SESSION TRACKS
Our comprehensive program is designed to give you a full range HR education. From the basics that every HR professional needs to new innovative ideas, your customizable learning journey is sure to help you stay on top of what’s next and what’s to come in the world of work. No matter where you are in your career, there is something for you.
To help guide your experience at SHRM21 and find the sessions that are right for you, choose from the following eleven tracks:
Comp, Benefits & Well-Being
Explore proven tactics for keeping your offerings competitive such as health care, pay equity, mental health, stress management, sustainable wellness programs, and more.
Culture
Gain actionable insights and resources to help you support and improve the culture in your workplace.
Employment Law & Regulations
Grow your expertise on workplace laws, legislation and HR policy to help protect your organization from liability.
Global HR
Learn how to apply technology trends and analysis such as data integrity and artificial intelligence in your HR work.
HR Department of One
Take a deep dive into the challenges of a solo HR practitioner and garner tips and tools needed to excel.
HR Technology & Data Analytics
Learn how to apply technology trends and analysis such as data integrity and artificial intelligence in your HR work.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Discover best practices for building and engaging an inclusive and diverse workforce where everyone can thrive in your HR work.
Leadership & Personal Growth
Level up your skills in leadership development and become equipped for personal and employee growth.
People & Talent Management
Glean new strategies for engaging and retaining talent by delving into various aspects of the employee lifecycle.
Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
Expand your toolbox with new strategies and tactics for acquiring the right talent for your organization.
Strategic HR
Deepen your understanding of your organization’s business goals and the role HR can play in strategic planning.
How do you learn best?
Whether you favor condensed, rapid-fire sessions; you can’t wait to hear from thought leaders on the main stage; or are eager to roll up your sleeves for hands-on learning, there are different session formats to fit your learning style.
Mega Sessions & Concurrent Sessions
60- to 90-minute sessions are the educational backbone of SHRM21 led by a solo presenter or co-presenters. The difference between a mega session and a concurrent session is just the size of the room. These sessions allow you the most personal customization–you can select from a wide variety of topics during each time slot to help you focus on the issues/areas that are most relevant to your needs.
General Sessions from the Main Stage
60-minute keynote talks led by expert thought leaders and practitioners are the hallmark of our main stage. These stories will inspire you to think outside of the box and widen–sometimes challenging–your perspectives. You’ll leave general sessions feeling energized, motivated and equipped to make changes at your own workplace.
Change-Maker Sessions
These sessions feature business leaders who are shaping the future of the industry, from brands you know and love. Attend for an in-depth glimpse into the interworking’s of HR strategies from companies like Airbnb and Zappos. You’ll gain insights you can apply to your daily work, and the inspiration to step outside your comfort zone and embrace innovative new ideas that are changing the workplace.
Smart Stage
18-minute, rapid fire sessions presented on an open-platform—the Smart Stage—offers quick, tangible takeaways. Sessions will cover topics ranging from tips to navigate the conference, onboarding, employee recognition to leadership, personal development strategies and much more.