Well, it’s done.

Got my press pass. Booked my flight. Made my reservation at TheCosmopolitan. I’m going back to Vegas.

But I’m not getting married this time. I’m actually gonna makeit to SHRM’s annual conference this year. I’ve threatened to attendthis human resource pilgrimage every summer for nearly a decadenow, but now – with the launch of BenefitsPro – I’ve run out ofexcuses to dodge this huge event.

It will actually be one of the biggest shows I’ve attended, andwhile I’m a little intimidated by it all, I’m looking forward tomeeting as many of you as I can. More importantly, I’m eager tolearn, too.

(Yeah, we all say that about every trade show, but I mean itthis time.)

There’s so much of this side of things that are new to me, and Icould really use your help: telling me what sessions to attend,what you like about BenefitsPro and what we’ve been doing wrong andright.

Which reminds me, are these types of events helpful? Are youable to actually attend many of these? And are employers supportiveof HR when it comes to continuing educations and departmentdevelopment? I'd love to hear your thoughts, suggestions andcomplaints.

I know on the broker side of things, trade shows and conferencessuch as these are not only educational, but invaluable networkingopportunities. Do you find that holds true on the HR sides ofthings, too? Sure, the celebs are great, but what makes theseevents really worth your time – and your company’s money?