We don't honk here.

That line could’ve easily been the conference quote, I thought, as I began shoveling the snow.

This was my first  SHRM conference, and my first conference in the U.S. period. And after eight years of speaking in so many countries, I thought I’d seen it all. Like the time the tech team couldn’t set up my headset because they were having tea. Or when an earthquake struck mid-event, and everyone stood still, then carried on as if nothing happened. But still, I didn’t know what to expect here; the only thing I knew was that my expectations were high. As always :)

But the level of acceptance, joy, and togetherness here went beyond anything I’d anticipated. The organization was flawless, though that didn’t surprise me. Even the pre-event calls, emails, and online sessions were so professional that I’d have been shocked to see anything less on-site.
The setting - and the "director" (depending on your beliefs :) ) - was incredible. Freezing cold outside with dazzling sunshine, then snowflakes drifting down. Firepits, marshmallows, country music indoors, and acceptance everywhere – even watching the Election together. Tell me, in which other country on earth would you be brave enough to organize that?

In Europe, people don’t just nod at each other because they’re wearing the same badge. No matter where in Europe, that’s just not how we do things.
But here, you start conversations simply because you’re part of the same community - all thanks to a badge. And no, contrary to common belief, these aren’t just shallow interactions you quickly forget. You start with small talk but soon dive into real topics. From your son not coming home for Christmas (seriously guys, is this not just a Hollywood thing again, but reality? You’re really skipping Christmas with your parents? Come on!!! :)) ), to life post-hurricane, to how you just "know" when you've met the one. Those were just three of the 300 conversations I had.

And all without a single honk. I’d bet every speaker had the same experience as me: this community is tightly knit. I’ve never seen such active engagement - questions, applause, cheers - all without a hint of impatience. If there was a delay or a tech glitch, the crowd fixed it with ease, even cheering for Jack, one of the tech guys. (Despite introducing myself to every tech crew ever, this was the first time I saw participants actually know their tech guy's name. On one of many stages. How did that happen?)

Unbelievable couple of days, leaving me certain we’re all building something meaningful together. At first, I thought this was just the SHRM community, like how we have  HR Fest in CEE or  UNLEASH. But then I left Denver, headed up into the mountains, had some unforgettable hikes and memories. I realized, no, this isn’t just SHRM.

This is also Colorado. People just don’t honk here. ❤️