Sunday & Monday Wrap-up: 2018 California HR Conference
We are at the half way mark of the 2018 California HR Conference and the past two days have been an absolute blast! Looking back on Sunday (and Monday) Funday, there’s so much to share with those who couldn’t make it, it’s been tough to decide what to include here. All the hard work and dedication put in by everyone at PIHRA, the Conference Task Force & Volunteers, and the Board of Directors is finally crystalizing into a phenomenal experience. We’re grateful to every single person who helped make this happen, attendees included! Here are some highlights from the first two days at CAHR18.
Sunday
The exhibitors moved in on Sunday, setting up their booths, preparing to show off the latest and greatest in services and products that can make working in HR a little easier.
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Registration opened and all the early birds beat the lines to get their badges. With conference swag bags in hand they explored the SHRMStore, downloaded the official CAHR18 app and started networking.
Pre-Conference Sessions
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There’s never a shortage of learning here at the California HR Conference, even before the conference technically starts. During the Pre-Conference Sessions, Paul Butler, Client Partner, Newleaf Training And Development (left) shared the often overlooked value of financial literacy among HR professionals. He broke down some basics of organizational finance as well as more advanced theories that will give any HR professional an edge at work. |
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Then Alan Crivaro and Teresa McQueen took their session audience through the intricacies of the Ban the Box law at the Sunday pre-conference sessions. |
New Member Reception (sponsored by JustWorks)
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After the learning came the networking! Lili Arguello, membership manager at PIHRA, organized a new member aloha networking event at Gladstone’s right across the street from the convention center. With the help of festive, color coded lei system, attendees met brand new connections, engaged in social exercises with help from Dr. Carroll J. Brown, PsyD and enjoyed delicious food and a signature drink.
President’s Welcome Reception (sponsored by Amtec)
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Back at the Hyatt pool deck, the President’s Welcome Reception greeted attendees with the energetic tunes of Mariachi Arcoiris, the first LGBTQ Mariachi Band in the world. A delicious spread of tacos kept folks full as they chatted about everything from that day and what they are looking forward to for the rest of the week.
Monday, August 27
Meet to Move (sponsored by CLEO)
We had some go-getters here who were up bright and early to get their stretch on at our Monday Meet to Move. Before all the sitting that happens at during sessions, it’s great to get the blood moving!
Ribbon Wall
A super fun part of the Expo Hall is our Ribbon Wall. Each year, attendees get to choose from dozens of ribbons that attach to their badges to show off their industry, PIHRA chapter, SHRM chapter, job title, or share something fun about their personality.
Mel Robbins (sponsored by Global Upside)
What can we say about Mel Robbins that hasn’t already been shared? Her talk has already inspired thousands of us in the audience to use the 5 Second Rule to challenge our “autopilot” and build new habits to tackle the fear & procrastination that stifles our potential. Mel shared her story with vulnerability & power, and we’ll forever be thankful for the tools she gave us.
Mega Session – Third Space Thinking
with Dr. Ernest Wilson III, USC Annenberg Center for Third Space Thinking
Monday’s Mega Session showcased Dr. Wilson’s studies with the Annenberg Center for Third Space Thinking about the most desirable soft skills employers should look for in the 21st century – Adaptability, Cultural Competency, Empathy, Intellectual Curiosity, and 360 degree thinking – and how these skills contribute to the bottom line.
There’s so much more that happened – in the many educational concurrent sessions, the Solutions Stages, in the Marketplace Expo, and more – that you simply you had to be there! Stay tuned for our highlight videos on YouTube for an extra taste of the 2018 California HR Conference – and for our Tuesday & Wednesday wrap-up post.
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It’s not too late to join us for our Wednesday, August 29 sessions. Register online or onsite with us in Long Beach!
