2026 Workplace Law Forum

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Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 • 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Legal Issues Affecting Business Leaders and Human Resource Professionals

LOCATION

Bayfront Convention Center - Grand Ballroom

COST

$35 until September 8, 2026 - EXTENDED!
$50 after September 8, 2026
Refunds issued until Thursday September 17, 2026

CONTINUING EDUCATION

This program offers 4.0 hours of general HR-related continuing education through the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), 4.0 General HR credits through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), and 4.0 PA CLE credit hours. Codes will be provided at the event.

AGENDA

11:00am Registration

11:30am Buffet Lunch Sponsored by ECCA Payroll+

11:55am Welcome

12:00pm Keynote: Erie County Human Relations Commission
Learn about the mission and role of the Commission.

12:45pm SESSION 1: Employment Law Updates: AI, EEOC Guidance, Mental Health, and More
Matthew W. Lasher, Esq.
Learn how the following is affecting the workplace: AI; recent changes in EEOC guidance and enforcement; accommodating individuals with mental health conditions; and tips on terminating employees.

1:30pm BREAK

1:45pm SESSION 2: Handle with Care: Navigating Workers' Compensation Claims
Robert D. Zaruta, Esq.
Learn about the litigation process & the employer's role, the different types of workers' comp petitions, considerations for modified duty positions, and the interplay between workers' comp and other employment laws such as ADA.

2:30pm SESSION 3: Employer’s Guide to Leave Law Compliance and Litigation Prevention: Best Practices Under USERRA, FMLA, and More
Julia M. Herzing, Esq. and J. Patrick Denton, Esq.
Learn about the complex landscape of employee leave laws, including practical guidance for maintaining compliance while minimizing litigation risk. Topics include: USERRA, FMLA, and other commonly applicable federal and state leave laws.

3:15pm BREAK

3:30pm Labor & Employment Law Trivia: Fact or Fiction
Test your knowledge in this fast-paced session.

4:00pm Decades of Change: The Workplace, the Law, and the People
Stella LaPaglia, retired HR professional and Mark T. Wassell, Esq., labor & employment attorney

4:30pm Cocktails & Appetizers

What People Are Saying

"The materials presented were very valuable to my position and presented in an easy-to-understand manner." - 2025 attendee

"I look forward to this seminar every year. I always learn something new." - 2025 attendee

"I appreciate the event & the knowledge of the speakers. Thank you for providing this learning opportunity for the community!" - 2025 attendee

"Truly this is one of the best training opportunities I attend annually. Timely information, great presenters, and wonderful accommodations. Doesn't get any better." - 2025 attendee  

Wonderful event. Thank you for an insightful opportunity to learn and network." - 2024 attendee

"This was a wonderful event with highly relevant topics. I look forward to next year's event." - 2024 attendee

"I would have to say that this was one of the BEST forums I have attended. Well thought out and planned. Excellent job!" - 2023 attendee

"The material is excellent and presented in terms I can understand." - 2023 attendee

"It was just perfect." - 2023 attendee

"This Workplace Law Forum is truly the best in Erie. I learn so much after attending the forum - every single time I attend. I appreciate the hard work and thoughtful information presented, as well as the excellent speakers that do the presentations." - 2023 attendee

"Thank you for everything! Appreciate all of the knowledge, hospitality and support that you provide for area HR leaders and companies." - 2023 attendee

"I truly enjoyed the day. We came away with a lot of great ideas to improve/protect our institution." - 2023 attendee

"I truly enjoy this Workplace Law Forum. Probably my favorite one of the year. All of the topics are relevant, the speakers are very well informed and present the information in an easy way to understand." - 2023 attendee

"Thank you for hosting this event. I found it extremely beneficial, and I enjoyed listening to and meeting local HR personnel." - 2023 attendee

"We were floored by how much information there was, and how much we didn't know. It opened our eyes to see the challenges management has." - 2023 attendee

"Very good topics and very well presented - speakers are excellent!" - 2021 attendee

"Topics that are practical and relevant to our business operations." - 2021 attendee

"For the time allowed, the forum was detail packed. Very informative and a nice review on other topics." - 2021 attendee