Name: Breezing Through Compliance Challenges
Start: 2025-06-04T15:30:00-07:00
End: 2025-06-06T12:00:00-07:00
Location: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

The conference provides opportunities to exchange information and ideas and learn important aspects of employment law and practice.
About this Event

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4

3:00pm – 5:30pm Early registration opens

Pre-Conference Activity:

3:30-4:30pm Bonus workshop with Carol Marzouk

Transforming Toxic Behavior - Known as “The Executive Lion Tamer,” Carol offers tested techniques to tame situations and behavior to create a more joyful and productive workplace and help you implement the time-tested sustainable tools that bring more clarity, communication, and effectiveness to your days.

4:30-5:00pm – Book signing with Carol Marzouk – National bestseller “Taming Corporate Beasts.”

5:30pm - 7:30 pm Welcome Reception

Join us for a special evening reception sponsored by AALRR to kick off our 2025 Conference. Connect with other like-minded individuals in this welcoming and inspiring setting. AALRR is excited to host you for this memorable evening as we set the stage for an extraordinary conference ahead!

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

7:00am – Registration opens

7:30-8:15 am – Buffet breakfast and Vendor opportunities

8:15 – 9:15 am - Welcome introduction by Tisha Synder, CEAC President

General Session – Breaking Waves: Employment Law Update (William Betley, Partner AALRR)

California employers are constantly adjusting their policies and procedures as new laws are enacted. This session will discuss new laws and regulations, recent notable court decisions, and tips to mitigate employer risk.

9:15 - 9:30am - Break & Vendor opportunities

9:30 - 11:00 am (Workshop Session #1)

 Session 1 Ripple or Current: Social Media in the Workplace (Glen Williams, Of Counsel AALRR)

Social media has become an integral part of employees’ personal and professional lives. This presentation will address social media usage that affects the workplace, with a focus on privacy, harassment, discrimination, employee comments, NLRB compliance, and responsible usage.

 Session 2 Neuroscience of Workplace Performance & Engagement - Dr. Austin, CEO & Founder of Management Cues

11:00 – 11:30am Break & Vendor opportunities

11:30 – 1:15pm –Veterans Employer of the Year Awards Luncheon/Recognition

1:15-2:45pm – (Workshop Session #2)

 Session 1 - When the Tide Goes Out: Administering Leaves in the Workplace (Ann Smith, Partner AALRR)

Leave obligations continue to expand for California employers. This presentation will review the different types of leaves, the various California and federal laws that govern them, and best practices employers can leverage to stay compliant.

 Session 2 - Group Benefit Programs: DOL Preparedness for Employers (Michelle Cammayo, CEBS, RHU Compliance National Practice Leader/Employee Benefits IMA Financial Group

2:45 – 3:00pm 11:00 – 11:30am Break & Vendor opportunities

3:00 – 4:30 pm (Workshop #3)

 Session 1 – Wave Hopping and Wipeouts: Managing Across Generations (Susan Steward, Partner AALRR)

With individuals enjoying longer careers, multiple generations often encompass the workforce. Each segment offers both rewards and challenges. From mindsets to communication styles managing the workforce can be challenging. Learn to bridge the gaps between generations and honor the strengths that each brings to the workplace so that managers and employees of all ages can flourish. Understanding the differences and maximizing each generation’s strengths will benefit both the organization and its workers.

 Session 2 The AI Tsunami is Approaching (Paul Fleck, Partner AALRR)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is arguably the wave of the future, and it seems to be creating as many questions for employers as it answers. This presentation will the address risk to employers and areas of consideration when developing company policies.

4:30-5:00pm Final Vendor Opportunities

5:00-6:00pm - Free time

6:00-8:00pm – Dinner, Awards & Raffle

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

7:30am -8:15am - Buffet breakfast

8:30am – 9:15am - Regional breakout sessions

9:15am - 9:30am - Break

9:30am – 12:00pm - General CEAC Board meeting

12:00pm – Conference Concludes

About the Speakers

Glen Williams

Glen Williams, Of Counsel with Atkinson, Adelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, has counseled and represented business management in all manner of employment matters including investigations and litigation of claims of discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination, as well as wage and hour matters and labor union relations. His broad range of legal experience ranges from representing corporate entities and individuals in labor, employment, personal injury, and construction defect matters to defending public entities and public officials in civil rights and employment matters. Mr. Williams has successfully represented clients in a wide variety of legal matters from back-pay disputes before the Labor Commissioner or single-plaintiff discrimination claims, to labor board hearings on election objections and multi-million dollar wage and hour class actions in state and federal courts.

William Betley

William Betley, Partner with Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo represents employers in all areas of employment law, including unlawful harassment, discrimination, employee classification, wage and hour, class action, and PAGA matters. He provides his clients full service representation from advice and counsel through trial focusing on an aggressive yet practical approach to risk management and conflict resolution. Mr. Betley is a former President of the California Employers Advisory Council (CEAC) and was recently elected to serve as that organization’s Vice President. He is also the Chairperson of the Inland Valley Employers Advisory Council and acts as the CEAC’s Regional Vice President in the Inland Empire.

Carol Marzouk

Carol Marzouk is the bilingual behavioral strategist and corporate relationship coach who has come to be known as "Therapy for Corporate". An expert on employee engagement, she is committed to developing and inspiring leaders and their teams from various backgrounds who want to improve employee engagement, teamwork, and communication to impact the top and bottom line. She is known for her engaging and enthusiastic style, along with her practical, real-world, and customized approach. Carol received her college degree from UCLA along with an abundant number of certifications from various institutes like DePaul University, and Alan Cohen Group.

Paul Fleck

Mr. Fleck is the former Chair of AALRR's Private Labor and Employment Practice Group, covering nine offices throughout California.

As a trusted advisor, Paul Fleck works closely with his business clients navigating the complexities of federal, state, and local employment and labor laws. Representing management exclusively in all aspects of employment litigation, including defending claims for wage and hour violations, wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, and leave of absence violations, he assists employers in successfully operating their businesses in California. While providing zealous representation in litigation, Mr. Fleck strives to avoid drawn-out legal proceedings when possible. He regularly represents employers in California and federal courts and in matters brought by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the California Civil Rights Department, and California’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.

Mr. Fleck’s hands-on experience working in human resources at both Fortune 500 and small California businesses prior to his legal career provides him with the unique opportunity to impart practical advice on complex human resources and employee relations issues.

Mr. Fleck regularly conducts continuing education programs for attorneys and training programs for managers, supervisors, and human resources professionals throughout California and across the country on all issues related to labor and employment. He is the chair of AALRR’s Employment Law Conference, which hosts over 1,000 attendees annually.

Ann Smith

Ann Smith is an experienced litigator who represents management in all aspects of employment litigation, including defending claims for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation and leave of absence violations. Ms. Smith handles numerous matters in state and federal courts and before various administrative agencies, including the U.S. Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Civil Rights Department and the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement.

Ms. Smith counsels clients on a variety of employment issues, including employee discipline, wage and hour compliance and adherence to federal and state family and medical leave laws. She frequently drafts employment agreements, personnel policies and compensation plans. Ms. Smith is the Chair of AALRR’s Disability Leave Committee, which meets regularly to discuss disability leave issues, including new cases and pending legislation.

Ms. Smith volunteers in the community working with youth. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Cerritos Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of the Women Leadership Committee of the Brea Chamber of Commerce. She frequently speaks on all aspects of employment law to human resource professionals, managers and community members.

Susan Steward

Susan Steward provides expert representation to every client she serves, both as counsel and in the courtroom. Ms. Steward has worked closely with for-profit and nonprofit companies, governmental entities, trade associations, and many other organizations on legal matters including defending against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Ms. Steward also handles class action claims and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) matters and is well-versed on the full range of employment law matters pertinent to the entities she serves.

Ms. Steward has litigated significant victories for her clients—and has successfully reached out-of-court resolutions at the early stages of litigation in numerous cases. Appearing in front of both state and federal courts, Ms. Steward litigates single and multi-plaintiff actions. She also represents clients in administrative agency actions and conducts large-scale workplace investigations.

Ms. Steward brings her employment law expertise to a wide range of industries, from the manufacturing sector to the service industry. Additionally, Ms. Steward works with staffing companies, including local, regional, and national organizations specializing in direct hire, temp-to-hire, commercial staffing, and executive searches. She frequently drafts staffing services agreements and provides customized training in addition to advice and counsel on all matters related to client needs, from the routine to the highly complex.

Ms. Steward’s legal practice is greatly enhanced by her prior experience in management, serving as a Regional Director of Operations and in Human Resources in the healthcare industry. This experience, coupled with Ms. Steward’s MBA, allows her to give employers nuanced and practical advice and counsel. Her background gives her a strong foundation for her legal insights—and her clients see the difference.

Michelle Cammayo

Michelle Cammayo has over 20 years of Employee Benefits experience specializing in all lines of health and welfare benefits. Today, Michelle works closely with clients and partners to provide guidance in areas of the law including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA and PPACA. She is also the IMA National Practice Leader for Compliance and endeavors to ensure IMA helps its clients manage and eliminate risk is the most effective manner. She is passionate about educating others and her passion for this shined in the Covid era where Michelle conducted weekly and then monthly webinars providing guidance to employers. Her podcast, Cammayo’s Compliance Talk, has gained popularity in the last three years to become a favorite amongst IMA clients. She also contributes regularly to the IMA blog and has authored several articles for industry-related newsletters. Michelle’s consultative approach with employers provides practical advice as employers endeavor to be complaint.

Dr. Austin

Dr. Austin resides and operates as a dynamic management and operations specialist based in Fullerton, California. Her expertise spans management science, training, development, and the integration of neuroscience principles. As CEO & Founder of Management Cues, LLC, Dr. Austin has collaborated nationwide, impacting organizations such as Babcock Laboratories, B-K Lighting, and ClearFreight. Her focus centers on elevating management and leadership effectiveness through a neuroscience-backed framework. With decades devoted to the workforce, Dr. Austin passionately champions workforce equity and the development of cultural competency among managers and leaders, skillfully executed through her expert strategic approach. When not immersed in her professional endeavors, Dr. Austin treasures time with her family—her husband, two teenage boys, and German Shepherd, Sally—whether hiking trails or cheering enthusiastically at basketball games.

Additional Information

HRCI CREDIT: This seminar is pre-approved for 5.0 HR (General) re-certification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and CPHR through the HR Certification Institute. The Activity number for your HRCI credit is provided after you attend this seminar.

SHRM CREDIT: This seminar is pre-approved for 5.0 Professional Development Credits.The Activity number for your PDC credit is provided after you attend this seminar.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION: A certificate of completion with the Activity #s is provided, by request only, after you attend at least 4 workshops on 6/5/2025

Payment by check is accepted also . Mail (to be received by June 2, 2025) payment (payable to: CEAC), along with your name, company, contact information & names of people your check is paying for to attend. Mail to:

California Employer Advisory Council - PO Box 5080, Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Reservations and Payment MUST be received by June 2, 2025.

The CEAC welcomes sponsorships for this event. Sponsors will be recognized at the Conference.

EACs may wish to participate in the CEAC Sponsorship Program and can make a donation to the CEAC at various sponsorship levels (see below). Sponsorships assist the CEAC financially and depending on the sponsorship level, EACs can receive up to four conference registrations for the annual conference.

Payment: Mail check along with your name/company/EAC to: CEAC, PO Box 5080, Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Sponsorship Level Amounts

Diamond – $4,500