Rapid City, SD – March 26, 2025 – The South Dakota State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (SoDak SHRM), in partnership with the Black Hills Society for Human Resources Management (BHSHRM), is proud to announce the 2025 SoDak State SHRM Conference, taking place from Wednesday, April 30th to Friday, May 2nd in Rapid City, South Dakota. This premier event will bring together HR professionals, business leaders, and industry experts for three days of transformative learning, networking, and professional development.
Hosted at the heart of the Black Hills, the conference kicks off on April 30th with a warm welcome from Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun, followed by an engaging keynote address, “A Complaint Free World,” from internationally recognized speaker and entertainer Joshua Routh. Attendees will explore how to turn workplace complaints into opportunities for collaboration, setting the tone for a dynamic and forward-thinking agenda.
The 2025 conference features an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and breakout sessions designed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in human resources. Highlights include:
- Theresa Fesinstine, Founder of peoplepower.ai, delivering “The Transformative Potential of AI in HR” and a hands-on AI lab, equipping attendees with practical tools to integrate artificial intelligence into HR practices.
- Tracy Palecek, Licensed Professional Counselor, presenting “Crisis to Clarity,” offering strategies to build resilience and purpose in the workplace.
- Rana DeBoer, Chief Vision Officer at Volt Strategy, closing the event with “Elevate Your Leadership, Accelerate Your Impact,” inspiring attendees to unlock their leadership potential.
Breakout sessions will cover critical topics such as talent acquisition, workplace investigations, diversity and inclusion, benefits trends, employment law, and healthcare cost management. Notable presenters include Jennifer Suich Frank, Esq., SHRM-SCP, Dr. Sandra Ogunremi, DHA, and Brett Seker of HUB International Great Plains, among others. An Employment Law Panel featuring experts like Christopher Hoyme of Jackson Lewis P.C. and Marcia Hultman, South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Secretary, will provide timely insights into trending legal issues.
Beyond education, the conference offers unique networking opportunities, including a Movie Night at the Elks on April 30th and a Presidential Scavenger Hunt downtown followed by dinner and a social at The DoubleTree on May 1st. Attendees can also engage with vendors, participate in a Foundation Basket Raffle, and enter prize drawings during the closing remarks on May 2nd, where the 2026 conference location will be revealed.
“We are thrilled to host this year’s conference in Rapid City, a vibrant hub for innovation and community,” said Mary Drumm, State Conference Director for SoDak SHRM. “This event is an unparalleled opportunity for HR professionals to gain actionable insights, connect with peers, and elevate their impact in an ever-changing workplace.”
Registration is now open for the 2025 SoDak State SHRM Conference. For more information, including the full schedule and registration details, please visit the conference website or contact Mary Drumm.
