Tag Archives: #IHRIMConf

#IHRIMConf Wrap-Up, Travels with @SabrinaLBaker, and #FollowFriday

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So, as you can tell by all my posts this week, I’ve been attending the IHRIM HR Technology Conference and Expo in Chicago. I was asked to be a part of the social media press corp and blog LIVE from the conference. I was honored.

Sabrina Baker and I headed out at the crack of someone on Tuesday around 5:30 am to catch a train to the city (It’s about an hour and a half train ride). She and I always have a blast when we hang and try not to get into too much trouble, though I was wondering if we might – when we hopped on the silent train by mistake. That was hell for both of us.

We wanted to make sure we were there for the opening session with Jamie Notter who did an outstanding job as opening keynote. See my post HERE! The conference went on to of course add several break-out sessions in which my cohorts Sabrina Baker, Dwayne Lay and I all headed to so we could tweet, blog and share throughout our extended online presence. My first session was regarding Gamification at Work by Scott Randall of BrandGames and I had it marked on on my schedule on my mobile app. Read more about that HERE!

And while I’m at it may I say that the mobile conference app was the shizzle! (See pic above) In association with TripBuilder app designers – this app was easy to navigate, had amazing features such as notes that you could save in your session files and go back to at a later time, manage your way around the hotel, connect with other attendees, find your vendors in the exhibit hall and the whole shabang! I’m looking into finding out more about TripBuilder for Illinois SHRM State Conference. Easy is good. And when you mix easy with highly functional you have – #Winning.

We had a great time walking around to the exhibitors booths and had fun holding video interviews with a few of them. I also had the privilege of interviewing Marc Miller, the author of Heroic HR. Come on over to YOUTUBE and see those. Oh, and while you’re there – subscribe if you’d like!

Lastly, it’s always great when you can meet your online connections IRL (In Real Life) and take that relationship to another level as I was honored to do with my friend and Twitter connections Deb Maher, Narcisco, and Bonnie Clark, to name a few. These folks are simply superb. #FF (make sure you follow them)

All in all, it was a great conference and I’m glad I was able to be a part!

Video Interview with Jamie Notter – Keynote for #IHRIMConf and book Author of “Humanize”

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Hey all, I’m still here in Chicago hanging at the IHRIM Technology Conference and yesterday’s keynote was amazing. Jamie Notter is the author of the book “Humanize” and gave a great keynote titled “Unlocking the Power of Human Organizations.” How people-centric organizations succeed in a social world.

Jamie was so kind to do a video interview with me on a few key takeaways. Take a looksie -

And a little tidbit, Jamie and I were discussing a few mutual folks we admire and he just happened to mention how much he loves the amazing duo of Joe Gerstandt and Jason Lauritsen. But then again, who doesn’t?

Connect with Jamie Notter on Twitter  and go on over to HumanizeBook.com to get the book. I can’t wait to read it, myself.

Using Games, Sims and Virtual Worlds – at Work #IHRIMConf

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As you all may know, I’m in Chicago blogging and taking part in the IHRIM HR Technology Conference. I just finished sitting in on an incredible session with CEO Scott Randall, of BrandGames, who is taking gamification to a whole new level. The title of the session was “Games, Sims, and Virtual Worlds – Engaging the next generation workforce.” Using gamification to drive engagement in the workplace. I’ll all about this.

Randall began by telling us all something that we already knew and that being that we are all overworked, over-messaged, and under-engaged at work. We are overwhelmed. Utilizing technology at work is critical if we are to evolve – especially with the techies who grew up on games. “These kids that grew up on SIMS and other games are our current workforce who are expecting to use technology EVERY DAY at work” says Randall. “And we need to be changing with technology in order to keep them engaged and keep our communication methods going forward in a technological world.”

A few stats on gaming:

  • 135 million consumers play at least one hour of video games a month, vs. 56 million in 2008.
  • 75% of US tablet owners play games on their devices, 57% of smart phone owners also play games.
  • 3 billion hours of game play a week are going on, with $60 billion in game sales

Where is this game play happening? – 40% are playing games at work. (Saatchi Gaming Study)

Here is my video interview with Randall after his session:

Randall makes a valid point. If our employees are already participating in games at work, why aren’t we using this same strategy to train and engage our employees?

It is predicted that during 2012 20% of Global 2000 organizations will deploy a gamified application. By 2014 the number will rise to 70%. Those are outrageous stats, IMHO.

Understanding how to apply game mechanics is critical to increase engagement with customers and employees and to motivate positive behavioral changes – and is critical to our success.

Check out BrandGames and find out how you can incorporate gaming into your engagement and training initiatives.

Photo Credit: Gigaom.com

IHRIM2012 Strategies and Technology Conference – LIVE onsite!

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Tomorrow, Sabrina Baker and I, will be heading to the city to attend the IHRIM2012 Strategy and Technology Conference at the Chicago Hilton. We are attending as part of the press team. She will be LIVE blogging over at HR Chatterbox, and I will of course be LIVE blogging from the conference sessions over here at the Cafe. Follow the Twitter stream at #IHRIMConf or #IHRIM.

More here -

Stay tuned online, for some great info coming your way~