October 2026 | 76th EDITION NEWSLETTER

WHAT'S NEW(S)?

While the articles selected for this newsletter may not directly represent the opinions of the Missouri Employment Conference, they have been thoughtfully curated to spark interest and engagement among HR professionals. Each piece offers unique insights and perspectives that can enhance your understanding of the dynamic field of human resources. We encourage you to approach these articles with an open mind, as they are designed to inspire dialogue and promote a deeper exploration of the trends shaping our industry today.

Are You ‘Tough’ Enough at Work?

FastCompany | John W. Baird and Matt Hunter | September 28, 2026


Seven habits for demanding excellence without being a jerk.


As executive coaches, we’ve worked with leaders of iconic companies like Apple, Nike, eBay, Hewlett Packard, and General Motors, as well as start-up unicorns like DoorDash, MasterClass, Fivetran, and Remitly. In short, we’ve coached some of the most ambitious and impactful founders and CEOs in business today.


What we’ve learned is that great companies are built by tough leaders. 


But what exactly is toughness? 



Toughness, as we’ve come to define it, is the ability to commit to a mission, stay strong in the face of challenges, and push others toward excellence. Staying strong isn’t about invulnerability; it’s about staying true to your standards when market conditions flip, pushing past setbacks when plans fail, and refusing to retreat into comfortable excuses. 

How Associations Can Leverage Volunteers as Strategic Ambassadors

ASAE | Jason Briefel | September 21, 2026


Project Management Institute (PMI) shares practical lessons for associations seeking to expand volunteer leadership and deepen member engagement in new ways.


Volunteers are the backbone of any association, but as member expectations evolve to include opportunities to lead, contribute, and make an impact, leaders need to take a closer look at how they engage the people most connected to their organization’s mission.



One of the greatest opportunities many associations have is to empower their volunteers not only to support their shared mission, but also to represent the profession. At PMI, that idea recently inspired a new approach to volunteer engagement: Chapter leaders were invited to play an active role in national advocacy by bringing their local expertise and firsthand experience into conversations with policymakers.

20 Things Employees Call Toxic That Are Actually Just Part of Having a Job

The Zen Parent | Cameron Dick | September 25, 2026


Where the Line Really Is


Real workplace toxicity exists, and anyone who has worked for a screamer knows the difference. That's not what this list covers. Somewhere in the last few years, the vocabulary for serious abuse got borrowed to describe ordinary friction. A manager asking about a deadline became micromanagement. A marked-up draft became an attack. Here's 20 things employees call toxic that are actually just part of having a job.


Number 1 - Getting Edited



Someone senior marks up your draft and sends it back covered in changes. That stings the first few times, and it's also the fastest way anyone learns to write for a particular audience. The version of the job where nobody touches your work is the version where nobody is paying attention to it.

Your Best Employee Will Disappoint You

MEC Sponsor BecomeMore Group | Jo Sprecher

September 28, 2026


Your Best Employee Will Disappoint You

It’s going to happen. Your best employee—the one everyone trusts, the one who consistently delivers, the one you’d hire again in a heartbeat—will eventually disappoint you.


They’ll make a poor decision.

They’ll say something they wish they hadn’t.

They’ll miss a commitment.

They’ll have a bad day.

They’ll exercise poor judgment.


Not because they stopped being a great employee. Because they’re human.


Somewhere along the way, many organizations began confusing excellence with perfection. We celebrate authenticity, encourage people to take ownership, and tell our teams it’s safe to learn from mistakes.

Missouri Employment Conference is proud to partner with the Missouri Workforce Development Board to bring you the following important information: 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Missouri Workforce Development Board | September 29, 2026


October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or NDEAM. Each year, NDEAM recognizes the positive impact and contribution of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. This year’s theme, Celebrating Value and Talent, highlights the skills and contributions that individuals with disabilities add to the workplace, communities, and economy.


For employers, October offers a great time to evaluate hiring practices and encourage workplaces that support employees with physical, mental health, and invisible disabilities. Added benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities are a strong and dedicated workforce, innovation, and filling talent needs. 


The public workforce system in Missouri offers state and local programs to help businesses recruit, hire, and retain workers with disabilities.

Looking For A CEO Successor? Check Your Board of Directors

FastCompany | Stephanie Mehta | August 31, 2026


When they were looking for someone to lead a turnaround, Match Group picked Spencer Rascoff, a director, to run the company.


Spencer Rascoff joined the board of the dating-app company Match Group in March 2024 because he was passionate about the category and drawn to the global nature of the business. (The company operates in more than 40 languages in 190 countries.) Rascoff also felt that his experience could be helpful to Match Group leadership. He was a cofounder and CEO of Zillow, the real estate platform, and cofounder of Hotwire, a discount booking site that was acquired by Expedia, the travel site. 

Soon, the company realized that those same experiences and attributes made Rascoff an ideal candidate to lead Match Group. In February 2025, the board named him CEO, replacing Bernard Kim, who stepped down amid disappointing financial results and pressure from activist investors. 

Best Practices for Internship Programs

National Association of Colleges + Employers 


Best Practice #1: Pay your interns.

Many organizations use their internship programs to feed their full-time hiring: In fact, employers have reported that their internship program is the single-best strategy for recruiting new college graduates.


To do this effectively, your interns need to be paid:


The paid intern can be given real work—not busy work—so you will be able to assess performance and make an informed decision about whether to offer the intern a full-time job. There are legal constraints that will impact your ability to do this if your interns are unpaid.


By paying your interns, you are increasing the size of and diversifying your pool of potential interns. Many students cannot afford to forgo a paycheck for the summer, so will not even be in your pool for consideration. Paid internships support an inclusive candidate pool.

Comp Planning for the Year Ahead 

HRO Today | Gillian Manning 


The economy is not making it easy on HR, but new research offers ways to strategic talent plan.

 

The current economic conditions put pressure on employers and employees alike. In recent years, compensation increases have been stagnant for workers while HR leaders continue to face pressures to spend strategically. As 2027 closes in and budgets are prepared for the year ahead, HR leaders are zeroing in talent strategy. 

 

“While the talent market has certainly cooled, employers still face challenges attracting and retaining critical skills,” reports Adam Matula, Compensation Consultant for Marsh.

The Future Is Unbound: HR In an Age When AI 'Does Not Hold Still'

HR Executive | Prerna Ajmera

September 28, 2026



The most important story about AI is not the arrival of another generation of tools. It is that many of the limits that shaped work are beginning to loosen.

 

Those limits were rooted in the economics of work. Expertise was difficult to scale. Information moved slowly. Turning requirements into code, data into decisions or strategy into execution required translation across people, systems and functions. Organizations responded rationally.

Put Workplace Benefits Back Into Focus This Fall

HR Executive | Craig Rubino

September 25, 2026


Fall is the perfect opportunity for a benefits check-in. Each year, the return from Labor Day brings the realization that year-end is closer than it seems. As employees settle back into regular routines, employers have an opportunity to refocus attention on workplace benefits before open enrollment and year-end deadlines arrive. For many organizations, improving benefits engagement has become increasingly important, as financial wellbeing plays a significant role in employee productivity, satisfaction and retention.

MUNICIPALITIES IN MOTION

A New Track for Public Employers Coming in 2027

Missouri State Workforce Development Board | October 2026


We’re excited to share some news with our Missouri Employment Conference community.

 

Starting in 2027, we’re adding a dedicated track for public employers. This track is built specifically for cities, counties, school districts, public health departments, and other government organizations — and for the people who lead, supervise, and support those teams every day.

 

Public employers work under a different set of rules, expectations, and pressures, and we’ve heard that loud and clear from attendees, speakers, and partners. This new track will give public‑sector professionals a place to learn together, talk through real challenges, and connect with others who understand the day‑to‑day realities of public employment.

 

It’s a new step for the conference, and we’re genuinely excited about what it will bring. Whether you’re in HR, administration, operations, or supervision, we hope this dedicated space makes MEC even more useful and relevant for you.

 

We’ll share more details as the 2027 program comes together. We look forward to welcoming familiar faces — and meeting new colleagues — as we expand the conference experience. We’d love to hear your thoughts, topic suggestions, or speaker referrals. Please contact Sue at sue@missouriemploymentconference.com.

 

Warm regards, Nan and Sue

Mayors Confront Affordability Crisis as Costs Rise

Smart Cities Dive | Stephanie Kanowitz | September 25, 2026


Affordable housing tops city leaders’ concerns as the increased cost of living ripples across local economies, a U.S. Conference of Mayor survey found.


Dive Brief:


In a new U.S. Conference of Mayors survey, 96% of mayors said residents are very or extremely concerned about affordability, and the crisis is affecting nearly every area of their constituents’ lives.


Unsustainable housing costs are the biggest concern, 96% of the mayors said, followed by the cost of groceries (55%) and utilities (40%).


Nearly 93% of respondents said the cost of living in their cities has risen in the past year, negatively affecting cities’ ability to grow their economies because residents have less disposable income to spend at local businesses.

From Reactive to Strategic: Rethinking Workforce Planning for the Municipal Future

MNP | Melanie Fix and James Richardson | September 17, 2026


Synopsis


Municipal workforces are changing alongside the tools and skills shaping how services are delivered. A more strategic approach to workforce planning can help leaders build capacity, develop their people, and make thoughtful use of AI while staying connected to the communities they serve.


Insight



Municipal leaders are familiar with the pressure to do more with less. This pressure has only intensified as the pace of change accelerates, increasing day-to-day complexity and the need to be future ready. However, the range of tools, skills, and available ways of working are also evolving — and can help municipal leaders respond.

The Priorities Facing Mayors Change. The Need for Data Doesn’t

Route Fifty | Rochelle Haynes | September 28, 2026


Cities across the nation are facing numerous challenges, and data-informed leadership is crucial in working to try to solve them.


America’s mayors are governing through tumultuous times. Today, that ledger includes housing shortages in the millions, partisanship that hits home, unstable economic shocks intensified by rising interest rates and inflation, and an unprecedented level of natural disasters dominated by severe storms. 


Mayors cannot simply manage daily operations; they must navigate these complex issues and build trust with residents in the process.


Today, mayors are discovering that growing their teams’ data capabilities is critical to tackling any new challenge. Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities has been working with municipalities on this obstacle for a decade. 

Purpose and Responsibilities


The Missouri Association of Counties (MAC), formed in 1972, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan member service organization dedicated to the improvement of county government. It was designed and incorporated by county elected officials to provide services, research, uniformity, and coordination among member counties, in order for the county elected officials to best serve their constituents.


MAC’S TRIMESTER MAGAZINE

Missouri County Record


Covering all statewide news and information important to counties and county governance.


The Missouri County Record is a magazine published quarterly by the Missouri Association of Counties, a statewide lobbying group headquartered in Jefferson City, Mo. The publication generally runs 32 pages in length, and it is distributed to more than 1,400 subscribers (including county elected officials who purchase supplies, equipment, and services for Missouri county governments; all state administrative, commission, and department directors; members of the state General Assembly; as well as national affiliate associations.

September Board Report

September 18, 2026



The LAGERS Board of Trustees convened for its quarterly board meeting on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at the LAGERS office in Jefferson City. Board Chair Joan Leary called the meeting to order.

WORKPLACE WATCH


As an organization with diverse functions, the U.S. Department of Labor carries out its mission through a number of offices and agencies. These are organized into major program areas, and headed by an Assistant Secretary or other official. 

US Department of Labor Releases New Workplace Guidance to Prepare Employers, Workers for Opioid Emergencies

DoL Blog | September 24, 2026


WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration today released a fact sheet to help employers and workers rapidly respond to opioid-related overdose emergencies in the workplace.



Opioid emergencies can happen anywhere, including at work, and being prepared can help save a life. OSHA’s new guidance, “Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications,” is part of the Great American Recovery Initiative, a government-wide effort by the Trump Administration prioritizing addiction treatment and recovery. The fact sheet provides practical information that focuses on empowering workplaces to recognize the signs of an overdose and act immediately.

 

I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification

 

Use Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for every individual they hire for employment in the United States. This includes citizens and aliens. Both employees and employers (or authorized representatives of the employer) must complete the form.

Confirm with Confidence

 

Enroll in E-Verify for fast and efficient employment eligibility verification.

 

It only takes a few simple steps to enroll in E-Verify and begin confirming the employment eligibility of all of your new hires. 

 

Training Requirements and Resources

 

OSHA provides information on employers' training requirements and offers resources such as free publications, videos, and other assistance to help employers protect workers against injuries and illnesses.


OSHA provides safety and health resources specifically designed for small businesses. Find information on complying with OSHA standards and receive advice you can trust through OSHA's no-cost and confidential On-Site Consultation Program.

Compliance Assistance, Education, and Training



OSHA is committed to meeting employers where they are and empowering them to build strong safety cultures. Learn how OSHA is helping employers foster safer and healthier workplaces. Investments in worker safety and health can also reduce injuries and illnesses, and produce significant improvements to an organization's productivity and profitability.

EEOC’s Updated Strategic Plan for 2026-2030: Discrimination Prevention + Remedy Aligned with Current NEP Priorities

Jackson Lewis | Alison L. Lynch, Ana C. Shields, Dana G. Weisbrod & Andrew F. Maunz | September 1, 2026


Expanded Outreach to Individuals and Employers


The EEOC plans to expand outreach to workers, employers, and other covered entities through increased use of technology and social media, new partnerships, and updated materials. In particular, the charge management system will track how a charging party learned about their right to file a charge and increase outreach to individuals with a particular focus on “vulnerable workers and those in underserved communities.”


The agency plans to continuously increase the number of outreach and training events for new agency partners, adding 20-50 more events depending on the year. Resources and training materials for employers will address obligations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the substantive categories set out in the NEP. Sub-regulatory documents will be reviewed and updated with more accessible language, and resource materials will be regularly updated based on new priority lists.

Monthly newsletter featuring compliance assistance, training and other workplace safety and health resources.

 

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

 

Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered.



The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.

EEOC Resources

 

Need information about a specific discrimination topic? We've categorized EEOC material for small businesses categorized by topic, so you can find what you need quickly and easily. 

Employers

 

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. These laws protect employees and job applicants against employment discrimination when it involves:

 

  • Unfair treatment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
  • Harassment by managers, co-workers, or others in the workplace, because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
  • Denial of a reasonable workplace accommodation that the employee needs because of religious beliefs, disability, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
  • Retaliation because the employee complained about job discrimination or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit. 

What You Should Know About DEI-Related Discrimination at Work

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is a broad term that is not defined in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race and sex. Under Title VII, DEI initiatives, policies, programs, or practices may be unlawful if they involve an employer or other covered entity taking an employment action motivated—in whole or in part—by an employee’s or applicant’s race, sex, or another protected characteristic.

National Law Review:

Latest business law news and legal analysis...

AI On the Loose: What the Latest Cyber Incidents Mean for Your Organization

National Law Review | Joseph J. Lazzarotti, Damon W. Silver, Jackson Lewis P.C. | September 28, 2026


AI is accelerating cybersecurity threats. Learn how data minimization, incident response, data mapping, and vendor governance can help reduce risk.


Recent reports involving leading artificial intelligence (AI) developers have heightened concern about whether AI agents can operate beyond their intended boundaries and/or be used by cyber criminals to perpetuate attacks that are more difficult to prevent and contain. For organizations adopting AI across business functions, the issue is larger than any single model or incident: AI may allow threat actors to identify vulnerabilities, develop exploits, and move through connected systems at a speed that outpaces traditional defenses.



That does not make existing safeguards obsolete. Multifactor authentication, endpoint detection and response, encryption and other controls remain essential. But organizations may need to reassess what constitutes “reasonable safeguards” in an environment where attacks can become faster, more adaptive, and more difficult to contain.

A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS

Our sponsors are an integral part of the Missouri Employment Conference and its continued growth. Their support allows us to bring together thousands of HR professionals, business leaders, educators, and community partners while providing valuable resources, education, and opportunities to connect. More than financial support, our sponsors help strengthen the relationships that make Missouri’s business community thrive—creating connections, sharing expertise, and investing in the people and workplaces that move our communities forward.

GRATEFUL FOR the 2026 CONFERENCE SPONSORS!

USE THIS SPACE TO GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT TO THOUSANDS OF LOCAL PROFESSIONALS.


NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING OPTIONS AVAILABLE HERE!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Bukaty Companies is one of Kansas City’s top-ranked employee benefits and insurance brokerage firms.


Contact Kent Friend 913-777-7535 for more info!

HR CONSULTING & TRAINING


Shifting rules and new regulations are complicating the human resource world. Our HR Consulting & Training team has the expertise to navigate through the catalog of compliance requirements – FMLA, FLSA, ADA, CAA, and more. We offer a wide array of services to address common challenges today’s HR professionals face.

Harassment Prevention and Policies 101

MEC Presenting Sponsor Bukaty Companies | October 12, 2022


In many cases, employees are unwilling to report harassment following inappropriate behavior from a coworker or supervisor, fearing retaliation or the intimidation of reporting a claim to upper management.


It is the responsibility of Human Resources to ensure proper training, education and policies are in place to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting legitimate harassment claims. Policy development and training for management should be a top priority to proactively keep your organization compliant and avoid potential legal issues or liability.


When crafting a training program for managers, it is important to address how new managers should be trained, as well as how current managers will maintain their training knowledge. Harassment policies should be a continued conversation within the organization to create a culture where harassment isn’t tolerated, and employees are comfortable speaking out.

CONFERENCE ON THE BRAIN

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 1ST!

MEC is THE source for classroom instruction covering topics in the areas of employment, training, benefits & wellness education.

 

It remains an essential event for those who want to stay up-to-date and compliant with the latest developments in labor and employment law, best practices, healthcare reform, training, wellness, analysis, trends, and more.

 

Earn CEUs while networking with top industry professionals!

CALLING ALL SPEAKERS!

This program has been pre-approved for HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR™, PHRca™, SPHR™, GPHR™, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute™ (HRCI™).

Missouri Employment Conference is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

MIND & BODY MATTERS

Resources for Mental Health Support


988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat for free and confidential support from trained crisis counselors 24/7. 


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's free help line: Call 800-662-4357 for 24/7 mental health support in English or Spanish. 

Mental Health at Work

World Health Organization | September 15, 2026


Protect and promote mental health at work


Protecting and promoting mental health at work is about strengthening capacities to recognize and act on mental health conditions at work, particularly for persons responsible for the supervision of others, such as managers.


To protect mental health, WHO recommends:


  • manager training for mental health, which helps managers recognize and respond to supervisees experiencing emotional distress; builds interpersonal skills like open communication and active listening; and fosters better understanding of how job stressors affect mental health and can be managed;
  • training for workers in mental health literacy and awareness, to improve knowledge of mental health and reduce stigma against mental health conditions at work; and
  • interventions for individuals to build skills to manage stress and reduce mental health symptoms, including psychosocial interventions and opportunities for leisure-based physical activity.


Support people with mental health conditions to participate in and thrive at work

People living with mental health conditions have a right to participate in work fully and fairly. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provides an international agreement for promoting the rights of people with disabilities (including psychosocial disabilities), including at work.

Negativity at Work: Strategies for Protecting Your Peace and Productivity

Forbes | Hugh Breland | July 17, 2025


We've all likely encountered negative people in our workplaces—those who consistently criticize but rarely contribute constructively. The ripple effects of their negativity can profoundly impact team morale and productivity while draining mental health.


According to research highlighted by Harvard Business Review, just seeing someone who is stressed can trigger cortisol production. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and chronic stress can negatively affect workplace effectiveness.


Conversely, positive interactions can enhance collaboration and trust.

HELPING HAND

SERVANT LEADERSHIP


By definition, Servant Leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the goal of the leader is to serve. If you are in a place where your talent and skills will help others, by all means, use them. We are proud of the work our leaders have done and hope that if you are in a place to serve, you choose to step up.

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

For more than 50 years, Wonderland Camp has operated as a nonprofit dedicated to making camp accessible for individuals with disabilities, providing life-changing outdoor experiences for children, teens, and adults. Located at the Lake of the Ozarks, our fully accessible camp allows campers of all ability levels to fish, climb, dance, swim, and explore alongside friends.


Every activity is adapted so everyone participates — no one sits on the sidelines.


Why Families Choose Wonderland Camp


  • Fully adaptive activities
  • Year-round programming, camps are offered Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter
  • On-site medical staff
  • 1:1 camper support available
  • Accessible lakefront campus
  • Programs for children and adults

THE VISION


We are building a new, fully accessible aquatic space designed for all abilities where:


  • Every camper can safely enter the water
  • Independence is encouraged and supported
  • Barriers are removed
  • Joy and connection come naturally



This new pool will serve campers for generations to come—creating moments of confidence, courage, and belonging.

FUNDRAISER - Saddle Up for Party with a Purpose: Boot Scootin’ Boogie!

Round up your crew and join us on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6:00 PM at The Lodge of Four Seasons for one of the most anticipated fundraisers at Lake of the Ozarks!

FAMILY FORTUNE

There’s a Gap Between Family-Friendly Work Policies and Reality

Newsweek | Poppy O’Neill | August 07, 2026


As employers continue to roll back COVID-19 pandemic-era workplace policies, many working parents say their expectations of work have changed for good. While return-to-office mandates and evolving hybrid policies have prompted many organizations to scale back pandemic-era flexibility, parents continue to value stability, well-being and support that helps them balance work and family life.


New research from Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group found that 85% of working parents named job security and stability as one of the most important contributors to workplace satisfaction, with 83% valuing mental well-being and 82% saying compensation and benefits were a top priority. By contrast, workplace perks such as complimentary meals and fitness facilities were far less important, with just 62% expressing satisfaction with these benefits.

THE YUM FACTOR

70 Tailgating Recipes for the Perfect Pre-Game Spread

Food Network Kitchen | September 2, 2026

Photo: Yunhee Kim

 

Grab your team jersey and gather up your friends. We've got all the ideas you need for the best tailgate, including chili, wings, dips, desserts and more.


Our Favorite Tailgating Recipes


Do you know what we love most about football food? It doesn’t matter which team you’re rooting for once the snacks come out! Everyone is welcome to dig into the nachos or scoop themselves a bowl of chili from the slow cooker. And, since it is the thing that unites us on game day, we do our best to create a winning spread.


With this lineup that covers everything from salsas to desserts, you can do the very same.


Whether you set up a portable grill and some no-fuss sides that can sit at room temperature in the parking lot or pack your cooler with drinks and gather your friends for an at-home tailgate, these recipes are sure to earn you MVP status.

NOTES FROM NAN & SUE

October is one of our favorite times of year—cooler weather, changing leaves, football weekends, and of course, a good tailgate! Whether you’re gathering around the grill, cheering on your favorite team, or simply enjoying time with friends and family, fall has a way of bringing people together.


That same spirit of connection is what we love about the Missouri Employment Conference. Behind the scenes, we’re already huddling up for Spring 2027—connecting with speakers and sponsors, tossing around new ideas, and planning another conference that brings Missouri’s business community together.


So enjoy the season, fire up the grill, cheer loudly, and make time for your people. We’ll keep working on what’s ahead—and we can’t wait to share more!


Go Team! Sue, Nan & the conference MVPs

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