It’s HR conference season here in the Northeast. Are you attending one this Fall? If not, are you feeling some FOMO?Time and again, when I’ve participated in workshops and conferences, I get all excited on the front end. The headlines are compelling, the topics are on point, and the descriptions sound like magic wands come to life. Everyone will be there. It’s great for networking. I should go… How can I not go?… What if I don’t go?… Should I go?…
Reasons to Attend HR Conferences
One of the best parts is learning about new trends. I mean, how can you be a strategic leader if you don’t understand the reality of the “Forever Labor Shortage” or the “Impact of AI on HR” or the real cost of the “Second Pandemic: Mental Health in the Workplace”, right?
Another part I love is being able to talk to other HR leaders about new HR technology. Normally, I’m being hunted like a tribute in the Hunger Games by vendors wanting to sell me the latest shiny object and frankly it just makes me overwhelmed and cranky. But at a conference? I get to talk with real people about real experiences and get real answers about what it’s like to implement and use for real. What a relief!
Mostly, I find that just getting out of the house and office and interacting with humans in 3D is rejuvenating in and of itself. Hearing that others are struggling with the same things:
- Having HR recognized as a strategic contributor to the organization
- Getting access to the decision-making process
- Navigating senior leadership resistance
- Managing resource constraints
- Balancing personal (and family!) wellbeing with work demands
There is a comfort in knowing it’s not just me. For all these reasons I LOVE attending conferences.
Reasons Not to Attend HR Conferences
Sometimes though, as I’m leaving those same events, I can end up a little melancholy. Was it all sizzle and no steak? Was there enough time for networking? Were the speakers generous with expertise and ideas? Was it worth the piled up work I’m going to return to back in the office?Some conferences to a fantastic job. Others, not so much. But is there a way to ensure it’s not a total bust? Yes, yes there is.
5 Ways to Get the Most Out of HR Conferences
If you are heading to a conference this Fall. Here are some practical things you can do to ensure a great experience no matter what:
- When attending a talk, have a question ready to ask. For instance: “What 3 steps can I take to implement this concept?” or “What is most important to decide first before taking this concept on?”
- Stay after a talk to discuss your specific situation with the speaker 1 on 1. Most speakers are happy to chat after their talk and can provide more practical advice in that context.
- Use the event app to gather peers at a break. Event apps often have a tab for topics of interest. I will put a topic out there such as “Influencing Leadership” and say I’ll be at the table near the window during breaks if anyone wants to chat. I’ve made some amazing friends that way!
- Carve out time to process. Instead of flying out of the hotel parking lot and racing back to work, build in time to organize your learnings and create a (short) list of actions you can take.
- Give feedback to the event hosts. Event hosts want to offer a great experience. Be sure to give feedback about what you liked and what could be better. Let them know you really appreciate practical and relevant information that you can apply immediately.
How to Be Strategic About HR Conferences
By being clear about what you want to get out of an event and being purposeful about how to get it, you’ll be taking a strategic and accountable approach to your own development. This will translate to the office as well and set you up to elevate your HR impact.
What’s Coming Up
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Have fun no matter what you choose but, either way, maybe take a moment to reach out to an HR peer leader and let them know you’d love to meet up. That in-person connection is what makes conferences great and lo and behold we can do that any time!