{"id":641,"date":"2025-02-28T17:12:02","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T17:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chapters.cupahr.org\/wa\/?page_id=641"},"modified":"2026-07-29T23:42:26","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T23:42:26","slug":"annual-conference","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chapters.cupahr.org\/wa\/annual-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Washington Chapter of CUPA-HR invites you to our annual conference, \u201cBridging Connections\u201d<\/strong>.\u00a0This immersive in-person event promises dynamic sessions, engaging discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities tailored to HR professionals in higher education.<\/i><\/p>\n

Join the Washington State CUPA Chapter for our Annual Conference in Tacoma, WA and Spokane ,WA!<\/p>\n

WHEN<\/strong>: Friday, July 31, 2026, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm<\/p>\n

WHERE<\/strong>: University of Puget Sound and Gonzaga University<\/p>\n

Enjoy a day of connection at the CUPA-HR Washington Chapter annual conference. This year's theme,\u00a0Bridging Connections<\/b>, invites HR colleagues from across the state to come together in community to share ideas, explore challenges, and engage in sessions designed specifically for higher education HR.<\/p>\n

To make it easier for colleagues across the state to participate, the conference will be offered in a\u00a0dual-campus format<\/b>. Attend in person at the\u00a0University of Puget Sound in Tacoma<\/b>\u00a0or at\u00a0Gonzaga University in Spokane.<\/b><\/p>\n

Experience interactive presentations, practical learning opportunities, and meaningful conversations with peers who understand the unique landscape of HR in higher education. Whether you're seeking fresh ideas, professional connections, or simply the chance to recharge alongside colleagues, this conference is designed to bring our community together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HR Hero Award<\/b><\/p>\n

A scholarship for the 2026 CUPA-HR- Annual Conference and Expo in Philadelphia, will be drawn during the event. The scholarship will cover conference expenses to include flight, hotel accommodations and registration (up to a $3,000 value). If you are interested in nominating a fantastic higher education HR professional, please submit your nomination\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For sponsorship inquiries contact Andrea Britten<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Schedule<\/h3>\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSchedule Overview<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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8:30 am - 9:00 am Registration and Coffee<\/p>\n

9:00 am - 9:10 am Welcome<\/p>\n

9:05 am - 9:10 am Presenter<\/p>\n

9:10 am - 10:15 am Keynote<\/p>\n

10:15 am - 10:30 am Break and Visit Vendors<\/p>\n

10:30 am - 11:30 pm Concurrent Session 1<\/p>\n

11:30 pm - 12:30 pm Lunch<\/p>\n

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Concurrent Session 2<\/p>\n

1:30 pm - 1:45 pm Break and Visit Vendors<\/p>\n

1:45 pm - 2:45 pm Employment Law Update<\/p>\n

2:45 pm - 3:00 pm Break and Visit Vendors<\/p>\n

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Keynote<\/p>\n

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm Washington State Chapter Meeting<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t9:00 am - 9:10 am Welcome<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Welcome everyone to the conference by CUPA- WA President.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t9:10 am - 10:15 am Keynote- How HR Stays Upright in Work That Never Stops <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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How HR Stays Upright in Work That Never Stops <\/strong><\/p>\n

Session description:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

In this candid, research-grounded keynote, executive coach and organizational development consultant Craig Fischer names the invisible weight HR professionals carry daily \u2014 holding others\u2019 hardest moments, staying confidential to everyone while close to no one, and absorbing organizational stress as an unspoken job requirement. Drawing on real stories from coaching people near, during, and after burnout, Craig reframes burnout not as personal weakness but as an occupational hazard deserving the same safety planning given to firefighters and frontline workers, then makes the case that resilience is a practice anyone can build and it\u2019s best built in community. Warm, honest, and interactive rather than lecture-style, the session leaves HR and people leaders feeling seen and equipped with tools they can use immediately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t10:15 am - 10:35 am Break and Visit Vendors<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Take a moment to connect and visit our various Vendors!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t10:30 am - 11:30 am Concurrent Session 1<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Join the Pack - Building an Impactful Employer Brand- Tacoma\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Amanda Moore & Sarah Eytinge<\/p>\n

Description:<\/u><\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n