As June 26th approaches, HR professionals, industry thought leaders, technology vendors, and many others are getting excited. Excited for what you ask? The one and only SHRM 2011 Annual Conference and Exposition that is taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a variety of sessions to attend and a number of exhibits to see, I think this year will provide all attendees with a great number of takeaways.

As you prepare to leave at the end of this week, I’m sure you will have some packing to do. After you finish stuffing the essentials into a bag, don’t forget that you still have to pack your HR suitcase. These conferences and exhibitions are only as good as what you can take away from it. So, in order to get the most for your money, I’d highly recommend bringing a few items in preparation.

1. A detailed list of your current HR processes.
2. Your corporate strategic plan.
3. A summary of the budgeted funds allocated to HR.
4. Your own HR expertise.

Okay let’s go into a bit more detail:

1. Do you know exactly what your HR process is from start to finish? I’m sure many of you do. But for those who are not entirely positive, it wouldn’t hurt to take a sheet of paper and detail exactly what happens from posting an open requisition all of the way through to succession planning and off boarding. Why every process? Well even if you focus on the recruitment side, inefficient training processes or lack of employee programs may cause higher turnover, which in turn may look like poor quality-of-hire (even if it isn’t). If you are able to bring detailed notes on all of your processes, you may be able to apply what you learn. This way you can improve the efficiency of your entire HR program as a whole, which will subsequently help your individual role.
2. For the longest time, HR departments struggled to show how they contributed to their company's success. But now, we all know, that is much easier. The employees that HR hires can either facilitate or hinder a company’s performance. Without the right, engaged people and programs in place, a company could struggle to improve. At SHRM, mingle with others so you can learn how they are relating their processes to their strategic plan. And, then take that feedback and apply it to your own. If you can do this, you will be able to see where you need to realign in order to meet those company goals.
3. Companies like to invest in their departments in order to augment growth. And sometimes, the best way to improve and even cut costs is to add funds towards programs or solutions that facilitate processes. How much can you spend on new programs? Know this number, so that when you sit in on conferences or walk around the exhibitions you can learn how to maximize your funds, while optimizing your HR programs.
4. Bring all of your HR expertise to the table. Something you might be doing just may help another SHRM attendee improve their HR program.

 
I think SHRM will be a great time! If you aren’t able to make it be sure to check out Kacie Frey’s blog post on how to search online for this type of information.

Well anyway, in case you’re interested in learning a little bit more about HR technology solutions, be sure to check out iCIMS at booth #2529. I even hear they are giving away free tote bags and offering a free raffle to win a $250 gift card. ;-)