Welcome to the desert, where the cacti stand tall, the sun shines bright (and temps rise above 100 degrees in May!), and the conversations are even hotter than the Arizona sand! Day One of the DirectEmployers 2025 Annual Meeting & Conference (DEAMcon25) kicked off with a burst of energy, setting the tone for a week full of insights, connections, and community. As one attendee stated, we were “learning, leading, and leveling up at DEAMcon25!” With the majestic Sonoran landscape as our backdrop, attendees were greeted with warm hospitality, southwestern flair, and an information-packed agenda that blended compliance know-how with future-forward talent strategies. Let’s unpack the day, shall we?

The official slogan of DEAMcon, coined by a past attendee focused on learning and connection.

A Sunny Welcome & Annual Meeting

Executive Director Tom Eckhart kicking off DEAMcon25 with a welcome to all in attendance

We began bright and early with a welcome breakfast that made it easy to forget the time zone shift (and yes, the caffeine options were strong and plentiful!). We would have been remiss if we had ignored the elephant in the room. It’s been a challenging year for federal contractors, and as the year evolves, realigning priorities, efforts to comply with new and changing federal regulations and talent acquisition avenues continue. Thankfully, our Executive Director Tom Eckhart was on-site with a message of reassurance and putting the audience at ease, letting attendees know DirectEmployers isn’t just here to help you keep up, we’re here to help you move forward, with a message of learning, connection, and finding new ways to drive progress in uncertain times. After providing an update (woot woot to over 1,100 Members strong!) and BONUS, a partnership extension with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) through 2037, the Association is well poised for continued growth, and a renewed focus on supporting its most valuable resource, its Members.

Sparking Ideas & Updates

Julie O’Hara-Harvey and fellow Board Members starting the opening session with two claps and a Ric Flair woo!

Following the opening Annual Meeting, our first general sessions of the morning kicked off with an update from Members of our Board’s Executive Committee as they worked the room using Mentimeter to gain audience sentiment. Powerhouse speaker Mike Bazinet quickly followed this session, diving into aligning compliance and recruitment efforts by using “The Swing.” Later, attendees were dazzled by how to overcome recruitment challenges by integrating video marketing from Recruit Rooster. Before breaking for lunch, attendees received a briefing on federal contractor compliance under Executive Order 14173 from the attorneys at Roffman Horvitz. Our speakers, panelists, and moderators kept the discussions engaging with interactive sessions and ample time for Q&A. You could practically feel the wheels turning as everyone scribbled notes, swapped ideas, and filled their tote bags with swag.

Attorneys Josh Roffman and Alissa Horvitz of Roffman Horvitz take the stage to share information on EO 14173

Overcoming the Afternoon Slump with Connection & Community

After a flavorful lunch featuring local Arizona favorites, it was time to head into our first concurrent sessions of the conference. The afternoon sessions covered a variety of topics, ranging from using vocational rehabilitation for disability hiring to the impact of AI on today’s selection process, and broader topics such as creating authentic connections for talent attraction, as well as a focused effort on creating culturally responsible workplaces through employee resource groups.

But the connection didn’t stop in the sessions! The exhibitor hall buzzed with conversation as attendees explored new tech, tools, and services designed to make their jobs easier and more impactful. Whether it was a casual chat over iced tea or a deep-dive demo on the new talent acquisition tools and resources, the sense of community and shared purpose was unmistakable.

When it comes to conference experience and connection, the Demo Hall is always lively and open for conversation

Following the afternoon break, attendees dove directly into an insightful session hosted by Meredith Gregston from Hunton Andrews Kurth, which focused on cataloging DEI legal precedent and trends that support what’s next and how employers can pivot during changing times.

We ended the day focused on resilience and the journey of personal growth delivered by Adam Markel from WorkWell. We often hear resilience defined as the ability to bounce back from life’s situations that cause you to pause and regroup. Adam reinforced it’s how you bounce forward and recover that truly identifies your resilience. He challenged the audience to take a 10-30 minute brain break, where they could simply disconnect and focus on their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual recovery–a lesson we all needed to be reminded of from time to time.

Keynote Adam Markel discussing the creation of a change-proof culture with resilient leadership

Sizzling Down with an Evening Rooftop Social

But the day didn’t end there. Shortly following Adam’s keynote, our group took to the rooftop for our Evening Rooftop Social. A little sweaty but full of life, we watched as the sun dipped behind the Camelback Mountain, enjoying music and desert-inspired drinks (hello, prickly pear margaritas!) and a menagerie of entertainment from tarot card readers to caricaturists, fire performers, and a contortionist. There was laughter, storytelling, and plenty of photo ops with our #DEAMcon-themed neon and colleagues alike. It was the perfect way to unwind after a jam-packed day!

That’s a wrap on day one of DEAMcon25! Stay tuned for highlights and inspiration from day two and three.