HRevolution: Observations and Thank Yous

Closing Session

The HRevolution has not ended.

Sure, the 2010 event may be in the history books, but the spirit of evolving an industry that has been one predominantly etched as an administrative function is just beginning.  Since only one day has passed, my mind is still reeling and thoughts about HRevolution are still so conceptual that I’m not quite ready to share.  In the meantime, I will share some observations and thank yous:

• HRevolution is a spirit of change.  The participants and facilitators bring it alive in the way they interact.  There was not one session that did not have key learning points and take aways.  The facilitators did a great job of making sure that they took the step of challenging the group to use techniques and tools once they returned to their organizations.
• The HR Happy Hour show creates amazing energy when all the guests are in person. It’s like capturing magic in a bottle.
• Monster, Ceridian, Pinstripe, Rypple, and SHRM made the event possible.  Many thanks to them for providing the funds for the venue, catering, transportation, and tweetups.  The Pinstripe Tweetup and Sue Marks made our closing tweetup the perfect way to end on a high note.  HUB 51 was an amazing venue and special thanks to Bryon Abramowitz for arranging the tweetup.  Monster also threw the biggest, best opening of HRevolution and the participants were grateful. From the blinking beverage glasses to the iPad/ Kindle/ Flip/ Camera/ iTouch give aways to the numerous Monster goodies for us all,  they outdid themselves. Special thank you to Eric Winegardner for believing in us and making greatness happen.  We love you for all the energy and insight you bring to us.
• It takes EACH participant’s actions to make the event what it is. The planning committee pours our hearts and souls into the event.  The companies that sponsor individuals to come to the event are instrumental (Whiting Consulting and Nobscot Corporation).  The facilitators who work very hard to start interesting and thought provoking conversations.  The participants who become actual teachers to the group.  Having a mix of HR pros, recruiters, consultants, professors, CEO’s, journalists, marketers, and pundits make it a great learning opportunity.
• HR people CAN have fun!
• You do not need to be a day-to-day HR practitioner to bring value to HRevolution. I learned so much from many people who are not HR practitioners.  These ideas will challenge me to continue to go beyond HR and truly be a business partner in my organization.  Thanks to all who shared business information on culture, finance, marketing, influence, communications, and technology.  You’re helping us find challenge so we can grow.
• Mark Stelzner does a great impersonation of Donald Trump and being #2 sometimes means you’re the winner. (You’ll have to wait for my Apprentice session post for the back story on that one).
• Jason Seiden, Ben Eubanks, Steve Boese, Crystal Peterson, Joan Ginsberg, and Mark Stelzner are the finest teammates I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Their dedication to HRevolution is truly amazing and I sincerely thank them each for the HUGE contribution of time and skills.  I’m honored to know you all and call you friends.
• You really can make solid relationships using the internet to network. ‘Nuff said.

I’m going to do some heavy-duty thinking about some of the learning points and calls to action and will share them in the coming days and weeks.  Thank you all for supporting HRevolution.   If you have any observations to share, let me know in the comments.