Melina Murray

It is lunchtime at the SHRM conference and as I walk around, I am astounded by the number of people eating alone, not talking to anyone. I took a quick tour from outside all the way back to the very top/back to see if it was just some people. Nope. It holds true all the way through. I would say about 70% of those in the hallways, rest areas (sofas/chairs), outside, and in any public space are enjoying (or not) alone time. Not reading, not working, just eating. Those at tables were in groups, talking, enjoying themselves.

Does a table make it easier to talk to strangers? Are people afraid to sit together on the floor? Is there a perception that networking is only on the floor or during sessions? Is everyone already exhausted from the morning? Or is this group generally not very comfortable interacting with strangers? I wonder.

Both Saturday and Sunday, I had the pleasure of volunteering at the 2008 SHRM conference here in Chicago. Today I will be a “regular” attendee.

I have to say, the volunteer program with SHRM is fantastic. While the days were long, my co-volunteers (and SHRM staff) were incredibly friendly, thankful, open, giving, and more. It has been a very worthwhile trade.

The conference itself is generally well laid out, for a maze like McCormick Place. The signage is well placed, easy to read, and volunteer staff are everywhere to answer questions.

Yesterday afternoon’s opening session was packed with attendees. As part of my volunteering, I made sure people didn’t run into a huge fire hydrant. The facilities manager was worried about all the people who would run in when seating opened. I laughed and thought there was no way people would be running down the isles to grab a seat for Sidney Poitier. I was wrong. The first wave of people really did run down the isle! Or at least run/walked when warned. Quite a funny sight.

As the general session opened, Sue Meisinger spoke for a while, but the reason most people were there was for Sidney Poitier. I, too, was looking forward to hearing his message. As he came on stage and began speaking, I thought “he certainly has a presence”. However, as the talk went on, I realized I already knew everything he was talking about. Mr. Poitier basically gave the audience a synopsis of his book, which I had read. It was a bit disappointing.

The rest of the evening went rather well. Food and drinks were offered as the exhibition hall opened. While I didn’t walk the floor, I did watch people stream out of the hall, exhausted, clutching their giveaways from vendors. The Monster booth seems to be a carnival. So much purple.

The best thing so far about the conference are the wonderful people I have met. Between SHRM staff, volunteers and attendees, there are some fascinating people. I look forward to meeting more today!