Connecting People, Purpose, and Possibility
Join higher education HR professionals from across Utah for a day of practical learning, meaningful conversations, and new ideas you can bring back to your institution.
October 23, 2026
Utah Valley University
Thank You to Our Fall 2026 Sponsors
Get Involved
Help shape the future of higher education HR in Utah by sharing your expertise or partnering with us to support meaningful professional development.
PRESENT
Share your expertise with higher education HR professionals across Utah. Submit a proposal to present at our next conference.
SPONSOR
Partner with the Utah Chapter of CUPA-HR to support professional development for higher education HR leaders from institutions across Utah.
Theme
Building Bridges
Keynote
Dave Ulrich
Sessions
- Samantha Easter – Building Bridges: Reframing the Reality of Neurodivergent Minds
- Lexie Richins-Peterson – Dancing Through Conflict: A Practical Framework for Difficult Conversations
- Lucia Maloy – Legal Update
Sponsors
- Fidelity Investments
- Hale Centre Theatre
- HUB International
- Moreton & Company
- my529
- Regence
- TIAA
- Utah Valley University
Theme
Building Bridges
Keynote
Jeff Herring — Human-Centered Leadership in an Era of Disruption
Sessions
- Todd Davis — Navigating Difficult Conversations
- James Duncan — Legal Update
Sponsors
- Fidelity Investments
- FranklinCovey
- Hale Centre Theatre
- Moreton & Company
- my529
- PageUp
- Regence
- University of Utah
- Utah Valley University
Theme
Civility, Unity, Professionalism, Adaptability
Keynote
Dr. Kyle Reyes — Lenses of Humanity: How Reflection, Connection, and Empathy Can Heal Our World
Sessions
- Drew Burke (UVU) — Incivility Starts With-IN
- Amy Emrazian (University of Utah) — Unlocking Team Potential: The Power of Unity in the Workplace
- Dr. Lei Pakalani (SLCC) — Cultivating Adaptability in the Workplace
- Scott Hoffman (Davis Technical College) — Elevating Professionalism in Higher Education HR
- Cathy Jordan — Legal Update
Sponsors
- Moreton & Company
- Regence
- Utah Valley University
Theme
Civility, Unity, Professionalism, Adaptability
Session
Linda Miller (Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield) — Navigating the Change Landscape
Sponsor
- Regence
Theme
From Innovation to Implementation
Sessions
- Meagan Beesley — Compensation
- Dr. Sara A. Reed — Develop Strategic Thinking
- John Barrand — Strategic Vision in HR for the State of Utah
- Cathy Jordan — Legal Update (General)
- Chris Coleman & Matt Lee — People Analytics Doesn't Have To Be Scary
- Stephanie Potter — NeuroNurture
- Cathy Jordan — Legal Update (Leadership)
Sponsors
- Cornerstone
- PEHP
- Regence
- URS
Theme
Strategic Planning for the Future
Keynote
David Snow — One Step Beyond
Sessions
- Susan Chalmers — HR a Trusted Advisor: Building Relationships to Advance Partnerships and Your Organizational Mission
- Lisa Leishman & Angie Clayson — Crisis Preparedness and Support in the Workplace: Navigating Tragedy
- Corrie Grint & Amy Emrazian — Authentic Leadership
- Sarah Hook & Mike Miner — Building a Strong HR/Legal Partnership for Success
- Drew Burke — Performance Management without Punishment
- Leadership Panel Discussion — Navigating the Future: Strategy Insights for Higher Education Leaders