In 5 days, I return to Baton Rouge for my 3rd consecutive Louisiana SHRM State Conference!!

2 years ago, LASHRM became the first conference I attended as apart of the Social Media team (Read about that HERE). Last year, LASHRM became the first conference I attended as a Concurrent session speaker … I return as a Concurrent speaker again this year — covering 2 sessions: one panel session on social media/networking and a second session I’m leading entitled “Don’t Let 360 Feedback Make You Dizzy,” which is all about successfully structuring a 360-review program.

Riveting stuff, I know. And as I put finishing touches on my presentation, the same bittersweet, anxious feeling that I get whenever I speak at a conference is creeping up on me …

First, I wonder why I’m doing this to myself?!? My inner introvert hates every part of speaking in front of people. However, as I’ve said before, the voice of the HR practitioner is needed in the HR Conference space. So my inner introvert just has to suck it up and deal.

Then I worry that my session will be empty. And at LASHRM, this is a legitimate concern. The conference is filled to the gills with great content. Check out this lineup!! You will want the slideshare decks on these presentations when the conference is done. You may be able to get video on some of the sessions — including mine. I will post links to all that when I return.

Then I worry that I’ll miss something. With all the great sessions, I can’t possibly fit everything in. Many of the speakers are friends of mine and people I’ve come to really respect so I want to support them and glean those HR goodies! It’s a good problem to have, in the grand scheme.

Mostly, I am looking forward to spending time with my HR friends and colleagues , especially my blog-FFs from Performance I Create. And I’m glad to have the opportunity to connect and recharge my HR batteries because I really need it as I set goals for the 2nd half of the year. 2014 has already been quite a doozy!

Please follow and share this journey with me on Twitter and Instagram by following the #LASHRM14 hashtag starting Sunday morning. Wheels up at 10am!! Red Stick or bust!!