
HR Connections 2026 Calendar of Events
HR Connections: More than HR, Insight for Every Leader
HR Connections is a professional development resource group for HR practitioners and business leaders who want to stay ahead of workforce trends, strengthen their leadership skills, and connect with peers in the Northeast Metro area.
Sponsored by the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation (VHEDC), HR Connections has been bringing local professionals together since 2016 to share ideas, discuss employment-related challenges, and explore innovative solutions that impact today’s workplaces.
Each session offers practical insights from industry experts and interactive discussions that go beyond HR, providing valuable takeaways for leaders at every level. In 2026, our lineup includes timely topics such as onboarding for engagement, employment law updates, smarter hiring, compensation best practices, and de-escalation in the workplace.
Join us for one—or all—of our 2026 HR Connections Events and gain More than HR, Insight for Every Leader.
Pricing Options:
- $125 Early Bird Annual Pass – Includes access to all 9 events. Ends Jan. 7th, 2026
- $150 Annual Pass – Includes access to all 9 events. End April 1st, 2026
- $30 Non-Member Single Session
- $25 Member Single Session
All events are subject to change throughout the year.
| Date | Topic | Link |
| Wednesday, January 7
11:30am-1pm |
“Onboarding for Engagement & Retention”
Onboarding isn’t just an HR responsibility, it’s a business advantage. In this roundtable, Onboarding for Engagement and Retention, we’ll discuss how leaders at all levels can shape a new employee’s early experience to build confidence, spark connection, and encourage long-term commitment. Join fellow business leaders to share challenges, compare strategies, and gain insights you can apply immediately within your teams. |
Click Here For Tickets |
| Thursday, February 5
11:30am-1:30pm |
“Employment Law Updates”
Stay ahead of emerging workplace trends by joining us for Employment Law Updates, featuring insights from employment attorney Daniel Olson of Bassford Remele. We’ll review this year’s new employment legislation and key Minnesota and U.S. Supreme Court decisions This event will provide valuable insights and actionable tools to help you navigate new legal developments with confidence. It’s also a Bring a Friend event—invite a colleague or business partner to join you at no cost and expand the conversation. |
Click Here For Tickets |
| Wednesday, March 4
11:30am-1pm |
“Smarter Hiring for a Stronger Bottom Line”
Join us for a practical and forward-thinking roundtable focused on improving hiring outcomes and strengthening organizational performance. We’ll explore strategies to attract the right talent, reduce turnover, and make data-informed hiring decisions that drive business results. From streamlining your recruitment process to identifying high-value candidates more effectively, this session will equip leaders with actionable tools to hire smarter—not harder. Whether you’re in HR, operations, or leadership, you’ll walk away with insights that support long-term growth and a stronger bottom line. |
Click Here For Tickets |
| Thursday, April 2
11:30am-1:30pm |
“Navigating Employment Benefits: Trends & Best Practices”
This will be an informative session with Dan Bjornlie from Alliant Insurance Services as we explore the latest trends and best practices in employee benefits. Gain insights to help your organization design competitive, cost-effective benefits programs while staying compliant with evolving regulations. This session is ideal for business leaders looking to optimize their benefits strategy. |
Click Here For Tickets |
| Wednesday, May 6
11:30am-1pm |
“Compensation & Raises Best Practices”
Have you ever wondered if your organization is offering “market value” compensation to hire new talent or retain your current employees? Join us for an interactive session on Compensation & Raises Best Practices, where we’ll provide valuable resources and engage in discussions with local businesses about effective strategies. Learn how to structure competitive compensation, navigate raises, and implement practices that attract and retain top talent. |
Click Here For Tickets |
| Thursday, June 4
11:30am-1:pm |
“Working Across Generations”
A dynamic roundtable on Working Across Generations, where we’ll explore strategies to foster collaboration and understanding among employees of all ages. Learn how to leverage the strengths of each generation, navigate differing communication styles, and create an inclusive workplace that maximizes engagement and productivity. |
Click Here For Tickets |
| Wednesday, September 9
11:30am-1:30pm |
“Employment Law Updates”
Join us for a second session of Employment Law Updates, featuring insights from a guest employment lawyer. We’ll cover the latest developments in employment legislation and highlight practical implications for your organization. Walk away with actionable strategies to stay compliant, manage risk, and confidently address emerging legal challenges in the workplace. |
Click Here For Tickets |
| Thursday, October 8
11:30am-1pm |
“Ask, Share, Solve: An HR Conversation”
This interactive roundtable is designed for organizations without a dedicated HR team. Join us to ask questions, share experiences, and solve HR challenges together. Gain practical insights, tips, and strategies to manage HR responsibilities effectively while learning from the experiences of peers in the community. |
Click Here For Tickets |
| Wednesday, November 4
11:30am-1:30pm |
“De-escalation in the Workplace”
Unlock the power of effective communication with Blue Ethos premier De-Escalation Training. Designed for professionals across all industries, our comprehensive training equips you with the essential skills to calmly and confidently diffuse tense situations. |
Click Here For Tickets |
Please extend this invitation to your colleagues and others in your organization.
Watch the VHEDC website and weekly VHEDC Biz Newsletter for dates and topics.
Please RSVP for each event to help us accurately reserve space and order food at the link provided in the
announcements.
Questions? Call Cindy O’Donovan at 651-295-1843 or [email protected] or Liz Moscatelli at
651-401-3211 or [email protected]

