What's Next?: Turning Workplace Experience Ideas into Meaningful Change

Follow up webinar from an SMC26 session

The conversation doesn’t end at the Strategic Management Conference—it continues here. This post-conference webinar is designed to help you take what you heard, pressure-test it in your real-world environment, and start putting it into practice. Led by our SMC Speaker, Jennifer Bouman-Steagall, this session builds on the ideas, questions, and challenges explored at SMC, creating space to go deeper, ask new questions, and explore what it actually looks like to apply these concepts in your organization.

Conference Session Overview: 

We challenged you to think differently about culture change by focusing on workplace experiences instead of programs or policies. In this interactive follow-up session, participants will bring forward ideas sparked during the keynote and explore practical ways to rethink workplace experiences that influence engagement, performance, and culture, as well as identify practical changes organizations can make to create stronger teams and better outcomes.

Conference Learning Objectives: 

• Identify the most common workplace experiences that influence culture, engagement, and organizational outcomes.

• Share and discuss ideas for changes to workplace experiences that could have the biggest ripple effect within an organization.
  
  
• Generate and refine at least one workplace experience change opportunity that can realistically be implemented within 90 days.

About the Speaker: 

Jennifer Bouman-Steagall Change Catalyst / People Whisperer / Dynamic Storyteller Red Kite Rising Jennifer Bouman-Steagall is a high energy presenter presenter that uses hands-on group activities to drive home concepts. We discussed a presentation that incorporates red shoe strings and tying knots to demonstrate demoralizing work environments and how to re-engage them.

About the SMC Webinars

The conversation doesn’t end at the Strategic Management Conference—it continues here.

These post-conference webinars are designed to help you take what you heard, pressure-test it in your real-world environment, and start putting it into practice. Led by our conference speakers, each session builds on the ideas, questions, and challenges explored at SMC, creating space to go deeper, ask new questions, and explore what it actually looks like to apply these concepts in your organization.

This isn’t about revisiting slides—it’s about moving from insight to action. Together with your peers, you’ll explore how these ideas show up in your day-to-day work, what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the complexity of making meaningful change.

Complimentary for SMC attendees and open to the broader HR community, these sessions are an opportunity to stay connected, continue learning, and keep the momentum going long after the conference ends. 

Event Details

• Date: June 9th, 2026
• Time:12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Location: Zoom
  
• Cost:
  • SMC 26 Attendees: Complimentary!
  • PHRMA Member & Non-SMC 26 Attendee: $99
  • Non-PHRMA Member & Non-SMC 26 Attendee: $149
    
• Includes: Access to the recorded session from SMC 26 as well as participation in this webinar. 
• Recertification Credits: 1 SHRM PDC and HRCI credit
• Refunds: We understand schedules change, but we do ask that you give us 48-hours notice.

What If Understanding People Was Your Strongest Leadership Strategy?

Follow up webinar from an SMC26 session

The conversation doesn’t end at the Strategic Management Conference—it continues here. This post-conference webinar is designed to help you take what you heard, pressure-test it in your real-world environment, and start putting it into practice. Led by our SMC Speaker, Brandon Byars, this session builds on the ideas, questions, and challenges explored at SMC, creating space to go deeper, ask new questions, and explore what it actually looks like to apply these concepts in your organization.

Conference Session Overview: 

Many workplace challenges - miscommunication, frustration, slow decisions, and conflict - stem not from bad intentions, but from differences in how people think, communicate, and approach work.
When leaders get curious about those differences, communication improves, collaboration strengthens, and work becomes more efficient.

This session explores the strategic advantage of understanding personality in the workplace. Used intentionally, personality assessments help leaders understand how people prefer to communicate, make decisions, and solve problems.

Instead of labeling people, these tools create a shared language that reduces conflict and strengthens teams.

Because understanding people is the real competitive advantage.

Conference Learning Objectives: 

• Recognizing Personality Patterns in the Workplace - Participants will learn how to recognize common personality patterns and understand how these differences influence communication, decision-making, work preferences, and collaboration.
  

• Communicating More Effectively Across Personality Differences - Participants will develop practical strategies for adapting their communication style to engage more effectively with different personality types, improving clarity, reducing misunderstandings, and strengthening workplace relationships.
  
  
  
• Leveraging Personality Insights as a Strategic Leadership Tool - Participants will explore how personality assessments can be applied to improve team efficiency, reduce conflict, and create stronger alignment across teams and departments.
  

About the Speaker: 

Brandon Byars Principal & Talent Development Consultant Byars Consulting Group Brandon is a dynamic speaker known for his engaging presentations on strategic planning and talent development. He excels in delivering insightful talks on leadership coaching, leveraging personality types, fostering collaboration, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. His ability to connect with diverse audiences and provide actionable takeaways makes him a sought-after speaker for building stronger organizations.

About the SMC Webinars

The conversation doesn’t end at the Strategic Management Conference—it continues here.

These post-conference webinars are designed to help you take what you heard, pressure-test it in your real-world environment, and start putting it into practice. Led by our conference speakers, each session builds on the ideas, questions, and challenges explored at SMC, creating space to go deeper, ask new questions, and explore what it actually looks like to apply these concepts in your organization.

This isn’t about revisiting slides—it’s about moving from insight to action. Together with your peers, you’ll explore how these ideas show up in your day-to-day work, what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the complexity of making meaningful change.

Complimentary for SMC attendees and open to the broader HR community, these sessions are an opportunity to stay connected, continue learning, and keep the momentum going long after the conference ends. 

Event Details

• Date: June 16th, 2026
• Time:12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Location: Zoom
  
• Cost:
  • SMC 26 Attendees: Complimentary!
  • PHRMA Member & Non-SMC 26 Attendee: $99
  • Non-PHRMA Member & Non-SMC 26 Attendee: $149
    
• Includes: Access to the recorded session from SMC 26 as well as participation in this webinar. 
• Recertification Credits: 1 SHRM PDC and 1 HRCI credit
• Refunds: We understand schedules change, but we do ask that you give us 48-hours notice.

Storytelling With Data: Mastering the Art of Storytelling with the Science of Data

Follow up webinar from an SMC26 session

The conversation doesn’t end at the Strategic Management Conference—it continues here. This post-conference webinar is designed to help you take what you heard, pressure-test it in your real-world environment, and start putting it into practice. Led by our SMC Speaker, Dr. Kalifa Oliver, this session builds on the ideas, questions, and challenges explored at SMC, creating space to go deeper, ask new questions, and explore what it actually looks like to apply these concepts in your organization.

Conference Session Overview: 

Data alone rarely drives decisions. Stories do. In this webinar, participants will learn how to transform data and reporting into more compelling, meaningful, and actionable stories that create clarity, influence leaders, and inspire action. Blending principles of data visualization, psychology, communication, and business strategy, this session will explore how to move beyond simply presenting metrics to delivering insights that people actually understand, remember, and use.

Participants will learn how to communicate complex information with greater clarity, connect data to business context and human experience, and craft narratives that help organizations make smarter decisions. Attendees will leave with practical techniques for simplifying complexity, improving executive communication, and presenting information in ways that drive engagement and action.

Conference Learning Objectives: 

• Differentiate between reporting data and telling a data-driven story
  

• Simplify and communicate complex insights more clearly
  
  
• Apply storytelling techniques that improve engagement and influence decisions

• Connect data insights to business context, outcomes, and human experience

• Design presentations and reports that drive understanding and action

About the Speaker: 

Dr. Kalifa Oliver Sr. Director of Technology - People Analytics Lowe's Companies Kalifa Oliver, Ph.D. is a global HR industry expert, award-winning employee experience (EX) strategist, distinguished scholar, author, and a luminary in the intersection of academia, business, and innovation. Focused on creating brilliant employee experiences based on data analytics, people-centered design, and customer experience philosophy. Her groundbreaking research, talks, and published works have not only expanded the boundaries of knowledge but also inspires a new generation of leaders. Dr. Oliver’s unique ability to articulate complex ideas and tell stories with clarity and enthusiasm transcends traditional academic confines, making her a sought-after voice in both expert circles and with broader corporate leadership and executive audiences.

About the SMC Webinars

The conversation doesn’t end at the Strategic Management Conference—it continues here.

These post-conference webinars are designed to help you take what you heard, pressure-test it in your real-world environment, and start putting it into practice. Led by our conference speakers, each session builds on the ideas, questions, and challenges explored at SMC, creating space to go deeper, ask new questions, and explore what it actually looks like to apply these concepts in your organization.

This isn’t about revisiting slides—it’s about moving from insight to action. Together with your peers, you’ll explore how these ideas show up in your day-to-day work, what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the complexity of making meaningful change.

Complimentary for SMC attendees and open to the broader HR community, these sessions are an opportunity to stay connected, continue learning, and keep the momentum going long after the conference ends. 

Event Details

• Date: June 23nd, 2026
• Time:12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Location: Zoom
  
• Cost:
  • SMC 26 Attendees: Complimentary!
  • PHRMA Member & Non-SMC 26 Attendee: $99
  • Non-PHRMA Member & Non-SMC 26 Attendee: $149
    
• Includes: Access to the recorded session from SMC 26 as well as participation in this webinar. 
• Recertification Credits: 1 SHRM PDC and HRCI credit
• Refunds: We understand schedules change, but we do ask that you give us 48-hours notice.

When Your Policies Say One Thing and Your Culture Does Another

Turning values into practice—building workplaces rooted in equity and inclusion.

HR Specialty Session: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Embedding Equity & Inclusion into HR Practice is an HR Specialty Session focused on moving equity and inclusion from intention to implementation. This session explores how HR professionals can thoughtfully integrate equitable practices into policies, programs, and day-to-day decision-making across the employee lifecycle.

Through facilitated discussion and practical examples, participants examine topics such as inclusive hiring, equitable pay practices, belonging at work, policy design, and navigating complex conversations with care and confidence. Designed for HR professionals at all levels, this session centers on learning together, sharing experiences, and strengthening HR’s role in building workplaces where people feel respected, valued, and supported.

Session Overview: 

Most organizations have good values on paper. Fewer have cultures that match. This session helps HR professionals identify the gap between what's written and what's lived — and gives them a systems-based approach to closing it. Practical, honest, and built for people tired of initiatives that don't stick.

Learning Objectives:

• Name the structural conditions that create distance between written policy and everyday workplace culture — and why good intentions alone don't close the gap
• Diagnose where misalignment lives in their own organization using a systems-based framework for identifying root causes, not symptoms
• Identify at least one concrete point of intervention where policy, practice, and culture can be brought into closer alignment

About the Speaker: 

Alexis Braly James (she/her) Founder & CEO Construct the Present Alexis Braly James is a learning designer, facilitator, and organizational strategist who helps HR teams build training and culture systems that actually hold. As founder and CEO of Construct the Present — a certified B Corporation — she works with nonprofits, government agencies, and social impact organizations to close the gap between stated values and everyday practice. With a background as a professional educator, Alexis brings adult learning principles to every engagement. Her work centers on practical skill-building over awareness-raising, and on organizational systems over individual behavior change. She has partnered with organizations including the Smithsonian, the City of Portland, Metro Regional Government, and Multnomah County Library. Alexis designs and facilitates training on manager development, workplace culture, equitable AI implementation, and cross-cultural communication — always with an eye toward what will actually stick long after the session ends.

About HR Specialty Sessions

HR Specialty Sessions are designed for HR professionals who want to go deeper. These focused programs explore specific HR disciplines—such as DEI, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and more—through practical, experience-based learning. Led by local experts and practitioners, each session emphasizes real-world strategies, tools, and takeaways you can apply directly to your work.

HR Specialty Sessions are ideal for you if you:

• Want a deeper dive into a specific HR topic or function
• Are responsible for strategy, implementation, or decision-making in a specialty area
• Prefer focused learning over broad overviews
• Value learning from local experts who understand the realities of our region and workplaces

These sessions are valuable for mid-level through senior HR professionals, while remaining accessible to anyone ready to deepen their expertise.

Event Details

• Date: June 24th, 2026
• Time:12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Location: Zoom
  
• Cost:
  • PHRMA Members: Complimentary!
  • Non-Members: $50
• Recertification Credits:1 SHRM PDC & 1 HRCI Credit: Approved

Thank You to Our EDI Committee Volunteers!

Zhou Fang  Founder and Principal Practitioner Intersectional Group PHRMA Board Member	Nae Hakala HR Business Partner Xenium HR PHRMA Board Member	Mikaela Cole Simmering Human Resource Manager Creative Safety Supply PHRMA Volunteer	Karissa Flaum Jardin Talent Acquisition Specialist Epson Portland Inc. PHRMA Volunteer
Claire Malmstrom, SHRM-CP, PHR HR Director Malmstrom HR PHRMA Volunteer	Soumary Vongrassamy Multnomah County Organizational Learning Manager PHRMA Volunteer	Sabrina Delgado People Generalist - Talent & Retention Discogs PHRMA Volunteer	Grace Smith HR Director Raphael House PHRMA Volunteer

What If Your Values Were Actually Measurable?

Follow up webinar from an SMC26 session

The conversation doesn’t end at the Strategic Management Conference—it continues here. This post-conference webinar is designed to help you take what you heard, pressure-test it in your real-world environment, and start putting it into practice. Led by our SMC Speaker, Brandon Byars, this session builds on the ideas, questions, and challenges explored at SMC, creating space to go deeper, ask new questions, and explore what it actually looks like to apply these concepts in your organization.

Conference Session Overview: 

Building on the workshop where participants drafted their impact frameworks, this webinar moves from structure to execution - how to make the framework a living tool rather than a document that sits in a drawer.

Conference Learning Objectives: 

• Articulate how to connect your organization's values and long-term vision to measurable outcomes that strengthen HR strategy and elevate people practices.
  

• Identify the gap between what your organization says it believes and what your current systems actually measure — and explore practical steps to close it.
  
  
• Apply an impact framework approach to your own context, building the strategic clarity needed to influence organizational direction with confidence and intention.

About the Speaker: 

Sarah Holdeman COO & Co-Founder The Impact Collective PDX Sarah supports organizations and communities in helping them tell the story of who they are and the impact they want to have in the world. As the co-founder and COO of The Impact Collective, she is passionate about bringing people together, engaging them in dialogue around things they care about, and helping them collectively enact change. Her more than 10 years of experience in consulting, sales, operations, startups, and social impact gives her the ability to deeply understand people's needs and how to communicate and connect with partners and contributors on a personal level. She is passionate about The Impact Collective's vision of a world in which the strength of the collective determines the success of the economy, and prioritizes deep connections in her community to make that vision a reality. She holds a BA in English Literature from University of Colorado Boulder and an MBA in Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship from Portland State University.

About the SMC Webinars

The conversation doesn’t end at the Strategic Management Conference—it continues here.

These post-conference webinars are designed to help you take what you heard, pressure-test it in your real-world environment, and start putting it into practice. Led by our conference speakers, each session builds on the ideas, questions, and challenges explored at SMC, creating space to go deeper, ask new questions, and explore what it actually looks like to apply these concepts in your organization.

This isn’t about revisiting slides—it’s about moving from insight to action. Together with your peers, you’ll explore how these ideas show up in your day-to-day work, what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the complexity of making meaningful change.

Complimentary for SMC attendees and open to the broader HR community, these sessions are an opportunity to stay connected, continue learning, and keep the momentum going long after the conference ends. 

Event Details

• Date: June 30th, 2026
• Time:12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Location: Zoom
  
• Cost:
  • SMC 26 Attendees: Complimentary!
  • PHRMA Member & Non-SMC 26 Attendee: $99
  • Non-PHRMA Member & Non-SMC 26 Attendee: $149
    
• Includes: Access to the recorded session from SMC 26 as well as participation in this webinar. 
• Recertification Credits: 1 SHRM PDC and HRCI credit
• Refunds: We understand schedules change, but we do ask that you give us 48-hours notice.

What If Inclusion Was a Daily Practice, and Not Just an Annual Training?

Follow up webinar from an SMC26 session

The conversation doesn’t end at the Strategic Management Conference—it continues here. This post-conference webinar is designed to help you take what you heard, pressure-test it in your real-world environment, and start putting it into practice. Led by our SMC Speaker, Reanette Etzler, this session builds on the ideas, questions, and challenges explored at SMC, creating space to go deeper, ask new questions, and explore what it actually looks like to apply these concepts in your organization.

Conference Session Overview: 

Many workplace practices were created with good intentions—but may not support the diversity of how people think, work, and thrive today.

This session explores how leadership habits and organizational traditions can unintentionally limit inclusion and stifle creative insights and problem solving needed in today's environment. You’ll examine the senior leadership paradox, why psychological safety is essential to performance, and how neurodivergent thinking aligns with the skills shaping the future of work.

Walk away with a clearer understanding of what inclusive leadership looks like in practice—and where your systems (including systems of belief) may be holding people back.

Conference Learning Objectives: 

• The senior leadership paradox: Participants will be able to identify the specific skills and behaviors that earned them their leadership role, and explain why continuing to rely on those same skills may now limit their team's performance and growth.

• Changing Employee Demands vs. Counteractive Traditions: Participants will be able to contrast what today's workforce needs to thrive with the organizational traditions and leadership habits that actively work against meeting those needs, and recognize where that tension shows up in their own environment.
  
  
• Psychological Safety and Inclusion: Participants will be able to describe why psychological safety and inclusion are foundational leadership competencies (not "soft" extras) and apply at least one concrete practice to begin building them within their team.

• Neurodivergent Skills and the Future of Work: Participants will be able to recognize the strong overlap between neurodivergent thinking styles and the skills most in demand now and in the future, and examine how current hiring, promotion, and work design practices may be overlooking this talent.

About the Speaker: 

Graham Hulbert Founder Tula Consulting Graham is a Enginerd, Naturalist, Maker, and a Poet. He has made a career for himself leading large scale strategic transformations within a corporate environment. More recently he has been building Tula and using his curious mind, passion for continuous improvement, and experience in the field of change management towards making the corporate environment more neuroinclusive.

About the SMC Webinars

The conversation doesn’t end at the Strategic Management Conference—it continues here.

These post-conference webinars are designed to help you take what you heard, pressure-test it in your real-world environment, and start putting it into practice. Led by our conference speakers, each session builds on the ideas, questions, and challenges explored at SMC, creating space to go deeper, ask new questions, and explore what it actually looks like to apply these concepts in your organization.

This isn’t about revisiting slides—it’s about moving from insight to action. Together with your peers, you’ll explore how these ideas show up in your day-to-day work, what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the complexity of making meaningful change.

Complimentary for SMC attendees and open to the broader HR community, these sessions are an opportunity to stay connected, continue learning, and keep the momentum going long after the conference ends. 

Event Details

• Date: July 7th, 2026
• Time:12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Location: Zoom
  
• Cost:
  • SMC 26 Attendees: Complimentary!
  • PHRMA Member & Non-SMC 26 Attendee: $99
  • Non-PHRMA Member & Non-SMC 26 Attendee: $149
    
• Includes: Access to the recorded session from SMC 26 as well as participation in this webinar. 
• Recertification Credits: 1 SHRM PDC and HRCI credit
• Refunds: We understand schedules change, but we do ask that you give us 48-hours notice.

Workplace Legal Update

Clear guidance on what’s changing—and how HR should respond.

HR Specialty Session

Workplace Legal Updates is an HR Specialty Session focused on helping HR professionals stay ahead of evolving employment laws and regulations. This session breaks down recent and upcoming legal changes, what they mean in practice, and how to apply them within your organization. Led by trusted legal and HR experts, discussions center on real-world implications, risk awareness, and practical steps that support compliance and confident decision-making in today’s workplace.

Session Overview: TBA

Learning Objectives: TBA 

About the Speaker: TBA

About HR Specialty Sessions

HR Specialty Sessions are designed for HR professionals who want to go deeper. These focused programs explore specific HR disciplines—such as DEI, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and more—through practical, experience-based learning. Led by local experts and practitioners, each session emphasizes real-world strategies, tools, and takeaways you can apply directly to your work.

HR Specialty Sessions are ideal for you if you:

• Want a deeper dive into a specific HR topic or function
• Are responsible for strategy, implementation, or decision-making in a specialty area
• Prefer focused learning over broad overviews
• Value learning from local experts who understand the realities of our region and workplaces

These sessions are valuable for mid-level through senior HR professionals, while remaining accessible to anyone ready to deepen their expertise.

 Event Details

• Date: July 22nd, 2026
• Time:12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Location: Zoom
  
• Cost:
  • PHRMA Members: Complimentary!
  • Non-Members: $50
• Refunds: We understand schedules change, but we do ask that you give us 48-hours notice.

Total Rewards: Building Value for Your Workforce

Compensation, benefits, and culture—designed to attract, retain, and motivate.

Total Rewards: Building Value for Your Workforce is an HR Specialty Session focused on how organizations design and deliver compensation, benefits, and rewards that truly resonate with employees. This session examines the full total rewards ecosystem—from pay structures and benefits to recognition, wellbeing, and employee experience—and how these elements work together to support recruitment, retention, and engagement. Led by local HR practitioners, discussions center on practical approaches, evolving workforce expectations, and strategies for aligning total rewards with organizational values and culture.

Session Overview: TBA

Learning Objectives: TBA

About the Speaker: TBA

About HR Specialty Sessions

HR Specialty Sessions are designed for HR professionals who want to go deeper. These focused programs explore specific HR disciplines—such as DEI, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and more—through practical, experience-based learning. Led by local experts and practitioners, each session emphasizes real-world strategies, tools, and takeaways you can apply directly to your work.

HR Specialty Sessions are ideal for you if you:

• Want a deeper dive into a specific HR topic or function
• Are responsible for strategy, implementation, or decision-making in a specialty area
• Prefer focused learning over broad overviews
• Value learning from local experts who understand the realities of our region and workplaces

These sessions are valuable for mid-level through senior HR professionals, while remaining accessible to anyone ready to deepen their expertise.

Event Details:

• Date: August 26th, 2026
• Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00pm
• Location: Zoom
• Cost:
  • PHRMA Members: Complimentary!
  • Non-Members: $50
• Recertification Credits:
  • SHRM PDCs: 1
  • HRCI Credits: 1 (pending until approved)

Thank You to Our Total Rewards & Programs Volunteers! 

Jeff Lucas, SHRM-SCP Employee Benefits Advisor Lucas Benefits Group PHRMA Volunteer	Tim DeWolf Employee Benefits Consultant Brown & Brown PHRMA Volunteer	Natalie Grebe HR Manager Elephants Delicatessen PHRMA Board Member	Nicole Feightner, SHRM-SCP, PHR HR Business Partner PacifiCorp PHRMA Board Member

SHRM Certification Study Group

Prepare for the HR challenges of tomorrow with a course designed to set you up for success today. If you’re ready to move your career forward, we’re here to help. Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential can help you enhance your HR expertise, empower positive change in your workplace, and increase your earning potential. Our SHRM Certification Prep+ course combines combines the renowned SHRM Certification Prep System with the personalized support of our SHRM-certified HR professionals to offer you a flexible, effective way to prepare. So what are you waiting for?

Prepare for Success with PHRMA’s Certification Study Group

We combine the renowned SHRM Certification Prep System with the personalized support of our SHRM-certified HR professionals to offer you a flexible, effective way to prepare. The SHRM Certification Prep System tailors your study plan to your unique experience, knowledge, and career goals, helping you master the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge® (SHRM BASK®) and build the confidence to pass your certification exam.

PHRMA’s comprehensive 13-week SHRM Certification Study Group will provide you with access to weekly, HR certified, local practitioners to guide you through interactive discussions, review sample test questions and test-taking tips (approximately 39 hours of remote instruction)! This study group, combined with your own individual study, will help prepare you to pass this exam and earn your credential!

• Guided Instruction from Local, Certified Experts – Learn from experienced, HR-certified professionals who provide weekly guidance through interactive discussions, sample test questions, and proven test-taking strategies.
• Interactive & Engaging Format – This immersive program combines live instruction (approximately 39 hours) with online modules, ensuring you stay engaged and on track. And a networking opportunity to meet your fellow test takers!
• *Proven Results – Over 95% of PHRMA’s SHRM Study Group participants pass their exam, making this one of the most successful preparation courses in the region.

*Pass rate is based on those who completed the group and sate for the exam: results vary based up on attendance and individual practice and preparation.

	Flexibility for Your Busy Life Live Sessions and Flexibility to Learn at Your Own Pace Whether balancing work, family, or other commitments, our study group is designed for your schedule. Participate in live sessions for real-time interaction and support, and access recorded materials and online modules to learn at your own pace.
	Affordable & Accessible More Value, Less Cost Unlike other study groups that charge extra for materials or exam fees, we include everything you need in one simple price. Our comprehensive package ensures you won’t face any surprise costs, and we offer competitive pricing for members. We also provide scholarships to assist when your employer cannot cover the cost, making our program more accessible for those facing financial barriers.
	Comprehensive Study Materials All-Inclusive Package Unlike other programs, our study group offers everything you need for success, all included in one price. Registration includes both online and print versions of the SHRM Certification Prep System, the official certification prep tool, now updated with questions from actual SHRM Certification exams. This interactive learning tool is specifically designed for adult learners and creates a personalized study path based on your knowledge, experience, and goals, helping you optimize your study time. With 39 hours of content delivered through live sessions, recorded materials and the SHRM Certification Prep System, you’ll master the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge® (SHRM BASK®), equipping you with the competencies and strategies necessary for effective HR practice. With PHRMA's *95% pass rate, included exam, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships with local HR professionals, we ensure you approach the SHRM Certification exams with confidence and set you up for long-term career success.
	1-on-1 Support Guidance to Help You Succeed Gain guidance from SHRM-certified instructors and connect with your peers to apply real-world HR knowledge and skills. This one-on-one support ensures you feel prepared and confident as you approach the exam.

Fall Course Dates

September 15th - December 8th

Tuesdays, 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Zoom

Why Certification Matters for Your Career

Did you know 92% of HR executives agree that it's important for HR professionals to be SHRM-certified in the future?*

Here's why earning your SHRM certification in 2026 is a career-defining move:

• Boost Your HR Expertise
  SHRM-certified HR professionals report stronger credibility among peers and senior leadership, enhancing their influence within the organization.
• Increase Your Earning Power
  Passing the SHRM certification exam can lead to earnings that are 14%-15% higher than those of non-certified HR peers.*
• Advance Your Career Opportunities
  71% of HR executives agree that SHRM certification increases the likelihood of obtaining a promotion in HR and list it as a preferred qualification.*

*Source: 2020-2021 Certification & Certification Preparation Resource Guide, SHRM

Study Group Preparation Tools Designed for Success

Registration also includes the online and print versions of the SHRM Certification Prep System—the official cert prep tool complete with 2,700+ practice questions, including questions previously used on actual SHRM Certification exams. Designed specifically for adult learners, this interactive online learning tool creates a personalized study path, based on your knowledge, experience and goals, to help you optimize your study time, learn the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge® (SHRM BASK®) and approach the SHRM Certification exams with confidence.

Steps to Become SHRM Certified

• Determine your eligibility
  Your know your background best, so it will be up to you to ensure you qualify for the exam you sign up to take.

• Prepare for the Certification Exam with guidance from PHRMA including HR practitioner content review one-on-one support and 39 hours of remote instruction. Choose the best option for you: 

• Option 1: PHRMA Study Group + SHRM Certification Prep System + SHRM Exam Voucher
  • PHRMA Members: $1,699
  • Non-PHRMA Members: $2,099 (Save $400 and join PHRMA today!) 
    ($2,620 value)! 
    

• Option 2: PHRMA Study Group + SHRM Certification Prep System
  • PHRMA Members: $1,299
  • Non-PHRMA Members: $1,899 (Save $400 and join PHRMA today!) 
  • If you choose option two, you will need to complete an extra step:
    • Apply for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam
    ($2,100 value)! 

• NOTE: Regular registration closes February 6, 2026 for the Spring group and September 4, 2026 for the Fall group. A rush fee of $100 will be added to registrations coming in after those dates for 2-day shipping of your SHRM Learning System. 

• For complete certification details, visit shrmcertification.org

Why Join PHRMA's SHRM Certification Study Group?

• PHRMA Study Group Participants Have a *95% SHRM Exam Pass Rate - Our proven track record sets you up for success.
• Other Study Groups in Our Area Don’t Include a Discounted Exam Voucher - Get more value with our all-inclusive pricing.
• Includes Your Own SHRM Certification Prep System (Books, Modules, Practice Exams, and Practice Questions - $1,600 Value) Everything you need to prepare, all in one package. SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP Certifications Are Built Upon the SHRM BASK® - The SHRM BASK® defines the standards for HR professionals worldwide, ensuring that your certification is relevant, rigorous, and globally recognized. SHRM brought together the best minds in HR to define 9 behavioral competencies and 14 functional areas every HR professional should know.
• Learn from the Experience of Current HR Practitioners - The SHRM exam is based on competencies across HR areas, and learning from seasoned professionals ensures you’re prepared for real-world scenarios.
• Network and Build Relationships with Fellow HR Professionals - Connect with peers and form small study groups to enhance your learning experience.
• Gain Valuable Test Tips from Those Who Have Recently Taken the SHRM Exams - Learn strategies and insights directly from recent exam takers to maximize your exam readiness.

Need Funding or Approval?

Pursuing your career goals can be particularly challenging right now. To help support you, here are a few ideas for funding your certification journey.

• Check with your employer to see if funding options, such as tuition reimbursement, are available.

• Approach Your Boss: Email template

• Approach your boss: Flyer 

• 5 Ways Your Organization Will Benefit from Your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP Certification: Flyer

Your journey toward SHRM certification can now be done 100% online.

Like many HR professionals worldwide, you’re likely adjusting to new routines, schedules and working situations to accommodate global health concerns. We understand how challenging that can be navigate and want to let you know we’re here to help. 

It’s more important than ever to take a step back and refocus on your personal well-being and goals. And if one of your goals includes continued HR advancement, our fully online courses can help you get there. You’ll get all the benefits of an in-person classroom experience with live instruction from a certified instructor, as well as interaction and discussions with fellow HR professionals, but in the comfort of your own home.

And once you’ve completed our course, you can continue your journey to SHRM certification by taking the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam at home, with SHRM’s live remote proctoring exam option.

Details

To join PHRMA and SHRM for the deepest discount, please do so here. Participants must also meet current exam eligibility requirements. Determination of exam eligibility is the responsibility of the participant. To ensure timely delivery of your SHRM Learning System before the first class, the deadline to register for the 2026 Spring Study Group is February 6th and September 4 for the 2026 Fall Study Group Participants who join after these dates for Group will be charged an additional $100 rush fee for 2-day shipping of your Learning System. PHRMA reserves the right to cancel the study group at any time if a minimum enrollment of 25 participants is not reached. A full refund will be issued to participants in the event of class cancellation. No refunds or postponements will be granted for the study group after February 6th for the Spring group or September 4th for the Fall group. To ensure the timely receipt of student materials early registration is recommended. PHRMA members are eligible for scholarships. More information is available here. 

Workplace Legal Update

Clear guidance on what’s changing—and how HR should respond.

HR Specialty Session

Workplace Legal Updates is an HR Specialty Session focused on helping HR professionals stay ahead of evolving employment laws and regulations. This session breaks down recent and upcoming legal changes, what they mean in practice, and how to apply them within your organization. Led by trusted legal and HR experts, discussions center on real-world implications, risk awareness, and practical steps that support compliance and confident decision-making in today’s workplace.

Session Overview: TBA

Learning Objectives: TBA 

About the Speaker: TBA

About HR Specialty Sessions

HR Specialty Sessions are designed for HR professionals who want to go deeper. These focused programs explore specific HR disciplines—such as DEI, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and more—through practical, experience-based learning. Led by local experts and practitioners, each session emphasizes real-world strategies, tools, and takeaways you can apply directly to your work.

HR Specialty Sessions are ideal for you if you:

• Want a deeper dive into a specific HR topic or function
• Are responsible for strategy, implementation, or decision-making in a specialty area
• Prefer focused learning over broad overviews
• Value learning from local experts who understand the realities of our region and workplaces

These sessions are valuable for mid-level through senior HR professionals, while remaining accessible to anyone ready to deepen their expertise.

 Event Details

• Date: September 30th, 2026
• Time:12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Location: Zoom
  
• Cost:
  • PHRMA Members: Complimentary!
  • Non-Members: $50
• Refunds: We understand schedules change, but we do ask that you give us 48-hours notice.

Employee Relations: Balancing People and Policy 

Navigate workplace challenges with confidence, consistency, and care.

Employee Relations: Balancing People and Policy is an HR Specialty Session focused on navigating complex workplace issues with clarity, consistency, and care. This session explores how HR professionals can address employee concerns, manage conflict, and uphold policies while maintaining trust, fairness, and strong working relationships.

Led by experienced HR practitioners, discussions center on real-world scenarios—performance concerns, investigations, discipline, accommodations, and difficult conversations—along with practical approaches that support both compliance and culture. Participants will share challenges, explore best practices, and strengthen their confidence in handling employee relations matters thoughtfully and effectively.

Session Title: TBA

Learning Objectives: TBA

About the Speaker: TBA

About HR Specialty Sessions

HR Specialty Sessions are designed for HR professionals who want to go deeper. These focused programs explore specific HR disciplines—such as DEI, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and more—through practical, experience-based learning. Led by local experts and practitioners, each session emphasizes real-world strategies, tools, and takeaways you can apply directly to your work.

HR Specialty Sessions are ideal for you if you:

• Want a deeper dive into a specific HR topic or function
• Are responsible for strategy, implementation, or decision-making in a specialty area
• Prefer focused learning over broad overviews
• Value learning from local experts who understand the realities of our region and workplaces

These sessions are valuable for mid-level through senior HR professionals, while remaining accessible to anyone ready to deepen their expertise.

Event Details

• Date: October 28th, 2026
• Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Location: Zoom
  
• Cost:
  • PHRMA Members: Complimentary!
  • Non-Members: $50
• Recertification Credit: 1 SHRM PDC & 1 HRCI Credit: Approved
• Refunds: We understand schedules change, but we do ask that you give us 48-hours notice.

Thank you to our Employee Relations Volunteer & Programs Board Members! 

Bruce Garrett Attorney Dunn Carney LLP PHRMA Volunteer	Natalie Grebe HR Manager Elephants Delicatessen PHRMA Board Member	Nicole Feightner, SHRM-SCP, PHR HR Business Partner PacifiCorp PHRMA Board Member

Leadership Development: Cultivating Growth & Leadership 

Support leaders at every stage—and help them grow with intention.

Leadership Development: Cultivating Growth & Leadership is an HR Specialty Session focused on strengthening leadership capability across the organization. This session explores how HR can support leaders at all levels—from emerging managers to experienced leaders—by developing skills that drive trust, accountability, communication, and growth. Led by local HR practitioners and leadership experts, discussions focus on real challenges, practical approaches, and sustainable strategies that help leaders grow alongside their teams and organizations.

Session Overview: TBA
Learning Objectives: TBA
About the Speaker: TBA

Event Details

• Date: December 9th, 2026
• Time:12pm - 1pm
• Location: Zoom
  
• Cost:
  • PHRMA Members: Complimentary!
  • Non-Members: $50
• Recertification Credits:1 SHRM PDC & 1 HRCI Credit: Approved

Thank You to Our Leadership Development Volunteers and Our Program Board Members! 

Linda Addy Training + Development Consultant HR Annie Consulting, Inc PHRMA Volunteer	Natalie Grebe HR Manager Elephants Delicatessen PHRMA Board Member	Nicole Feightner, SHRM-SCP, PHR HR Business Partner PacifiCorp PHRMA Board Member