SHRM is finally (almost) here. Whether you’re a first timer or a true SHRM VIP, the key to making the most out of these 4 days of HR bliss is knowing just how to navigate the immense amount of learning opportunities, networking possibilities, and of course, the right amount of free expert consulting to leave the biggest impact on you and your team. Read on for 10 insights you’re certain to gather from SHRM 15:
Think you’re a networking pro now? Just wait until you’re surrounded by 15,000 of your peers. Sure, you came to SHRM with a group of likeminded, brilliant co-workers, but so did everyone else, so don't forget to socialize! If you do SHRM right, by the time you leave you’ll have at least 20 new brilliant friends. Remember to talk to people after sessions and take advantage of networking happy hours.
The word data may be daunting right now, but once you leave SHRM you’ll have a deeper understanding for how analytics and data can be used to compliment your recruiting strategy. One session we’re looking forward to on data and analytics is Using Analytics to Improve Performance which will cover HR centric metrics and how they can be used to predict trends and proactively address HR issues that will improve your organization’s performance. Make sure your computer is charged for that one!
Yep, it is Vegas, the city that never sleeps, but by the time you leave SHRM you’re guaranteed to know how to get the best seat in the house, which happens to become available right at 7am. Yep, bright and early is when the magic happens at SHRM as this is when the hard-hitting sessions take place, such as 10 Legal & HR Considerations for Managing Employees, Developing the HR Mindset, and Effective Habits of Successful HR Professionals. You may hate us now for saying it, but by the time you leave, you’ll have this bright-and-early thing down.
It’s going to be around 110 degrees in Vegas this week - no we’re not joking. If you want to stay on your A-game, you’ll quickly learn how to hydrate. The plus side is Vegas boasts some incredible pools to take advantage of during your down time. Just, don’t drink that water.
You likely learned your communication skills early on and haven’t given too much thought to honing them ever since. Well, this week is the week all that changes. With 3 awesome sessions on communication, you’re going to leave SHRM with a new-found appreciation for the art of communication. Which sessions can you catch us at? Bambi vs. Godzilla: Dealing with Difficult People: Keys to Empowered Communication, The Difference Between a Good and Great Pay Program: Communication, and Professional Communication: Leading with Your Assertive Voice.
With sessions like The Future of HR: Thinking and Talking Strategically, Four Global Trends Impacting HR Strategy and Seven Strategies to Transform from HR Leader to Business Leader you’re definitely going to return to your desk with a brand new outlook on your recruiting efforts. These incredible sessions on recruiting strategy highlight trends and strategies that will enable you to be better prepared for what’s coming in HR.
You’re going to have this whole Twitter thing down by the time you leave SHRM. Start practicing now by following along on social with the the hashtag #SHRM15 and watch the magic unfold; behind the scenes photos, insights from concurrent sessions, and the opportunity to connect with attendees - it’s all at your fingertips. And yes, those 20 new friends count even if they’re digital.
Your brain may hurt after only 2 days at SHRM; you haven’t had to deal with the deluge of this much great, actionable information since you were in school. Unfortunately, you’re not going to be able to take all this great content home with you, so take eligible notes that trigger the items you wanted to highlight and integrate into your recruiting efforts. Sure, your hands will yearn for some downtime, but you’ll feel as inspired as you did in college.
Ah, Leadership. It can seem a bit scary, but you’re going to be leading the recruiting forces by the time you’re done at SHRM15. With sessions like Keeping it Real: Authentic Leadership and a Mega Session on Leadership Is About Purpose, Not Position: How to Build the Capability to Drive the Results You Need, your new found leadership skills are unlikely to go to your head. The leadership session we’re most excited about is The Four Secret Skills of Multi-Generational Leadership Success which promises to deliver better results, help you get promoted faster, and give you the skills to inspire others to do the same.
Talent acquisition is competitive and cutthroat. You already know that recruiting rocks, but by the time you leave Vegas, you’ll know how to Take it Up a Notch by learning how you can evolve your recruiting and staffing strategy from transactional to consultative. But don’t stop there, learn how to drive effective and measurable innovation in your talent acquisition strategy by attending Talent Acquisition Transformed. See ya there!
