Comments on: SHRM Conference June 2009 New Orleans – The Choice Stinks!

By: Sheryl

Sheryl — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:21:21 +0000

I understand your attempt emphasize the need for SHRM to move their conference to another time of the year if using great conference locations such as New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando — any location other than the south is ideal for a late June conference. Thankfully you recognized the tone of your blog and made appropriate corrections and comments. Having attended SHRM conference in NO, LV, Orlando, San Diego, Washington and Chicago I will have say that the Vegas conference had to be the most sweltering one. Keep in mind that if you don’t find a hotel close to the conference center in NO (mine was within a block)SHRM provides plenty of air conditioned shuttle buses at no cost. Just so you get a full understanding of actually how many SHRM attendees show up at these conferences — the last two conferences had over 26,000 attendees. Not counting spouses/family that might tag along — that is a boost to any cities’ economy — hot or not!
I think that SHRM should change the date because it is at the end of the fiscal year for most organizations. Those of you who go — enjoy and make the most of it! The conference and New Orleans is worth the trip and time.

By: Libby Sartain

Libby Sartain — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:13:59 +0000

Admittedly I am somewhat biased as a New Orleans native, but I commend SHRM for committing to New Orleans so early after Katrina. They make these decisions 4 or 5 years in advance and, I think, took a risk to support a city.

Last time the conference was in New Orleans, the heat and humidity did get to me as I walked back to my hotel, but it has also been hot in other cities (Orlando, Vegas, and even Chicago).

I would encourage every who is considering coming to the conference to come, just to see how far New Orleans has come since its devastation, if nothing else.

Clay…hope to see you in the exhibit hall.

By: Clay Scroggin

Clay Scroggin — Thu, 21 May 2009 06:44:16 +0000

Tara,

I apologize if I hit a raw nerve. I was attempting to create a satirical post regarding the heat and the crime in New Orleans in the summer. Based on your reply, I removed the more sarcastic comments from the original post. Once again, sorry if I offended you in any way.

I get that having the show in New Orleans can be a tremendous boost to that economy. Certainly, 10,000 HR professionals can help the city out. I am happy to participate and hope that we are all able to make a difference.

Clay C. Scroggin

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 21 May 2009 01:44:43 +0000

No doubt about it New Orleans is going to hot and moist in the summer…AND it has never been a safe city. All that being said, New Orleans is one of my favorite cities. I don’t think their is a city in the US (besides perhaps NYC) that has better restaurants. If you want to find a place where you can let your hair down and enjoy yourself. New Orleans is right up there for me. It has been a conference mecca for years and hopefully will return to its former glory!

By: Ellen Sobczak

Ellen Sobczak — Thu, 21 May 2009 01:35:35 +0000

Clearly you never been to any of the SHRM conferences in Las Vegas. I have been to two. It’s a fun place if you like walking around with your head in an oven. I had nosebleeds for weeks from the 110 degree heat and zero humidity.

I’m from South Florida, too…

By: tara

tara — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:40:47 +0000

Maybe it’s the sarcasm that’s more stinging than the facts that you presented. New Orleans just went through a horrible experience and wasn’t the highest prior to being left out in the cold by the government. I’m very glad SHRM is trying to help the economy and I’m sure the aid and assistance of Human Resources (ironic I should be using this terminology here) professionals would make a difference. You can’t stab somebody and then say sorry and make it okay.