14th Annual Texas SHRM Global HR Conference Wrap Up (with pics!)

The 14th Annual Texas SHRM Global HR Conference was held in Houston on September 9. Seasoned global HR professional and those new to a global HR role met at the Norris Conference Center for a day of networking and new learning.

Professionals, both HR practitioners as well as consultants, shared their ideas and insights regarding the latest topics of interest in the world of global HR. This one-day event was packed full of educational sessions, sponsor and exhibitor information, and networking opportunities.

 

Keynote speaker, Greg Bennick, used teamwork and collaboration during his presentation titled Change: Managing the Unexpected.

Greg Bennick, 2014 Humourous Speaking Champion, made people laugh while inviting them to think during his keynote address: Change: Managing the Unexpected. In the last year, Greg has spoken in 23 countries and at events ranging from international conferences to Nobel Tribute banquets. Greg spoke about managing the unexpected, offering new perspectives on change, and stepping into the unknown. And, he did it while juggling!

 
Global HR is a lot to juggle, as seen here by keynote speaker, Greg Bennick.

What possibly can change more than human resources? How about global human resources? Change is inevitable, and as long as we are in the right mindset, we will be ready for anything and prepared to take action.

How do we manage change? What perspectives do we need? Learning points included new perspectives on "dropping the ball" and failure; how to continue even in the midst of setbacks; and perspectives on the creative process itself and the peaks and valleys it brings.

Throughout the day, there were several breakout sessions for the attendees led by practitioners. Global topics such as: Don’t Forget the Kids — they Can Torpedo an Assignment Even Faster than an Expired Visa!; International Benefits; and The Top 10 International HR Mistakes. Presenters represented global employers and consulting services such as Exxon Mobil, Cameron, Diamond Offshore Drilling, Transocean and Parker Drilling, Deloitte Tax, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Ernst & Young.

In the closing general session, Jeff Hiller, director of training and facilitator of fun at JBTraining Solutions, presented Once Upon a Meeting: Using Storytelling to Bring Your Ideas to Life. Everyone knows how to keep children hanging on every word by simplifying the message, acting more animated and varying your tone. That’s the power of storytelling, and some things we never outgrow. The same principles work brilliantly when reporting quarterly results, discussing analyses or pitching new ideas. HR professionals are tasked with analyzing metrics, researching trends and determining solutions for your organization. How do you communicate your ideas to the stakeholders? Jeff demonstrated how to use the art of storytelling to transform mundane presentations into interesting and informative presentations for when you have the proverbial seat at the table!

 
Jeff Hiller gave an inspirational speech on using storytelling to bring your ideas to life.

Didn’t make it to this year’s event? You missed out and we missed you. So, mark your calendars for next year’s Texas SHRM Global Conference in Houston and returning to the Norris Conference Center/CityCentre on September 15, 2016.