I just returned from the Ohio SHRM State conference and was reflecting on the trip. I had a lot of time to relect - 7 hours in my S10 to be exact. The conference was in Steve Browne's words AMAZING, and I agree. I was fortuntate to hear some talented people present on some pertinent topics (that is another post in and of itself). I also met a lot of nice folks from the Buckeye state. And I also got renew some old friendships.
The more time you spend with people the better you get to know them. The whole program was themed with Rock | HR Rocks | and Rock Stars. Well I hung out with a true rock star, and an HR guy. My buddy Brad Galin is a rock star.
That's Brad with the shades on. HR guy by day - rock star conference attendee at night. I have met Brad before but I got a chance to spend time with him at OHSHM as a fellow out-of-stater. Brad works by day in the not-for-profit sector. He is also active with the Indana State Council of SHRM.
It is alway enjoyeable to spend time with someone who is like minded, and Brad and I share a number of similiar interest.
I plan to stay in touch with my neighbor to the east over in the Hoosier state, and look forward to catching up with him soon. I plan on attending thier State Conference in Indiana next year. Lastly, I had to put up the post so that I could make him the talk of the office with his rock star pictures. There are a few more here.
I have the good fortune of attending my second SHRM state conference in about a month.I revel in the opportunity to learn about my field of HR.Not only am I learning about HR topics, but also about the task of putting on a Conference itself and all of the details that requires.
I am in awe to learn from two of the best in the business: John Jorgensen and Steve Browne. John is more of a behind the scenes guy and Steve is more of an out front guy, kind of like a say- lead singer of a band. So far, I have attended two sessions, and I am in the third as I write this. The first session was thought provoking and insightful. The speaker was Mark Stelzner. His topic was Social Media and HR policies. After lunch Simon Bailey addressed the group of over 700 HR pros and discussed leadership, leading change, being positive and assertive in your workplace. Simon, a former Disney executive communicated about his time at the happiest place on earth and it came through. Once a cast member, always a cast member.
But the real show stealer was lead conference organizer Steve Browne. Have a look
The Final Countdown is here. The Ohio 2011 SHRM Conference is soon. It promises to be great event starting Sept. 21 and running through Sept. 23. Here are some details from Conference Chair Steve Brown
I was running over the program details and compiled this list of people (in no particular order) who will be speaking at OHSHRM11.
| Mark Stelzner | Mike VanDerort | Benjamin Mc Call | Paul Hebert | William Tincup| China Gorman |Stephanie Thomas | Bill Boorman | Jennifer McClure |
And that list is just the people that I know. There are a number of other presenters as well. And just because I am not familiar with their work means nothing. They may, in fact be the best presenters of the conference.
This conference, just like the Illinois conference is put on by ALL volunteers. Steve tells me that I am going to meet a fabulous group of volunteers in Ohio. He should know. The event currently has over 700 people from five states and Canada registered.
Ok, so why are we trumpeting what is going on in Ohio here on the ILSHRM Blog Site? There are two reasons. First, I was born in Ohio – Toledo/Lucas County to be exact so I am forever connected to Ohio. Secondly and probably more importantly, at least two of us from Illinois SHRM will be attending to learn, observe and share at the event. John Jorgensen and I (Dave Ryan) will be attending.
As the Director of Social Media for ILSHRM, I had certain obligations at the Illinois Conference, albeit far less than my fellow traveler John. I know I speak for both of us when I say I am excited to be attending as a participant, a blogger, a tweeter – someone who gets to attend and take in the conference, learn from the sessions, see some old friends and make some new ones.
Watch for out tweets from the event and we will see you at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, OH.
