Make your voice heard and help shape the future of work in Illinois by joining Illinois SHRM in Springfield on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, for Illinois SHRM's 2026 Advocacy Day. This engaging half-day event brings together HR professionals from across the state to connect directly with lawmakers, gain insights into key workforce and employment issues, and advocate for policies that support workers and workplaces throughout Illinois.

Why Attend:

• Engage Directly with Lawmakers: Meet with Illinois legislators and their staff to share HR perspectives on workplace issues that matter.
• Stay Informed: Learn about legislative developments impacting employers, employees, and HR professionals across Illinois.
• Connect with Peers: Network with HR leaders from across the state and exchange ideas and best practices.
• Strengthen Advocacy Skills: Build the tools and confidence needed to effectively advocate for workplace policies that support your organization and workforce.

Your Advocacy Experience

To ensure your time in Springfield is meaningful and impactful, we will be asking you during the registration process about which workplace policy issues matter most to you and which topic areas you would like to engage in during the advocacy day. Based on your selections, attendees will be organized into small advocacy teams and will participate in up to three meetings with Illinois policymakers and staff focused on those issue areas.

This year’s policy focus areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Exploring responsible, practical approaches to AI that support innovation while protecting workers and workplaces.
• Strengthening the Education-to-Employment Pipeline: Advancing policies that better align education, training, and workforce needs.
• Supporting Untapped Talent: Expanding pathways to employment for underrepresented and overlooked talent pools.

This structure ensures HR professionals are equipped to share real-world insights and engage in focused, productive conversations with policymakers on the issues shaping Illinois’ workforce.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT
• Location: Illinois State Capitol Building, 401 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL
• Cost: $20 per person
• Meals: Continental breakfast and hot lunch provided
• SHRM Recertification: 3.0 SHRM recertification hours available

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to actively engage in the legislative process and champion policies that support HR professionals and their workplaces. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Register