2008 Delaware State HR Conference

A Prime Vehicle for Learning and Networking

by Steve Selway

The Delaware Chapter of Human Resources Management held one of its premier events last November 18th and 19th 2008 at Clayton Hall on the University of Delaware campus. This major annual get-together of HR and business professionals is always viewed as a prime vehicle for both learning and networking within the profession. Last year’s conference fulfilled those expectations and more.

The conference was combined with the Governor’s Third Annual Recruitment, Retention, and Resources Conference, which took place on Tuesday the 18th. This event was a very successful opportunity to communicate some of the key programs and initiatives relating to employment challenges in the state of Delaware. Topics such as Sourcing and Retaining Mature Workers and Workers with Disabilities, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, a Delaware Job Link Demonstration, a discussion panel by the Delaware Department of Labor, and the program for transitioning military personnel from Dover Air Force Base into civilian career planning were covered. These programs were well attended, and provided exciting insight into some of the good work being done in the local employment arena.

The Conference itself kicked off Tuesday evening with a reception, followed by an important presentation by Peggy Eddens on Making a Business Case for HR. Her presentation zeroed in on the significant value of HR as a true business partner; delivering measurable business results. Presentations on maximizing employee productivity through fostering a positive work environment, and an update on employment law rounded out the morning sessions. Then an information-packed series of concurrent sessions on workforce planning, improving hr communication, ethics practices, the purpose of leadership, accelerating the transfer and application of learning, and succession planning lured attendees into the discussion of their choice. An awards and recognition lunch followed by a networking event rounded out the morning sessions. In the afternoon, another set of concurrent sessions provided even more learning opportunities. The sessions included total health management, capturing expatriate knowledge, workplace violence threat assessment, and the issues of multi-cultural workplaces. Throughout the sessions, the conference hall was packed with an impressive array of value-adding vendors and products, which always attracted a crowd.

The last conference session was a presentation by Bill Cawley, whose inspiring story of not only overcoming challenges, but living out a dream left those attending with awe-inspiring motivation.

The conference was a fun filled, knowledge and networking-packed event that was well worth the wait. It was obvious that everyone was energized and enthusiastic with the learning, new friends, and the array of products and services provided. This year’s conference promises to be even better. Don’t miss it!