HR Events for Busy Leaders: Get the Most Out of Your Time

The World of HR Events

The HR event scene offers a diverse range of options to cater to various learning styles and needs. Let’s explore some popular formats:

• Conferences: Powerhouse events like the SHRM Annual offer keynote speakers, breakout sessions, expo halls with industry solutions, and networking opportunities. Smaller SHRM events target specific areas of HR, like talent or recruiting.
• Webinars: These online courses, often free or low-cost, delve into specific HR topics, allowing you to gain valuable insights without travel expenses. Mitratech has a vast array of HR webinars. Many of our live webinars offer credits!
• Workshops: Workshops offer learning experiences, equipping you with practical skills in a specific area like talent acquisition or diversity & inclusion.
• Local HR Association Events: Connect with colleagues from your region at these smaller-scale events organized by local HR chapters. Enjoy focused discussions on regional HR trends and build a valuable network.

Maximizing Your Event Experience

So you’ve chosen your event – fantastic!

Now, let’s ensure you get the most out of it:

• Set SMART goals: Before attending, define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for what you want to learn or achieve at the event. This will help you prioritize what you do. It can also help you come back with enough information so that you can go to the next event. Here are some SMART goals for HR leaders.
• Get out the highlighters: Review the agenda and prioritize sessions that align with your learning objectives. Plan your day so that you know what you are doing when. Don’t forget about bathroom breaks, naps, and networking!
• Network like a pro: Don’t be a wallflower! Use networking opportunities to connect with other HR leaders. You never know what you can learn or what you can teach someone. Share insights, learn from their experiences, and build connections. Some HR leaders are siloed and don’t have people they can lean on. People who meet at these events become lifelong friends, create groups on Facebook or LinkedIn, and help each other.
• Follow Up is Key: Once the event wraps up, collect materials, connect with colleagues you met on LinkedIn, and start putting your learnings into practice. Showing that you not only learned something, but you used it, is what will get your next event approved.

How to Convince Your Boss To Send You To an HR Conference

Do your research beforehand:

1. Find the right conference: Identify conferences relevant to your field and current projects. Look for events with speakers and sessions that address your professional development needs and the company’s goals.
2. Understand the costs: Research conference fees, travel expenses, and accommodation costs. Be prepared to present a budget breakdown to your boss.

Make a compelling case:

1. Craft your pitch: Highlight the key benefits of attending the conference for both you and the company. How will the knowledge you gain translate into improved work performance or problem-solving?
2. Highlight specific sessions: Focus on workshops, speakers, or networking opportunities that directly align with your team’s current projects or the company’s strategic objectives.

Present your request professionally:

1. Schedule a meeting: Discuss your request with your boss in a dedicated meeting, not in passing. This shows seriousness and allows for a focused discussion.
2. Formalize your request: Follow up the meeting with a written request (email or memo) summarizing the key points you discussed. Include details about the conference, the benefits, and a cost breakdown.

Be prepared for questions and address concerns:

1. Show initiative: Demonstrate your commitment by researching potential travel discounts or exploring online conference options if budget is a concern.
2. Offer solutions for your absence: Propose a plan to cover your workload while you’re away. This could involve delegating tasks or providing clear instructions for colleagues.
3. Follow up and share your learnings: After attending the conference, brief your boss on the key takeaways and how you plan to implement your new knowledge for the company’s benefit. For example, here’s what we learned at HR Tech!

By following these steps and presenting a well-researched and well-reasoned proposal, you’ll significantly increase your chances of getting your boss’s approval to attend the conference.

Invest in Your Growth

Attending HR events is an investment in your professional development and, ultimately, your organization’s success. By being selective and choosing events that cater to your specific needs and goals, you can stay informed, build a strong network, and become a more effective HR leader. National and regional HR associations often list upcoming events, so start exploring and keep an eye out for opportunities to elevate your HR prowess!