Last week’s Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conference in Chicago was a whirlwind of insights, networking, and a few surprises. Here are the top takeaways that HR professionals and business leaders shouldn't miss:

Flexibility Wins

Jason Sudeikis bailed on his keynote for a basketball game—ouch! Al Roker swooped in and saved the day. Lesson? Always have a backup plan. Flexibility isn’t just a buzzword; it's essential. Read more and more.

Podcast Power

Recording podcast episodes with HR legends like Tim Sackett and John Baldino showcased the value of sharing knowledge through new media. HR pros, consider adding podcasting to your toolkit—it’s like having a coffee chat with industry leaders, minus the caffeine jitters.

Thanks to all the guests: Jennifer Currence, Eric Canny, Jim Reidy, Louis Lessig, Dethra Giles, Jim Link, Joanna Colosimo, David Cohen, John Bernatovicz, John Austin, John Baldino and Lauraine Bifulco.

Live Events = Energy Boost
Front-row seats to Jay Leno and Kelly Clarkson? Yes, please! Live performances remind us of the power of in-person events to inspire and energize. Plus, they make great Instagram stories.

Networking Nirvana
Networking was top-notch from the SHRM Certification Party to the Helios Executive Network SHRM Party. Building connections in person beats LinkedIn requests any day.

CSR in Action
Helping Paylocity pack 10,000 mental health bags for NAMI was a standout. Integrating community service into your business strategy isn’t just good karma; it’s good business.

Artistic Inspiration
The convention center’s décor by local Chicago artists was a creative feast for the eyes. Incorporate local talent and unique perspectives into your workplace to keep the environment vibrant.

Vendor Expo Goldmine
The expo hall was a treasure trove of the latest HR tech and services. Keeping an eye on innovative tools can give your organization a competitive edge. Go ahead, be the early adopter.

Stay Sharp with Research
SHRM’s latest press releases offer valuable insights into recruitment and employee benefits. Keeping up with current research ensures your strategies are data-driven. Check out the latest findings and more.

Lifelong Learning
Over 20 recertification credits earned at the conference highlight the importance of continuous education. Staying ahead of the curve is crucial in the ever-evolving HR landscape.

Hashtag Engagement
Following and engaging with #SHRM24 kept everyone connected and in the loop. Leveraging social media for professional growth? Highly recommended.

The SHRM conference was a masterclass in learning, networking, and fun. Let’s keep the momentum going—grow, innovate, and make a difference in our organizations.

Share your highlights from the SHRM conference or your top takeaway from recent professional development below!