The SHRM Annual Conference is right around the corner!
This will be my seventh consecutive SHRM Annual Conference (#SHRM18), and over the years I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the best and brightest in our field. I’ve also learned a thing or two about how to make the most of it.
Here are my recommendations for having an AMAZING #SHRM18 experience:
Follow the SHRM Bloggers:
If you want to get the scoop on the who, what, when, where and why of the SHRM Annual Conference as it’s happening, these are the people to connect with. Follow them on social media, or subscribe to the SHRM Blog. You’ll definitely want to be in the know as the conference unfolds!
Find the full list of #SHRM18 bloggers here.
Download and Use the #SHRM18 App:
It’s easy, it’s convenient, it’s always up to date, it’s free, and it will keep you from having to lug around a printed program.
Download the app here.
Plan for Flexibility:
Make room in your plans to go with the flow. Don’t be afraid to chase an idea, to go out of your way to meet new people, to make time to grow with your colleagues! Yes, planning and preparation for a conference this size are key, but sometimes the really good stuff happens when we let ourselves explore the things that unexpectedly spark our interest.
Follow Every Speaker:
Connect with and/or follow every speaker you see at #SHRM18. This is how to ensure you keep learning long after the conference. Sign up for newsletters and connect on social media. Commit to continuous learning from these people!
Make the Most of the Exposition:
LEARN from the companies in the Expo Hall. Have meaningful conversations with the people in the booths, even if you have no plans to buy. Learn about their ideas and their opinions on the direction of the HR profession. It costs nothing to be human, to connect, to be friendly, to learn from each other.
Mind Your Imperatives:
Biology doesn’t care about your conference experience. You need to eat, to hydrate, and to sleep. It’s far too easy to get caught up in the excitement of everything and neglect these imperatives. Stock your hotel room with decent food, pack it in your conference bag, carry a bottle of water all day, do your best to get some rest. Keep yourself fueled and ready to take it all in!
Be Ready to Relate:
You will be among thousands of HR pros at #SHRM18, yes, but it’s still an amazingly small world. Make eye contact. Make conversations. Be friendly. Be helpful. Believe it or not, you will run into the same people by chance over and over. Invest in those relationships!
See you in Chicago!
Originally published on Carlos Escobar blog.
Carlos Escobar is a Human Resources (HR) and organizational development leader, change manager, project manager, analyst, writer, and entrepreneur. He works with people and organizations that want to improve productivity and outcomes by focusing on service, innovation, and execution.
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