Sunday’s conference festivities kicked off with an impromptu flash mob dance at SHRM’s Annual Global Conference held in San Diego, California June 27-30th, 2010.  The more than 11,000 attendees, up 4,000 from the 2009 conference heard SHRM CEO, Lon O’Neil (@ShrmCEO) discuss the changing field of Human Resources and business and how SHRM is moving to Next to help move companies into the new workplace and business environment.

Next with SHRM–Day 1 Recap

We Know Next is SHRM’s new initiative toucing on three key strategies to bring companies, HR, and global human resources into the future:  Focus on Members, Be a Global Organization, and SHRM as Active Advisor and Advocate.

O’Neil says, “Healthcare Reform is most critical issue for business and Human Resources professional.   Face to Face seminars launched in 10 cities to help educate and discuss the issue of healthcare reform.”

Part of the transformational changes that SHRM hopes to bring to its own organization is about giving members what they want and staying ahead of the fast moving and business environment while also focusing on the economy.  Social media was mentioned as a way in which to help make these changes happen.  O’Neil even went on to reference LinkedIn, Facebook, and the conference’s first ever Official SHRM Tweetup the evening of Monday, June 29th.

Steve Forbes took the stage and once again mentioned the topics of healthcare, economy, and added taxes for good measure.  His keynote reminded practitioners these issues are only the beginning of increased government and HR regulation for business.  Forbes outlined his recommendations including ways to strengthen the dollar, the value of work, and a proposed flat tax for all U.S. residents.

The keynote and kickoff session ended as people quickly headed to the Expo hall grabbing food and swag goodies and visiting the more than 600 booths.  Popular give-a-way items by vendors included an assortment of Apple products including iPads, iPhones, and gift cards by vendors from large to small.  Blogger squadders scored items like sombreros, flip flops, and fun winter hats from job board companies including Hot Jobs and Snag-a-Job.  Look for pictures and livestreaming video on Monday from the Beyond.com booth for a special edition of the Job Search Secrets webshow with me, Blogging4Jobs.