SHRM25 for HR Leaders: Top Tips, Hidden Gems, and President Biden’s Keynote with Shari Simpson

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson takes you behind the scenes of SHRM25—the world’s largest HR conference—happening June 29 to July 2 in San Diego. Drawing from over 20 years in the HR profession and countless conferences, Shari delivers a real-talk survival guide for navigating SHRM25 like a pro.

From how to prep for President Biden’s keynote to what to pack (and what to leave behind), Shari shares practical advice, first-timer strategies, and unexpected tips that will help you get the most out of your time in San Diego. Whether you’re attending for the first time or the tenth, this episode will help you show up prepared, confident, and ready to make the most of every minute.

Plus, learn how you can participate in Paylocity’s GIVES event to help pack 10,000 sensory break kits for United Way San Diego and eight local YMCA locations.

Listener Takeaways:  • Discover what to pack, what to wear, and how to avoid rookie mistakes at SHRM25  • Learn how to build a smart, flexible daily schedule with room for recharge  • Get security tips for attending President Joe Biden’s keynote session  • Hear Shari’s favorite networking hacks and hidden session gems  

Hit “Play” and take 20 minutes to feel fully prepared for SHRM25—because showing up ready is the first step to making it unforgettable.

Guest(s): Solo episode featuring Shari Simpson, Host of HR Mixtape

Episode Transcript

(00:02):
You're listening to the HR Mixtape Your podcast with
the perfect mix of practical advice, thought-provoking interviews, and
stories that just hit different so that work doesn't have to feel,
well, like work. Now, your host,
Hey HR friends, welcome back to another episode of
HR Mixtape. I'm your host Shari Simpson and today you

(00:25):
are getting a solo episode. Just me talking about
SHRM 2025. If you've been in HR for
any length of time, you already know that SHRM's annual conference is
kind of like the Oscars for us. It's bold, it's
big, it's energizing, and yes, sometimes a
little overwhelming. So if you're attending SHRM 25 in

(00:46):
San Diego this June, whether it's your very first time, or
your fifth, or your tenth, I've got you covered. Today
I want to walk you through everything I've learned after two decades in HR
and more conferences than I can count. So this episode is
your personal roadmap to navigating the event. The unfiltered
version packed with tips you won't find in official guides.

(01:09):
Think of this as the pep talk and prep talk that
you didn't know you need. So let's start with first timers. If
this is your very first SHRM annual conference, welcome
to the party. It's big, it's fast paced, and
it's easy to feel like everyone else knows what they're doing.
Spoiler alert, most people are just as overwhelmed as you are. First

(01:31):
things first, what to pack. Please, please, please, I beg you,
do not bring new shoes. You will be walking easily five
to 10,000 steps a day, maybe more. So make
sure that you bring comfortable, broken-in shoes that you trust
with your life. Trust me on this one, it's a big deal. So
even though we are in sunny San Diego, the session rooms

(01:53):
will be air conditioned within an inch of your life.
So bring a light jacket, cardigan, or a scarf to
layer on during the day. You will thank me later about that
one for sure. Also make sure you have a refillable water
bottle. Hydration is going to be key. A portable phone charger
is also a lifesaver. Add gum or mints, a

(02:14):
roomy tote bag or a backpack, and either a stack of business
cards, or even better, a digital QR code you can
scan right from your phone to swap contact information. One of the
pro tips I have for you is save your LinkedIn QR code
as your phone's wallpaper. That'll make sharing your contact information
even easier. Also, taking notes. If you can bring

(02:35):
something digital to take notes with, I find that I
end up using them more than just writing them on.
paper and a notebook that I'm going to file away when I get home. It's
a good opportunity to use that iPad and email yourself those
notes on a session that you really had some great ideas to
bring back to the organization. Okay, let's talk

(02:56):
about the expo. It's massive. You could spend hours
just wandering through booths and talking with vendors. The
best swag that you're gonna see, things like socks, books, or
tech gadgets, or even some of those custom screen-printed t-shirts
with the fun HR sayings, are gonna go fast. So
make sure you scope that out on opening nights. Get

(03:18):
in those lines if swag is really important for you, because that's gonna be
the night to get it. Otherwise, visit the smaller booths earlier
in the day before crowds pick up and don't skip the Sherm bookstore.
They often have free author signings and it's actually one
of the more chill places to meet speakers and attendees who are all
kind of looking for the same information. It's a great way to start

(03:39):
a conversation around networking and getting to know people. Here's
my biggest mindset tip for you. Talk with someone new
every day. Say hello in line. You're gonna be in
a lot of lines. Introduce yourself before a session. I
like to open up with what's been your favorite session so far. It's simple and
it works and it gives you opportunity to hear what your

(04:00):
peers are excited about. All right, now let's zoom
out a little bit. SHRM 25 officially runs from June 29th
to July 2nd at the San Diego Convention Center.
If you're coming in early for pre-conference workshops or
the executive network experience, that starts on June 28th. The
schedule itself is huge, over 375 sessions,

(04:24):
hundreds of speakers, and learning formats that range from
full keynotes to spotlight sessions, wellness breaks, and
hands-on labs. Here's my best advice. Don't try
to do it all. You're going to be burnt out by day two. Focus
on the sessions that match your goals and even your energy
level for the day. Give yourself permission to skip a session in

(04:46):
favor of reflection or rest. It's still productive to
do that so that you can give 100% when you are in the sessions that
you want. When it comes to choosing sessions, here's
my rhythm. I pick one anchor session per day. This
is the one session I won't miss no matter what. Then
I choose two backups in case it's full or just not the right

(05:07):
fit in the moment. I definitely make sure I build in buffer time.
I try to keep at least one 30-minute block per day with
nothing scheduled. That can sometimes turn into a networking talk.
Sometimes it's just time to breathe and drink some water. Or as
we all know, sometimes it's necessary to check our emails and
check in with that home office. So make sure that you're building time into your day to

(05:30):
do that so it doesn't feel so overwhelming. Don't sleep
on the wellness sessions. SHRM is doing a great job each year of
including things like guided meditation and yoga and
quiet recharging zones. 10 minutes of stillness can go
a very long way in the middle of a packed day. Okay,
here's a special heads up. With President Joe Biden speaking at

(05:50):
SHRM 25, security is going to be next level for
that event. Think airport security. You'll need to arrive much,
much earlier than you think. I'm sure there'll be metal detectors, ID
checks, bags inspections, so make sure that you have your government-issued ID.
your SHRM badge, and if you can, avoid bringing
a large bag that day to anything. I'm sure we will

(06:12):
find more information about that, but you'll move much faster with
less hassle if you just bring minimal items
to that event. Additionally, cell service might get spotty near
that security zone, so make sure you preload your schedule, download
any session materials you might want to have while you're in there, and screenshot
your agenda just in case you can't access the app. I'm

(06:34):
sure the keynote will likely be a highlight of the event, so treat
it as the main event that day. Plan around it
accordingly and make sure you plan ahead to get to that session early.
All right, let's talk about networking a little bit, because I know some
of you just broke out in a sweat. It doesn't have to be awkward. Sit
with new people. If you came with coworkers, split up for a

(06:54):
few sessions. Trust me, you're going to have more to talk about at
lunch with people than necessarily in a session. So make sure that you're
doing that. Additionally, look for meetups in the app or
on LinkedIn or on Facebook on the unofficial SHRM
conference group. If you haven't seen that, it's definitely worth checking
out. Comment on other attendees' posts on social. Make

(07:16):
sure you're using SHRM's official hashtag, SHRM25. So
if you see someone post about a session you loved, tell them. I
think that's how professionals can connect together
and get started in a more organic way. One of my favorite hacks
is to take a selfie at a booth or a panel or with a new contact and
tag them later. It's an easy way to follow up without sending that

(07:38):
kind of formal stuffy email. Okay, let's not
forget you're actually in San Diego. The Convention Center sits
right on the water. You can walk to the Gaslamp Quarter, grab
dinner in Little Italy, or even sneak a trip to the beach. If you arrive
earlier, stay late. Plan one night for yourself if you can.
No networking, no sessions, just decompress, get

(07:59):
outside, order something delicious, and enjoy the
energy of the city. You definitely earned it. Okay,
let's bring it home. Pack smart, pace yourself, and
prioritize your energy. Pick sessions that speak
to your current season, introduce yourself to someone new,
and leave space for the moments you can't plan for. Those are

(08:21):
often the best ones. And one last thing before I let you
go. while you're at Sherm 25 give back experience. We' to
pack 10,000 sensory br eight local Y. M. C. A l to give back and be part If

(08:45):
you want a printable checklist, packing guide, daily scheduled templates
to help you prep for SHRM, make sure you shoot me a direct message. I
got you. I will give you those resources. As always, thanks
for tuning in today. If you see me at the conference, come say hi.
I'd love to connect in person, and I'll see you all in San

(09:13):
Come back often, and please subscribe, rate, and review.