Whether your business staffs full-time human resource professionals in house or handles human resource functions through an outsourced agency, attending a human resources trade show can help you find vendors with the services your company needs. Human resources trade show services address how to screen prospective hires, how to find the best rates on insurance and how to strengthen your management development programs.

If possible, encourage both human resource supervisors and at least a few of their subordinates to attend a human resources tradeshow as a continuing development strategy. These employees can then prepare company brochures and newsletters presenting what they found to be the most valuable human resources trade show information. Consider a few of these compelling reasons to register for human resources tradeshows:

1. Seek human resources trade show advice on payroll and employee compensation.

2. Let a human resources trade show guide you in fostering a healthy climate for employee relations.

3. Attend a human resources trade show that focuses on professional development for human resources personnel.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find human resources trade shows focusing on payroll and compensation

Meet vendors with state of the art payroll software or who can offer special rates on insurance and other benefits.

I recommend: Automatic Data Processing sponsors yearly human resources trade shows entitled, "Meeting of the Minds." The company's clients and payroll business leaders nationwide gather to share information about best practices. The American Payroll Association annual congress represents the largest gathering of payroll exhibitors. More than 2,000 human resources professionals attend the event.

Attend human resources tradeshows that explore employee relationships and personal development

The broad topic of employee relationships includes diversity training and team building. Most human resources professionals spend more than half of their time trying to foster and strengthen these crucial workplace skills.

I recommend: The Society for Human Resource Management sponsors a trade show geared toward human resources professionals specializing in diversity. Attend the massive trade show gathering of Professionals in Human Resource Association, Annual Conference to learn how to motivate employees to build solid working relationships.

Learn the latest professional development strategies at human resources tradeshows

Most of these tradeshows attract vendors and noted experts who help your employees mature as human resources professionals.

I recommend: The Northwest Human Resources Management Association has been in existence since 1939. Today, representatives from Alaska, Oregon and Washington attend an annual trade show where vendors and keynote speakers present the latest information on current human resources strategies. Gain access to hundreds of vendors and network with buyers at the Atlantic HR Conference. Experts in employment screening strategies, insurance and employee relations gather for this annual trade show held in Canada.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Have your supervisors create a human resources trade show directory of conferences and exhibits they found most helpful and would benefit from attending in the future.