Education
PEO education sessions align with various tracks of PEO expertise to provide tailored sessions and deliver practical information you can use back in the office. There really is something for everyone; here’s what we have planned. Check back for more updates on sessions and speakers.
- Accounting/Finance
- Benefits
- Compliance
- General PEO Ops
- HR
- Marketing/Sales
- PEO Industry Data
- PEO University
- Technology
- WIN (Women in NAPEO)/ NextGen
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Accommodations – What’s New That Your PEO Needs to Know Now
Wednesday, September 16, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pmGordon M. Berger, Esq., Partner, Pierson Ferdinand, Robin Davis, Esq., Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C., Carlos Zumpano, Esq., Managing Member, Zumpano Castro, PLLCWorkplace accommodation requirements continue to evolve, creating new compliance challenges for PEOs and their clients. This session will highlight recent developments involving disability, pregnancy, religion, leave, remote work and other accommodation requests. Attendees will gain practical guidance for navigating the interactive process, managing risk and helping clients respond effectively while considering the unique responsibilities of the PEO relationship.
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The Economics of AI in the Emerging Economy of Small & Medium-Sized Businesses & PEO
Wednesday, September 16, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pmJohn J. Slavic, CEO & President, Slavic401kArtificial intelligence is rapidly changing the economics of how small and medium-sized businesses operate—and creating new opportunities and challenges for the PEO industry. As AI tools become more accessible, SMBs are gaining capabilities once reserved for much larger organizations, from automating administrative work and improving workforce decision-making to increasing productivity and reducing operating costs. This session will examine AI through an economic and operational lens, exploring …
how adoption may reshape the SMB marketplace and what those changes mean for PEOs. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the economic forces driving AI adoption and a framework for evaluating how AI can strengthen operational performance, client value and competitiveness in an evolving PEO marketplace.
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Scale Without the Headcount – Strategically Using Vendors to Scale PEO Operations
Wednesday, September 16, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pmEmily N. Duncan, Vice President of Business Operations, Questco, Dawn Schicker, MBA PHR, VP of Human Resources Operations, Clear Employer ServicesGrowth doesn’t always have to mean adding more people. As PEOs look to expand capabilities, improve efficiency and meet rising client expectations, the right vendor partnerships can provide a powerful path to scale—without significantly increasing internal headcount. This session will explore how PEOs can strategically leverage vendors and outsourced solutions to extend operational capacity while maintaining service quality, accountability and control. Attendees will learn how to identify the ri…
ght functions for external support, evaluate potential partners, establish effective vendor relationships and avoid common pitfalls that can undermine expected efficiencies. Through practical considerations and real-world examples, participants will leave with a framework for determining where vendor partnerships can create the greatest impact and how to integrate them successfully into PEO operations.
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Data Informed Decisions
Wednesday, September 16, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pmThomas Deen, Chief Information Officer, LandrumHR Jenna Marceau, Director of Innovation, Syndeo Outsourcing LLCPEOs have access to more data than ever, but turning that information into meaningful action can be a challenge. This session will explore how PEOs can use data to identify trends, measure performance and make more informed business decisions. Attendees will gain practical insights into using technology and analytics to transform data into actionable intelligence that supports stronger operations, improved client service and strategic growth.
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Strategic Vendor Management: Finance’s Role from Evaluation to Exit
Thursday, September 17, 11:00 am – 12:00 pmEmily Bates, CFO, Questco, Jean Goldstein, Principal, PEO Advisory Services, Inc., Jenny Smith, CFO, ESI (eEmployers Solutions, Inc.)Choosing the right vendor involves more than comparing products and pricing. Finance plays a critical role in evaluating the full financial impact of vendor relationships and helping ensure they support the organization’s long-term goals. This session will explore how finance can partner with operations and other departments to assess costs, contracts, financial stability, ROI, risk and overall value. Attendees will gain practical insights into building a collaborative vendor-selection process t…
hat leads to stronger decisions and more successful partnerships.
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Sales Leadership: Recruiting & Selection
Thursday, September 17, 11:00 am – 12:00 pmClay Kelley, SHRM-SCP, PHR, Chief Results Officer, Clay KelleyBuilding a high-performing sales team starts with hiring the right people. This session will explore effective strategies for identifying, recruiting and selecting sales talent that aligns with your organization’s culture and growth goals. Attendees will gain practical insights into defining the ideal candidate, improving the interview and selection process and making better hiring decisions that lead to stronger performance and long-term retention.
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The PEO Industry Footprint: Latest Research on the Industry
Thursday, September 17, 11:00 am – 12:00 pmLaurie Bassi, CEO, McBassi & CompanyNAPEO’s latest industry research is the newest and most accurate measure of the size of the PEO industry. Join noted economist Laurie Bassi as she takes an in-depth look at what the research tells us and analyze all of the key data points.
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AI in Risk Management
Thursday, September 17, 11:00 am – 12:00 pmFrank Anderson, Divisional VP and Lead Counsel – Product, Data & Technology, TriNet USA, Inc. Bruce McCreadie, President & CEO, American PEO Insurers William Tarkington, Director of AI Security and Security Innovation, TriNet USA, Inc.Artificial intelligence is changing how PEOs identify, assess and manage risk. This session will explore how AI can enhance risk management strategies by identifying trends, improving decision-making and helping teams respond to potential risks earlier. Attendees will also examine the challenges of using AI responsibly, including data quality, privacy, compliance and human oversight and gain practical insights for incorporating AI into their PEO’s risk management approach.
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How to Use AI Responsibly in Your PEO Finance Department
Thursday, September 17, 2:15 pm – 3:15 pmAlex Campbell, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Staff Management, Inc., Jason F. Clausen, President, Jason F. Clausen, P.C., Doug Fahrnow, CPA, CGMA, Managing Director, CBIZAI offers PEO finance teams new opportunities to improve efficiency, analyze data, automate routine tasks and support better decision-making—but using it responsibly is critical. This session will explore practical applications of AI in finance while addressing important considerations such as data privacy, accuracy, security, compliance and human oversight. Attendees will gain insights into establishing appropriate guardrails and using AI effectively while protecting sensitive financial and cli…
ent information.
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Tax & Benefits Update
Thursday, September 17, 2:15 pm – 3:15 pmSheldon J. Blumling, Esq., Partner, Fisher Phillips, Michael Hadley, Esq., Partner, Davis & Harman LLP, Seth T. Perretta, Esq., Principal, Groom Law Group, Malcolm C. Slee, Esq., Principal, Groom Law GroupStaying current with evolving tax and benefits requirements is critical for PEOs and their clients. This session will provide an update on key regulatory and compliance developments impacting payroll taxes, employee benefits and PEO operations. Attendees will gain practical insights into recent changes, emerging issues and areas of potential risk to help their organizations remain compliant and better support their clients.
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Employer Trends Survey: What’s on the Minds of Business Owners
Thursday, September 17, 2:15 pm – 3:15 pmNonah Olesen, Senior Research Director, PovaddoJoin our research partners from Povaddo as they dive into the findings of their recent survey of 800 business owners and decision-makers from around the country. Find out what business leaders think about the economy, AI and other macro-level issues. What are they experiencing? Are their priorities shifting? How is the current environment impacting workforce management?
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Networking with a Purpose
Thursday, September 17, 2:15 pm – 3:15 pmRobyn Rusignuolo, Chief Operating Officer, PrestigePEO; Billy Miller, President & COO, SpiritHRHear from industry leaders as they share practical strategies for building authentic professional relationships, navigating networking situations and creating connections that last beyond an event. Then, break into facilitated roundtable discussions to explore approaches for expanding your network, supporting business and career goals, leveraging LinkedIn and NAPEO resources and turning new connections into lasting professional relationships.
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One Industry. One Voice: Messaging Consistency to Strengthen the Industry
Thursday, September 17, 3:45 pm – 4:45 pmBritt Jordan, Senior Vice President, LSGCommunications expert Britt Jordan will unveil a new campaign to help every member consistently and authoritatively explain what the PEO industry is, why it matters and why speaking with one voice strengthens every PEO. She’ll outline why industry messaging matters more than ever and why policymakers need consistency, discuss the differences between company messaging and industry messaging and provide a preview of campaign resources.
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Embracing Agentic AI
Thursday, September 17, 3:45 pm – 4:45 pmIsh Baid, Co-Founder, Wayside AIAI is evolving from a tool that responds to prompts into technology that can plan, act and execute tasks with greater autonomy. This session will explore what agentic AI means for the PEO industry, how it differs from traditional automation and generative AI and where it can create meaningful business value. Attendees will also learn key considerations around governance, security, risk and human oversight, leaving with practical ideas for thoughtfully embracing agentic AI within their organizati…
ons.
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Navigating Career Growth
Thursday, September 17, 3:45 pm – 4:45 pmElisabeth Shaw, Chief Human Resources Officer, PrestigePEO; Chris Myers, CEO, Comploy; Maria Silamianos, CEO, collabPEO; Michelle Wightman, CEO, CSL Solutions; Steve Scott, President & COO, EngagePEOHear from WIN and NextGen leaders as they share candid perspectives and lessons learned from their own career journeys within the PEO industry. The conversation will explore advocating for yourself, finding mentors and champions, developing leadership skills, navigating career challenges and recognizing opportunities to take the next step.
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NAPEO Financial Ratio & Operating Statistics Survey Results
Friday, September 18, 9:30 am – 10:30 amScott A. Hackworth, President, Industry Insights, Inc., Daniel S. McHenry, Business Advisory Group Practice Leader, McHenry ConsultingNAPEO’s 2026 Financial Ratio & Operating Statistics Survey is an invaluable benchmarking tool for PEOs. Attendees will gain up-to-date, data-driven insight into the PEO industry and learn the latest operating statistics on benefits, pension plans, sales, client service, HR, payroll and technology.
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Pay Transparency & Leave Laws
Friday, September 18, 9:30 am – 10:30 amMelissa Cizmorris, Esq., Partner, Akerman LLP, Ted N. Kazagliz, Esq., Attorney, Jackson Lewis P.C.Pay transparency and leave requirements continue to expand and evolve across the country, creating new compliance challenges for PEOs and their clients. This session will highlight key developments in pay disclosure, paid and protected leave and related employer obligations. Attendees will gain practical insights to help navigate varying state and local requirements, reduce compliance risk and better guide clients through an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
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The PEO Decision Room – Why Employers Choose One PEO Above Another
Friday, September 18, 9:30 am – 10:30 amHeather Keefer Saulsbury, Chief Strategy Officer, PrestigePEO, Mark Steiger, CEO, Workforce Management Agency CorporationMost PEOs believe they win business because of price, benefits, technology or the sales relationship. Employers actually make a more complicated decision. Financial confidence, perceived risk, clarity, trust, responsiveness, implementation confidence and strategic fit all influence the outcome. The session places the audience inside the decision process through three anonymized, interactive cases. Information is released in rounds. Attendees vote on which PEO should win, receive additional facts…
, reconsider their decision and then see what actually drove the employer’s choice.
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Becoming Better Leaders: Leading with Intention and Impact
Friday, September 18, 11:00 am – 12:00 pmEmily N. Duncan, Vice President of Business Operations, Questco, Danielle Hendzell, Vice President Human Resources, CoStaff Services, LLCGreat leadership doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intention, self-awareness and a commitment to continuous growth. This session will explore practical strategies for becoming a more effective and impactful leader, from strengthening communication and building trust to navigating challenges and inspiring teams. Attendees will leave with actionable approaches to lead with greater purpose, create stronger connections and make a meaningful impact on their teams and organizations.
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Laws Governing AI
Friday, September 18, 11:00 am – 12:00 pmJoseph Lazzarotti, Esq., Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into the workplace, a growing number of laws and regulations are shaping how organizations can use it. This session will explore the evolving legal landscape surrounding AI and what it means for PEOs and their clients. Attendees will gain insights into key compliance considerations, including privacy, employment decisions, discrimination, transparency and data security, as well as practical steps for developing responsible AI policies and practi…
ces.
- Accounting/Finance
- Benefits
- Compliance
- General PEO Ops
- HR
- Marketing/Sales
- PEO Industry Data
- PEO University
- Technology
- WIN (Women in NAPEO)/ NextGen