In less than four weeks the Minion and I are bound for The HR Technology Conference in Chicago. No I don’t have my own discount code; I’m just a lowly practitioner. So why would a lowly practitioner go to an HR technology conference? If you know me this doesn’t confuse you, but for those that don’t, let me tell you.
I love technology. Any technology that can make the administrative side of my job easier is a blessing. Which means I love HR technology and what it can do for our employees and our HR team.
My first scoop on this conference came during HRevolution in Chicago via the HR Tech session with Mike Krupa, and Bill Kutik’s HR tech session. What really captured my attention was the concept of the shootouts. From the agenda:
Our signature event is now a full track with four sessions, each featuring two vendors demoing their live software to a tough scripted scenario — so they can’t just show you whatever they please. That makes The Shootout very different from the marketing demos you could get in your office or even be asked to pay for at other conferences!
My company recently implemented a new HRIS. We went through all the traditional string of demos, meetings, and such. But what I would give to see those vendors in a shootout prior to our implementation.
The second draw for me is the great debate between Naomi Bloom and Jim Holincheck. Naomi Bloom’s blog, and anything she comments on, is full of insightful information and I always learn something new from her.
After looking through the rest of the agenda and talking to some past attendees, I knew I had to see this conference in person. Between the blogger panel, moderated by fellow Alabamian Kris Dunn, the concurrent sessions, and the expo hall, I’m hoping to pick up some new ideas for our HR team and learn a few things….ok, learn a lot of new things. I already have some ideas on what I’d like to adjust after our implementation; my boss may shoot me when I come back with more.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
April, thank you for the kind words and enthusiasm. Next year be in touch for your own discounts — which BTW is $500 off — since I hate to see anyone reduced to borrowing one. Trip me and say hello in Chicago!
The agenda for the conference is great, especially if you’re a displaced IT hack that ended up in HR. I think more of our generalist brethren should get the chance to attend one. It’s a great career development move, and it would be nice to have our HR team begging for new tools instead of looking at them like leftover haggis.
Dwane, I hope you get to attend. In many ways, we are precisely designed for the HR generalist — with our 13-year emphasis on getting the business value out of technology, rather than the bits and bytes. Sure we get plenty of “displace IT hacks,” too, but they tend to come to learn what benefit they’re creating for HR with their work in their windowless rooms. Trip me, if you come. I look just like my picture.
Thanks, Bill. I’ll keep an eye out for you.
For the record, I’m one of the hacks to which I was referring. I’ve been in HR for a few years now, and I really see the practice evolving. It’s a fun time to be part of it, I think.
@Bill Thanks for comment Bill. I’ll take you up on the discount code for next year; I’m certain I’ll be back.
@Dwane I’d be very interested to hear how you became a displaced IT hack and found your way into HR.
@April -
It’s a chilling tale of love, loss, despair and ecstasy. (OK, it’s none of those, but it will take up at least five minutes.)
If we see each other in Chicago, I’ll be happy to share it with you.
@Mike – Aw! Now I feel bad.
Hey people, you can use Mike’s discount code too; INFOBOX10 (all caps as well)
Better?
And yes, I have a big hug with your name ALL over it #BFFStealing