My first HR conference, and helped set a world record. That’s right the largest gathering of HR Professionals happened this week in Chicago. As a recruiter, speaker and qualified HR professional I decided it was time I make the annual pilgrimage to HR mecca and I have to say I was not disappointed.

15,000 + HR professionals, recruiters, relocation service providers, payroll providers, trainers, tax consultants and just about every conceivable  service offering to HR was in attendance as well as a speaker line up of over 200 industry professionals including the likes of Hilary Clinton, Dan Pink, Blake Mykoskie and Steve Gilliland.

You might not recognize the last two names but they gave some of the most inspiring, funny and tear jerking presentations I have had the privilege of watching. 

Blake Mykoskie is the CEO and founder of TOMS shoes where for every pair of shoes they sell they gift another pair to someone in need. They have also just launched TOMS Glasses where for every pair of glasses they sell again they gift another pair to someone who cant afford them and also pay for operations to restore sight as well.  To date they have given out over 10 million pairs of shoes! Simply a remarkable company which aligns its CSR program with their products. 

The Second chap Steve Gilliland really struck a chord with me as he spoke on two subjects “how to hide your goat” and “making a difference”. Steve is one of only 200 people inducted into the speakers hall of fame and it is evident why. He has a knack of story telling which is hilarious, poignant and slick that keeps you engaged and wanting more. I didn’t realize I had taken so much away from his talks until afterwards when I found myself thinking about and acting on some of the things he highlighted. 

I could pen most of their speeches here for your viewing pleasure but that would loose the impact these speakers had. It would also take away from just how well put together this conference was and I urge you to consider it next year in Orlando as recruiters play a huge part in the HR strategy . The trends that came out at SHRM will no doubt help us tailor our search solutions to meet the demands that are being placed on HR. 

Did I mention we also broke a world record, had a private performance by Kelly Clarkson and consumed some of Chicago’s finest food and beverages! See you next year!!!