Last Friday I was able to participate in the final day of the HR Technology Conference in Chicago.  I’ve shared some of my thoughts on the benefits of attending the conference from the perspective of networking and today I’d like to share some ideas about the sessions I was able to attend and some general thoughts on the conference:

The morning tweetup was well worth getting up early to attend.  The highlight was not only meeting Naomi Bloom , but actually having the opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with her.  She is the Managing Partner at Bloom & Wallace and a renowned thought leader in HR Technology and Talent Management.   Naomi not only shared her thoughts on what companies like Oracle will have to do in the near future to remain competitive, she talked about the talent management suites and challenges they face,  and the future of HR and how we can learn by looking back at how far we’ve come.  She also talked about HRevolution and what can be learned in that type of environment.  She was truly inspiring and although I thoroughly enjoyed her keynote closing, it was this intimate conversation that left me with the impression that I had just been given a wonderful gift by just listening to her and learning from her. 

Mike Krupa and I sat in on the “Metlife Tackles Workforce Analytics- Twice!”session.  Nick Schaffzin, who is part of HR Global Operations for MetLife, and Brian Kelly, President of Infohrm, were the speakers.  For me, Nick’s honesty about the process MetLife went through in order to provide reliable analytical data to human resources and line managers was very refreshing.  He shared that they initially implemented PeopleSoft but the complexity of the reporting made people reluctant to use it.  He then began working with Infohrm to simplify the tools that both HR, leadership, and other managers could use.  It was clear that this relationship was providing the service and the tools that MetLife had been looking for.

The system they put in place allows them to measure analytical data on many different criteria. What I found most interesting was that while the new tool provides very detailed reporting capabilities, at the end of the day only a small number of people are using those reports even though they have the capability to make the reports available to a much larger group of managers.  Nick said that they run the reports then move the data to excel so that the leadership can better understand the reports.  That’s when it hit me.  Even if human resource professionals are learning as much as they can about technological tools to help show ROI, manage the business, or attempt to break down the silos between departments like human resources and accounting/finance, it’s only going to work if everyone is trained. 

Without getting the buy in of leadership and making them understand the benefits of the technology, they will still need it reverted back to a simpler format.    Personally, I would rather push leaders to learn about the new technology and break out of their comfort zone.  Otherwise, I don’t see much point in spending the money on portals or dashboards to deliver data that no one wants.  It was a good session and certainly made the participants think.  For me, that is really why HR professionals would go to the conference. 

After talking with many of the conference attendees about the various vendors at the show, the commonality in our conversations was how much the vendors tended to look alike.  Especially in terms of the Shootout, I heard there was little difference in the tools and what they could do.  You can read more about the Shootout over at the HR Capitalist where Kris Dunn did a great job of giving all the details on the four vendors who were competing.

The one thing I didn’t hear about was the quality of delivery behind the various vendors.  I have recently looked at numerous vendors for a survey analytics tool.  Several were similar, several were far below par, and several did not give me confidence they could even deliver what I was looking for.  When the decision was made though, it all came down to the vendor’s ability to demonstrate a strong track record of delivery.  Many had a dashboard.  Many could do a survey and run reports.  Few seemed to be able to assure us that they could complete the project as it was needed. 

I hope to be able to attend the HR Technology Conference next year and that will be one thing I look for as I speak to the vendors.  How do you convince me not only what you can deliver, but what you WILL deliver?

I just returned home from the HR Technology Conference in Chicago.  I missed the first couple days due to work, but was happy I was able to take some vacation time to come to the event.  This was my first opportunity to meet any of my “tweeps”.  I am often asked by people who do not use social media if the relationships I am building with people on Twitter and through blogging are real.  After my experience at HR Tech, I assure you, they are VERY real.

I am privileged to have met so many great people on Twitter that have now turned into friends.  Seeing each other in person was not like meeting a stranger, but was like seeing an old friend or family member you have not seen in a very long time.  This was not just the case for me, but for everyone there.  We feel a kinship with each other.  It is the most progressive, innovative exchange of HR ideas that I have been part of in my career. 

I’ll post soon about the actual conference, but today I’d like to just give shout outs to some of the amazing people I am lucky to have spent time with.  If you aren’t reading their blogs or following them on Twitter, do it today.  They are truly some of the most giving people:

Steve Boese- Steve is someone I have wanted to meet for a very long time.  He has been involved in planning HRevolution since day one.  He has used his HR Happy Hour show to support the effort of bringing HR pros together to further the profession.  He is not only an HR tech expert and someone who people gravitate to, he’s also someone I rely on and trust. 

Mark Stelzner- Mark (of Inflection Advisors and Job Angels) is one of the most genuine, creative, and inspiring people I have ever met.  His ability as a thought leader in HR is unparalleled.

Laurie Ruettiman- In addition to being one great “roomie” at the conference, she is one of the most savvy women I have met.  She someone who tells it like it is on her blog but who is also one of the most sweet, sincere people I have known.  She’s also fun and one of the best tour guides I’ve had. Thanks Laurie!  Check out her new venture with Jason Seiden, Fail Spectacularly.

Beth Carvin- As the President and CEO of Nobscot Corporation, she is smart as a whip.  She is also extremely funny and I love that she is willing to stand up for what’s “right” and always tries to see the other side of an issue.  She embodies everything a great female entrepreneur should be.

Jason Seiden- When you meet Jason, you know you’ve just met a great leader of his generation- my generation.  His coaching ability shines through.  His insight on people and the way he expresses his thoughts helps drive conversation. Truly someone HR pros should strive to emulate.

Traci Deveau- Bubbly.  That is the best word to describe Traci.  She has a laugh that is infectious, she’s an optimist, and more fun than I thought anyone could be.  Sit down and talk with her and she’ll also show you that she’s got strong business development knowledge. 

Lance Haun “the Lance”- I have often said that Lance is “MY” HR guy and it’s true.  He brings a quiet but well thought out approach to HR and advancing our industry. Talking with him in person just reinforces that he’s the real deal. 

Mike Krupa- One of the first people I connected with on Twitter.  Mike’s understanding of the technical side of HR is only surpassed by his kindness and his ability to have fun. 

Cheree Klimek- Charee is one motivated business woman.  She not only has started her own business this year, Vocii, but she is a driving force of Job Angels.  She shows that giving back can really bring people together.

There are also a few people I wish I had more time with at the conference: Kris Dunn, Jessica Lee, and Bryon Abramowitz. 

So, whether you are a “HR techie” or an HR generalist, definitely consider attending the 2010 HR Technology Conference.