SHRM17 is upon us and the energy level is building. I know that each year I attend there’s a mix of anticipation and eagerness to explore and see the conference has to offer. It’s a huge, bustling environment that can seem overwhelming. However, I’d ask you to take a different look at the Annual Conference & Exposition. Break it down into chunks and sort them out in ways that make sense for you. You could have a block for Speakers & Sessions, a block for the Vendor Exposition, a block for the Smart Stage, etc. When you do this, the event becomes something you can enjoy.
One piece of encouragement for you is to make sure to network. Meet your peers who will be walking all around and attending sessions alongside you. I look forward to meeting others more than anything !! Make the step to introduce yourself to a handful of folks. You may make connections that last for years to come. I know that I’ve done this and have met some truly incredible people who are now my friends as well as fellow practitioners.
Most of all, have fun !! We tend to get all serious. Make sure to join a team for the SHRM Foundation Step Challenge. I’m one of the captains for my team called “The Tribe !!”, and I’d love to have you on my team. Go see Harry Connick, Jr. and take a stroll (or two or three) through the SHRM Store. Get out and see New Orleans for its colorful pageantry, colossal food and, of course, Jazz !!
Please note that I’m ALL IN just as I’m asking you to be. I am geeked to meet SHRM members from around the world, open the SHRM Student and Young Professionals session, hang out with the SHRM bloggers, give a Smart Stage talk as well as speak at a Mega Session. I’m also geeked to be launching my book “HR on Purpose !!” at the Conference. I know that this seems very full. Make sure you’re full as well so that you can be ALL IN for #SHRM17.
Make sure to find me and say, “Hi !!” I look forward to seeing everyone.
Steve Browne, SHRM-SCP, is chief people officer for LaRosa’s Inc., a restaurant chain in Ohio and Indiana with 11 locations. The author of HR Rising!! (SHRM, 2020) and HR on Purpose!! (SHRM, 2017), he has been an HR professional for more than 30 years.
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