2016 Iowa SHRM State Conference

I’m obsessed with the movie Cedar Rapids. Have you seen it?

Tim Lippe has no idea what he’s in for when he’s sent to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to represent his company at an annual insurance convention, where he soon finds himself under the “guidance” of three convention veterans.

This movie is an exact depiction of every HR conference I’ve ever attended since 2008. Insurance brokers in Iowa get crunk. Hijinx ensue. What’s not to love?

Since watching the film, I’ve been laser focused on doing a conference in Cedar Rapids. I swear to god, this is true. It’s a bucket list item.

And, you guys, I’m doing it!

The Iowa SHRM State Conference asked me to keynote their fall conference. It’s happening on September 21st – 23rd. I told myself that I wouldn’t accept any additional speaking opportunities in September because of my upcoming marathon, but I can’t say no to Cedar Rapids. I would never forgive myself.

(Well, technically the conference is in Coralville, Iowa. You fly into Cedar Rapids. Close enough!)

So I hope the Iowa SHRM contingent knows how thrilled I am to attend their event. I’ll be talking about failure, which is a topic close to my heart. There’s a cocktail reception the night before, and I can’t wait to have fun and learn more about the fabulous people who are making my weird dream come true.

This is why I love HR.