What to Do at SHRM 2019

In just a couple of weeks I’m headed to Vegas! And not just to gamble and lounge by the pool — although I’m very good at that. If it’s June in Las Vegas, it means SHRM Annual, the world’s biggest HR conference. I’m on the #SHRM19 blogger team, and I’ll be documenting my experience on Twitter and Instagram.

I’ve been to SHRM many times over the years, and I know just how overwhelming it can be. The agenda is about a mile long, with information-packed sessions starting as early as 7:15 a.m. If you do SHRM right, the days are long and busy.

In my experience, SHRM Annual doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s all about planning, being open to new ideas and new people, and making time for some fun!

This year, I’m especially focused on attending sessions that explore Gen Z and how the next generation of workers will change the way we work.

Here’s the shortlist of events, sessions and booths I recommend flagging on your agenda.

Sunday, June 23

• Opening keynote: A Conversation with Martha Stewart, 2:35 p.m. in LVCC Halls N3-N4.
• Following Stewart’s keynote, visit Reward Gateway at booth 1626 to meet a surprise special guest. There will be photo ops, sweet treats and more ingredients for improving employee engagement.

Monday, June 24

• Meera Oliva, chief marketing officer at Gradifi, will present “Separating Fact from Fiction: The Truth About Student Loan Benefits,” 10:45 a.m. at LVCC halls N115-117.
• Cara Silletto, president and chief retention officer at Crescendo Strategies, will present “ ‘Old School’ Won’t Cut It: Retaining Talent with a New Employer/Employee Relationship,” 11:10 a.m. at the Smart Stage — Connection Zone.
• Gregg Lederman, best-selling author of “Crave: You Can Enhance Employee Motivation in 10 Minutes by Friday,” will give a presentation based on his book at 4:15 p.m. in LVCC halls N107-108.

Tuesday June 25

• Gene Gainey, Reward Gateway’s senior vice president of sales, will present “Give Employees What They Crave to Improve Engagement and Drive Better Business,” 10 a.m. in the SHRM Exposition room.
• James Reidy, a lawyer at Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green, will present “When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: Legal Issues and Hiring Strategies in Era of Legalized Marijuana,” 2 p.m. in LVCC halls N101-103.
• Carol Eggert, senior vice president of military and veteran affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal, will present “Going From Military Friendly to Military Ready — Hiring and Developing Veteran Talent,” 3:30 p.m. in LVCC halls N258-260.

Wednesday, June 26

• Brian K. Dickens, vice president of HR at Ithaca College, will present “Intergenerational Collaborations: Leading the 21st Century Workforce,” 10 a.m. in LVCC halls N255-257.
• Paul Endress, founder and CEO of Maximum Advantage, will present “Reflective Listening: The New Way to Solve Problems and Get Cooperation,” 10 a.m. at Westgate Pavilion 9-11.
• CaMesha Reece, director of HR at Crittenton Services for Children & Families, will present “The Customization of Work: A DIY Approach,” 10:25 a.m. at Smart Stage — Connection Zone.

 

If you’ll be at SHRM, let us know your can’t-miss sessions! Tweet us @TalentCulture.