I need to be clear that this wasn’t particularly easy for me, especially at that time in my life, and I don’t possess some magical Party Persona. I had my share of awkward conversations and rejection and sometimes had to force myself to walk up to just one more person before calling it a day. But it paid off. I got my funny stories, I got some new friends, and I got the one solid job lead I really wanted.

I won’t be at SHRM National this year, but I hope those of you attending create a rich and rewarding experience for yourselves! Be intentional! You never know what might happen if you put yourself out there.

Coming from a hopeless Certification addict, I’m the first one to tell an attendee if they are showing up simply for recertification credit, they are missing the point. Really show up, soak everything for all that it is worth.

Think about what talking points you use to justify the cost to your CEO. Like Franny did, make a plan around those points and stick to it. Even if do you attend with a buddy, make it understood that you are there for a greater reason and go your separate ways.

After the conference evaluate yourself and look at what do did right and what you need to improve upon at the next conference.