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2011 SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition Recap

Guest post by: Jennifer Loftus

Article Overview: t was hot hot hot in Las Vegas last month, as thousands of HR professionals from around the globe gathered for the SHRM 2011 Annual Conference and Exposition. Although temperatures were at or above 100 degrees each day, the weather wasn’t the only hot topic of conversation. The conference provided four outstanding days of continuous learning experiences and good times.

2011 SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition Recap

With hundreds of concurrent sessions, attendees had their choice of educational tracks, including employment law and legislation, international HR, personal and skill development, strategic management, talent management, and total rewards. Certified attendees were able to earn up to 14 recertification credits in 72 hours, with ample opportunities to earn specific Strategic, Global, and California credits.

HR and the economy, and what the future holds, was a common theme, although no one dared to take out their crystal balls and make strong predictions. Cautious optimism was general consensus. Healthcare reform and work/life balance also were common areas of interest.

SHRM had four keynote speakers, who all enjoyed generally positive feedback from attendees – Sir Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, Tony Hsieh, and Michael J. Fox. Arianna Huffington got the crowd buzzing, but not with political topics! In a surprising revelation, she described the importance of nap areas in the workplace for both employee and organizational success.

During the conference, SHRM announced that Interim President and CEO Henry “Hank” Jackson would be assuming the role on a permanent basis. Congratulations, Mr. Jackson!

SHRM also took the opportunity afforded by the annual conference to re-state their long-term commitment to support the successful transition of Veterans, Guard, and Reservists, along with their spouses and other family members, into the workplace. SHRM recently commissioned the development of a special awareness and training program for HR professionals called Behind the Lines, in support of the White House initiative "Joining Forces." Behind the Lines offers a wide range of learning tools focused on how to engage with and support spouses and family members of those who served our nation in the military. At the conference, SHRM launched the pilot for this comprehensive half day workshop and future training tools focused on outreach, engagement, and support of Veterans, Guard, and Reservists. Those who attended the special event were both inspired and excited to make positive organizational change.

Traffic in the exhibit hall continued to grow over levels seen in past years. Besides fostering a number of business conversations, the venue provided a great opportunity to catch up with clients, colleagues, and friends!

The SHRM booth in the exhibit hall was a large draw for attendees. The badge ribbons, celebrating personal and SHRM local chapter successes, were a hit, as always! The booth also featured a number of presentations, including Pass the Certification Exam with Flying Colors, facilitated by Astron’s own Jennifer Loftus.

Country singer Keith Urban performed during the Tuesday night show. Those who attended said he gave a wonderful performance, and interacted well with the audience. He shocked attendees by performing off-stage, in the back of the auditorium, for part of the concert! Those who typically have to rely on the video monitors to see the performance enjoyed an unexpected front row view!

Missed this year’s conference? We’ll see you June 24 – 27, 2012 in Atlanta!

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Article Tags: 2011 Conference, 2011 Exposition, 2011 SHRM, 2011 SHRM Conference and Exposition



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