For human resource managers, an HR conference is a must. The SHRM 2012 Annual Conference & Exposition is right around the corner. This year the national conference is being held from June 24^th to the 27^th in Atlanta and if you haven’t registered yet, get over to SHRM.org and get on it!  Party information is listed below, but if you’d like to stay current with party reminders and new events as they surface, text SHRM12 to 55678.

Of course it’s not only the training for HR professionals that makes national HR commences such an important part of continuing education in HR management.  As with anything, it’s the people you met and the networking that goes on form being able to relate to people in a conference setting. A very important part of that are the conference parties.

But first, if you happen to be taking your children to the SHRM conference, I might advise that the party nightlife might not be the best environment for them.  Besides there is ALOT in Atlanta to do for the kiddos and for adults looking to get away, SHRM also offers childcare options.  My daughter, the infamous @ryleighmerrell, however, is not coming with me no matter how many people ask.  It’s a little mommy-free time for me at the SHRM 2012.

My secret to conferences including this year’s SHRM Conference in Atlanta is simple.  I try to make it into my room just before 2:00 AM.  I’m not the first to go home from a night out among my friends, and I’m not the last.  I sleep five hours and am up by 7:00 AM and back into the conference folds by 8:30 AM.  I eat, attend sessions, demo products, and meet with HR folks.  I love doing this!

Around 4:00 PM I am dragging so I wait for my second wind except that it doesn’t happen.  I head back to my hotel to grab a couple hours of sleep.  I’m recharged, refreshed, and just in time for dinner and the night life all over again.

Because of the sheer size of SHRM 2012 Annual Conference (it’s 15,000+ attendees strong), there is a lot going on especially after hours.  Let me tell you those SHRM parties do not disappoint.  Last year I got a lot of great feedback on my 2011 SHRM Unofficial Party Guide, and so I bring you the 2012 version.

If you have a party, that is not included in this list, leave a comment, and I’ll add it.  Make sure to include a link or phone number so HR folks know how to register and a location of where to go.

• HRCI Hideaway Networking.  Hosted by HRCI.  11:00 AM-2:00 PM.  Inside the Georgia World Congress Center.  Register.

• SHRM Street Hockey.  No HR Conference is complete without a street hockey match.  5:00-6:00 PM.  Georgia World Congress Center.  Register.

• SkillSoft Party. 6:00 PM-8:00 PM.  Stats.  Dinner served promptly at 7 PM.  Attendees can snag a city pass which will get you into 5 Atlanta attractions free.  Register.

• TLNT-up.  7:30-9:30 PM.  Stats.  Hosted by TLNT and Bright Jobs.  Guaranteed registration is limited to HR Practitioners or join the stand by list.  Register.

• Tennessee SHRM Mixer.  3:30-6:00 PM.  Legal Seafoods (Ground Floor Oyster Bar).  No registration information available.

• Fisher & Phillips Party.  5:30-8:30 PM.   The Georgia Dome.  Hosted by Fisher & Phillips.  Invitees were notified via direct mail cards but you can snag an evening with employment law attorneys.  Register.

• Exclusive Cocktail Party.  6:00-8:00 PM.  Stats.  Hosted by BackTrack & MyStaffing Pro.  Drinks & appetizers. No RSVP necessary.

• Plum Benefits Cocktail Mixer.  6:00-8:00 PM. Taps. Drinks & appetizers.  Text your RSVP to Chris at 914-806-3584.  Tell them Jessica at Blogging4Jobs sent you.

• Dinner & Cocktails with Constangy.  6:30-9:30 PM.  Mary Mac’s Tea Room.  Drinks & Dinner.  RSVP deadline has passed.  More information or contact Contact Shana Holmes at [email protected]  or 404.230.6763.

• Southern Affair.  7:00-10:00 PM.  Georgia Aquarium.  Hosted by Career Builder.  Registration is thru June 18th, or until sold out and is by invite only. Register. (Sold out.  CB is being stingy & they won’t let you guys have access even though I asked nicely.)

• #SHRM12  Tweetup.  8:00-11:00 PM.  Der Beirgarten.  Hosted by the folks at SHRM where you can eat, plus tweet, and meet.  Register.

• Cocktails on the Skyline.  5:00-8:00 PM.  Visit the Purchasing Power’s SHRM12 Booth  #331 for more party information because they won’t tell me.

• Social Siesta.  2:00-4:00 PM.  Location Hilton Garden Inn.  Hosted by me, Jessica Miller-Merrell, SPHR.  Register.

• SHRM Blogger Party.  5:00-7:00 PM.  Blogger’s Lounge at the Atlanta Convention Center.  Hosted by SHRM & Dice.  Register.

• Jerry Seinfeld Live.  8:30 PM. Location is the Atlanta Convention Center.  Hosted by SHRM. Ticket included with purchase of conference included in registration.  Learn more.

Plan to have fun, meet great Human Resource managers and professionals and don’t forget to grab a handful of business cards and, of course, your dancing shoes. SHRM Conference parties are not to be missed which is why I’m here to help, Text SHRM to 55678 and I’ll send you new party information as they surface and remind you of the upcoming events 30 minutes before they happen.