1. Economic Downturn Doesn’t Slow SHRM Conference
Attendance doesn’t hit a record level, but SHRM officials and vendors are happy with the turnout of more than 13,000. During the show, SHRM also did not name a successor to its outgoing president. The effect of soaring gas prices on work was the show’s hottest topic.
2. The Challenge Ahead
As SHRM wraps up its 60th annual conference, it faces the important task of selecting a leader who can sharpen its focus and deliver on the commitment to make its members strategic assets to their organizations.
10. Tailoring SHRM to Your Needs
When it comes to HR’s biggest annual conference, one size doesn’t fit all. Newbies to human resource positions, midlevel HR professionals and senior leaders in the field will benefit from different sessions and events at the Society for Human Resource Management.
11. The Best of Chicago
Whether you’re staying for a whole week or just trying to visit a few places in between conference activities, you will want to get a taste of the best of Chicago. The third-largest city in America is also one of the country’s most popular convention spots, and Chicago always has its welcome mat out. Family-friendly attractions, distinctive neighborhoods, upscale shopping and a vibrant nightlife are sure to please your family, significant other and even your boss.
12. SHRM 101
San Diego. Washington. Las Vegas. Chicago. The cities may change and the venues may differ, but there is a comfy familiarity I always feel at the Society for Human Resource Management’s annual conference.In other words, if I’m stuck in some cavernous convention hall.
SHRM attendees filtering out of the mammoth conference hall in Chicago’s McCormick Place say they were deeply moved by the retiring president’s farewell address.
HRM attendees filtering out of the mammoth conference hall in Chicago’s
McCormick Place following Sue Meisinger’s farewell speech say they were deeply
moved by the retiring president’s address.
"It was heartfelt, elegant," said Pam Pekar, the manager of HR for Westfalia
Separator in Northvale, New Jersey. "It was short and sweet. She’s provided the
profession credibility. She’s left it much stronger, with more recognition."
Alison Mitchell, director of HR for Diagnostica Stago in Parsippany, New Jersey,
felt inspired by Meisinger’s 15-minute speech.
"I thought she was extremely sincere," said Mitchell, who along with Pekar is a
SHRM regular. "But that’s the way she is. She tries to inspire you, and she
certainly did with this speech."
John Cato, senior HR manager of sales and marketing at AutoTrader in Atlanta,
said Meisinger’s speech raised the bar for all HR practitioners. He noted that
membership has climbed from 180,000 to 250,000 members during her tenure and
that she has taken the association beyond the U.S. on a global mission.
"She told us to be proud of what we do," said Cato, who was attending his fourth
conference. "She told all of us not to wait, to be bold. She put it so
eloquently when she said to stop asking for a seat at the table. She left a
legacy for all of us to carry on."
Workforce Management Online, June 2008 -- Register Now!
Next Article: 10. Tailoring SHRM to Your Needs
When it comes to HR’s biggest annual conference, one size doesn’t fit all. Newbies to human resource positions, midlevel HR professionals and senior leaders in the field will benefit from different sessions and events at the Society for Human Resource Management.
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HRM attendees filtering out of the mammoth conference hall in Chicago’s
McCormick Place following Sue Meisinger’s farewell speech say they were deeply
moved by the retiring president’s address.
