Today I am in Las Vegas, truly one of the most unique manifestations of creative capitalism in the world, hoping to discover some unique manifestations of technology in the world of human resources. The event is the 16th annual HR Technology Conference and Exposition.
So why spend the money to fly a long way, relatively speaking, listen to many of the same things you have heard before, stand in lines and battle crowds at the airport and the show? I believe such shows are vital experiences for anyone wanting to build a successful business.
First, just walking around the exposition gives you a sense of what are the “big ideas” that are being discussed. What are the trends? Where is the money and energy going? Whatever your business, your prospects and customers expect you to be knowledgeable about your industry. Referencing things you saw and discussed at the show adds interest and credibility to you.
Next, it is easy to become so focused on what you are doing in your own business that you, in a sense, lose sight of the field and your competition. Conference expositions help you gain a perspective on where you are relative to your competition. You can see where you are ahead and have an advantage. That is rewarding. You can also see where you are lagging or where your competitors are acquiring an edge. That is important news so you can react appropriately. You may see trends that suggest a better direction for your efforts. Even if you discover that there is a cliff ahead of you, that is good news. You now can make a decisive change of course.
People come to expositions to learn and to tell their stories. I had a marvelous conversation about a fascinating business on the shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Here in one spot, are hundreds of people open to hearing your story and anxious to tell theirs. Back at home, you have attend dozens of networking events to even come close to such an opportunity. Amazingly, the most valuable conversations come from unexpected places. While most of the time, attendees are focused on seeking solutions for specific issues, it is important to allow time to explore ideas with vendors entirely unrelated to your own business. Ideas in someone else’s world are often easier to understand without the reservations that exist in more familiar circumstances.
The media is alive with stories underscoring the importance of talent acquisition and talent management. There are hosts of companies proposing a world of methodologies in that arena. At this show, I intend to explore those offerings and offer some insights into their possibilities for those of you who cannot be in Las Vegas this week.