Washington Materials
Thank you for joining us at the Salem Convention Center for a day of practical education, legal updates, expert speakers, real-world solutions, and networking!
Here, you will find the agenda, speaker bios, and supplementary resources to help you make the most of this informative event.
Tap the resources below to jump to the information listed.
AGENDA | SPEAKER BIOS | SPONSORS| EXHIBITORS | SURVEY | SHRM CREDITS | 2027 WAFLACON
Conference Materials & Recordings
Presentation slides, any handouts, and general session recordings will be available after the conference. You'll receive an email when they're ready to access.
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Agenda
Enrique reflects on the past year and shares what’s ahead for WAFLA. Hear how we’re preparing to support agricultural employers through the challenges and opportunities to come.
Enrique Gastelum, WAFLA
Big changes could be coming and waiting until the new year is too late. Get a heads-up on the labor and employment proposals that could impact your operation and what you can do now to prepare.
Jon DeVaney, Washington Tree Fruit Association; Leon Sequeira, Sequeira Bilby PLLC; Alex Ybarra, Washington State House of Representatives
You’ve heard what could be coming this legislative session. Now put your knowledge to the test! Team up with your table for a fast-paced trivia challenge that reinforces what you learned, how to make your voice heard, and what you can do now to prepare your operation.
Enrique Gastelum, WAFLA
Breakout presenters have just two minutes to convince you why their session deserves a spot on your agenda. Divide and conquer by assigning different breakouts amongst your team, then bring the best insights back to your operation.
Enrique Gastelum, WAFLA & Breakout Presenters
Immigration policies and enforcement priorities continue to evolve, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. Join immigration expert Eamonn for a practical discussion on today's most pressing immigration topics, including worksite enforcement, immigrant visa processing, adjustment of status options, birthright citizenship developments, and more. Walk away with a clearer understanding of what is changing, what it means for employers, and how to navigate the road ahead.
Eamonn Roach, Roach & Bishop, LLP
Employer responsibilities don't end when the workday does. Through real-world scenarios, this session explores the risks H-2A workers may face outside the workplace and the legal, housing, transportation, and liability issues employers need to understand. Gain practical guidance for reducing risk while supporting worker safety and well-being.
Trooper Carlos Mata, WSP; Renson Miranda, WAFLA; Sarah Wixson, Stokes Lawrence
Leave laws can be complicated, especially when federal, state, and H-2A requirements overlap. Learn how Washington and Oregon leave laws intersect with H-2A regulations, and gain practical guidance for handling protected leave, disability accommodations, and medical leave while staying compliant and supporting your workforce.
Sean Worley, Stokes Lawrence
A serious workplace injury impacts far more than compliance. Join Jeff and Enrique as they explore the human, operational, financial, and reputational costs that follow a workplace incident. Through real-world examples and practical lessons learned, discover how strong safety leadership, accountability, and proactive risk management can help prevent injuries.
Enrique Gastelum, WAFLA & Jeff Lutz, JML Safety
From court rulings to regulatory shakeups, the H-2A world has been anything but predictable. Join Leon for an essential update on the latest developments shaping the program and what employers need to know to remain compliant, reduce risk, and prepare for the road ahead.
Leon Sequeira, Sequeira Bilby, PLLC
Using a farm labor contractor doesn’t mean handing off your compliance risk. Get a practical refresher on Washington and federal FLC requirements, common areas of exposure, and what to verify when hiring a contractor. We’ll cover the key steps employers should take before work begins to help avoid costly FLC compliance problems.
Adam Belzberg, Stoel Rives LLP
An open-door policy only works when employees feel safe walking through it. Learn practical strategies for building trust, improving communication, and creating a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable raising concerns, sharing ideas, and speaking up before problems escalate.
Laura Flores, Ignite Consulting
What really happens when the Department of Labor comes knocking? Drawing on real cases representing agricultural employers, Joe shares the compliance missteps that triggered investigations, the violations uncovered, and the lessons learned. Walk away with practical strategies to spot risks early, strengthen your practices, and reduce the likelihood of costly audits and enforcement actions.
Joe Bilby, Sequeira Bilby, PLLC
Labor relations in agriculture are evolving, and employers need to understand what may be on the horizon. This session explores proposed Washington legislation, lessons learned from other states, and the legal, operational, and workforce implications that could shape the future of agricultural employment. Gain practical insights to help your operation stay informed, prepared, and ready for change.
Sarah Wixson, Stokes Lawrence & Mike Gempler, WAFLA
Washington agriculture faces increasing scrutiny from the Attorney General’s Office, and expanded investigative authority raises the stakes. This session explores what the changing enforcement landscape means for farms, especially H-2A employers, and how to prepare for a civil investigative demand. Learn practical steps to protect records, review employment practices, engage counsel, and respond when the AGO comes calling.
Adam Belzberg, Stoel Rives LLP
An open-door policy only works when employees feel safe walking through it. Learn practical strategies for building trust, improving communication, and creating a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable raising concerns, sharing ideas, and speaking up before problems escalate.
Laura Flores, Ignite Consulting
What really happens when the Department of Labor comes knocking? Drawing on real cases representing agricultural employers, Joe shares the compliance missteps that triggered investigations, the violations uncovered, and the lessons learned. Walk away with practical strategies to spot risks early, strengthen your practices, and reduce the likelihood of costly audits and enforcement actions.
Joe Bilby, Sequeira Bilby, PLLC
Grab a beverage and snack, then buckle up for an interactive drive into the newest labor laws impacting agricultural employers. We’ll break down what’s changed, what it means for you, and what you need to do. Follow along with a takeaway booklet you’ll use.
Adam Belzberg, Stoel Rives LLP; Roxana Macias, WAFLA; Sarah Wixson, Stokes Lawrence
Grab a beverage and snack, then buckle up for an interactive drive into the newest labor laws impacting agricultural employers. We’ll break down what’s changed, what it means for you, and what you need to do. Follow along with a takeaway booklet you’ll use.
Adam Belzberg, Stoel Rives LLP; Roxana Macias, WAFLA; Sarah Wixson, Stokes Lawrence
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HR Certification
The Worker and Farmer Labor Association (WAFLA) is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits 8 (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
Please contact Jean Maybin at (360) 342-6633Â if you didn't request your certificate of completion at the conference.
Exhibitors
BlxckPay New WAFLA Benefit
Commodity Partner Pavilion
Jetts Transport LLC
JLM Safety - jeff@jlmsafety.com
Silvia's Professional Tax Services
United States Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
Washington L&I Employment Standards
Washington L&I Workplace Safety & Health
Washington Saves
Washington State Patrol - Office of Culture and Education
Worker and Farmer Labor Association
WAFLACON 2027
BIGGER OPPORTUNITIES.
NOVEMBER 18–19, 2027
For the First Time, We're Bringing Oregon & Washington Together!
Get ready for an expanded day-and-a-half WAFLACON experience packed with timely labor and employment updates, expert insights, engaging sessions, and even more opportunities to connect with agricultural employers and industry leaders from across the Pacific Northwest.
Come for WAFLACON. Stay for the Gorge.
Nestled in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, Skamania Lodge is the perfect place to mix business with a little relaxation. Extend your stay a day or two to explore, unwind, and enjoy everything the Gorge has to offer!
Thank you, sponsors!
Harvest Tote
Ag Link Lanyard
Compliance Companions
Labor Leader
Gather & Grow Luncheon
Workforce Partners
Meet Our Commodity Partners at the New Partner Pavilion!
Discover the partner perks that await you with your commodity! Check member benefits.
Speaker Biographies
(Alphabetized by last name)
Adam Belzberg is a partner at Stoel Rives LLP and an experienced labor and employment attorney who represents employers across industries, including agriculture. His practice includes labor relations, NLRB matters, wage-and-hour litigation, H-2A and MSPA issues, and compliance with federal and state employment laws. A frequent speaker and author, Adam regularly helps employers navigate complex workplace and labor challenges.
Joe Billby is an attorney with extensive experience in employment law. He helps employers meet their obligations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, federal civil rights laws, and other laws and regulations that affect business leaders and their workforces. He and his law partner, Leon Sequeira, advise and represent agricultural employers nationwide facing investigations and enforcement actions brought by the U.S. Department of Labor related to H-2A workers and U.S. workers in corresponding employment.
Jon Devaney is President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA), representing Washington’s apple, pear, and cherry growers. Since leading the organization’s formation in 2014, he has advanced industry education, workforce initiatives, public policy, and government relations. His extensive agricultural leadership experience includes roles with the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association and USDA Rural Development. Jon serves on numerous agricultural and workforce-related boards and holds degrees from the University of Washington and Georgetown University.
Laura Flores is an HR consultant, coach, trainer, and speaker with 20+ years of experience helping organizations and their people succeed. Through Ignite Consulting, she helps leaders and teams strengthen communication, build leadership skills, improve workplace processes, and navigate challenging employee situations. Laura brings an engaging, real-world approach to HR and leadership development, giving participants practical strategies they can use right away.
Enrique Gastelum is the chief executive officer of WAFLA and a champion of sustainable labor-intensive agriculture across the Pacific Northwest. His background in a farmworker family, his time as a government labor law regulator and educator, and his work as the CFO of Washington Farm Bureau have given him a unique perspective that balances seasonal employers' labor needs with workers' rights and dignity. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and an MBA in public administration.
Mike Gempler is the Executive Director of the Washington Growers League, where he led advocacy and support for agricultural employers in Washington. He holds a B.S. in Agriculture from Ohio State University and an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Wyoming.
Jeff Lütz is a Certified Safety & Health Specialist with nearly 30 years of experience training workers in agriculture and related industries. As a former business owner-operator himself, he knows what a working day looks like, and he brings that perspective to every training class and event. Jeff is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and keeps his training practical and straightforward, which helps people feel comfortable asking questions and talking openly, and helps foster application and best practices.
Roxana Macias is the chief people and community officer at WAFLA. Macias is a first-generation daughter of Mexican farmworkers and a University of Washington graduate. She has worked on all angles of the guest worker programs, including wage determinations, filing H-2A and H-2B contracts, human resources, foreign recruitment, and program compliance. Her role at WAFLA involves developing and implementing programs to help growers and workers navigate the complexities of state and federal laws and regulations and work in cohesion toward a shared goal.
Renson Miranda is a graduate of Prosser High School with various skills in the agriculture sector. He was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and immigrated at age three with his pregnant mother. Agriculture has always been part of his family's way of life, and some family members currently work on different farms and in companies. Renson is a Field Services Assistant Director for wafla. He specializes in H-2A worker on-board orientations, supervisor and manager training, housing inspections, and conflict resolution in the orchards.
Eamonn Roach is a partner at Roach and Bishop, based in Pasco, Washington. A native of Pasco and alumnus of Tri-Cities Prep, he earned a B.A. in International Studies and Politics with a Spanish minor at Seattle University, studied Mandarin in China, and then obtained his J.D. from Gonzaga University. Roach practices primarily in immigration law (including family and employment-based visas, asylum, and work with foreign-trained medical professionals), alongside his father, Tom Roach, and is fluent in Spanish.
Leon Sequeira is an attorney with more than two decades of experience advising employers and industry associations on employment and immigration matters involving foreign workers. He represents clients across the United States, from small family farms to some of the nation’s largest employers of H-2A and H-2B guest workers. In addition to defending employers in government investigations and litigation, he also represents employers on public policy, regulatory, and legislative issues in Washington, D.C.
Trooper Carlos Mata is an 11-year Washington State Patrol veteran and the El Protector Program Coordinator. Raised in Mattawa’s agricultural community, he brings a valuable firsthand perspective to his work promoting traffic safety and community engagement. Carlos is dedicated to building trust and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the diverse communities he serves.
Sarah Wixson is a shareholder at Stokes Lawrence with more than two decades of experience handling complex employment litigation for agricultural businesses. Her practice includes wage-and-hour claims, discrimination and harassment matters, workplace investigations, and employment policy and practice audits. A frequent speaker and author, Sarah brings a practical, agriculture-focused perspective to helping employers navigate workplace challenges.
Sean Worley is a shareholder at Stokes Lawrence and an experienced labor and employment litigator. He advises and represents employers on wage-and-hour issues, class actions, workplace discrimination and retaliation, leave laws, and union and collective bargaining matters. A frequent speaker on agricultural employment issues, Sean brings practical insight into the evolving labor and compliance challenges facing employers.
Alex Ybarra Rep. Alex Ybarra represents Washington’s 13th Legislative District and is a lifelong Central Washington resident. Born and raised in Quincy, he strongly advocates for the region, prioritizing support for agriculture, protecting access to water, expanding affordable energy, and strengthening education. He brings a distinctly Central Washington perspective to his work in Olympia.