2025 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
HUMAN RESOURCES
Building a Strong Culture & Engaging Workers
John Hogan, On the Floor Consulting
Africa 60, 9:30-10:30AM
In this session, John Hogan, Founder of On the Floor Consulting, LLC, introduces the North Star Operating Model — a practical framework for aligning people, processes, and goals. Attendees will learn how to engage employees in identifying risks, issues, and opportunities, and how to turn those insights into an actionable operating plan. The session will highlight why culture and engagement must be intentional priorities, how to measure them, and the pivotal role managers play in driving team performance. You’ll walk away with practical tools to strengthen culture, boost engagement, and build a more successful organization.
Workforce 2026: Trends, Challenges & Actionable Insights
Jason Loewi & Kyle Fetters, The QTI Group
Africa 60, 10:45-11:45AM
For over 15 years, QTI has surveyed businesses and organizations across Wisconsin to create a unique, localized picture of Wisconsin’s evolving HR landscape. QTI’s 2026 HR Trends Survey covers topics such as talent attraction, total rewards, the future of work, AI, and more. During this presentation, The QTI Group will reveal key survey results, including the top three HR challenges for 2026, and provide actionable solutions to help businesses adapt and make informed decisions in the evolving world of work.
Next Year’s Biggest Changes in State & Federal HR Law
Jason Hubenschmidt, Baker Tilly
Africa 60, 1:30-2:30PM
HR laws are constantly changing year to year, and it is critical that HR professionals are up to date on the latest regulations. This session will provide updates on the biggest changes at both the state and federal levels impacting the food manufacturing industry. Coming in 2026, Illinois has new reporting requirements to ensure pay equity. Minnesota will launch its Paid Family and Medical Leave program, while also requiring paid meal and break times for some employees. And the “One Big Beautiful Bill” changed how overtime pay is taxed, and it created so-called “Trump Accounts” that employers can contribute funds to for employees’ children. All of these changes and more will be covered in this in-depth presentation.
Panel Discussion: HR Best Practices
Aimee Jo Schilling, Seneca Foods
Melissa MacTaggart, Ocean Spray
Becky Sabelko, Bush Brothers & Company
Africa 60, 2:45-3:45PM
This breakout session will feature some of the hottest topics in Human Resources being discussed by industry leaders from MWFPA member companies. The panel will highlight some of the best practices they have enacted in recent years, while delving into other topics including workforce retention, building a strong company culture, the use of technology to improve HR management and more. From staying up to date on regulatory requirements to helping employees be their best, HR leaders are on the front lines at their respective companies. This session is sure to be informative for anyone in an HR role.