Can non-exempt employees still attend professional conferences?

Yes. Keep in mind employees will be guaranteed their 8 hours each day unless you ask them to flex their hours. Any hours worked in addition to their 8 hours each day (Monday through Friday) and on the weekend must be considered.  For example, if an employee drove on a Saturday or Sunday during hours that would be considered work hours, the employee must be paid for that time.  If the employee was traveling on a plane, train, bus, or in a bus or vehicle but not doing the driving, that time would not be considered work hours (unless work was being performed). For more information on travel, please refer to the Department of Labor Worksheet 22.