SHRM Annual Conference

In less than a week, nearly 20,000 HR professionals and organizations that sell to HR professionals will descend upon Las Vegas for the Annual Society for Human Resource Managers Conference.  This conference gives HR professionals the opportunity to keep aprised of the latest trends and technologies in HR, network with their peers, keep up with continuing education for their certifications and visit with hundreds of service providers that, let's face it, want to sell their products and services. 
We'll try everything: three ring circus', autograph sessions with celebrities, free iPod's and the latest logoed gadgets and gizmos.  Does any of this stuff make a difference?  We hope so, because if it doesn't, the real circus is us, the exhibitors.  So my advice to the average attendee: Shop for what you need and audit the show for things you didn't think you needed (or wanted).  You never know what you might find.  Take all the free stuff that is handed to you.  What do you have to lose?  You just might find a product or service that adds great value to organization.  Maybe a new employment screening provider at booth number 1521 for instance.  Who knows? 

Care to share your thoughts on what constitutes a good conference exhibit experience?  Hate the follow up phone calls?  Don't like being hasseled at the booth? Can't stand dragging literature and giveaways home?  Your feedback is greatly encouraged.