2026 Labor Relations/Human Resources Conference

An overview of the current state of the industry, the importance of labor relations and human resources professionals, and projections for the future.

This interactive training reveals the powerful role empathy plays in transforming workplace culture. Participants explore the two core forms of empathy—cognitive (understanding others’ perspectives) and emotional (feeling what others feel)—through engaging discussions, real-life scenarios, and science-based assessments that measure their personal empathy levels.

Framed as an innate superpower we all possess, this session shows how empathy enhances leadership, fosters deeper employee connections, and mitigates biases. By making the invisible visible, this training empowers participants to identify blind spots, improve communication, and build trust across the differences that divide organizations. Rooted in the belief that empathy is not a weakness but a form of wisdom, this experience inspires change from the inside out.

A personal perspective on the strategic role of Human Resources, how leadership adapts and changes as the industry evolves, current market drivers and the effect on HR, moving from a "white glove" approach to a more systems-based delivery system, and other related and timely topics.

Guidelines and insights from an antitrust expert on lawful industry collaboration, including compliance at industry gatherings and in peer discussions, and how to identify red flags and manage risky situations.

A review of Empower, an employee engagement and advocacy program developed by AFPM designed to equip refining and petrochemical sector workers with the tools and information needed to share our story with local communities and policymakers.

Jonathan J. Spitz, a principal in the Atlanta, Georgia, office of Jackson Lewis and co-leader of the firm’s Energy & Utilities industry group, understands the practical and operational needs of corporate America, partnering with clients to design pragmatic strategies that minimize risk and maximize performance. Jon supports unionized employers in collective bargaining, contract advice, long term strategy, grievance management and arbitration proceedings. For non-unionized employers, he develops union and litigation avoidance strategies unique to each employer’s industry, culture and operations. He was recognized in the Best Lawyers in America, Labor Law – Management listing for 2023 – 2025 and Employment Law – Management category for 2026.

Join Jon at AFPM’s 2026 Labor Relations / Human Resources Conference, for a timely and practical session on the latest employment law updates, emerging trends, and key insights shaping today’s workplace. Participants will benefit from Jon’s deep legal expertise and real-world experience, his comprehensive review of recent development in employment law, and what these developments mean in practical terms for employers, HR and LR professionals, and organizational leaders.

AFPM’s annual Labor Relations / Human Resources Conference attracts 200+ attendees each year including legal professionals, human resources leaders, labor relations expert practitioners and operational specialists. This conference offers a unique blend of high-value networking, forward-looking insights, and informed dialogue —bringing together experts and peers to explore emerging trends, share practical learning, and strengthen professional connections.

Marvin Kaplan, former Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and a current principal in the New York City office of law firm Jackson Lewis, will present his perspective on the state of the NLRB, recent activity, and upcoming matters at American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers’ (AFPM) 2026 Labor Relations / Human Resources Conference.

Kaplan will speak before attendees of AFPM’s annual LR/HR conference which attracts 200+ participants, including LR and HR executives, managers, and emerging professionals, as well as legal experts and operational leaders. This conference provides up-to-the-minute insights and information on the hottest issues in labor and workforce dynamics. Kaplan’s eight years on the NLRB in which he participated in over 900 decisions gives him a unique perspective on the Board’s ongoing work, and his experience at the U.S. House of Representatives provides the expertise to navigate and synthesize for the audience, complex compliance, and regulatory issues.

Personal insights and updates from the bargaining table.

This session will cover recommended practices for the compliant use of generative AI, real-world pitfalls to avoid, and designing human-in-the-loop processes.

Update and lessons learned from the Boeing Defense Strike Negotiations

LRHR Committee transition announcements and close of conference.