What I Love About Our Conferences

By Christopher Schneider, Director, Strategic Partnerships
Published November 12, 2024

When I tell our member contacts that I’m happy to see them at our conferences, I really mean it. It’s a total rush to see our people gather for a day of fellowship, learning, and collaboration. It puts faces together with names in a very meaningful way. Particularly when a new member arrives and tells us how much they’ve enjoyed utilizing our services. It makes my job worth every challenge, and this for me is absolute bliss. “I’m glad you joined,” I say, and they reply, “Me too!” It’s magical because they took a leap of faith based on our sales acumen, or more likely their immediate need, and it all worked out swimmingly. We found each other!

I also enjoy seeing our staff all gussied up and in their element. We have a hybrid work environment and are out and about with members all week as a rule. So, aside from staff meetings and outings, I don’t get to interact with everyone in person as often as I’d like. This goes for our association leadership as well, specifically our board of directors and Advisory Council. It’s great to have their participation and support at our events, and it’s also nice for them to witness the enthusiasm among our members. We’re grateful for their leadership and this is a tangible result.

For those who joined us, you must agree that the content is spot-on, relevant, and employer- focused. Of course, the guiding principle observed from the very first planning meeting to the closing session is “What do our members want to learn from us?” We may chart the course, but our members float the boat. It’s equally encouraging to see record attendance, active engagement with our Provider Partners, and an enthusiastic group enjoying each other’s company.

Seats have been selling out at our conferences lately through a winning formula: strong content, good food, awesome location, and a focus on quality. We could get larger, but perhaps at the risk of diluting the message. If you’re kicking yourself for not getting a spot in time, please be consoled that we’re already making plans for Altogether HR in April 2025. See you there!