In case you missed it (and I’m not really sure how you could!), the 2015 HR Technology Conference and Expo kicks off Sunday night. Thousands of HR pros, experts, analysts and vendors will descend upon The Mandalay Bay for the biggest HR technology event of the year. If you’re in HR, it’s kind of a big deal.

 

In anticipation of next week’s big event, here are some of our favorite #HRTechConf insider tips and tricks for getting the most out of the event (and finding the best guacamole on the strip!).

 

Steve Boese’s Top 10 Tips for HR Tech

Steve Boese, the co-chair of HR Tech Conf, knows a little thing or two about this year’s event. He put together a list of his top 10 recommendations for HR Tech attendees. Head over to Steve Boese’s HR Technology blog for the full list!

 

SHRM Blog: What to Expect at HR Tech

Aliah Wright has the scoop on what everyone will be talking about at HR Tech. Did you know that this year there will be a hackathon? Yep, six teams of experts will be competing to build technology solutions in less than 48 hours. Wright also says there will be a lot of discussions around predictive analytics, big data, and the intersection of technology and employee engagement. Check out the full post for more insights.

 

Here’s what Jennifer Payne is looking forward to

Jennifer Payne is one of the HR Tech Conference insiders who will be live blogging during the event! She recently wrote a post about what she’s expecting to see and hear this year. What are this year’s major themes? After exploring the keynote addresses, 10 different tracks and dozens of sessions, it seems like everyone has big data and employee engagement on their mind. Follow Jennifer and the HR Tech Insiders blog for the HR Tech Conference play-by-play.

 

Not attending? Don’t worry. A lot of people have you covered.

If you can’t make it, don’t get too bummed out. There are so many opportunities to gain some insights from the show. Here are some options:

 

• Obviously, follow the event hashtag #HRTechConf on twitter – it already has a lot of good advice!
• Check out the HR Technology Insiders Blog. A handful of HR experts with various background and perspectives will be live blogging the event!

 

My advice?

Map out your schedule. Wear sensible shoes. Don’t skip the general sessions. Don’t overdo it at the parties. Have your hotel put a humidifier in your room (t’s free!) so you don’t get sick. Eat at Border Grill in the Mandalay Bay – they have the best guacamole on the planet.

 

And, last but not least, check out some of the little vendors on the outskirts of the big, flashy booths. Meridian has a new brand, a new booth and some new swag this year, so stop by Booth #2614 and say hi! We’re funny and fun and we want to talk to you about what you want out of your learning technology. See you there!