Keep the Conversation Going Series – 2024 Philly SHRM Symposium
By: Evelyn Reed, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
The 2024 Philly SHRM Symposium Attendees’ Experience
For both newcomers and seasoned human resources professionals and attendees alike, the Philly SHRM Symposium has always served as an engaging and dedicated one-day event in Philly to not only enhance professional knowledge and skills but also to forge meaningful connections across the industry. The 2024 Philly SHRM Symposium was no exception to this epithet, offering a rich array of learning experiences, networking opportunities, and invaluable insights into the future of HR.
Strengthening Bonds and Absorbing Actionable Gems from the Experts
For me, a first-time attendee to the Symposium, the jammed pack event was the perfect environment for reconnecting with old colleagues, meeting new ones, and connecting with strategic business vendors. All while strengthening my professional bonds and creating spaces to learn and spark new partnerships and ideas. This sentiment was echoed by Tiffani Donaldson Berry from the Ladipo Group, a seasoned attendee, who found the networking aspect to be exceptionally rewarding and the overall experience enriching, especially the breakout sessions. The breakout sessions, a core component of the symposium, were particularly noted for their quality and relevance. Tiffani specifically praised a session led by Naomi Barrett on Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Then and Now, which provided actionable steps and data on establishing effective ERGs within organizations. This session not only equipped attendees with practical tools but also inspired them to implement these strategies in their workplaces to foster inclusive and supportive environments.
An Enriching Day of Development and Inspiration
As a global HR leader, it’s not always easy to take time away from the business for multiple days at a time to attend multi-day conferences for continuous learning or networking opportunities. The one-day format of the symposium maximizes learning and development without compromising the content or experience. A significant advantage repeatedly mentioned and appreciated by attendees like Kirsten Kirksey and others. In one-day the symposium offers a floor full of exhibitors filled with organizations and services to fit your varied business and departmental needs. There are multiple breakout sessions, enriched with lots of information and wisdom you can apply immediately. In addition to the opening and closing keynotes that left you with many gems.
The opening keynote speaker, Kyle Scheele’s session “Becoming an Idea Factory: How to Turn Yourself (and your organization) into an Innovation Machine”; delivered powerful messages that centered around taking initiative, leaning into transformation, and acting on ideas to drive innovation. Many attendees, like Jameel Rush, found Kyle’s messaging compelling and motivating, encouraging them to envision new possibilities and take risks they probably would have been too afraid to before.
The closing keynote speaker, Joyel Crawford’s session “No is a Complete Sentence: Assertive Communication in the Workplace”, was also just as impactful to Jameel as it was to me and others. Joyel’s message emphasized the importance of not suffering in silence and asserting one’s needs. This session was the perfect closing remarks to bring the day to an end and full circle as it highlighted the symposium’s commitment to addressing the attendees’ well-being needs with as much emphasis as developing their technical skills were addressed. As a professional who was near burnout last year, re-learning that “No.” was in fact a complete sentence was tough; thus, hearing Joyel on that stage give all the reasons why it was and how it should be used more often than we probably do, was reaffirming.
2025 PSHRM Symposium – Yes, Yes, and Yes.
With 2024 being the first symposium, I have ever attended; I have been blown away by the experience. And this sentiment was echoed by other attendees both seasoned and newbies like me. The anticipation for the 2025 Philly SHRM Symposium is undeniable. Attendees are looking forward to the high quality breakout sessions, continuous forward-thinking keynotes, and actionable insights the one-day format promises to deliver. The overall attendee experience is enriching and caters to the ever-changing needs of HR professionals giving technical skills; but offering space to hone networking skills, strengthen bonds formed; and nourish the well-being of the person. If you are considering attending, I highly recommend you run and purchase your tickets! You won’t be disappointed.
About the Author
Evelyn Reed is a dynamic and progressive HR leader with over 15 years of experience in various industries and markets throughout North America. She has her MBA degree and is double certified, holding her SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, and she is an official member of Forbes HR Council. Additionally, she is a commissioned licensed Notary Public. Throughout her career, she’s worked with global brands such as Amazon and Hertz. Evelyn has also worked with Philadelphia-based non-profits and healthcare sectors. Most recently, Evelyn serves on the board of DisruptHR Philadelphia and is the Head of HR for a multinational Merchandising company expanding her global experience.
Evelyn is the founder and owner of a boutique firm, HR Jawn. HR Jawn offers HR, Business, Notary, and Advocacy content and services for individuals, startups, and small to midsize businesses. You can follow and engage with her on social media (Instagram/Twitter(X)/TikTok) under her tag @HRjawn or via the website links below:
https://www.hrjawn.com
Editor: Dennis Paris
Becoming a Philly SHRM Thought Leader
We are always looking for inspiring minds! If you are interested in learning more about how to become a Philly SHRM Thought Leader, offering your professional views about this or any Thought Leader article, or want to chat about contributing content on a hot or innovative HR related topic, please reach out to Dennis Paris and Evelyn Reed, Co-VPs of Thought Leadership at: thoughtleader@phillyshrm.org
