True Faith HR: Alternative HR Activities in Las Vegas For Students Prior to #SHRM15?

Alternative HR Activities in Las Vegas For Students Prior to #SHRM15?

by Matthew Stollak on Wednesday, January 14, 2015

I've been a SHRM student chapter advisor for nearly 20 years. For most of that time, I have brought several dedicated students each year to SHRM Annual, who want to advance their learning as they pursue a career in HR.

Dedicated students are giving up nearly a week of their summer break, sacrificing a few days of work where they earn tuition money, to attend SHRM Annual, often on their dime. Students have raised money through the student chapter during the academic year to attend, or they are paying for hotel, airfare, food, discounted conference registration and other incidentals out of their pocket.

However, we are not unique. There are many student advisors as well as hundreds of student members across the country who do the same. Some colleges, including my own, even offer course credit to students who attend the conference

One of the highlights of the conference for them (as well as me) was a stand alone student conference on Saturday and Sunday morning prior to the start of the SHRM Annual Conference. Faculty members could meet and discuss the future of HR education. Students get to share best practices and ideas with their peers across the country. SHRM also highlights quality student chapters as well as recognizes the advisor of the year award.

But, of particular note, was the quality of the programming that was geared directly to students. HR leaders such as Laurie Ruettimann, Jennifer McClure, John Hudson, Matt Charney, Meredith Soleau, Jon Petz, Simon Bailey, Joe Gerstandt, Clint Swindall, Libby Sartain, Tim Sackett, and Ryan Estis have provided quality content to those attending. Several have offered content multiple years.

Unfortunately, after 20+ years, SHRM will no longer be offering the student conference at this year's meeting in Las Vegas. Like everyone else, students would have to pay extra to attend the Saturday Pre-Conference One-Day Workshops.

So, I reach out to my dedicated readers for suggestions for alternative HR activities to students arriving early to the SHRM Annual Conference. Unfortunately, a Zappos tour is not available as the last tour is on Friday, June 27 at 1:00 pm.

Are there other plant tours one might take? Are their readers out there getting into Vegas early, who might be able to give 45 minutes to an hour of their time on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning to sit with a few students and discuss a HR topic of their choosing? Starbucks is on me.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other suggestions to enhance the learning of the HR leaders of tomorrow.

5 comments • Category: #SHRM, #SHRM15, #SHRMStudent, Las Vegas
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5 comments

We should talk about this...We could put something together

by John Nykolaiszyn on January 14, 2015 at 9:54 AM. #

If I go (looking more likely) then I would be very happy to spend some time with students. I really miss that aspect of being in Bloomington around some wonderfully enthusiastic students. Highlight of last year's Indiana SHRM conference for me was spending time with 3 great students from IU!

by Bradley on January 14, 2015 at 10:30 PM. #

Matt - I'd be happy to help in any way. I could do a talk, facilitate a conversation, do a workshop, etc. I'll be there on Saturday. Just let me know how I can help!

by Jennifer McClure on January 15, 2015 at 7:53 PM. #