Be sure to check out our SHRM Party Guide and Text ‘SHRM’ to 55678 to receive text alerts and reminders of speakers, parties and other happenings directly to your phone. Jessica proudly supports SHRM and has been a member since 2001. 

Before you know it your bags will be packed, plane ticket in hand, and you’ll be saying goodbye to your loved ones as you trek off to Chicago. The conference is set for four days and will be jammed packed with incredible speakers, late night drinking, and the hopefully professional networking.  Are you ready? Due to the hype of seeing Hillary Clinton speak (okay maybe just me) some necessities might be overlooked when traveling. Don’t worry, Blogging4Jobs is here to rescue you and fill you in on some essential travel tips when traveling for SHRM this year.

Travel Tips for #SHRM13

Download the official mobile app. Why is this a travel essential? For easy access to event sessions, speakers, exhibitors, and much more, this app will help you navigate your way around everything SHRM has to offer. Download the app for iPhone, Android, or use the interactive web version. Wait…what are you waiting for? Do it now!

Don’t snub the bus. Chicago has multiple transportation systems from the bus to train to my ever so favorite, Uber. There are multiple ways to get around Chicago and before you go we recommend that you plan your trip in advance. My dad once told me that Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Essentially if you want to pay as less as possible on travel, plan how you’re going to get around Chicago. The best way to find out official SHRM shuttle services is to….wait for it…download their app!

Charge up. There will be a ton of information shared over the course of just three days in Chicago and it’s important to keep your laptop, tablet and phone charged so you don’t miss out on anything. I recommend purchasing an external charger. I’m a fan of mophie. Their line of products is exceptional and ranges from all different sizes and power. If you do not want to spend the money, visit nomorerack and purchase a cheaper portable cell phone charger.

Spend less. Yes, it’s like a mini-vacation, but most likely you’re attending on your company’s dime and you really haven’t saved up for a mini-vacation. Maximize your frugalness by bringing reading material instead of buying it at the airport, save the liquor for the conference and ever-popular happy hours (and even though room service is calling your name…avoid it!). You’ll be tempted to spend money like it’s going out of style (or maybe I’m writing this to avoid myself from doing it), but just understand you’ll be there for less then a week.  Don’t go cray.

Join the club. Loyalty clubs are amazing. Even if this is your first stay at the hotel, join their club; you never know what kinds of rewards or upgrades they might be offering to new members. Loyalty-program membership often means you don’t have to wait in insane lines, fill out annoying forms or get relentlessly up-sold.

These travel tips will help you not only save money, but be the most productive during the annual SHRM conference. If you’ve been to SHRM before share your travel tips with us and we’ll update the list with our favorites!

Are your bags packed and ready to go?