The following is a summation of our Q&A session with Houston.

PHRM: Health Psychologist, Author and Stanford University Lecturer Kelly McGonigal is featured at the event. Can you speak a little bit about why she was chosen?

Houston: We thought Kelly would be a good leadership speaker. Research has revealed the most effective leaders have a high degree of emotional intelligence (EQ). One of the first steps to improving EQ is to relieve stress. Kelly’s insights based on her TED talk, How to make stress your friend, and her book, 'The Upside of Stress,' ought to help attendees make better decisions by managing stress interference in their work life.

PHRM: Some aspects of the conference are accessible to non-attendees. Can you speak to those capabilities?

Houston: We are thrilled to have a number of Bloggers and media, such as Sabrina Baker (@SabrinaLBaker) of Acacia HR Solutions and Stephanie Hammerwold (@HRHammer) of HR Hammer and Blogging4jobs onsite at the conference to keep HR professionals connected to the hot topics covered at the California HR Conference. Those wanting to stay connected can follow the conversation via #CAHR15. Following the conference, those who were unable to attend can also purchase our Conference on Demand.

PHRM: What kinds of information will be available to attendees (or non-attendees) after the conference concludes?

Houston: Conference on demand [is available] for non-attendees at $149. For attendees, conference on demand was provided at no additional cost to all 3-day participants. All attendees have access to handouts via the mobile app.  

PHRM: The Young Professionals at the California Conference program is intriguing. Is this an effort by PIHRA and/or SHRM to attract more young professional attendees by designing events uniquely for them?

Houston: We believe that young professionals are the lifeblood of the HR profession and our organization. We seek to create opportunities for them to engage with their HR peers as well as build relationships with seasoned professionals who can help them navigate their careers. That said, we do consider ourselves to be a full life-cycle organization and endeavor to reach audiences in various stages of their careers by providing them with the information, training and unique relationship-building opportunities they feel are most relevant to their success.

PHRM: What does PIHRA see as some emerging trends and “hot topics” for the HR community as 2015 heads into the home stretch, and for the new year in 2016?

Houston: Hot topics include the increases to minimum wages and the increases in paid leave. “What’s Trending in California Employment Law” is one of our most popular [conference] sessions. Also: expanded leave policies, minimum wage increases (e.g., Los Angeles) and talent management/acquisition (if the economy continues to improve).