WELCOME to the 2023 45 TH ANNUAL HR FLORIDA CONFERENCE & EXPO!

By MARTY BRYSON

Human Resources is the heart of any organization. More than most professions, HR evolves at an almost unimaginable rate. Tanya Vaughn Patterson, the 2023 Conference Director and her team of volunteers have been working hard organizing the 45th HR Florida Conference and Expo. Occurring August 27th – 30th at the breathtaking Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, this is the largest HR event in the Southeast. Professional development opportunities like this one, where you can learn and interpret new trends and complicated legislation are essential to remain current and compliant in our profession. The 3 ½ days are packed with education, networking, and entertainment opportunities for a memorable attendee experience.

Programing includes 3 keynote speakers – Cara Brookins, software coder who rebuilt her life by constructing a home for her broken family using YouTube tutorials; Ryan Leak, author of Chasing Failure, who inspires others to become the best version of themselves; and Robyn Benincasa, world champion adventure racer, full time firefighter, and New York Times best-selling author who gives individuals the leadership and teambuilding tools they need to cross their own finish lines.

Concurrent sessions are tailored to all professional levels; from those new to the HR field to those in senior-level executive roles. Over 110 phenomenal and energizing speakers will provide real, actionable solutions that you can implement for your organization. There is a master series for those that want more in depth exploration on a subject. Speaking of in depth exploration, HR Florida has partnered with CUPA to provide a one day pre conference event devoted to the unique employment situations faced in higher education. Additionally, there is going to be a legal roundup with employment law attorneys from around the state discussing current trends and hot topics. All of which have been approved for 17 PDCs/ recertification credits through SHRM and HRCI.

Learning also includes unparalleled opportunities to talk with industry professionals in our Expo Hall. Our vendors can discuss and demonstrate the latest human resource related products and services designed to tackle your most pressing HR challenges. Existing relationships can be strengthened with face to face interactions.

Each year HR Florida selects a charity to not only give back to the community but to bring awareness to worthy organizations across the state. For 2023, the National Alliance on Mental Illness

(NAMI) Florida will be the beneficiary of our fundraising efforts. NAMI Florida is the state organization for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the leading voice and support for those affected by mental health conditions and their families. NAMI Florida has 24 Affiliates serving 35 counties across Florida. For every $25 donated NAMI is able to provide 15 hours of support to individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.

No HR conference would be complete without including SHRM. HR Florida is honored to be hosting a quarterly meeting of the SHRM MAC reps and a special gathering for attendees that are SHRM Executive Network participants in conjunction with the conference. The SHRM Store will be on site providing access to in demand books and branded merchandise. In the Expo Hall, HR Florida is holding a raffle of tempting designer bags, adult beverages, and enticing gift baskets to support the SHRM Foundation.

But wait…there’s more…. HR Florida is not just about education and networking, we also believe that attending a conference should be fun! The fun starts on Sunday with our Welcome Reception. There will be DJ, raffles, prizes, and Team Trivia that will encompass HR Florida history, sponsor knowledge, and other fun topics sprinkled in.

The fun continues on Monday night with the Grand Opening Reception of the Expo Hall followed by a Silent Disco Amplified by LocialiQ and JobCase. Headphones, LED glow tubes, fiber optic wands, and LED bracelets will be the accessories of the night!

Carly the Cow is the mascot for the conference this year and she has traveled the state, the nation, and even gone overseas promoting Tuesday Night at the Fair. State Fair…Country Fair… County Fair, which ever is your favorite, celebrates friendship and community. Fun music, comfy clothes, great food, photo ops, and games will create the perfect atmosphere for the final night of the conference.

Carly says….see you at the conference….