It’s a fact: The AHRI National Convention just gets better and better each year. Between top-notch speaker sessions, the latest news about HR technology and networking galore, there is something for everyone at this HR convention.

Here are 10 reasons why this is the can’t-miss HR convention of the year.

1. The Opening Ceremony

Kick start your HR convention experience at the official opening hosted by Nora Scheinkestel, renowned business thought leader. This is also the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow delegates – national and international – and to build your session schedule for the next few days.

2. Get a little star struck

This year’s program is packed with high-profile speakers and session leaders. Lynda Gratton, Holly Ransom, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Mal Meninga, Stan Grant, Tim Soutphommasane and more are there to share ideas, spark conversations and get you thinking about how to make human resources the best it can be.

3. Grab a byte

The digital kind, that is. The HR Tech Conference is a one-day extravaganza of all things technology. Hear from specialists about HR analytics, digital disruption, and yes – robots. (Check out our earlier post about the HR Tech Conference here.)

4. Wander the Exhibition Hall

Roam the aisles and browse the latest HR services and products, attend free professional development seminars and enter to win some great prizes. Head to the AHRI stand to round out your visit.

5. The Public Sector Symposium

Although most sessions apply to all aspects of business, this day’s line-up shines a spotlight on the public sector. Hear from 2016 Australian of the Year Lt David Morrison, as well as other prominent figures.

6. Expand your (social) network

Attendees get a bit extra from this HR convention. Head online and track the #AHRINC hashtag to see what others are saying, view event photos and share your experiences with the wider HR community.

7. Get app-y

Download the AHRI NC event app for convention details and updates in the palm of your hand. The app also lets you create a profile, interact with other attendees, access speaker presentations, take notes, participate in live polls and more.

8. Meet and greet your fellow delegates

There are so many opportunities to network a the AHRI National Convention, you might have to bring a separate bag just for the business cards you’ll pick garner. In addition to the opening ceremony, tea/coffee breaks and catered lunches each day, the Thursday night gala is a chance to eat, drink, dance and be merry.

9. Author signings

If you need a break, head to the AHRI bookshop in the Exhibition Hall to browse some titles by convention speakers and attend signings by Lynda Gratton, David Rock, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and Wayne Cascio.

10. A chance to give back

This year’s convention partners with Youngcare, an organisation devoted to helping more than 70,000 young Aussies with high-care needs live a great quality life.

Bonus

Can’t make it this year? You don’t have to miss all the fun. AHRI will be hosting a series of webcasts and online events you can access from the comfort of your home.

By the numbers

Last year’s HR convention was a smash hit with the human resources community.

• 3500+ tweets and 389 Instagram posts: The #AHRINC hashtag was trending for the entire event.
• 3631: The number of people who attended. Delegates came from far and wide, including China, the US, the UK, India, Japan and Argentina, to name a few.
• 48: The number of speakers who presented across five different programs.
• 100+ vendors: The Exhibition Hall was packed with more than 100 vendors, and 66 per cent of attendees sourced suppliers of HR products and services from this HR convention.

What to do in your downtime (if you have any)

Hailed as a ‘gateway to the coast’, Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing city and the second fastest growing city in the world. If you have time, here are some ways you can get out and explore the city.

• Brisbane is rated the world’s sixth best business destination by Economist Magazine. For info on-the-go, there are tons of apps to help you find the best food, drinks, sights and sounds.
• The Brisbane River is older than the Nile River. Head to the banks for a cruise, some paddle boarding, or walk across the Story Bridge for stunning views.
• As Australia’s only sub-tropical capital city, Brisbane gets 283 days of sunshine a year. Catch some rays at one of the outdoor markets, or head outside the city to North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island – the second- and third-largest sand islands in the world. You can also sunbathe right in the middle of the city at Streets Beach.
• If you’re more of an indoors person, Brisbane is packed with beautiful museums and galleries. Head to the Brisbane Powerhouse Museum, the GOMA or the Queensland Art Gallery.

The AHRI National Convention is held 3-5 August 2016 in Brisbane. Registration closes 22 July. To check event details and register, click here.