The Employment Law & HR Summit: Houston

One-to-One Meetings begin. If interested in participating, email info@centerforceusa.com

The days of static, annual performance reviews are fading fast as Texas employers embrace more agile, results-driven approaches. In a competitive labor market, forward-thinking organizations are reimagining performance management to boost productivity, support employee growth, and enhance engagement—without waiting for legislative pressure. This panel will explore how companies in Texas are leveraging continuous feedback, goal-setting technology, and AI tools to drive performance. Panelists will share best practices for modernizing evaluation systems, improving communication between leadership and employees, and aligning performance reviews with broader business and talent development objectives.

This Panel Will Discuss:

• Replacing outdated annual reviews with real-time, actionable feedback to improve results and morale

• Leveraging AI and digital tools to track performance, set goals, and enhance accountability

• Connecting performance evaluations to upskilling, promotions, and retention strategies

• Building a culture of open communication that reduces bias and strengthens leadership-employee trust

While Texas employers operate in a less regulated environment than states like California, they still face growing litigation risks tied to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation—especially as federal enforcement ramps up and public scrutiny intensifies. From EEOC complaints to high-stakes jury trials, the cost of mishandled internal investigations or inconsistent policies can be significant. This panel will provide practical strategies to ensure compliance, foster inclusive workplace cultures, and protect your organization from avoidable legal exposure. Panelists will share insights drawn from recent legal developments and real-world case outcomes affecting Texas employers.

This Panel Will Discuss:

• Litigation trends, policy best practices, and training strategies to strengthen compliance

• Key updates from federal laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, EEOC enforcement trends) and Texas-specific protections

• Common pitfalls during internal investigations and how to reduce retaliation risk

• Addressing discrimination and harassment in hybrid or remote work environments (e.g., virtual misconduct, digital oversight)

• Real-world case examples and effective conflict resolution strategies

• Maintaining documentation and record-keeping to support legal defenses and demonstrate due diligence

If interested in participating, email info@centerforceusa.com

Texas may be considered employer-friendly, but that doesn’t mean employers are immune to rising litigation risks. From wage and hour disputes to retaliation and wrongful termination claims, companies are facing increased scrutiny from employees, federal agencies, and plaintiffs’ attorneys alike. With evolving interpretations of federal law, growing use of class and collective actions, and heightened employee awareness, proactive compliance is more critical than ever. This panel will equip legal and HR leaders with the tools to identify vulnerabilities, conduct targeted audits, and implement practical policies that withstand legal challenges.

This Panel Will Explore:

• Common compliance pitfalls leading to wage and hour, misclassification, and retaliation claims—and how to address them early

• Best practices for internal audits of pay practices, job classifications, and handbook policies

• Documentation strategies to strengthen your legal defenses and support consistent enforcement

• The role of clear communication, training, and workplace culture in minimizing legal exposure

While Texas does not currently mandate pay transparency or public salary disclosures, employers operating here cannot ignore the rising tide of federal scrutiny, employee expectations, and multi-state regulatory pressures. With the EEOC ramping up pay data enforcement and new laws emerging across the country, organizations must be ready to adapt. This panel will provide legal and HR professionals with proactive strategies to navigate internal pay audits, establish fair compensation structures, and develop transparent—but legally sound—policies that foster trust and reduce risk.

This Panel Will Discuss:

• Navigating pay transparency obligations in multi-state operations and preparing for potential federal changes

• Conducting internal pay audits to identify and address disparities across gender, race, and role categories

• Building equitable, market-aligned pay structures that withstand scrutiny

• Communicating pay practices clearly while managing employee expectations and confidentiality concerns

• Understanding the legal intersection of pay equity, discrimination, and emerging litigation risks

If interested in participating, email info@centerforceusa.com

Although Texas is an at-will employment state, wrongful termination claims remain a persistent risk—particularly when tied to allegations of discrimination, retaliation, or violations of public policy. Inconsistent documentation, poor communication, or lack of clear procedures can quickly escalate routine separations into costly legal disputes. This panel will explore the legal landscape around terminations in Texas and provide HR and legal professionals with strategies to protect their organizations while treating employees with fairness and respect.

This Panel Will Discuss:

• Key legal risks in wrongful termination claims, including retaliation, ADA, FMLA, and whistleblower protections

• Best practices for documentation that support consistent and defensible decision-making

• How to conduct termination meetings professionally and reduce the risk of post-separation claims

• Developing clear internal policies and procedures that ensure compliance and reduce liability

Unlike states with strict mandates, Texas does not impose broad workplace training requirements—but that doesn’t mean employers are off the hook. In today’s litigious and highly visible environment, implementing strong employee training programs is one of the most effective ways to reduce liability, reinforce policies, and build a respectful, compliant workplace. This panel will explore how Texas organizations can proactively use training to meet federal standards, support DEI and safety initiatives, and prepare for future regulatory shifts without waiting for mandates.

This Panel Will Discuss:

• Key training topics every Texas employer should cover to reduce legal risk (e.g., harassment, discrimination, workplace safety)

• How to use LMS platforms and technology to track, scale, and standardize training across teams

• Creative approaches to making training relevant, engaging, and culturally inclusive

• Best practices for documenting training completion to protect against future claims

As mental health challenges continue to rise, Texas employers must balance legal obligations with the growing need for psychological safety in the workplace. While Texas doesn’t have the same expansive statutes as California, federal requirements under the ADA, FMLA, and EEOC guidance still apply—and mental health-related Workers’ Compensation claims are becoming more frequent. This panel will explore how Texas employers can support employee well-being while reducing legal exposure. From effective accommodations and stress-related claims to burnout prevention and cultural transformation, panelists will share actionable strategies to create workplaces that are both resilient and legally sound.

This Panel Will Discuss:

• Federal requirements for mental health accommodations under ADA and FMLA, and how to document appropriately

• Handling mental health-related Workers’ Comp claims in Texas and understanding what qualifies as compensable

• Workplace policies that help prevent burnout, improve morale, and reduce liability

• Tools and programs that foster employee well-being, increase engagement, and support retention

If interested in participating, email info@centerforceusa.com

Rotating, 20-minute discussions hosted by a topic expert.

RT 1: Wage & Hour Watchouts: Avoiding Costly Compliance Mistakes

RT 2: Immigration Insights: Navigating Today’s Challenges

RT 3: Non-Competes Under Fire: What You Need to Know

RT 4: Litigation Landmines: How to Stay Out of the Courtroom