In this post-pandemic era, business and industries of all sorts evolved to meet the needs of an all-remote or hybrid workforce, even having new opportunities to expand their presence globally. One such way companies did this was by using technological innovations, and payroll is no exception to this transformation.
PayrollOrg’s (PAYO) 42nd Annual Payroll Congress, May 7-10, will present a “Total Payroll Transformation,” a theme designed to showcase how payroll is transforming from a routine practice to a strategic, engaged role within an organization.
With emerging tools like generative artificial intelligence (AI) and payroll analytics, the need has never been more pressing for industry professionals to come together, network, and educate as we learn to transform our practices to take on the challenges ahead.
Hosted at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, more than 2,000 of your fellow payroll professionals will gather to learn world-class payroll education, where you can tailor your needs from a variety of workshops covering topics such as global payroll, technology, late-breaking legislative and regulatory updates, professional development, and more.
Registering for Payroll Congress will give you access to the following:
Transformative Education, Workshops
During Payroll Congress, industry experts will host more than 100 unique workshops under the following education tracks:
Payroll Thought Leadership—Learn how ]to obtain significant return on investment and overcome industry challenges with specific product solutions
Late-Breaking Legislative and Regulatory Updates—Maintain compliance by reviewing legislative and regulatory updates at both the federal and state level
Payroll Management and Operations—Identify compliance issues and resolve them for efficient payroll processes
Benefits and Compensation—Focuses on compliance pertaining to benefits and compensation, including the latest on fringe benefits, stock options, cafeteria plans, and nonqualified deferred compensation plans
Global Payroll—The global perspective on payroll function, risk, compliance, and more
Technology—Learn about blockchain, cybersecurity, AI, metrics, and more
Professional Development—Enhance your interpersonal skills with these workshops focusing on advancing your career
PAYO Tools—Learn about PayrollOrg tools and resources, including volunteer opportunities, eLearning, and online publications
Attendees can also join Payroll Congress’ exclusive seven-session Leadership Excellence Series. These sessions, led by engaging motivational speakers Pegine; Courtney Anderson Broadhead, J.D., M.S., MBA, BA; Kelly Swanson; and Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE, will energize attendees on topics such as communication, team building, career strategies, and more. Leadership topics in the series include the following:
- “Communicate Your V.A.L.U.E.” with Pegine
- “The Great Integration: Embrace, Engage, Enroll, and Thrive” with Pegine
- “Pragmatic Payroll Career Strategies” with Broadhead
- “Meeting Magic” with Broadhead
- “The Persuasion Principle Part II: Make a Greater Impact on Your Team and Business” with Swanson
- “Advanced Career-Building Presentation Skills” with Fripp
- “Selling Yourself and Your Ideas” with Fripp
Visit the Payroll Congress webpage’s “Education” tab for a complete list of education tracks and workshops.
Motivational Keynote Speakers
This year’s keynote speakers at Payroll Congress include industry leaders and captivating storytellers.
During the Opening General Session, sponsored by rapid!, author and innovation strategist Shawn Kanungo takes a deep dive into the rise of generative AI and how to use it for its potential in his presentation, “The Age of Infinity—Generative AI and Our Future.” (Read more about Kanungo in the article on page XX.)
During the General Session, Lynda Gratton, Professor of Management Practice at the London Business School, and founder of HSM Advisory, draws on her expertise in her presentation, “The Future of Work Is Now, and Here Is How to Thrive.” Sponsored by ADP, Gratton, who last presented at PayrollOrg’s 2021 Congress Xstream, will explore with attendees how to thrive in the new era of work and prepare to adapt when an organization’s transformation means shifts in power, skills, and structure.
Finally, during the Closing General Session, master storyteller Kelly Swanson shares six secrets to connect and engage with teams and business leaders alike in her presentation, “The Persuasion Principle: Connect and Engage Through the Power of Story.”
Payroll Congress will also host industry experts including Nadia Camarena, CPP, Director of Global Payroll Operations at Netflix, and Ryan Yannetta, CPP, PHR, SHRM-CP, VP of Implementation at Extensis HR.
The recipients of the 2024 Payroll Woman of the Year and the 2024 Payroll Man of the Year will be announced at the Opening General Session on May 7.
Some of the other prestigious awards being presented at Payroll Congress include Special Friend, Special Recognition, Global Vision, and the education grants.
The event hosts will be Dan Maddux, PAYO Executive Director; Jim Bolek, CPP, PAYO President; Linda Obertin, CPP, PAYO Immediate Past President; and Bryan Chan, who will once again serve as the event’s master of ceremonies.
Innovative Tech in Expo
Attendees should take advantage of the cutting-edge technologies, tools, resources, and trends that will be showcased in the expansive Expo, the largest expo of its kind pertaining to payroll, finance, and HR.
Exhibitors will include Payroll Congress sponsors: ADP, Alight, Paychex, rapid!, UKG, U.S. Bank, and Wisely by ADP (as of press time). More than 85 vendors will exhibit their payroll technology and resources, with industry representatives ready to answer any questions regarding their products.
In addition, the Expo will host special events such as:
- Cocktail receptions
- Networking lunches
- Global Reception—Sponsored by Alight, meet and network with global payroll professionals (May 8)
- Costume Contest (May 8), with categories to include:
- Cyber Couture
- Golden Age
- Payroll Eras
- Radiant Icon
- Then & Now (Duo)
- Synergy Squad (Group)
- Exhibitor Prize Drawings (May 9)
- Citation of Merit Photos—Recognizes members who volunteer on PayrollOrg’s national boards, committees, advisory groups, and task forces (May 9)
The Expo will be open from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. on May 7; 12:00 p.m.–4 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.– 8:15 p.m. on May 8; and 9:00 a.m.–2:15 p.m. on May 9.
Networking Opportunities
Payroll Congress is an experience unlike any other for payroll professionals, but it isn’t all work and no play. Don’t miss out on these exclusive events only at Payroll Congress:
- Chapter Exchange—Sponsored by rapid!, join payroll pros from over 100 active PayrollOrg chapters across the country to network and find out who will be named Chapter of the Year, plus many other chapter contest recipients (May 6, 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.)
- Meet & Greet—Meet up with payroll newbies and veterans, sponsored by Wisely by ADP (May 7, 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.)
- #GetSocial—Network in-person with fellow social media-savvy payroll pros like yourself and meet our Social Networking Committee (May 7, 10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m.). This is the perfect opportunity for selfies with your industry peers and PayrollOrg staff (Don’t forget to use #paycon when posting!)
- FÊTE! Payroll Congress Party—Take a breather and join your peers for music, dancing, and fun (May 8, 8:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.)
Come join us in Nashville, May 7-10, to discover a new era for payroll and the opportunities for innovation that can exist within your payroll teams and entire organizations.