FAQ
Mission: HR 2017
“Do. Or Do Not. There Is No Try.”
CONFERENCE DATES AND TIMES
8:30am-5pm
THURSDAY, MAR 2
8:30am-5pm
FRIDAY, MAR 3
\\ WHAT IS NCCIPMA-HR?
The Northern California Chapter of the International Public Management Association - Human Resources (NCCIPMA‐HR) maintains a network of approximately 1,800 public sector HR practitioners from all human resources disciplines, including recruitment, classification and compensation, employee benefits, labor relations, risk/safety, workers’ compensation, training, and equal employment opportunities. It is the most ideal organization to connect with HR professionals at all levels. NCCIPMA‐HR focuses on the professional development of public sector HR practitioners at all levels, for specialists in every HR function and for the HR generalist. Services are provided through local workshops and seminars; the Chapter web site at www.nccipma.org; Professional Development Workshops (PDW); and the Chapter’s flagship Annual Conference.
\\ WHERE IS THE 2017 CONFERENCE HELD?
The 2017 NCCIPMA-HR Annual Chapter Conference will be held at the Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa in Santa Rosa, California.
\\ WHEN ARE THE CONFERENCE SESSIONS HELD?
The Conference will take place between March 2 and 3, 2017. The pre-conference workshop, titled, "Labor Relations Boot Camp - Negotiations," will be held on March 2 (Thursday), followed by the President's Reception and Buffet Dinner on the evening of March 2 (Thursday). The Conference sessions and exhibition will be held on March 3 (Friday).
\\ WHAT IS THE PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP?
The Pre-Conference workshop is titled, "Labor Relations Boot Camp - Negotiations," and features 10 exciting topics in the world of public sector labor negotiations. Attendees will have the option to participate in one of two concurrent tracks: the Fundamental Module for HR generalists and those assisting as a bargaining team member, and the Advanced Module for current labor relations (LR) practitioners, HR Directors, Managers, and other experienced negotiators. In addition, join renowned actuary John Bartel for an in-depth luncheon discussion on pension & OPEB obligations, and then break into small groups with your peers (cities/counties/special districts, education (school districts), and public safety) for a facilitated discussion on the latest bargaining trends and issues, followed by a plenary session featuring two experienced negotiators, Nancy Watson and Joseph Wiley, who will provide their unique perspectives as union and management negotiators. NCCIPMA-HR is proud to partner with the Public Employer Labor Relations Association of California (PELRAC) to deliver this exciting program for the first time in the Chapter's history.
\\ MUST I ATTEND BOTH DAYS?
No. Although the "All Inclusive" rate offers the best value for those attending both days of the Conference, you may purchase a day pass for either the pre-conference workshop (on March 2, 2017) or the Conference and Exhibitions (on March 3, 2017).
\\ I AM A FIRST TIME ATTENDEE, WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
We can sum it up in one word: "FUN". Lots and lots of fun! The NCCIPMA-HR Conference offers a relaxed learning atmosphere for public sector human resources professionals, with a focus to promote professional growth and networking. Our repeat attendees have come to expect our tradition of hospitality to foster lifelong friendships. The President's Reception and Buffet Dinner is the perfect opportunity to connect with other colleagues and meet new friends. The pre-conference workshop and conference sessions will feature highly technical and relevant HR topics to help further your career growth. You will go back fully recharged and inspired to take on any new HR challenges!
\\ HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND?
Our 2016 Conference drew approximately 175 professionals, and the 2017 Conference is expected to grow. Be sure to bring your colleagues so they don't miss out on this incredible conference experience!
\\ ARE DISCOUNTED HOTEL RATES AVAILABLE?
You've come this far to Sonoma Valley, so why not stay for a while at this world-famous destination? NCCIPMA-HR conference attendees and sponsors are eligible to take advantage of the discounted group rate of $119/night + tax for Sunday - Thursday stays, and $169/night + tax for Friday - Saturday stays. To make a reservation, contact the Flamingo at (800) 848-8300 and ask for the NCCIPMA-HR group rate or click here to access the hotel's group reservation page. Reservations are available on a first-time, first-served basis and the group reservation cutoff date is February 1, 2017.
\\ CAN I BRING MY SPOUSE, CHILDREN, OR PETS?
You are welcome to bring as many travel companions as you'd like. However, no guests are allowed in the Conference sessions or Exhibition area, with the exception of the President's Reception and Dinner on the evening of March 2, 2017 (one guest is welcomed). The Flamingo is a pet-friendly hotel; one well-behaved canine per room is permitted for a $50 pet fee. Pet owners will be liable for any additional cleaning bills or repairs, should they be required. Additional restrictions apply. Contact the Flamingo Resort for additional details.
\\ I AM NOT A MEMBER OF THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER, AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A DISCOUNT OFF THE REGISTRATION RATE?
The Northern California Chapter proudly offers an "Affiliate Member All-Inclusive" rate (which is the same price as the Chapter member rate) of $299 for those who register and pay by December 31, 2016. This discount is available to individual members of IPMA-HR, the California School Personnel Commissioners Association (CSPCA), the Cooperative Organization for the Development of Employee Selection Procedures (CODESP), the Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMANC), the Public Employers Labor Relations Association of California (PELRAC), the Sacramento Motherlode Chapter of IPMA-HR, the San Diego Chapter of IPMA-HR, the Southern California Public Management Association – Human Resources (SCPMA-HR), the Western Region IPMA-HR (WRIPMA-HR), and the Western Region Intergovernmental Personnel Assessment Council (WRIPAC). Contact your respective organization to obtain a discount code or the Chapter President, Christopher Boucher, at cboucher@portoakland.com for assistance.
\\ WHAT IS CAREER COACHING?
To support and facilitate career growth opportunities, NCCIPMA-HR has arranged for several of the state's top executive recruiters to conduct a 20 minute interview and coaching feedback for conference attendees. The executive coaches will provide resume critique, interview tips, and feedback on career opportunities. The coaching sessions will occur in conjunction with the concurrent Conference sessions on March 3, 2017 (Friday), A separate application is required and selected attendees will be contacted by the Conference Committee with additional details.
\\ WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
Dress comfortably. Business casual attires are the most appropriate throughout the Conference. If you wish to dress up a little, come dressed up to the President's Reception and Buffet Dinner on the evening of March 2, 2017.
\\ I HAVE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The Flamingo can accommodate dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free (GF). You can notate your dietary restrictions during the online registration process. All meals are served buffet style, so there is something for everyone. If you need any additional accommodations, please do not hesitate to let us know.
\\ IS THE CONFERENCE PROGRAM AVAILABLE ONLINE?
A digital copy of the conference program in PDF format will be sent to all attendees prior to the conference. Paper programs will be available at check-in.
\\ ARE WELLNESS ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE DURING THE CONFERENCE?
Yes! Join the Conference Committee for a refreshing wellness walk on the morning of March 3, 2017 (Friday) from 6:15 am to 7:00 am, while listening to a guided tour of the beautiful city of Santa Rosa. In addition, the on-site Flamingo Health Club offers 10,000+ sq feet of workout space including tennis, a 25 meter lap pool, classes, cardio, strength training, child care and full facility locker rooms, as well as a 3,000 sq feet spa. The Flamingo also offers yoga, cycling, and xtend barre workout classes. Additional fees may apply.
\\ WHAT ABOUT RAFFLE PRIZES?
Who doesn't like raffle prizes? In addition to various drawings held by the Chapter (did we mention wine gifts?), our sponsors and exhibitors will also conduct drawings of their own throughout the Conference. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and be ready to network to earn exciting prizes. The Grand Door Prize features a Sonoma Valley stay, courtesy of the Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa.
\\ WILL I RECEIVE PROOF OF ATTENDANCE?
A certificate of completion will be provided to those who participate in the Labor Relations Boot Camp on March 2, 2017. For those who need proof of attendance for the Conference sessions on March 3, please contact a member of the Conference Committee.
\\ I WANT TO GET INVOLVED!
Say no more. We love volunteers! If you are interested in becoming a member of the Conference Committee, please contact the Chapter's Vice President, Selina Zapien, at (510) 668-4223 or by email at selina.zapien@acwd.com.
\\ WHAT IF I NEED ADA ACCOMMODATIONS?
The Flamingo Resort is an ADA-compliant facility. Service animals are welcomed at the Flamingo Resort. For additional assistance, please contact Gina Porter at (510) 627-1156 or by email at gporter@portoakland.com.