RI SHRM upcoming events

“Kick-off to Summer” Social (28 May 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join RI SHRM as we kick off summer with one of our favorite traditions, our annual Kick-off to Summer Social.

This event is a highlight of our networking series for a reason. It offers a chance to step away from the day-to-day, connect with peers who understand the work you do, and spend time with the people who make up our community. That includes members, volunteer leaders, board members, and those exploring what it means to be part of RI SHRM.

This year, we are bringing in a relaxed Hawaiian theme. Nothing over the top, just a fun and easygoing summer feel. We will have a barbecue food truck and a poke food truck on site, along with plenty of space to gather and connect.

A very special thank you to our friends at the Hilb Group of New England for hosting this fun event on their gorgeous stone terrace overlooking Chapel View.

Whether you are a familiar face or joining us for the first time, this is a great opportunity to build relationships, meet others in the HR community, and enjoy a summer evening together.

EVENT DETAILS

Time: 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Location: 2000 Chapel View Blvd, Suite 240, Cranston, RI 02920
Style: Cocktail Social Networking Event

TICKETS

Member (includes food and 1 drink ticket) $25
Member add a guest (includes food and 1 drink ticket for them) for an additional $30
Non-Member (includes food and 1 drink ticket) $40

FOOD AND DRINK

Your ticket includes a cocktail-style food item, and a cash bar will be open for beer, wine, and cocktails.

Come as you are, bring a colleague if you would like, and plan to stay a while. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Thank you to our hosting sponsor!

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING?

A limited number of vendor tables are available. Please email Colbie DellaGrotta-Taylor at ri.shrmsponsorship@gmail.com.

Employee Handbook Best Practices and Pitfalls (9 Jun 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

An employee handbook is more than a collection of workplace policies — it is one of the most important communication tools an organization has to establish expectations, reinforce culture, support compliance, and create consistency across the employee experience. Yet many organizations struggle to keep their handbooks current, compliant, and aligned with evolving workplace practices and employment laws.

Join Mark Adams, Director of Compliance with EANE, for an informative and practical Lunch & Learn designed for HR professionals, people managers, and organizational leaders navigating today’s increasingly complex workplace environment. During this session, Mark will share best practices for developing and maintaining effective employee handbooks, common pitfalls that can expose organizations to unnecessary risk, and strategies to ensure policies are clearly communicated and consistently applied.

This session will provide valuable insights for members of the RI SHRM community who are responsible for supporting compliance, strengthening organizational communication, and building workplaces rooted in clarity, accountability, and consistency. Whether you are reviewing an existing handbook or developing one for the first time, attendees will walk away with practical guidance they can immediately apply within their organizations.

Learning Objectives

The key policies and essential components every employee handbook should address to support compliance and workplace clarity.
Best practices for organizing and structuring employee handbooks to improve accessibility, consistency, and employee understanding.
The importance of policy alignment and how inconsistencies between policies, practices, and workplace culture can create operational and legal challenges.

This program has been submitted for HRCI and SHRM credits.

Thank you to our hosting sponsor!

OUR SPEAKER:

Mark Adams, Director of Compliance

Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE)

Mark leads EANE’s HR compliance operations, providing services to member companies and directing programs for affirmative action, background checking, and data surveys. A frequent writer and speaker throughout the region, Mark guides management-level and C-suite professionals on topical issues ranging from drug testing to FMLA to employee vs. independent contractor laws.

He is the primary editor and author of EANE’s e-alerts, keeping members in-the-know about pending legal and regulatory developments critical to the workplace. Mark is a graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and the Western New England College School of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 1992.

Keep the conversation going, join us at our upcoming programs.

RI SHRM PROGRAMS

Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Contact Colbie DellaGrotta-Taylor at ri.shrmsponsorship@gmail.com.

Employment Law Summit (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Presented in partnership with the Employers Association of the Northeast (EANE)

The Employment Law Summit is RI SHRM’s premier annual event for HR professionals, business leaders, and employers who want to stay ahead in today’s evolving legal landscape. This full-day experience delivers timely updates on federal and state employment laws, actionable compliance strategies, and practical guidance to help you protect your organization while supporting its continued growth.

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of current, new, and emerging legislation, equipping them to navigate complex workplace challenges with greater confidence and clarity. The summit also creates meaningful opportunities to connect with peers and engage directly with some of the region’s leading legal and HR experts.

What to Expect:

Federal & State Legislative Updates: Stay informed on the latest developments impacting your workplace and what they mean for your organization.
Expert-Led Sessions: Hear from trusted legal and HR professionals who bring real-world insight and practical strategies for managing risk and maintaining compliance.
Interactive Q&A: Get answers to your most pressing questions and walk away with guidance you can apply immediately.
Networking Opportunities: Build connections with fellow professionals and expand your network within the HR and business community.

Program Highlight

HR Is Tough: The Top Issues for HR Pros in 2026

HR leaders are being asked to do more than ever, often while navigating competing priorities and increasing complexity. From advising the C-suite and managing employee relations to responding to legal changes and the impact of social and political dynamics in the workplace, the role continues to evolve in real time.

In this dynamic and candid conversation, attorneys Rachel Reingold Mandel (Associate General Counsel, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) and Fran DeLuca (Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins) will break down the most pressing challenges facing HR professionals in 2026. This session will go beyond legal updates to explore practical, real-world strategies for decision-making, risk mitigation, and leadership in today’s environment.

Expect thoughtful insights, honest dialogue, and actionable takeaways you can immediately bring back to your organization. This is a featured session you won’t want to miss.

Who Should Attend:

Whether you’re an experienced HR professional or a business owner managing workplace compliance, this summit will provide the insights you need to stay informed, stay compliant, and stay ahead.

Employers who purchase a table receive a discounted rate. For details, contact Moses Fortes at programs.rishrm@gmail.com.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Thursday, November 12th

Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location:

Crowne Plaza
801 Greenwich Ave
Warwick, RI 02886

Cost:

Early Bird: $219
May 19 - July 3, 2026
Regular: $269
July 4 - Oct 20, 2025
Late Registration: $299
Oct 21 - Nov 9, 2025

A Growing Lineup of Industry Experts

Our speaker lineup continues to expand, with more respected legal and HR leaders joining the agenda. Check back soon for additional announcements and session details.

Mark Adams, Director of Compliance

Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE)

Rachel Reingold Mandel, Associate General Counsel
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Employers look to Fran to represent them in labor and employment disputes. He has litigated single-plaintiff discrimination and retaliation suits, wage-and-hour class and collective matters, high-stakes whistleblower cases, and unfair competition actions. He has represented clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other state and federal agencies. Regardless of the type of matter, Fran strives to develop creative strategies that mitigate risk and account for the client’s business objectives.

In addition to his litigation practice, Fran is a trusted advisor to employers across industries. He works with them to develop and update handbooks, policies, and agreements; respond to and investigate internal complaints; manage leaves of absence and accommodation requests; handle sensitive terminations; protect confidential information and trade secrets; and train their workforce on a variety of issues.

Rachel Reingold Mandel, Associate General Counsel
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Rachel is Associate General Counsel, Litigation and Employment, at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Before going in-house at Dana-Farber, Rachel was in law firm practice as an employment litigator and advisor for nearly 20 years. She helps balance innovation and compliance, including through the growing use of AI tools in various aspects of employment relationships. As a law firm lawyer and now in her in-house role, Rachel utilizes her extensive experience litigating and working with a broad range of clients to provide practical guidance that is mindful of her clients’ innovation goals and compliance obligations

Sponsorship Opportunities

Annual and Event Sponsorship Opportunities are Available.

Contact Colbie Della Grotta-Taylor at rishrmsponsorship@gmail.com.