at hello@bnhrc.org

HR Roundtable: Hybrid Work, Remote work, in office- how do you balance it all? (December 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

December HR Roundtable

Join BNHRC for our next HR Roundtable on Thursday, December 10, 2026 from 12 - 1 PM!

About our Roundtables:

LEARN: Roundtables are designed for BNHRC members to have an open discussion and a safe space to share and learn from each other.
NETWORK: A guest may attend in place of a BNHRC member and will be asked to include the BNHRC member's name on their registration.
IN-PERSON: This roundtable will be held in person. A boxed lunch will be provided.

Featured Topic: Hybrid Work, Remote work, in office- how do you balance it all?

Location: TBD

Lunch Options TBD

Recertification Credits: Pending

Registration deadline: Monday, December 7, 2026

Questions?

Email us at hello@bnhrc.org