In staffing, just like in life, communication is more than a skill – it’s a superpower. Every word you use has the potential to build momentum, strengthen culture, and shape the results your team delivers. Words Matter: Workplace Conversations & the Dynamics of Winning Dialogue in Staffing is an electrifying session designed to elevate how you use your words to live your dreams as well speak, inspire, and influence others.

This talk brings fresh energy, real-world leadership insight, and practical tools you can use immediately. You’ll learn how intentional language can transform mindset, turn challenges into momentum, and create a culture where people feel supported, connected, and motivated. Expect high energy, big truths, and a renewed understanding of why the right words at the right time can change everything.

Takeaways

1. Ignite performance with intentional communication: Discover how your everyday language can fuel motivation, sharpen focus, and elevate your team's sense of purpose.

2. Speak with clarity that cuts through the chaos: Learn how to use powerful, present-tense language that eliminates ambiguity and moves people confidently toward action.

3. Harness the power of repetition to drive results: Repetition creates rhythm—and rhythm creates consistency. Master communication habits that your team can rely on.

4. Turn conversations into catalysts for success: Shift from directing tasks to creating dialogue that inspires ownership, momentum, and meaningful contribution.

5. Lead with conviction that people can feel: Explore how passion, tone, and intention influence the energy of your team and the outcomes you attract.

6. Build trust through authentic, human-centered dialogue: Communicate in ways that make people feel seen, valued, and safe—because belonging always boosts performance.

7. Walk away with real tools you can use tomorrow: From morning intention-setting to structured team communication rituals, leave with actionable practices that elevate every conversation.

MEET THE SPEAKER

Ziba Alizadeh is Vice President at Employbridge Professional Solutions. She brings over 20 years of experience in staffing and leadership with a focus on contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire solutions. She manages large, multi-million-dollar territories and has fostered long-term, exclusive partnerships with 95% of her clients. Ziba is currently leading and overseeing the strategic growth and expansion of EmployBridge’s Professional, Healthcare, and Contact Center Solutions across the nation. Her ability to navigate nuances in these large diverse markets has been instrumental in her success.

Ziba is an active member with various associations including Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) and American Staffing Association (ASA). Currently, she is a committee member for several councils. Alizadeh has been a featured speaker at prominent industry events, including the American Staffing Association’s Staffing World and the Ohio Staffing Association’s Annual Conference. In 2025, she was honored by Staffing Industry Analysts with inclusion in its prestigious 40 Under 40 list, which recognizes outstanding emerging leaders and innovators shaping the future of the staffing industry.

Thank you to our sponsor, Automated Business Designs!

AGENDA 

11:30AM to 12:30 PM - Registration and Lunch

Illinois Compliance and Liability - Rhea Baker-Ipek, Senior Legal Counsel at Staffing GC 

Industry Update and Outlook - Brittany Sakata, General Counsel at American Staffing Association

Q&A With Illinois State Legislators

4:00 Wrap up and Cocktail Hour

Attendance at this event earns 3.0 CE Hours toward ASA Certification

Thank you to our Sponsors of the 2026 Legislative Conference:

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

The Illinois Search and Staffing Association is proud to present

the next virtual event in our Owners and Executives Series

ACA Compliance for the Staffing Industry

& Update on the Equal Benefits Provision of the Illinois Day and Temporary Labor Services Act

March 19, 2026 - 1PM CST

ISSA Members Free, Nonmembers $39

Learn the ACA fundamentals every staffing firm must get right, how subsidy changes impact affordability and employer risk, and what you should be doing to comply with IDTLSA equal benefits provision. 

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Scott Bast is a Vice President in the Employee Health & Benefits division at Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA). With over 23 years of industry experience, Scott is responsible for conducting market research on carrier options to present to clients to help save them money on their benefits. He uses the leverage of MMA to get the best possible rates on new and renewal business opportunities for his clients. 

Prior to joining MMA, Scott was a President at EZ KUT Products. While there, he manufactured and sold high quality outdoor cutting tools. 

Scott received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and his Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and Natural Resources.

Jasmine Piggott is an Employee Benefits Advisor at Marsh McLennan Agency with a focus in Staffing. Her experience working for a Midwest staffing company gives her a competitive edge when it comes to developing high turnover tactics across various industries like manufacturing, transportation and agriculture. She uses self-insured risk management solutions to help her clients with cost neutral ways to achieve ACA compliance and aligns plan designs with business nature in order to enhance the employee experience.

Prior to joining MMA, Jasmine was a Staffing Consultant at a Midwest staffing company. In her role, she helped clients navigate industry trends and compliance regulations in order to develop and execute successful staffing strategies for manufacturing and light industrial employees.

Conference Hosts:

Illinois Search and Staffing Association

Wisconsin Association of Staffing Services

Michigan Association of Staffing Services

Minnesota Recruiting and Staffing Association

This highly anticipated 2-day event is designed for staffing professionals from all over the Midwest to come together and share their expertise, collaborate, and learn from industry leaders. 

View the SPEAKER LINEUP for the 2026 Midwest Staffing Conference! 

 Click HERE

Attendance at the 2026 Midwest Staffing Conference

is approved for 7.5CE credits

REGISTER EARLY FOR EARLY BIRD MEMBER DISCOUNT! 

ISSA Members: Log in and register

WASS, MASS and MNRSA Members: Email your Director for discount code

NAPS Members: Email info@issaworks.com

Book Your Accommodations

The Hilton Chicago-Oak Brook Suites and Hilton Garden Inn Chicago-Oakbrook Terrace are located just steps from Drury Lane while the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Oak Brook offers convenient shuttle service. 

Hilton Chicago - Oak Brook Suites

(630) 941-0100  -  Check Room Availability

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago-Oak Brook

(630) 941-1177 -  Check Room Availability

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Chicago-Oak Brook

(630) 472-6000  -  Check Room Availability

Moving From Rockstar to Leader:

Elevating Your Impact in the Staffing Industry

May 21, 2026 - 1PM CST

ISSA Members Free / Nonmembers $39

MEET THE SPEAKER

Annette Wehrli helps search & recruiting firm owners and leaders solve leadership, structure, and people challenges that prevent growth.

With 20+ years prior experience on MRI Network's corporate team leading organizational development consulting, executive coaching, succession planning, and learning development, Annette simplifies what's comlex and builds practical solutions that strengthen leadership, talent strategy, hiring, culture, and performance.

She's known for connecting the dots, asking questions that address and remove obstacles, building practical, relevant programs, and helping leaders be more intentional about their short- and long-term impact on people and business results.