My HR Technology Conference Top 10 List #HRTechConf
SteveI'm back!
Sorry (not really sorry), for the dearth of posts the last 10 or 12 days, but the run-up prior, the event itself, and the necessary de-compression from the 20th Annual HR Technology Conference has kept me pretty busy.
But after two decent nights sleep since I have been home, feel finally ready to get back to the blog and later this week, to the HR Happy Hour Show as well.
But I didn't want to move on from this year's HR Tech without sharing some thoughts, observations, and most importantly thanks to the people that make HR Tech great, and who I count on every year for insight, guidance, and support.
So in classic David Letterman style, (still the best late night host), here is my Top 10 'Chairman's Top 10 Moments at HR Tech', direct from the home office in Rochester, NY.
Number 10...
#VegasStong. It was great to have at HR Tech back in Las Vegas, our spiritual home, after a quick detour to Chicago in 2016. Of course, the events in Vegas the week prior made the return of the show to Las Vegas even more poignant. Many, many thanks to the HR Tech community for rallying support and donations to the Las Vegas victim's fund, and to LRP Publications for their generous support. The HR Tech community is a close, supportive, and caring one, and it showed last week for sure.
Number 9...
#ChairmansHappyHour. Thanks to my colleagues, my friends, and my pals at Namely for what was a great birthday party for me and two of my best HR Tech friends. Truly a night I will not forget. Namely are really good people and my little group of Chairman's party people are the best in the industry.
Number 8...
Puppies. The cool folks at HighGround once again brought all the cute to the HR Tech Expo. And I don't care if you think it is a kind of cheap stunt to drive traffic. Puppies are the best.
Number 7...
Opening keynoter Laszlo Bock. Super impressive person, fantastic content and message in his opening presentation. Met him for the first time in person backstage prior to the session, and he couldn't have been cooler. Look for him on an upcoming HR Happy Hour Show soon.
Number 6...
Closing keynoter Josh Bersin. Man, this guy just delivers. Great information, great insight, and I could have listened for another hour if we had the time. Awesome.
Number 5...
Our revised, revamped, and improved 'Discovering the Next Great HR Technology Company' process. Adding an element of public voting during the summer added an element of suspense and fun, and brining only the four finalists to the Conference made for a better on-site experience. This was one of my top moments of the show. Congrats to our winner Blueboard and many thanks to George Larocque, Madeline Laurano, Ben Eubanks, and Lance Haun for all the help.
Number 4...
The 2nd Annual Women in HR Technology Summit that was held on the Conference's opening day was an incredible event. Building on last year's launch, we had a fantastic set of presentations and panels from an amazing set of leaders in our industry. And once again, we had record interest and attendance for content, sharing, and networking at this event. The Women in HR Tech Summit was the perfect way to launch HR Tech this year, and I look forward to growing and improving the Summit next time. Special thanks go out to opening keynoter Pat Milligan, closing keynoter Christina Van Houten, and to some of the best leaders in HR Tech today - Trish McFarlane, Cecile Alper-Leroux, Gretchen Alarcon, Kirsten Helvey, and Cara Capretta for their unwavering support.
Number 3...
HR Tech is Global. After the show ends, I usually hang around for a bit to talk to attendees, find out what people thought about the event, and take a few deep breaths. One of the consistent things I have found is that many of the people I chat with at the end of the Conference are ones who have come from the longest way to attend. This year I met (and took photos with) people from China, Mexico, Japan, Brazil, and Australia all inside about 20 minutes. Which was awesome. Stay tuned for more HR Tech Conference global events.
Number 2...
Mollie Lombardi. She's probably my hero. She should be yours too. Please go to HR Gives Back and do what you can.
And Number 1...
The HR Tech Community. Seeing everyone in the HR Tech Conference Community all in one place. We had an amazing event for sure. I know most people are too kind to come right up to me at the event and complain, (some do), but in the 5 years I have been the program chair at HR Tech I have not received more positive feedback. I don't take credit for that - there is an incredible team of professionals at LRP that make the event hum, and there is an amazing community of HR leaders, HR tech companies, and industry analysts and press that all contribute to the event.
HR Tech remains the Town Hall Meeting for everyone, whatever the role, who cares about how the combination of people and technology will make workplaces better, help organizations achieve their goals, and make people's work lives better. Only at HR Tech.
Thanks for an amazing Conference and for being a part of this fantastic community.
And make sure to mark your calendar for HR Tech #21 - September 11 - 14, 2018 in Las Vegas.
Reader Comments (1)
Steve -
Thanks for the Letterman rundown - have to get this conference on my to do list!!
Get some well deserved rest and I will speak with you soon.
Robert