According to Abigail Blackford, a student at Oregon State University, you won't know until you attend one. She participated in NHRMA's 2026 HR Leaders of Tomorrow conference and said this...
"Walking into my first professional conference, I didn't know what to expect and was nervous, to say the least.
However, my nerves faded quickly as I experienced how welcoming the HR community is. From student SHRM chapter members and faculty advisors to experienced HR professionals, everyone smiled and genuinely wanted to learn more about one another and what brought them to the conference. I learned that networking is really about building meaningful connections with people who want to see you grow and succeed - a big lesson!
Beyond the connections, I learned an incredible amount in just one weekend. Between the general sessions, breakout sessions, and DisruptHR presentations, I was constantly exposed to new ideas and thought-provoking discussions. I brought those insights back to both my coursework and my student chapter involvement. Most importantly, the conference helped build my confidence.
Although I arrived feeling nervous, the supportive, passionate professionals around me were contagious. The experience helped me better understand and articulate what I bring to the table as a future HR professional, while also highlighting the many opportunities I have to continue learning and growing. Even for students who are unsure if HR is the right career path, HRLT is worth attending because the connections, learning, and confidence gained at the conference provide a great start to any professional journey."
Want to experience a professional conference custom-crafted for you before your next boss sends you to one? Want to add to your career management network? Save April 24th for the NHRMA 2027 HRLT Conference.