HR Tech Conference: They Know Next

Before I go forward and tell you about my love and admiration for the HR Technology Conference and the $500 discount you get for reading my blog, I want to make sure there is no confusion as to where my loyalties lie.

I know I've been spending a lot of time with SHRM Annual Conference lately. But as proof that my fling with SHRM Annual Conference is over, here is the Dear John letter I sent last week.

Dear SHRM Annual Conference,

The last few months have been great. The time we have spent together has been amazing. You have been so kind. You've given me food, shelter and space to express myself as a writer. I cannot thank you enough and I will always remember your generosity.

There's a part of me that believes you've benefited from being with me just as much as I have with you. I've donated hundreds of words to the HR blogosphere singing your praises to anyone who would listen.

I think our relationship of mutual admiration may have led us to fall a little bit in love with each other. Perhaps I'm reading into things too much. But I think if I pressed hard enough, you would admit you loved me. But that is why I have to go.

Like any whirlwind romance, at some point it has to end.  Before our relationship turns sour and we end up hating each other in the end, I think we should say good-bye now. 

There is only one HR conference that I truly love and that is my first true love, the HR Technology Conference.

I know you'll do fine without me. You may even be better off. But I'm sure our paths will cross again someday. Take care.

Sincerely,                                                                                                                                                                 Welcome To The Occupation

Breaking up is never easy. But sometimes you have to do what you have to do. SHRM Annual Conference says, "They know next" but after spending a lot of time together, I have to say it feels more like, "They know now."

As much I want to be part of "now", there's a bigger part of me that is looking for what is truly "next." This is the main reason I'm returning for a third year in a row to the HR Technology Conference and why if you haven't, you should, even if you're not an HR techie or shopping for an HRIS, etc.

Below are four reasons why I always find "next" at HR Tech.

1) The Technology Piece
There will be a large amount of discussion involving technology. (Duh). This is the place to see live demos of new (and current) software in all aspects that affect our HR lives. In short, this is the place to let your inner HR geek come out to play.

2) A New Perspective of HR
If you want a progressive view of what is occurring in HR, then look to those who are forging ahead with HR software solutions. The complex problems that HR professionals face within the realms of workforce management, benefits, strategic planning, etc. are all scrutinized by the HR technology professionals. Analysis turns into design, then turns into development, and then turns into a product that provides future solutions to modern day problems. At HR Tech, there isn't just discussion about technology. There's discussion about the whole HR ball of wax.

3) Tons of Cool People Under One Roof
The cast of characters that are either presenting or attending are some of the smartest and interesting people in the HR field today. Check out the program yourself if you don't believe me. And of course, I'll be there.

4) $500 Off The Rack Price
This is not a real reason why I find "next". But it sure does help with making the decision to attend. Go to the website: http://www.hrtechnologyconference.com/ to register and enter the discount code PASMUZ11 by September 19 and you're all set.

Some of you may be very uncomfortable, thinking you'd rather avoid getting in the middle of this love triangle between me, SHRM Annual, and HR Tech. I assure you there is no drama and no one will get hurt if you stop what you're doing right now. Click this link to download the program. Or click here to go to the site. Register. Book your flight and hotel. And go. Trust me, you won't regret it.

And if you recognize me in a session, or on the expo floor, or at an after-party, don't hesitate to introduce yourself and say, "You're right. HR Tech does know next." Don't worry I won't tell SHRM Annual Conference that you agree with me. It'll be our little secret.