By Tina Marie Wohlfield
It is the most wonderful time of the year for HR Pros! Tis budget, open enrollment and fall conference season, which means me and other members of the Michigan HR community will be gathering again in Grand Rapids for the Michigan SHRM Annual Conference and Expo on October 19 – 21, 2022!
Registration for the 2022 conference ends on September 30, 2022! Visit www.mishrmconference.org for additional information and to register!
Pre-Conference
The conference is jam packed with 2.5 days of HR learning. In between our opening keynote, Cherrie L Davis and the closer, Marcus Buckingham – there are many opportunities to attend sessions regardless of your professional level, industry or area of expertise.
Come Early for the HR Games or Pre-Conference Sessions
On Wednesday there are two optional pre-conference sessions, a leadership session facilitated by Stephanie Miller and a legal workshop hosted by Dinsmore and Shohl. I hear from James Reid that session will also have some audience participation thanks to some guest appearances by some celebrities in our MISHRM community!
Taking place at the same time are the HR Games, where teams of future HR pros from colleges across the state will compete in a quiz bowl show down demonstrating their HR knowledge. Wear your school pride and support these hard-working students who will be joining us in the best profession post-graduation!
Conference Kick Off
The conference kicks off Wednesday afternoon with Cherrie L. Davis with an opening reception in the expo hall featuring over 100+ exhibitors, our SHRM Foundation action and connections with vendors and individuals supporting our HR community. And I hear from a very reliable source, that there may be puppies.
Thursday features a day of knowledge-based breakout sessions with multiple topic tracks. Never fear the conference app will be your guide to picking the right sessions for you!
Friday ends with a round of breakout sessions and our closing keynote, Marcus Buckingham so definitely worth getting up extra early to grab a coffee and get a seat up front for all the action.
SHRM Foundation Auction – Taking a Dunk for a Great Cause
Always up for the challenge, our SHRM Foundation Chair Sharon accepted and “one upped” to meet our donation goals supporting the fantastic work of the SHRM Foundation. Join us in the exhibit hall to pay to see and dunk members of our MISHRM Council Board, Chapter leaders and others in a dunk tank for a great cause! In addition to the dunk tank, there will also be a silent auction of amazing items donated by many of our 19 chapters and “friends of MISHRM”.
Packing Tip’s Tina Marie’s Four Must Haves
My four must have MISHRM packing tips are – comfortable shoes, a lightweight sweater or jacket, a portable battery charger and a refillable water bottle.
It is a good walk through the walkway to all of our conference hotels including the Amway, JW and Courtyard.
Make Impactful Connections
If you are a MISHRM veteran like me, a First Time Attendee or attending as a “MISHRM Party of 1” please seize the opportunity to connect with others during your three days in Grand Rapids. The best places to meet new friends are in the lines for coffee, breakfast, the exhibit hall, the walk way from the hotels, before a session, during a session, after a session. If you are a solo attendee – find me or a member of the MISHRM Influencer Team! I will be hosting an HR Meet and Greet for any new conference attendees and I invite you to join me on Thursday morning during breakfast!
Whatever it is your seeking in Grand Rapids – come ready to connect, share conversations and celebrate our Michigan SHRM HR Community!
