2025 Compensation Conference

Thursday, September 11, 2025: Virtual

Session 1: Compensation Trends 2025: Unveiling the Latest Survey Insights

In this session, we’ll explore the latest data from our compensation trends survey, highlighting the shifts that will define pay strategies in 2025. From pay transparency and remote work compensation to the growing focus on equity, we’ll break down the key findings that are influencing how companies approach compensation. Learn how organizations are addressing challenges like wage compression, evolving incentive structures, and expanding total rewards to stay competitive. This session will provide valuable insights to help you refine your compensation strategy and ensure it aligns with industry trends and employee expectations.

Session 2A: Beyond the Paycheck: Redesigning Manufacturing Total Rewards

In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just a competitive salary. This session explores innovative compensation and benefits strategies tailored to the unique challenges of the manufacturing sector. From structuring competitive wage programs and shift differentials to leveraging benefits that boost employee satisfaction and retention, we’ll cover the essential components of a robust compensation package. Learn how to align pay structures with company goals, create meaningful benefits that resonate with your workforce, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Walk away with actionable strategies to enhance workforce performance, drive employee engagement, and build a future-proof compensation program that stands out in a tight labor market.

Session 2B: The New Era of Pay: Tackling Today’s Compensation Challenges

As the workplace evolves, so too must the way we approach compensation. This session will explore the innovative compensation strategies that are shaping the future of pay. From pay transparency and performance-based rewards to reimagining benefits for a diverse workforce, we’ll dive into the emerging trends and tactics that organizations are using to stay competitive. Learn how to design flexible, equitable pay structures that attract top talent, enhance employee satisfaction, and drive performance in today’s rapidly changing market. Whether you're navigating remote work challenges or looking to future-proof your compensation plans, this session will provide you with the insights and tools you need to lead the charge in the new era of pay.

Session 3A: Maximizing Impact: Designing an Effective

Variable Compensation Program Variable compensation can be a powerful driver of performance—when it's done right. This session explores how to design, implement, and manage variable pay programs that align with business objectives, motivate employees, and adapt to shifting market conditions. We'll cover key elements such as goal setting, plan structure, payout mechanics, and communication strategies. Whether you're refining an existing plan or starting from scratch, gain practical insights to ensure your variable compensation programs deliver results and reinforce a performance-driven culture.

Session 3B: Pay Under Pressure: Managing Equity, Transparency, and Talent Expectations

In today’s talent-driven market, HR leaders face tough compensation challenges—from limited merit budgets and pay compression to growing demands for transparency. This session explores how to strengthen your compensation foundation, conduct effective internal equity reviews, manage job grades, and navigate critical pay conversations with both employees and candidates. Walk away with practical strategies to align recruiting and compensation while building trust and fairness into every pay decision.

Session 4: 2026 Compensation Outlook: What Every HR Leader Needs to Know

With shifting employee expectations, greater pay transparency, and increasing pressure for equity and agility, HR leaders must rethink compensation planning for the future. This session takes a strategic look at what’s on the horizon for 2026—from evolving market trends and regulatory developments to the rise of AI and personalized total rewards. Learn how to align your compensation strategy with organizational goals, support a diverse workforce, and stay ahead of the curve in a competitive talent landscape. Walk away with actionable insights to future-proof your compensation approach and lead with confidence.

HRCI and SHRM credits applied for.

Sponsoring MRA events is a tremendous opportunity to bring your message of business value to our growing membership of organizations HR professionals and business leaders. Our members represent all industries including manufacturing, service, distribution, finance, and health care! 80% of event attendees are new at each event offering you the opportunity to network with new contacts. We are very excited about the event this year and hope you can join us! 

For more information on sponsorship, call Laura Kielbasa at 262.696.3346 or [email protected].

MRA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all event participants and MRA staff.

To ensure a comfortable learning environment for all event attendees, discussions should be focused on the meeting topic at hand. Expected behavior is outlined below:

• Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.
• Alert the online MRA moderator if you notice violations of these guidelines or have concerns about fellow participants. 

Participants violating these Guidelines will be asked to stop any inappropriate behavior and are expected to comply immediately. If the issue continues, MRA reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including, but not limited to, removal of the participant from the public chat, from the event, and/or banning from all future events.

Conference registration cancellations with full refunds are accepted 3 business days prior to the event date, prior to the distribution of conference materials. Once conference materials have been shared, no refunds will be issued.

If you are unable to attend, you can transfer your registration to someone else at no cost. Please contact [email protected] with the name change. All recordings and resources will be provided to registered attendees post-event for on-demand viewing.