Today I’m traveling to New Orleans for the SHRM Annual Conference. I’m arriving early and will be in volunteer mode for the next couple of days as a part of my responsibilities with SHRM’s Membership Advisory Council (aka MAC).
New Orleans is a fabulous city. Home to great food, jazz music and awesome celebrations like Mardi Gras. I haven’t been there since 2004 (before Katrina) and am really excited about spending a little time there.
I’m also looking forward to seeing (and in some cases, meeting!) many of my fellow HR bloggers. SHRM has brought together an all-star lineup including April Dowling, Kris Dunn, Lance Haun, Jessica Lee, Michael Long, Jennifer McClure, Kari Quaas, Laurie Ruettimann, Mark Stelzner and Michael VanDervort. Please forgive me if I’ve left anyone out – I tried my best to keep up with the ever growing list.
For those of you not able to join us in NOLA, between the Official SHRM Conference blog and all the blogger posts, you will get the full scoop on the event. And even if you *are* in NOLA, there’s so much to see and do during the conference…you’ll want to stay on top of the insight these pros provide. (P.S. The Bartender plans to do some blogging too … I hope you’ll check out my posts as well.)
And what conference is complete without an expo of the latest and greatest in HR products and services. I’ll be cruising the expo in search the best conference swag. Listen up exhibitors – I’ll be giving out some blog and Twitter luv to companies with *good* stuff. My wish list includes hand sanitizer (a must at any conference) and eye glass cleaners (just got some new specs). Mr. Bartender has asked me to find him a new mouse pad (something cool). I’ve also set a “stretch” swag goal to find jump drives (at least 1G please!)
So if you see me at the conference, please come up and say hello. I’d love to put faces with avatars! Look forward to connecting with you in the Big Easy. Cheers!
Hey – I’ve decided to skip Sheryl Crow on Tuesday night. No offense to Sheryl, but I’m spending my last night in NOLA at a Tweetup. So, if you are going to #SHRM09 and want my ticket, leave a comment here on the blog. I’ll pick one winner by lunchtime Sunday (and we can connect during the grand opening of the expo so I can give it to you.)
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Frannyo says
You could do both, I think some folks are going to Sheryl Crow after the happy hour. I probably won’t, either, though.
Happy to meet you soon!
Laura Rhoad says
Sharlyn, I am going to Tweet Up to hopefully meet up with some the “HR Celebrities” I enjoy on Twitter! But I definitely want to go to the concert! If you are aren’t going, I would like your extra ticket, I have a friend in the area, who wants to come with me!
Thanks!!
Laura
Kari Quaas says
Hey Sharlyn,
Thanks for the mention. I can’t wait to meet you too. I plan on doing both the tweetup and seeing Sheryl. “All I want to do is have some fun.”
Kari : )
Michael VanDervort says
Hey, I am totally at the tweetup and then maybe Sheryl too! Looking forward to seeing you there. Will Mr. Bartender not be present?
Austin says
I’m flattered that our tweetup is getting more interest than Sheryl Crow – Looking forward to connecting!
hr bartender says
Thanks to everyone for your great comments. The Sheryl Crow ticket winner has been chosen and it’s Laura Rhoad. Congratulations! Laura – please DM me at @Sharlyn_Lauby and we will coordinate the exchange. Cheers!