As Cliché as it is—What Happens at SHRM Stays at SHRM
It’s that time of year again—time for the Annual SHRM Conference. While organizations in the Human Resources field across the country are prepping for the show, HR pros are gearing up for a four day stay in Las Vegas.
That’s right—it is completely ironic that HR professionals (those who keep us all politically correct and on our best behavior in the workplace) are going to brush up on the latest HR policies and procedures in the City of Sin.
But don’t worry, while the craziness of Vegas is happening outside, inside the convention center our HR Managers will be in sessions brushing up on everything from employee benefits to recruitment, employment law and much more.
So, just to keep our favorite HR Managers in line we thought it would be helpful for them to have a list of the Top Ten Things to NOT Get Caught Doing at SHRM in Las Vegas.
10. Get Hitched During SHRM. Finding the perfect match is always critical for recruiters but getting married on a whim is not a story your boss will find funny or appreciate when they ask how the conference went.
9. Shop ‘Til You Drop. At the conclusion of the Annual SHRM Conference your feet should hurt from walking the expo floor—not from browsing in the many luxury shops at Via Bellagio, Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian, The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Miracle Mile, Le Boulevard at Paris, and Wynn Esplande.
8. Use Your Travel and Expense Allowance to Finance Your Go Round in the Casino. If you think you can turn your T&E daily allotment into extra cash in the casino—the odds are against you, so don’t even try.
7. Play Hooky to Sip Margaritas by the Pool. It is predicted to be a toasty 103°F during SHRM, so drinking tasty beverages by the pool (unless you’re drinking water) is probably not a smart idea, nonetheless if you’re laying by the pool while everyone is in sessions or on the expo floor—you’re going to have a very unhappy employer.
6. Let Motion Sickness Ruin Your Time. While enjoying the sites if you have a desire to check out the gondolas at the Venetian, the rollercoaster at New York-New York, or take a ride to top of the Stratosphere (the tallest observation tower in the United States) be sure you have a Dramamine on hand.
5. Show Up at the Expo Hall Looking Like You Were Just Throwing…Well You Get the Picture. Working a booth or cruising the conference floor? Look your best and look professional. While we’re all sympathetic to the fact that you’re away from home and away from your kids—that doesn’t mean that everyone you meet on the expo floor needs to know that. Even if you’re out late partying make sure that you are at the expo hall on time, dressed professional, looking fresh and ready to represent your organization.
4. Swim With the Sharks at the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef. While this is a thrill that is offered, that’s the last thing your organization needs “HR Manager Eaten by Shark at SHRM Conference in Vegas”. While they say no press is bad press that is definitely a headline your PR department does not want to have to spin.
3. Take a Dip in The Dancing Waters. Speaking of Swimming, the Fountains of Bellagio Are ONLY For Show. Get caught swimming in there and there is sure to be a large fine. After all if the fine for jaywalking can be up to $695 in Clark County, NV you don’t want to know what it is for swimming in the dancing waters.
2. Follow the Same Itinerary for Your Sister’s Bachelorette Party at the Palm. Las Vegas is called Sin City for a reason and if you were going there for the purpose of a bachelor/bachelorette party you would have a very different plan than if you were going for work (at least we hope so). So take this opportunity to experience the good clean fun that Vegas has to offer when traveling on business. Take in a show like Jersey Boys, Cirque du Soleil or The Blue Man Group, eat at the numerous delicious restaurants and enjoy a treatment at the many luxury spas (also be sure to go to those sessions!).
1. Get lost. Be sure to keep track of your team members—while the movie The Hangover is entertaining to watch, no one REALLY wants to experience what the wolf pack went through. Make sure you check in with those who you traveled to the conference with just to make sure that no one is stuck on the roof at Caesars.
