Observations from SHRM Conferences 2015 (pt2)

I’ve been thinking about my good fortune of being exposed to several SHRM Conferences this past year. Last week I mentioned on pulse a few unique elements from different conferences. This week I thought I’d continue with my observations. I’ll disclaimer again… what I observed was limited to me. There is so much I didn’t see, out front or behind the scenes. I have a high regard for the HR Pro’s who are volunteering to coordinate these massive efforts.

Social Media - my home state of Oklahoma has been aggressive towards incorporating #SocialMedia. The last couple of years my friend Beth Dean (@bibbish) has assembled a "social media team". This year she even got shirts for everyone. Surprisingly none of the other conferences I visited had a designated team. Though the Fantastic Tiffany Kuehl (@TiffanyKuel) did come from MN to LASHRM to drive their Social Media efforts. Overall, the attempt to include #SM as an active part of the conference experience was nil. At NCSHRM there was a dynamic group inside the App, but it didn't actually go outside into the twitterverse, which seemed a bit odd. (Next post, I’ll rant about the Apps from each conference... Quite a bit of disparity there). With #Social being such a critical weapon in the #TalentWars I'm dismayed by how little #SM is utilized in a concentrated effort - to give HR Pro's practice and exposure in a real time way. (I have a dozen ideas about this, so it may get more attention in a future rambling.)

Schedules - Wow, talk about uniquely different! Every conference created a schedule that facilitated their audience & exhibitors needs. Not one of them was the same. Some do early morning sessions (like 7am)... Others do a "master track" through the course of the day. Some do a pre-conference that has a similar "master track" vibe. All of them had lots of breakout sessions. Some pack their schedule full, others give significant breathing room in transitions and breaks. Minnesota did something original this year… They started their conference on Sunday. WHAAAAAT??? As the opening Keynote speaker, I was a bit concerned that no one would show up on their day off, for the conference. Turns out it was their largest first day attendance in several years. Who woulda guessed it?! 

Since they are all designed for that conferences mission, it’s hard to determine which is the “best” way. As someone who has designed days for conferences, the main thing to measure is the sense of momentum throughout the schedule. Too much down time and the day seems to drag on… too little time on breaks, a feeling of rushed creeps in. I experienced both. It’s amazing how the flow between sessions, meals and breaks establishes an overall vibe for whether attendees feel like the conference met their needs. 

Objectives - Speaking of meeting their needs, I sometimes wondered “What was the goal of this conference?” Granted, I know giving credits (HRCI and SHRM) is priority #1. I’m guessing #2 is generating income for state and national SHRM. #3 is probably offering knowledge and the latest information. Another guess is exposing attendees to the vendors who have relevant resources. And finally, I imagine part of the mission is helping people connect and network.

I couldn’t speak accurately to any of them being realized, of course. However, I do get a sense that overall the experience is somewhat transactional.                            … I know there are evaluations, but are the right questions even being asked?      … I know there is a theme, but do people leave with it embedded in their reality?                                                                                                                                                      … I know there is networking, but is new relationship building nurtured effectively?                                                                                                                              … I know there is information delivered, is any of it transformational? 

I suspect most attendees are happy getting their credits and having an enjoyable few days! I also suspect there are veteran HR Pro’s who no longer attend the conference because of some of this. Just a hunch.

I love when large groups of professionals gather under the guise of growth and learning and networking! It’s honor to get to participate and serve...

As Owner/Instigator of Hawks Agency, Greg challenges and empowers leaders, teams and organizations to reach for Greatness. Primarily through Keynotes and Consulting, his energetic approach invigorates organizations and associations. Discover more at www.HawksAgency.com. Greg acts like he owns every event, conference, training he's a part of... so he's continually on a quest to add value and make things better!