EAC-OC Announces 2026 Programs for Employers

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Employer Advisory Council of Orange County, Inc.

2026 EAC-OC PROGRAM GUIDE

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Screenshot_2025-11-28_at_12

2026 PROGRAM GUIDE for

EAC Orange County


December 15, 2025


We’re kicking off 2026 with something special: a new EAC-OC website and a powerful new year of programming designed specifically for California employers. Our 2026 Program Guide is now live online, offering streamlined access to event information, registration, membership tools, and resources tailored to today’s HR and compliance landscape.

From emerging legal updates to practical, day-to-day solutions for managing teams, our 2026 lineup delivers the expertise and support you need to navigate the year with confidence.


January 8, 2026 @ 9:30am

From Bills to Breakrooms: 2026 New Workplace Laws Unpacked

Presented by Michael Rossiter & Jessica Crabbe, Scott & Whitehead

From wage and hour amendments to new compliance requirements around workplace violence prevention, protected leaves, AI usage, and hiring transparency, our expert employment law attorneys will translate complex laws into practical guidance.

January 15, 2026 @ 9:30am

2026 Q1 Hotline Confessions

Presented by Colleen McCarthy & James Rumm, Kennedy McCarthy Rumm

In this exclusive program, our employment law experts bring real-world issues to life, sharing the most pressing topics being discussed behind the scenes and how smart organizations are resolving them.

February 19, 2026 @ 9:30am

Handbooks That Hold Up: Build Policies That Protect & Perform

Presented by Jessica Crabbe, Scott & Whitehead

In a constantly changing legal landscape, outdated policies can put you at serious risk. This webinar will guide you through the essentials of creating (or revising) a handbook that is not only compliant, but clear, current, and truly useful to both leadership and staff.

March 19, 2026 @ 9:30am

HR Checkup 2026: Is Your Organization Audit Ready?

Presented by Jonathan Light, Light Gabler Law

This webinar will walk you step-by-step through the critical components of a comprehensive HR audit—so you can identify vulnerabilities, correct compliance issues, and build a stronger, safer foundation for your workforce.

April 23, 2026 @ 9:30am

2026 Q2 Hotline Confessions

Presented by Colleen McCarthy & James Rumm, Kennedy McCarthy Rumm

In this exclusive program, our employment law experts bring real-world issues to life, sharing the most pressing topics being discussed behind the scenes and how smart organizations are resolving them.

May 21, 2026 @ 9:30am

The 2026 Workplace Violence Compliance Mandate

Presented by Michael Rossiter, Scott & Whitehead

This essential program walks you through how to develop, implement, and maintain a compliant Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) while fostering a culture of safety and readiness. Learn how to identify risks, respond to threats, handle reporting, and train your workforce with confidence.

June 11, 2026 @ 9:30am

Benefits That Matter: Designing Packages Employees Won't Walk Away From

Presented by Sheldon Blumbling, Fisher Phillips

In a labor market where talent has options, employee benefits are no longer a checkbox — they’re a strategy. This program dives into the evolving world of employee benefits, exploring how organizations can build packages that attract top talent, boost retention, and stay compliant with new legal standards.

June 25, 2026 @ 9:30am

Mid-Year Legal Checkpoint: 2026 Laws California Employers Can't Ignore

Presented by Bill Betley, AALRR

Halfway through the year is no time to coast — it’s when new regulations take effect, court rulings reshape policies, and enforcement agencies sharpen their focus. This mid-year legal update delivers the latest developments California employers must understand to stay compliant and avoid costly missteps.

July 23, 2026 @ 9:30am

2026 Q3 Hotline Confessions

Presented by Colleen McCarthy & James Rumm, Kennedy McCarthy Rumm

In this exclusive program, our employment law experts bring real-world issues to life, sharing the most pressing topics being discussed behind the scenes and how smart organizations are resolving them.

August 13, 2026 @ 9:30am

Leaves of Absence Essentials: Tools & Tips for HR Success

Presented by Amber Solano, AALRR

California’s leave laws are some of the most complex in the nation. Between FMLA, CFRA, ADA/FEHA, PDL, PSL, and overlapping entitlements, even experienced HR professionals can find themselves tangled in the details. This session breaks it all down into practical steps for compliance and consistency—so you can protect your organization while supporting your employees.

September 17, 2026 @ 9:30am

Lead with Impact: Mastering the Art of Managing Employees

Presented by Jonathan Light, Light Gabler Law

Effective employee management isn’t about authority — it’s about alignment, communication, and trust. In today’s workplace, managers must navigate performance, personality, remote dynamics, and legal boundaries while keeping teams engaged and productive. This webinar delivers practical strategies and real-world tools to help leaders manage with confidence, clarity, and consistency.

October 8, 2026 @ 9:30am

Stay or Go? How Creative Recognition Keeps Your Best People

Presented by Rob Claudio, Retired EDD Deputy Division Chief and EAC-OC Board Member

This program explores innovative, budget-friendly recognition strategies that build connection, strengthen culture, and turn employees into long-term champions of your organization.

October 22, 2026 @ 9:30am

2026 Q4 Hotline Confessions

Presented by Colleen McCarthy & James Rumm, Kennedy McCarthy Rumm

In this exclusive program, our employment law experts bring real-world issues to life, sharing the most pressing topics being discussed behind the scenes and how smart organizations are resolving them.

November 19, 2026 @ 9:30am

Wage & Hour Wake-Up Call: Avoid the Compliance Crisis

Presented by Grace Horoupian, Fisher Phillips

Wage and hour mistakes are the most common — and most expensive — compliance errors employers face. In California, one miscalculated break, late paycheck, or misclassified employee can trigger penalties, lawsuits, and PAGA claims. Our annual Wage & Hour program is your final compliance checkpoint, delivering clarity on the latest rules and real guidance to protect your organization.

December 3, 2026 @ 9:30am

Hire Without Regret: Mastering the Modern Hiring Process

Presented by Jonathan Light, Light Gabler Law

A strong hiring process doesn’t start with an interview — it starts with strategy. In today’s competitive market, employers must balance speed with compliance, culture with qualification, and legal guardrails with gut instinct. This program walks you through every step of a legally sound, high-impact hiring process designed to attract top talent while minimizing risk.


2026 EAC

Membership


Free HR Hotline:

Get immediate answers to employer-employee questions with a dedicated hotline staffed by an experienced employment law attorney.

Timely Legal Updates:

Receive email updates with the latest changes in both Federal and California employment laws, keeping you informed and compliant.

Discounted Workshops and Webinars:

Access expert-led sessions on essential HR and legal topics at a discounted rate.

And Much More:

Enjoy additional resources, tools, and support to streamline your HR practices and enhance your organization’s compliance.

Membership

2026 Programs


From Bills to Breakdowns: 2026 New Workplace Laws

01.08.2026


2026 Q1 Hotline Confessions

01.15.2026


Handbooks That Hold Up: Build Policies That Protect & Perform

02.19.2026


HR Checkup 2026: Is Your Organization Audit-Ready?

03.19.2026


2026 Q2 Hotline Confessions

04.23.2026


The 2026 Workplace Violence Compliance Mandate

05.21.2026


Benefits That Matter: Designing Packages Employees Won't Walk Away From

06.11.2026


Mid-Year Legal Checkpoint: 2026 Laws California Employers Can't Ignore

06.25.2026


2026 Q3 Hotline Confessions

07.23.2026


Leaves of Absence Essentials: Tools & Tips for HR Success

08.13.2026


Lead with Impact: Mastering the Art of Managing Employees

09.17.2026


Stay or Go? How Creative Recognition Keeps Your Best People

10.08.2026


2026 Q4 Hotline Confessions

10.22.2026


Wage & Hour Wake-Up Call: Avoid the Compliance Crisis

11.19.20


Hire Without Regret: Mastering the Modern Hiring Process

12.03.2026


Register Here

Online Registration is open for all 2026 programs.  Call the office at (480) 532-0007 or email Faith Barnese at faith@eac-oc.com if you prefer to be invoiced for program registration.



This bulletin is provided as a service to our clients and other friends to highlight current developments in the law. It is not intended to provide a legal opinion or specific legal advice. Should issues arise involving these, or other matters, please contact Faith Barnese at the EAC-OC office at (714) 794-4253, cell (480) 532-0007 or faith@eac-oc.com.


Employer Advisory Council of Orange County, Inc.

The Employer Advisory Council of Orange County is a non-profit group, run by HR professionals and attorneys, as a low-cost approach to business and human resource solutions. Membership entitles you and your associates to low-cost HR workshops, timely updates on breaking legislation affecting your business practices and access to an HR Attorney Hotline. For more information on the EAC, visit our website at https://www.eac-oc.com

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Employer Advisory Council of Orange County, Inc.

PO Box 9575, Brea CA 92822
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