I recently attended my first conference and had an overwhelmingly positive experience because of networking. While it's great to hear all the talks from fantastic speakers, the true learning happens in the networking events where you get to meet your peers and potential mentors. So, my best tip is to approach anyone you find interesting and strike up a conversation -- you never know what you'll get to learn!
Sr. Director Employee Relations, HRIS & HR Operations at NANA North, LLC
Answered 3 years ago
Attending my first SHRM conference was overwhelming, with a manual agenda and the need to mark the sessions you wanted to attend with a Sharpie! But in the last 23 years, technology has transformed the experience. To prepare, pack comfortable shoes as you will walk - A LOT! Read conference emails, download the conference app, and plan your agenda in advance - all on your phone! Become familiar with the bus pick up locations and departure times and once you arrive to the venue be ready for the experience of your life. You will be immersed in the most current HR topics presented by some of the best speakers in the country, earn recertification credits, explore exhibitor offerings and meet some amazing HR professionals from around the world! Although this may be your first conference, I can guarantee you that it won't be the last!
Participating in mega events like SHRM Annual Conference & Expo can be overwhelming with assembly of many sessions and events. So, advanced planning is the key. Review conference agenda: - identify sessions, workshops, speakers that align with your professional interests and goals. Create a personalized schedule & pace yourself with some freewheeling space. While attending, stay open to new ideas, perspectives and ensure some notetaking. Participate in Q&A and to informal conversation with fellow experts following sessions. Leverage networking opportunities and attend social events to connect with fellow professionals, experts, and mentors. Explore exhibition area and discuss with vendors to discover new solutions, technologies, emerging trends etc. Post event, revisit the notes you made, follow up with new contacts, and leverage professional networking platforms for continued collaboration or mentorship. Above all, embrace the opportunity, stay relaxed, and enjoy the experience.
Take the time to review the conference agenda in advance and identify the sessions, workshops, and speakers that align with your interests and professional goals. Create a personalized schedule that allows you to attend the sessions you don't want to miss. Networking is a crucial aspect of any conference, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunities available. Introduce yourself to fellow attendees, engage in conversations, and exchange contact information. Attend social events, receptions, and networking sessions to build connections with industry professionals and expand your professional network. Remember, networking is not just about collecting business cards but building meaningful relationships. Approach the conference with an open mind and a thirst for learning. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and attend sessions on topics that may be unfamiliar to you.
CEO at Epiphany Wellness
Answered 3 years ago
Before attending the conference, take some time to map out your plan for the event. Identify which sessions you want to attend and prioritize those that relate most closely to your job responsibilities or areas of interest. This will help you ensure you get the most out of your experience. It is also helpful to look for networking opportunities, such as receptions and social events, that can help you connect with new people in the industry.
Before you attend the SHRM Annul Confeence and Expo, do your research and get familiar with topics, experts, trends that will be discussed during the conference. When researching key note speakers, you’ll be able to identify who is worth your time, the topics you want to attend and gain knowledge about and already have questions and responses to highlight you as an industry expert.
Before attending any HR conference, be sure to review the agenda and choose the sessions that align with your professional goals and interests. Prioritize your top picks, and be sure to attend those first. Consider the speaker's background, the session's topic, and how it aligns with your current job responsibilities or career advancement goals. Take breaks in between sessions to avoid exhaustion and to network with attendees. Be proactive in networking and connecting with others in your field. Use conference-related hashtags on social media to engage with other attendees and speakers. Lastly, don't forget to take notes and bring back key insights to your organization.
As a seasoned conference veteran, I frequently notice attendees with that bewildered look and always stop to help. I provide some advice to those of you who might be coming for the first time so that you can get the most out of the conference. It can be intimidating to network. You are not alone in not knowing where to begin, I assure you of that. Fortunately, SHRM helps by designing areas where you can purposefully engage with people, like the Networking & Virtual Experience Orientation, the SHRM Certification lounge, the Smart Stage, and more. Follow the hashtags #SHRM22 #CauseTheEffect and #SHRM22Influencer if you're on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter. Respond to and share the author(s)' content. The people you "meet" online may have the chance to meet in person someday! The SHRM Annual Conference offers you the chance to expand your network, confront your preconceptions and attitudes, and use the information and skills at your disposal to Cause the Effect in the workplace.
My advice for a first time attendee of any HR conference is to plan ahead and research the available sessions, speakers and events. Prioritise which sessions you attend and plan out how you'll manage your time. Network with other attendees and take advantage of the opportunities to learn and exchange ideas. Don't forget to take notes and follow up with any contacts you make. Lastly, take time to reflect and think about how you can apply the knowledge you gain to your work.
Attending HR conferences is a great way to stay updated on the latest industry trends and connect with other professionals. As a first-time attendee at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo or any other HR conference, it's important to plan ahead. Start by reviewing the conference schedule and selecting the sessions that align with your career goals and interests. Take advantage of networking opportunities by introducing yourself to other attendees and engaging in conversation. Don't forget to bring plenty of business cards to exchange. Finally, be sure to take breaks and stay hydrated to avoid burnout. Following these tips will help you make the most out of your HR conference experience.
Before you even begin to pack, take time to research the conference. Make sure you know what sessions are offered and which ones interest you the most. You can also research any speakers or companies who will be present and create a list of people you want to meet or learn more from.
As a first time attendee of the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo, it can be overwhelming to navigate the event and get the most out of it. My best advice is to prioritize networking. Connect with HR professionals from different industries, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Attend the various networking events and sessions, including the opening night reception and the expo hall. Engage in conversations with exhibitors and other attendees, and make sure to follow up after the event. Networking will not only help you learn more about the industry, but also create opportunities for future collaboration.
My best advice for a first-time attendee at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo or any HR conference is to network strategically. Identify key people or speakers you want to connect with and reach out to them beforehand. Take advantage of networking events, engage in meaningful conversations, and exchange contact information. Building connections with industry professionals can lead to valuable insights, potential collaborations, and long-term relationships that extend beyond the conference.
The first time attendee at an HR conference may feel that they have to attend everything and be everywhere. They may stress about how they are going to fit everything in and even more about how they are going to be able to process such a vast amount of information in such a short time. It is obvious of course that no one can attend everything and you are not expected to. It is also worth noting that too much information can lead to an information overload and if you are not careful you will end up remembering nothing. It is important therefore to review the schedule and plan what you will be attending with the areas of most interest and use to you given priority. Use your time wisely, select the events that align closest to your professional goals and ambitions, and this way you will be certain that you get the best out of your attendance that you possibly can.
My best advice for a first-timer is to get out of your comfort zone and talk to as many people as possible. Ask questions, take notes, and take the time to really listen to what people have to say. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers, as everyone there likely shares a common interest in the HR profession and can provide valuable insight. Networking and getting immersed into the content will help you get the most out of any HR conference.
For first-time attendees at the SHRM Conference, here are some tips to make the most of the event. Begin by carefully planning your schedule, selecting sessions that align with your professional objectives. Engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees, forging connections and leveraging social media platforms to extend networking opportunities. Take notes during sessions, capturing key learnings and action points for future reference. Explore the exhibitor hall to discover the latest solutions that can benefit your organization. Lastly, stay hydrated and prioritize self-care to sustain your energy throughout the event.
Attend keynote presentations for industry insights and inspiration. Keynote presentations at HR conferences offer valuable insights from industry leaders and experts. They provide a broader perspective on current trends, challenges, and innovative practices in HR. Attending these sessions can inspire new ideas, spark creativity, and provide a fresh outlook on the field. Keynote speakers often share practical strategies and thought-provoking insights that can be applied to your own work. Make sure to prioritize attending keynote presentations to get the most out of the conference and gain valuable knowledge and inspiration for your HR role.
My best advice for a first time attendee for surviving and getting the most out of this or any other HR conference is to be proactive. Manage your time well; make the most of your days by having a plan in place for networking, attending sessions, taking breaks, and factoring meals into your day. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and start conversations with strangers; this is one of the best ways to get the information and resources you are seeking. Ask questions, take notes, and follow up with the people you met at the conference afterwards.
As an HR leader, attending conferences like the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo can be a valuable opportunity for professional development, networking, and staying up-to-date on industry trends. To get the most out of your conference experience, plan your schedule in advance, connect with fellow attendees and industry experts, and take breaks for self-care to avoid burnout. Additionally, keep an open mind and be willing to learn from others by engaging in meaningful discussions and asking questions. By being proactive and strategic, you can maximize your conference experience and take your career to the next level.
Attend post-conference virtual events to maximize your experience at HR conferences. These sessions let you delve deeper into the topics covered during the main event. You can also gain further insights, ask specific questions, and engage in meaningful conversations with experts and fellow attendees. When engaging in follow-up events, make sure to prepare beforehand. Review your notes from the main conference, identify areas you desire to explore further, and jot down the questions you want to ask. You can also use this opportunity to network with other attendees, connect on social media, and join relevant online communities.