Laurie & Jennifer McClure. Picture by another awesome woman, Traci Deveau.
Today’s Sunday shout-out goes to the women of ERE Expo.
I was given a press pass to the event, but I paid for my travel expenses, hotel, and food. It wasn’t cheap to attend the conference because Florida, as a whole, is expensive. Everyone wants to be tipped, the prices are skewed towards tourists, and a bowl of ice cream at Häagen-Dazs on the beach is $4.95.
Fortunately, I was able to demonstrate ‘personal ROI’ because I sat around a table with Stephanie Lloyd, Miram Salpeter, Jennifer McClure and Sharlyn Lauby and talked about the many challenges we face as businesswomen and bloggers. We talked about business coaches, marketing strategies, and the history of Spanx.
I am lucky to connect with great women in my life. I spent some time with Leanne Chase who is always interested in talking politics, gender issues, and work/life balance. I hung out with Jenny DeVaughn who knows the ins & outs of community building. Here’s a fun fact about Jenny: she throws up westside and doesn’t suffer fools, yo. I saw Maren Hogan who, during the past year, has gone through an amazing transformation and emerged as a savvy marketing guru. Maren helps me to think about how I’m managing my own career.
Most of all, I was able to spend time with my friend Sarah White who just doesn’t take shit from anyone. I become a braver woman when I see her roll on the tradeshow floor.
Jason Buss (from The Talent Buzz) has a breakdown of some of the excellent conversations and themes from the conference. Funny enough, Jason joined us at the ‘table of women’ and we had to tell him all about Spanx, professional attire for women, and footless pantyhose. I’m surprised he didn’t get up to leave!
There are other amazing women who attended the conference. I am sorry that I didn’t name more. Who do you love and read? Who are the talented women who think, blog, and speak about recruiting and HR issues?! Leave a comment and let’s give it up for the ladies.
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Laurie,
How could I leave? The conversations had were very engaging and I was learning way too much… Beyond Spanx too! Great job to you, Stephanie, Miram, Jennifer, Sharlyn, Leanne, Jenny, Maren, and Sarah. You are all contributing to, and more importantly elevating what we do.
Jason
Laurie, it’s an honor to be mentioned in this blog post. Can’t wait to see you and the rest of our crew at http://Recruitfest.com.
On Twitter, I also follow these ladies of the ERE Fall Expo 2009:
@keppie_careers
@TaraRepucci
@lexythompson
@seerysm
@twittgoddess
@Devoted2HR
@thealphafemme
@smileysejalee
@imjustagoyle
@deborahherman
@Recruitnik
@braingain
@amyrenz
@jillrosenfield
Some of my other faves don’t have Twitter accounts…yet!
Laurie – thanks for the mention. It’s always a pleasure spending time with you. And, I totally agree that the networking at ERE was pure awesomeness. You just can’t put a price tag on the value of relationship building.
I so wish I was there! Sounds like a great event. I totally would have made a bad joke about Spanx, or at least claimed to have invented them in the 70s. For Spring ERE — and I plan to be there — I’d like to see the EREwomen you listed on the agenda. The world (ok, recruiting world) needs to hear what they have to say. I had a conversation with one of the Kennedy conference organizers, who was aware that the programs are dominated by men. Nothing wrong with that, but we should represent! Low-riding Spanx and all!
Thanks for recognizing a fabulous group of awesome women from the ERE Expo (and some of the awesome guys too)! The ERE conference had great speakers and content, but the opportunity to connect with and learn from the other attendees was by far the most beneficial aspect of attending. I was truly inspired and energized after having such great conversations and I’m certain that we’ll find some ways to partner together and help make each other successful as a result. Thanks Laurie for being an inspiration to us all as someone who is paving the way in the fields of blogging, writing and being a successful businesswoman. I will continue to watch and learn from you and always enjoy connecting in person!
Laurie – I’m so glad that we had a chance to meet and connect at the conference. Thanks so much for the shout out! I totally agree – personal ROI rocks!
It’s amazing when we all have a chance to talk in person and learn from each other. What a great group; we are all stronger and better when we work together! I’m so grateful to have found such a wonderful and supportive community and glad to be able to contribute however possible.
@Jason Next step: get you in a pair of Spanx. I have a full-body slip that you can try!
@Jenny Holy crap, that is a definitive list. Thank you. xxxooo
@Sharlyn I’m pretty sure that spending time with you made my entire trip worth it!
@Peopleshark I’m with you on the Kennedy agenda — and even HR Tech, to some extent. Women are such a strong influence in this industry. Maybe we need to start a speaker’s bureau?
@Jennifer I heart you so much.
@Miriam Honestly, I’m just so glad we were able to connect. Remember, you are adorable in your glasses.
Your insight, humor, and frankness inspires me every day. You’re so perceptive and you add value to every day trivial bunk as well as the events that shape the world we live in. With you…the world truly is your oyster. It’s a gift to look at life’s minutia and find the one nugget of truth or an ah-ha moment–you do that on a regular basis and I’m glad to know you. Cheers!
Kerry Sandberg Scott (@ClueWagon) is consistently sharp, funny and wise. Amber Naslund (@AmberCadabra) with Radian6 is as smart as they come in the social media space. So are @BethHarte and @ShannonPaul. “Life in Perpetual Beta” from @melissapierce is brave and ahead of its time. @ValeriePlis is an HR blogger who deserves more attention.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few other great voices, but there’s a short list for starters.
Ah Ken, You’re kind. Thank you so much for the shoutout, and for introducing me to Laurie’s blog here. Laurie, I enjoyed your post and found some snappy new women to follow.
Best,
Amber
@ambercadabra