The 2017 HR Technology Conference & Exposition is more than just a conference. It’s a vibrant and robust community. People from all over the world travel to Las Vegas to talk about crucial workforce issues such as culture, engagement and the employee experience. They also come to have a good time.
This year marks my ninth trip to HR Tech. Whether I’m a consultant or a speaker, it’s fun to return to the conference and geek out on the latest workplace technology. But the best part is catching up with friends and colleagues. For me, traveling to Las Vegas is an act of fellowship and communion. If I don’t see some of my friends on the strip, I don’t see them at all.
This year’s HR Tech conference is a little different. The world is still processing the horrific shooting that happened on Sunday evening, and people are grieving.
There’s an authentic conversation happening in the HR technology community. It’s careless to do anything other than offer up our deepest condolences to those affected by the tragedy. We should be respectful of the victims, the first responders, the healthcare workers, and of the residents of Las Vegas as they try to make sense of this tragedy. But we’re coming together, next week, for a significant event on our industry’s calendar. How do we make it meaningful?
For starters, we can dial back some of the marketing. The world doesn’t need another noisy blog post about swag, booths, or a conference party. What we need is camaraderie, conversation, and a commitment to listen and do what’s right in our crazy, chaotic world.
We can also donate to this critical GoFundMe campaign that assists the victims of the tragic Las Vegas shooting. Funds will be used to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of the horrific Las Vegas mass shooting.
We can also be kind to the business and employees who make that city so great. Choose empathy over ego. Go the extra mile and be generous to the hourly workers. Smile, tip the hotel staff and offer grace if your Las Vegas conference experience isn’t as fun as it usually feels.
Most of all, connect with our friends, colleagues, and customers. When all’s said and done, the only things that matter in this world are people and relationships.
So, I hope to see you in Las Vegas when the show opens on Tuesday night. I’ll be there with my client and on stage on Friday. I’m traveling across the country because I want to see you. Say hello. Be ready for a hug from me. Because, no matter what, we’re in this together.