HR Technology 2011 – It's Personal

It’s my third week in France and I’m writing you from Inflexion’s temporary HQ, a fourth story Bordeaux walk-up with windows overlooking an ancient square. Last night musicians played while couples laughed, danced, clapped and drank. This has been an amazing respite and I have droves of content for future posts, but today I write a simple note to explain – perhaps in a way you haven’t considered – why you should attend this year’s 2011 HR Technology Conference and Expo.

Others have already written about the sessions, vendors, debates, parties and even the pending nuptials of co-chair Bill Kutik as reason enough to pack your bags for a quick and relatively inexpensive jaunt to the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Just Google the conference name and you’ll find my peer’s reviews and associated discount codes for ticket purchase. And let me be painfully clear – you should buy a ticket and attend. Do it. Now.

In my review from last year’s event I offered five lessons that still hold true, some of which have been remedied (such as moving away from Chicago/McCormick this year) and others that are completely in your control (such as acting like a moron after too many cocktails). This year I offer just one pre-conference concept that I hope you take seriously…

Make It Personal – I want you to study the program, look up the speakers you admire, connect with them on social media, read their pieces (whether blogs, articles or research) and get to know them in detail. Then, when you attend their sessions, I want to see you waiting to greet them with a business card in hand and a smile. I also want you to find out which of your peers are attending and make plans – now! – to grab a coffee, a meal, or a drink and compare notes, experiences and lessons. I also want you to consider getting more involved by participating in new and innovative HR Tech experiences such as HRevolution or the Candidate Experience Awards.

And if possible, I want you to find me and say hello. I cannot go through another event where I see smart and engaging people sequestered in a corner huddled over their smartphones for protection while so much opportunity abounds. Even if it’s a quick hug, handshake or discussion, use me as the one person you can count on to connect with you personally. Moreover, I’ll try my best to introduce you to others and help make this an experience you never forget.

Please do join me in early October. And if you’re still looking for some sort of discount code, you can enter anyone’s you find or use “INFLEXION11″ (all caps) to get $500 off the rack rate. I’ve been told this expires on September 19th so get to it. And please know that I get nothing in return for you buying a ticket or attending. That is, other than the chance to see your smiling faces and build a lasting relationship, and how do you put a price on that?

All my best from France and thanks for all of your kind notes and well wishes. We’re having a wonderful time and I’ll look forward to reconnecting upon my return.

All my best,

Mark