Riding the Midnight Train
to Positive Employee Relations
Sunday, April 28 - Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Hyatt Regency Savannah - Savannah, Georgia
Join us starting Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Savannah in Savannah, Georgia, for expert panels and engaging discussion groups focused on positive employee relations, campaign case studies, and labor law updates. CUE conferences are the premier destination to connect with top labor and employee relations professionals and experts, and you won't want to miss this one!
CUE Members: $1345
Non-Members: $1645
Spouses/Partners: $195
Welcome Reception
General Sessions and Panels
Breakout Sessions
Networking Events
Two Breakfasts
Two Lunches
First-Time Attendee Orientation
The room block is CLOSED however there still are rooms available at the Hyatt Regency Savannah.
The Spring 2024 CUE Conference agenda is meticulously crafted to offer you practical and impactful strategies for enhancing employee engagement. With a focus on immediate implementation, our sessions are tailored to foster an environment where positive employee relations thrive sustainably. Join us for an experience that will not only equip you with valuable insights but also inspire you to transform your workplace dynamically.
Based on member feedback, the most valuable aspect of CUE is its vibrant community. The opportunity for networking, which often leads to lifelong connections and the chance to exchange best practices, are in themselves reasons enough to join us. These experiences provide invaluable insights and foster a supportive environment worth the price of admission!
After absorbing up-to-date relevant information, discussing and collaborating with fellow professionals and engaging with all the activities the conference has to offer, you'll have opportunities to sit back and relax or to energize yourself at our meet and greets.
All times Eastern.
All times, session topics and speakers are subject to change. Any changes will be posted as quickly as possible.
Updated: 4/25/2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024 |
|
12:00 PM |
Registration Desk Opens |
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
Ask the Experts Dive into the depths of labor and employee relations with our exclusive "Ask the Experts" session. This unique opportunity brings together a distinguished panel of a seasoned consultant, a knowledgeable attorney, and an experienced practitioner. Each panelist brings a wealth of expertise from their respective fields, offering a comprehensive perspective on the complexities and nuances of labor relations and workplace dynamics. |
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM |
Expert Insights Unpacked: A Debrief of Ask the Experts This session is designed as a companion to the Ask the Experts session, aiming to bridge the gap between expert insights and foundational understanding. It's an ideal platform for participants who are newer to labor relations or those seeking a deeper comprehension of the topics discussed. |
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM |
First Time Attendee Orientation |
5:00 PM - 6:15 PM |
CUE-mmunity Connections
|
6:15 PM - 7:15 PM |
Grand Opening Reception |
Monday, April 29, 2024 |
|
6:45 AM |
Registration Desk Opens |
6:45 AM - 8:00 AM |
Breakfast |
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM |
Welcome and Opening Remarks |
8:15 AM - 9:30 AM |
Case Study & Campaign Experience: Kroger Family of Companies This interactive case study presentation will highlight lessons learned and best practices identified during a recent unionization campaign that unfolded as the NLRB issued its game-changing CEMEX decision. |
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM |
Decision Dialogues: Crafting Your Route in Complex Terrain In these sessions, a challenging fact pattern will be presented for consideration. Breaking into small discussion groups, each group will collaborate to discuss and devise a strategic plan to address the situation, considering various aspects like damage control, risk mitigation, employee communication, and other concerns. |
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM |
Break |
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM |
Fast and Loose or Fast and Lose? Lessons from an Expedited Election With expedited elections prior preparation is essential. An employer can still be successful if they take proactive steps to ready their organization. In this session we will discuss the essentials in the toolkit (including the use of external resources), the training of leadership to effectively deploy the necessary tools and best practices for communicating with the workforce in a very short period of time. We will also review the pitfalls, traps and lessons learned over the course of the last 12 months of quickie elections. |
11:15 AM - 12:30 PM |
Amplify Engagement: Best Practices for Implementing Proactive Workplace Listening This panel will discuss active listening techniques for employers, highlighting their critical role in fostering an inclusive and productive workplace culture. They will share insights on practical strategies for implementation, emphasizing the positive impact on employee morale, engagement, and creating exceptional workplaces. |
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
Lunch |
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
Don't Be A Sore Loser...or Winner: How Communications Around Unionization Can Help or Hurt Communications can make or break any labor situation, and employers have extra challenges persuading their stakeholders when a union is involved. This session will focus on understanding the current playing field, providing practical tips and techniques for every situation, and examining a case study from a company that faced a corporate campaign and challenging negotiations. |
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM |
Decision Dialogues: Crafting Your Route in Complex Terrain |
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM |
Break |
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM |
NLRB 2024 Unveiled: The Year's Biggest Changes and What They Mean for You 2023 was a historically busy year for the National Labor Relations Board as the Board sought to expand its reach into non-union settings and make it easier for union organization. The Board’s actions in 2023 provide a forecast of what employers are likely to see in 2024. |
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM |
Closing Remarks |
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Evening/Networking Reception - Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos |
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 |
|
6:45 AM |
Registration Desk Opens |
6:45 AM - 8:00 AM |
Breakfast |
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM |
Small Business Connection: This interactive discussion group is specially designed for small businesses. It's a dynamic opportunity for leaders of smaller enterprises to connect and share insights about the unique challenges and opportunities they face. |
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM |
Opening Remarks |
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM |
Brewing Change: Starbucks as a Proving Ground for the Modern Labor Movement Five years ago, no one – including the SEIU and Starbucks – would have predicted that a Starbucks unionization effort would emerge as an inflection point for the labor movement. After hundreds of elections, a high-profile Congressional hearing, and a potential precedent-setting Supreme Court case, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This campaign has become a proving ground for unions’ ability to effectively organize in the service sector. |
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM |
Decision Dialogues: Crafting Your Route in Complex Terrain |
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM |
Break |
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
How Do You Build or Sustain Culture as You Grow? |
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Six Months On: The Impact and Trends Stemming from the Cemex Decision |
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Lunch CUE Programming Committee Lunch |
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
Countermeasures and Continuity: Analyzing CWA's Aggressive Strike Tactics at Verizon |
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
Decision Dialogues: Crafting Your Route in Complex Terrain |
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM |
Break |
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM |
The First Campaign: A Case Study This case study discussion will explore the circumstances and lessons learned of a boutique retailer navigating their first representation election involving an independent union. |
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM |
What's Next? Transforming CUE Learnings into Actionable Leadership Strategies The post-conference phase presents a fantastic opportunity for you to leverage the insights gained during the CUE conference. This panel discussion explores effective methods for translating conference lessons into tangible actions within your organizational leadership. Drawing from personal experiences, the panelists will delve into strategies for harnessing conference resources and connections to drive meaningful change and innovation. |
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM |
Conference Closing Notes and Remarks |
5:15 PM - 6:15 PM |
Closing Reception/ Networking |
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 |
|
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Protecting Your Business Operations and Culture at the Union Bargaining Table (Additional cost) |
The best of the best labor and employee relations professionals, attorneys, and experts sharing updates and experiences over two days.
David WimmerShareholder & Attorney
Swerdlow Florence Sanchez Swerdlow & Wimmer
Becky BrockerCorp. Associate Choice Manager
The Kroger Co.
Brad MorrisSr. Director, Teammate Relations
McLane Company
Peggy Riley Vice President of Employee Communications & Engagement
Wegmans Food Markets
Shannon CharronLabor Relations Principal
Verizon Wireless
Joel AzierePresident and Partner
Buelow Vetter Buikema Olson & Vliet, LLC
Matthew Vander LaanVice President, Corporate Affairs and Strategic Planning
MonoSol
The Spring 2024 CUE Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Savannah. Ensure you get the best room rate for your CUE Conference stay by booking with the Hyatt Regency as soon as possible. CUE advises please plan your arrival for the morning of Sunday, April 28 to enjoy all the conference has to offer.
4/5/2024 update - The room block is CLOSED however there still are rooms available at the Hyatt Regency Savannah.
Hotels near the Hyatt Regency:
Click to enlarge; Courtesey of Hyatt Regency Savannah and William Hamrick.
Established in 1733, Savannah is a bustling leisure spot offering top-notch convention facilities alongside centuries of history and charm. With its captivating blend of art, historic architecture, trendy shops, and ghostly tales draped in Spanish moss, it's a quintessential Southern getaway. Indulge in coastal cuisine and delightful cocktails, making every meal a memorable experience in Savannah.
Airport - It's best to fly into the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).
Ridesharing - Be sure to download Uber, Lyft or another ridesharing app. Please note that drivers are in high demand, so plan for possible wait times or schedule your ride in advance.
Remember to add the post-conference workshop when registering for the conference! Or email to cue@cueinc.com to add the workshop if you’ve already registered.
A practical primer on the art of negotiations at the collective bargaining table. Participants will be armed to preserve management flexibility, control labor costs, and protect positive employee relations when faced with the duty to bargain with a union. The dynamics of bargaining a first union contract following an NLRB election loss or Cemex bargaining order will receive special attention, but negotiations for contract renewals, acquisitions of unionized facilities, and company restructuring will also be addressed.
Individuals currently facing bargaining situations.
Leaders and managers who anticipate the possibility of future bargaining requirements.
Professionals aiming to proactively develop negotiation skills in preparation for potential unionization or contractual changes in their organization.
Fundamentals of Bargaining: Grasp the legal and practical essentials of bargaining. Understand the dynamics of negotiating a first contract versus renewing an existing one, and why the former offers more leverage and creative latitude.
Model Contracts and Key Clauses: Delve into model contract language to identify crucial elements and clauses to monitor as discussions progress. Learn what to prioritize and safeguard in negotiations.
Maintaining a Broad Perspective: Master the skill of keeping a '30,000-foot view' in negotiations. Understand how your bargaining decisions impact not just the immediate unit but also the broader workforce, potentially influencing the overall employer-employee relationship.
Employer Strategies and Leverage: Discover how employers can maximize their options and leverage, especially when negotiating a first contract. Uncover tactics and strategies that can lead to more favorable outcomes.
New Union Certification: Strategies following an NLRB election loss or a Cemex card check bargaining order.
Acquisition of Unionized Facilities: Approaches when acquiring a unionized facility and the union demands bargaining post-rejection of the existing contract.
Plant Closure Avoidance: Tactics when facing worksite closures due to WARN notices or bankruptcy, with a focus on negotiating to keep the workplace open under acceptable terms.
Applicability to Renewal Contracts: While our focus is primarily on 'first contact' negotiations, many principles discussed will also be valuable in negotiating renewal contracts, albeit to a different extent.
Our interactive workshop combines teaching the fundamentals with practical role-play scenarios, allowing participants to apply concepts in real-time. This hands-on approach ensures a deeper understanding and readiness to tackle real-world bargaining situations.
Attendees will leave this workshop not only prepared for current bargaining challenges but also equipped with the foresight and skills to effectively navigate potential future bargaining situations. Protecting Your Business Operations and Culture at the Union Bargaining Table is an invaluable opportunity to develop proactive negotiation strategies, ensuring readiness for any bargaining scenario that may arise in your professional journey.
Below are a few frequently asked questions gathered from first-time CUE conference attendees. If you have any other questions about CUE conferences, please email director@cueinc.com or call 1-866-409-4283.
Click the question to show the answer.
What is the dress code for the conference?
Recommended dress code for the conference is business casual, except for the Monday Night reception where casual dress is encouraged.
I'm on a special diet or have restrictions, can you accommodate that?We strive to provide meals that allow our attendees to enjoy meals according to their preferences, including vegan, gluten-free and others. All dishes are marked with signage to make your meal selections simple. You can also notify a server at your table that you have special dining requirements, and they will be happy to assist you.
May I bring my spouse?Many of our attendees have their spouse traveling with them. If a spouse wants to eat conference meals or attend networking events, they can do so by paying $195.00. Guest registration can be done when originally registering for the conference. If you would like to add a guest after you have registered, please contact Elizabeth at 1-210-545-3499 x1 to register your spouse prior to the conference. You may also pay the spouse conference fee at the Registration desk.
I'd like to attend the post-conference workshop. How do I do register?You can register for the workshop at the same time you complete your main conference registration. If you would like to add that registration after you have completed your registration, please contact Elizabeth at 1-210-545-3499 x1 to register prior to the conference. You may also register for the PCW at the Registration desk upon your arrival at the conference, assuming space is available.
What is the Monday Night Networking event?Our goal at a CUE Conference is to create events that provide educational and networking opportunities for you. The dress code is casual. The event runs from 6 to 8 PM but feel free to pop in and out as you explore our host city.
Registrants will be verified through a multi-step verification process to ensure that they are employed by a member company. Non-member and individual attendees will be reviewed and approved for attendance by the CUE Executive Committee.
CUE limits attendance to those employed by non-government companies. Additionally, consultants and attorneys may only attend by invitation. To request an invitation, please email Elizabeth at director@cueinc.com.
Check-In Process:
Each individual must show a state ID before receiving a badge.
Require registrants to sign pledge - acknowledging agreement not to record or broadcast content.
In the conference handbook and verbally, we ask all attendees to comply with the following rules:
Disclose Disclaimer: Content is intended for the private commercial use of attendees only and may not be reproduced without the prior express permission of CUE. Photography, Broadcasting, Taping and Recording is strictly prohibited. Copies of handouts and/or PowerPoint slides, if available, are on the CUE website (password protected) and the CUE Mobile Conference App (password protected) for download.
Attendee Badges: For the safety and security of all attendees, badges are required to be worn at all CUE activities and events. Cooperation is required and appreciated.
Cell Phone Usage: As a courtesy to our speakers and other attendees, please place your cell phone in silent mode.
The use of the CUE event app is encouraged.
CUE is a non-profit, member-led community with the latest techniques for improving labor and employee relations.
CUE has over 200 member companies, both union and union-free, representing a cross-section of business and industry, from small firms to Fortune 500 companies.
We are dedicated to assisting companies that believe that their employees deserve a workplace that is built around flexibility, productivity, quality of work life, fairness, the opportunity to participate in decisions affecting one's future and the opportunity to succeed. Learn more about CUE.
Every year, CUE Inc. conducts two national conferences, one in the Spring and the other in the Fall. These events attract human resources professionals, labor and employee relations professionals, labor lawyers, and consultants from North America and across the globe. Our members and attendees represent virtually every industry, and companies ranging from small businesses to large Fortune 100 employers.
While attending our conferences, attendees take part in sessions offering a cutting-edge focus on pro-active human resources practices, and the latest developments in labor and employee relations. CUE Conferences offer unparalleled networking opportunities with hundreds of other labor relations, human resources and operations management professionals.
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