2026 Michigan Chapter Annual Conference
HR UNBOXED: INTEGRATED, ALIGNED, IMPACTFUL
April 16 & 17, 2026
Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites
100 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
(269) 343-3333
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We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Michigan CUPA‑HR Chapter Annual Conference, taking place April 16–17 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Why attend?
- Elevate your higher‑ed HR expertise through timely sessions on workforce trends, employee wellbeing, organizational effectiveness, and more.
- Expand your network with HR leaders and professionals from universities and colleges across the state.
- Learn from best practices designed specifically for the unique challenges of higher‑education HR.
FEATURING KEYNOTE SPEAKER VERONICA CUNNINGHAM
Veronica Cunningham doesn't just speak - she sparks momentum. She's a catalyst for growth, connection, and change. As a transformational speaker, award-winning spoken-word artist, certified holistic life coach, and leadership strategist, she invites HR professionals to think differently, lead confidently, and drive change. Through the lens of her signature Champion Mindset™ framework, she weaves together insight, inspiration, and strategy - helping audiences unbox limitations, unleash their leadership potential, and uplift the workplace culture.
Audiences describe her keynote style as an intriguing blend of storytelling, strategy, and soul. With an HR background, Veronica understands the real challenges HR professionals face - burnout, cultural misalignment, leadership fatigue, etc. Leveraging her HR background and foundation, along with her leadership prowess, Veronica challenges the status quo and lays the groundwork for real transformation. Get ready to learn what's possible when HR stops checking boxes and starts unboxing potential and restores the human in human resources.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
Conference breakout sessions include:
- After Affirmative Action: The Next Chapter for Workplace Inclusion
- Move the Needle: Influencing Change When You’re Not the Decision Maker
- Fostering Collaboration and Shared Vision: Leadership Essentials for a Multigenerational Workforce in Higher Education
- Using AI as a Strategic Partner in Organizational Development
- MHealthy Resource Coach Program
- The Internal Coaching Business Model: HR's Strategy for Executive Capacity and Talent Pipelining
- Leading with Purpose: Developing Leaders through Culture, Community, and CliftonStrengths
- Breaking the Impostor–Burnout Cycle: How HR Leaders Can Restore Confidence and Sustainability at Work
- HR in Wonderland
- From Policies to People: Creating Workplaces Where Faculty and Staff Want to Stay
- Beyond Training: Using LinkedIn Learning to Power Leadership and Career Growth
EXPLORE BEYOND THE CONFERENCE
Discover the best dining, attractions, and experiences around the city with the Discover Kalamazoo website or by downloading the app.
Thank you to our sponsors for your continued support and partnership. Your contributions help make our programs, events, and initiatives possible, and we are grateful for your commitment to our Chapter.