Leading Seattle companies to present at WorldatWork Conference in May

What do Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon.com and REI have in common?
1.    They are all industry-leading corporations headquartered in Seattle.
2.    They are known globally for their strong brand and unique workplace cultures.
3.    Their talent managers will be presenting at the annual WorldatWork Total Rewards conference at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center (May 31-June 3 in Seattle).

A special panel discussion entitled, “An Insider's Guide: What World-Class Organizations are Doing to Ensure Total Rewards Success,” will highlight these world-famous organizations’ strategies and insights on dealing with today’s challenges.

Additional WorldatWork conference forums and workshops will cover:
•     Total rewards around the world: The global expedition to engage talent
•     Practical work-life solutions for today and tomorrow
•     Health-care reform:  Implications for the employer and employee
•     Executive compensation:  Finding the right balance between risk and reward

The conference is organized into five tracks: total rewards, executive rewards, benefits, compensation and work-life. For the first time, the Executive Rewards track will include a special Executive Compensation Forum. Speaking at the Executive Compensation Forum will be:

•     Fred Cook, Founding Director, Frederic W Cook & Company Inc
•     Pat McGurn, Special Counsel, RiskMetrics Group
•     Dave Swinford, President and CEO, Pearl Meyer & Partners
•     Jill Kanin-Lovers, BearingPoint Board Director and Compensation Committee Chair
•     Mike Davis, Senior Vice President Human Resources, General Mills (forum moderator)

Several new research studies will be unveiled at the conference as well. In Rewarding Next Practices – Hay Group and WorldatWork will share the results of a joint research study on best and next practices in reward design and architecture, alignment and implementation.

“Uncertain economic times bring challenges as well as opportunities. No matter the financial climate, human capital will always be more important than financial capital,” notes Anne C. Ruddy, CCP, president of WorldatWork.

Now in its 54th year, the WorldatWork Total Rewards Conference is expected to draw more than 1,500 HR executives and corporate leaders from around the world. For additional information, visit www.worldatwork.org/seattle2009.