This Sunday will be the start of the annual Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) annual conference in New Orleans. For HR professionals like me, this is the Super Bowl of our year. It’s a time where HR people from all over the world get together to learn, to develop some relationships, and to have a little fun. This year’s theme is “All In.” While I won’t physically be “all in” in New Orleans, I will be all in from Chicago following along.
I have been to a few annual conferences and had the good fortune to be a part of the blogger team at the conference in Chicago, in 2013. This was a great opportunity for me to meet new people and learn about the conference from a different perspective. I also got to meet members from the North Central region and network with them.
While the conference can be a little intimidating, with a little bit of planning and some luck, the experience will pay off. Follow the SHRM blog and take all of the advice from the experts who have navigated this conference for years. Meet new people. Reconnect with those you haven’t seen since past conferences. Make it a point to connect with those you have not met, in person. And have a little bit of fun. When else will you get a chance to see Harry Connick, Jr. in his home town?
I will be following along from Chicago, this year. Fortunately, technology will allow me to catch some highlights of the conference. There is a “Not at SHRM” Facebook group created by Jessica Miller-Merrell, with content and video. I’ll be following the #SHRM17 hashtag and reading all the great blog content from the team.
I’m looking forward to reading about the amazing keynote speakers like Laszlo Bock, Laila Ali, Patrick Lencioni, and Kat Cole. Seeing highlights from the epic Mega Sessions and updates from all the other concurrent sessions. I love technology.
So enjoy the experience. Soak it all in. Be prepared and bring an umbrella because it could rain. But don’t let that dampen your experience. I’ll be watching from Chicago and preparing my presentation to submit for next year’s conference. Crossing my fingers!
Oh, and see you in Chicago for #SHRM18!
Originally posted on John P. Hudson blog.
John Hudson is a Chicago-based Midwest HR Business Partner with Slalom, LLC. With over 20 years of experience in the human resources industry, John provides consultation and expertise in the areas of performance management, employee development, employee relations, compensation, and recruiting. John has worked with top brands such as Harpo Studios, Discovery Channel, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, PepsiCo, and CNA Insurance. He is also a speaker and a writer covering a wide range of topics including HR, pancakes, and running. John has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Indiana University and the SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications. Check out his blog at johnphudson.wordpress.com and follow him on Twitter @johnphudson
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