As a first time VIRTUAL attendee to the SHRM National Conference I wasn’t sure what to expect.
From the opening keynote to the general sessions, to the concurrent sessions: The enthusiasm each speaker had during their presentation was contagious, as was the energy for each session. The energy in the chat was positive and engaging. In fact, by the end of the week, I found I was attending the same session with certain people and so we were able to discuss the takeaways from the session, to connect and join each other’s network - almost like if we were attending in person. I was still able to intentionally connect with others, strengthen our networks and to keep the learning and connecting going.
In the wise words of Ms. Opal, “Grandmother of Juneteenth”: “Don’t let what happens in Vegas, Stay in Vegas. If people can be taught hate, they can be taught love.” Her keynote on Saturday was among my favorites - she is a true inspiration.
Steve Browne was energetic and inspiring! We laughed and we cried! He brings a contagious people passion to HR and is such a wonderful connector and storyteller. Steve reminded us to “Be courageous - You are not a support function, you are a leadership function”.
The other keynotes were thought provoking and entertaining. I always appreciate hearing an origin story and was attentive and engaged in Bert Jacobs origin story about Life Is Good and his contagious optimism - telling us “it’s our disposition that matters” and stressing the importance of having an attitude of gratitude.
#SHRM21 felt like a pep rally for the HR profession and HR professionals!
As I discussed with fellow #SHRMInfluencers Amanda, Claire and Jeff in our pre-conference video panel discussion - the thing I was most looking forward to bringing back to my team was: ENERGY. Many attendees, myself included, came away with a renewed energy for our roles as HR professionals and are ignited with a passion to go back to our workplaces and make an impact.
Mark your calendars for 2022 SHRM Annual Conference & Expo in New Orleans June 12-15, 2022 #SHRM22.
Blogger Mary Williams is an experienced HR Leader dedicated to developing and implementing well-organized processes and has extensive experience as an HR Department of One creating structure within an organization. She holds her Senior Professional Human Resources certification from HRCI. Named to The Most Influential HR Influencer List featuring the top 150 HR leaders and recently awarded the 2021 HR Unite! Community Catalyst Award, Mary enjoys giving back to the HR Community. Connect with Mary on Linked In or follower her on Twitter @conmkw.
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