You Had to Be There: Highlights from the 40th Annual Conference
What a celebration! More than 1,100 HR professionals, exhibitors, and sponsors filled the Kalahari Resort for the 40th Annual Wisconsin SHRM State Conference, three days of learning, laughter, and connection marking four decades of Wisconsin SHRM. If you were there, thank you for making it unforgettable. If you couldn't join us, here's a taste of what you missed.
The energy started Wednesday evening at the Exhibit Hall Opening, where attendees reconnected with colleagues, tested their knowledge in the 40 Years of Wisconsin SHRM Conference Trivia challenge, and supported the SHRM Foundation Silent Auction. On Thursday morning, we honored 40 years of Wisconsin SHRM and the volunteers and committee members who made it all possible, and visited the 40-year Memory Wall to celebrate the people and moments that shaped the conference over the last four decades.
Our keynote speakers sent everyone home inspired. John Bernatovicz opened with HR Like a Boss, encouraging HR professionals to embrace their influence. Scott Tillema, a retired SWAT hostage negotiator, shared strategies for leading under pressure and navigating tough conversations. Jennifer McClure closed the conference with HR as Chief Disruption Officer, challenging attendees to become active drivers of change as AI and employee expectations reshape work. Thank you to all three for sessions people are still talking about, and to everyone who joined the breakout sessions that gave attendees practical ideas to take back to their organizations.
And the fun? The Exhibit Hall buzzed with more than 146 exhibitors, plus Blackout Bingo, the Golden Ticket promotion, a photo opportunity, and the Money Booth. Thursday night brought everyone together for dinner, prize drawings, a $500 grand prize, and an unforgettable performance by Shotgun Jane. Thank you to our exhibitors for bringing such great energy and resources, and to Shotgun Jane for a night attendees will remember, incorporated with a Brewers win!!
To every attendee: thank you for the conversations, the connections, and the enthusiasm you brought to the conference. You are what makes this conference so special.
Mark your calendar for 2027! Our incoming co-chairs, Connie Bitter and Jim Lambert, are already excited to start planning, and can't wait to welcome you back to Kalahari October 13-15, 2027! Don't miss the learning, the networking, and the fun next year!
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