We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who attended the ASHHRA 48th Annual Conference & Exposition in Denver, Colorado, from September 22-25. A collective 1,300 individuals experienced informative learning sessions, top-talent general sessions, an active exhibit floor, and an array of networking opportunities. We also want to send a special thank you to the sponsors that made so many of these events possible.
At our Opening Ceremony, sponsored by Fidelity, and morning general sessions, we learned a great deal from speakers who taught us how to be innovators, more valued professionals, and stronger leaders. 
We learned from Tom Flick (whose presentation was sponsored by Cigna) that leadership is not about credentials but concern. Flick's mantra in both his personal and professional life, and something he reminds himself of every day, is to "go first and lead the way." What a strong take-away for health care HR professionals.
Diversified sponsored an incredibly accomplished panel of health care executives who brought us insights about innovative strategies that transform care. We heard from Michael Robinson, Chief Executive Officer and Senior VP of Operations at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center; Kenneth W. Lukhard, President at Advocate Christ Medical Center; and Robert G. Riney, President and Chief Operating Officer at Henry Ford Health System.
We learned from Bob Riney what he looks for in a chief human resources officer. He said, "The health care systems in this country are going to connect and come together in a dramatic fashion in coming years. We're going to have much larger organizations across the industry. ... They will need to learn how to drive efficiency and scale while maintaining the intimacy of a small shop." HR professionals who can keep up with those changes will be "worth their weight in gold," he said.
The conference wrapped up on a light note at a closing brunch with style icon Carson Kressley, sponsored by Valic. Kressley said he thinks of "human resources as the principal's office of the adult world." Kressley also shared 10 tips to help attendees feel better about their appearance, encouraging them to make time for themselves and wear colors that made them look and feel good.
He ended his hilarious presentation by saying, "We all know that life is really short, and there is no time like now to be happy."
