Helping others reach their full potential.
This phrase resonated through the entire WorkHuman conference last week in Orland, Globoforce’s 2nd annual WorkHuman event. Globoforce stepped their game up dramatically with the attendance of over 1,000 individuals, a 4x improvement over last year. Not only was the onsite activity ramped up but so was the social activity. The Twitter reach of Tweets with the event hashtag #Workhuman exceeded 6 million.
Michael J. Fox, award-winning actor, author and activist keynoted WorkHuman 2016 Orlando, speaking about Optimism, Hope and Gratitude
There are a lot of great HR conferences. But in just two years, the annual Workhuman conference has become a premier HR event when measured by the number of attendees. A pretty remarkable achievement for a conference founded just a few years ago. I’ve had the privilege of attending both WorkHuman events and I’m a huge fan. Here’s why:
1. As soon as one arrives their is no doubt that you are entering into the Workman world with inspirational banners about giving thanks and inspiring others. At the registration no questions were left unanswered as I am sure the head office in Massachusetts must have only have been operating with skeleton crew as many of the staff were on site helping with the event. When I had a question I sought out a Globoforce yellow shirt and spoke to an accounts receivable clerk. Whether it was a program question or a facility question or technology question in regards to the event app, Globoforce had their bases covered.
2. Yes, giveaways do matter and the creativity in the giveaways to the attendees was very tastefully done. The WorkHuman name was not plastered on their gifts. The ladies were given Computer handbags and the gents a cloth computer briefcase, both with Amy Cuddy’s new book Presence in it. One of the nice touches was that there was a delightful customized bookmark quoting Dr Suess. At the very first session everyone was given a water bottle with the organizers asking for each of us during the conference to do our bit for the environment by using them.
3. The Keynote sessions were stellar. Everyone loved Shawn Achor’s energy and he set the pace with being the open Keynote. Who will ever forget Michael J Fox’s making casual conversation about his challenges and moving beyond them. Michael J Fox brought the house down with his exit off the stage when he did a Johnny Be Good Move proving he is still a performer. The other keynotes Steve Pemberton, Amy Cuddy and Gary Hamel had their audiences mesmerized.
There were over 10,000 tweets with the hashtag #Workhuman. These were the most popular ones.
4. The elite attendees, many personally invited by Globoforce, were given ample opportunity to network. There was time to create the WorkHuman synergy within the attendees. The meals and the breaks were all network orientated. There was no time lost in waiting for meals or the provision of coffee/ drinks/snacks during the networking breaks. What better way to relax with someone but to color beautiful artwork with them. Although there were over 1,000 of us there was the relationship bond that we all had something in common, helping other reach their potential.
5. There was no expo, no out and out sales solicitation – just education and networking (see #4 above). This was very refreshing for the HR professionals. By the way, I would not consider WorkHuman a ‘user conference’. It is a legitimate HR conference.
Last year I thought, “how is Globoforce going to improve on their inaugural event but this year,” the bar has gone to an even higher level. I am so fortunate to have been invited to this event and I am already looking forward to Workhuman 2017 in Arizona.
In closing, here are some more details on the #Workhuman social activity. Download the full hashtag report here.
