12:00 – 1:00 PM EST

   1:30 – 2:30 PM EST

Monday

Dispute Resolution: The Next 75 Years

In commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, this panel explores the history of Alternative Dispute Resolution and what it means for the future. It focuses on the transformation of the services offered by FMCS and other mediators from merely helping to resolve a conflict (through many means) to helping to prevent conflict at its roots. This panel, featuring some of the most experienced and talented former and current FMCS mediators, and other dispute resolvers and academics, draws on the collective experiences of FMCS mediators and others in international, regional, employment and union, industrial, and public policy conflicts.

Slide Presentation

Communicating When the Stakes are High (and Aren’t They Always?)

Workplace communication can be challenging, especially in situations when opinions vary, emotions are strong, or the subject matter is delicate. In these moments, we may find ourselves unable to communicate, or unable to communicate effectively. This interactive session will provide tips for communicating in a highly charged environment.

Slide Presentation

Tuesday

Mock EEO Counseling Session

EEO counseling is often the first step in a process designed to resolve allegations of discrimination. But what actually happens there? In this webinar, experts in the field will enact a typical EEO counseling session so you can see how it is done.

Slide Presentation

The Power of the Mindful Workplace Apology

“I am sorry.” At times, these are the three hardest words to say, especially in the workplace. When done right, sincere apologies in the workplace can be a crucial component to enhancing – and healing – relationships. When done wrong, they can make a bad situation worse. This session will cover all the ingredients needed to make an effective apology.

Slide Presentation

Wednesday

Cognitive Bias in Negotiation

Cognitive biases affect many of the daily decisions made in the workplace. This panel explores the cognitive biases seen at work, including loss aversion, anchoring, and attribution error, and their influence on decision-making in collective bargaining and other disputes.

Slide Presentation

Conflict Resolutionaries – Women as Peacemakers

At work, in the community, and even on the international stage, increased participation by women in conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts leads to better and longer-lasting outcomes. Wherever there is conflict, women play a vital role in restoring, repairing, and maintaining peace. Come join a lively and informative conversation and be inspired by a panel of women leaders who will share their vision of the future of conflict resolution.

Slide Presentation

Thursday

The Art of Asking Questions

Resolving conflict can be challenging. Asking the right questions the right way is a key skill for anyone who wants to be an effective problem-solver in the midst of conflict.  In this session, we will look at our thought process in asking questions and others’ thought processes in responding.

Slide Presentation

Love it or Leave it: Technology in Mediation

Technology did not play a large part in conflict resolution prior to the pandemic.  In fact, technology was met with resistance and not viewed as the ideal way to resolve conflict.  Has that changed?  Is technology a benefit or can it be a distraction? Hear about the pros and cons of utilizing different technology tools to maximize your potential to resolve conflict.

Friday

Restorative Grievance Mediation – Solving People AND the Problem

Restorative mediation draws from restorative justice tenets, as well as transformative and facilitative mediation practices. In addition to mediation sessions, participants in restorative grievance mediation also commit to pre-work, as well as an honest and transparent dialogue in a safe space created by the mediator. This session explores the development of this process, how to deliver/facilitate a restorative grievance mediation, and how to determine if parties are right for restorative mediation.

Slide Presentation

Creating Effective Labor-Management Partnerships in Small Bargaining Units

Like in all units, small unit members and managers have a vested interest in establishing and sustaining strong, collaborative partnerships. However, small units face unique challenges. This panel of experts will discuss the government resources available to small units to establish collaborative partnerships, as well as ways to prevent, minimize, or eliminate barriers to these partnerships in small units.

Eileen Hoffman

FMCS Commissioner

Denise McKenney

FMCS Commissioner

Professor / Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution

Salisbury University

ADR Consultant, GovernanceAlive

FMCS Commissioner

FMCS Commissioner

FMCS Director of Equal Employment Opportunity

Director of Equal Opportunity

U.S. Railroad Retirement Board

Attorney-Advisor and Informal Complaints Manager, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (OEEO), National Labor Relations Board

Attorney, Mediator and Civil Rights (EEO) Professional

Principal, FMCS Institute

Training Specialist

FMCS Senior Mediator

FMCS Mediator

FMCS Mediator

Principal, Lethbridge & Associates

Principal, FMCS Institute

FMCS Mediation Technology Specialist

Strategy Officer & FMCS Commissioner

FMCS Mediator

FMCS Associate Deputy Director for Field Operations-National

Darnice Marsh

Labor-Management Partnership Coordinator, Office of Labor-Management Standards

Senior Advisor, Office of Labor-Management Standards