The HR Showcase - Public Recognition for work done within companies

I had the opportunity and the honour to design and anchor the "HR Showcase" event at the recently concluded NHRD Network's National Conference 2011 (www.hrconference2011.com). The idea behind the Showcase was simple - Rather than providing learning opportunities only through PPTs, monologues (Speaking sessions) and dialogues (Panel discussions), why not create an exhibition style setting, where companies can showcase their best HR practices in a creative manner using the space available in an exhibition booth. Visitors could spend as much time as they wanted at each of the booths, interact with the HR folks who have designed and implemented those practices within their organizations and learn what they specifically want to.

Preparations for the Showcase started about 2 months ago, when we received 105 applications. A jury comprising of academicians, industry stalwarts and business media professionals shortlisted 56 of the most impactful best practices, out of which 42 HR practices were actually showcased during the event. The enthusiasm with which companies set up their booths coupled with over 1200 visitors (HR professionals) made the 4 hour event hugely popular, with enough feedback that the event needed to be longer.

At the end, the jury selected 8 of the most impactful practices (best among the best) for an award. In addition, awards were given to the 3 most popular exhibits - through an SMS polling mechanism, where the visitors voted for the exhibits they liked, through an SMS.

The enthusiasm with which the companies participated in the event surpassed our expectations and I chatted with a few of the participants and asked them about the motivation behind their energy and enthusiasm. The response from the HR heads was universal - the event gave us an opportunity to rally our HR team together and help them understand why the work they are doing is very meaningful and has a high business impact.

For me, the event threw open a whole new dimension to Recognizing employees using external opportunities. It became apparent to me that most of the companies who participated in the Showcase now need to do very little to keep their HR folks who participated in the event, motivated and engaged for the next several months.