The SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2024 (SHRM24) kicked off today at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago and virtually, marking a historic attendance with over 26,000 participants. The event, which runs through June 26, features more than 400 speakers and 375 sessions, addressing current HR trends such as talent acquisition, mental health, empathetic leadership, and HR technology.
SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. highlighted the need for greater human-to-human civility in his opening remarks.
“In a time of deepening societal division, HR must raise the bar for human-to-human civility. It’s bad – and it’s getting worse. We, HR leaders, are the lifeline people will hold onto. We and our organizations will give them a living and a future. We have to bring them through,” Taylor said.
The conference began on Sunday with Al Roker, co-host of the TODAY Show, sharing insights from his career in broadcast journalism, emphasizing civility and resilience in the workplace.
SHRM24 offers attendees a comprehensive look at the evolving HR landscape. Keynote speakers include Sherri Shepherd, an Emmy Award-winning talk show host; Jessica Jensen, Chief Marketing Officer for Indeed; and Janet Gipson, Head of Talent Acquisition for Yale University.
Approximately 2,200 attendees have registered to participate virtually, reflecting the hybrid nature of the conference and its accessibility to a global audience. The event promises to deliver a deep dive into the state of HR, exploring the role of AI and strategies to foster more civil workplaces.
SHRM, with nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, remains a pivotal force in creating better workplaces. As the leading authority on workplace issues, SHRM continues to impact the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally.