Conference FAQs


Q: Who should attend?

A: The conference has something for everyone. Seasoned professionals and also new professionals can benefit from the conference.

Q: Where is the conference?

A: The conference will be located at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. The host hotel is the Amway Grand Plaza and additional rooms held at Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown

Q: What are the future dates of the conference?

A: The State Conference will be held in Grand Rapids through 2025.

October 23-25, 2024

October 15-17, 2025

Q: Are you accepting Chapter Volunteers for the conference?

A: An email will be sent to chapter presidents calling for chapter nominated volunteers. Please check with your local chapter president regarding volunteer opportunities and availability and for a special discount code to be applied during registration. Chapter volunteers will also receive on-demand breakout sessions at no additional cost.

Q: What are the registration costs and what is included?

A: Visit the Attendee page to see what is included in the registration price.

Q: How can registration payments be made?

A: Registration payments for attendees MUST be made online via credit card when you register.

Q: What is the cancellation policy? What if there is an emergency last minute and I cannot attend?

A: The conference is not refundable however we know that emergencies can arise. There are two options, you can send someone in your place, or you can reach out and we may be able to add you to the on-demand sessions for no additional cost however a credit for the difference will not be issued. Email Dorothy@EventsNorth.com if you are unable to attend.

Q: What if I am not a SHRM member and I want to join so I can take advantage of the reduced rate?

A: Visit the SHRM website to get more information about becoming a member and then register online for the conference as a member. Interested in joining a local chapter? Reach out to Mary Dale, MISHRM Membership Director, who can connect you to the right people!

Q: What is included in On-Demand Breakout Sessions Add-On Option?

A: Included in the On-Demand Breakout Sessions is access to the breakout session recordings. Keynote Sessions and Add-On Pre-Conference Workshop sessions will NOT be recorded or available through the On-Demand option.

Q: When does registration close?

A: Registration is highly encouraged by September 29th. After this date, the rate increases. On-site registration will be available at a higher rate for a limited number of guests so please be sure to register in advance for guaranteed registration. Please see the attendee page for rates and additional information.

Q: How can I view the sessions later?

A: Breakout sessions are available for purchase for use after the conference. Make the most of your conference experience and purchase this add on benefit. Some exclusions and limitations apply. Credit info will be displayed large and bold following the session. Post conference, the same will apply, codes can be found on the PDF for each presentation when purchasing the on-demand breakout sessions.

Q: How can I get the speakers’ handouts?

A: Speaker slides and/or handouts will be posted on the conference app or you may reach out to the speaker directly. Directions on how to download the materials will be sent in advance and posted within the conference app.

Q: Can I go to any education sessions I want? Is pre-registration for sessions required?

A: Pre-registration is not required for sessions. You can attend any session you would like to attend. When a session is full, we kindly ask that you select an alternative session and avoid standing and sitting on the floor. We have added breakout sessions and increased capacity this year to accommodate for this. The ONLY exception to pre-registration is the Pre-Conference Workshops. These are an additional cost and pre-registration is required.

Q: How do I receive HRCI & SHRM credits for the sessions I attend?

A: After each session, the applicable codes for HRCI & SHRM will be posted on the screen. You can take a picture of the codes with your camera or write them down. Additionally, you will receive an email for each session you attend with applicable code information within one week of the conference for the sessions you attended. Your name badge with a unique QR code MUST be scanned by a volunteer at the door via the mobile app upon entering the breakout session to receive the credit emails.

Q: I’d like to plan out my education schedule before I arrive. Is there a tool available to help with that?

A: Yes, when educational sessions are finalized, you are more than welcome to map out your selections in advance by reviewing the conference website. The conference app will be available shortly before the conference as well and is an incredible tool and resource.

Q: How many credits can I earn?

Full Conference Registration: 9 Credits Available. (7 Breakout sessions + 2 Keynotes)
Adding Pre-Conference Workshop: 3 Credits Available.
Adding On-Demand Breakout Sessions: Up to 40 Credits available.
Maximum credits available would be 45 if attending in-person and adding add-on options.

Q: What is the refund policy?

A: Exhibitor booth registration and sponsorships are non-refundable unless the conference is cancelled.

Q: What are the registration costs and what is included in those fees?

A: See the Exhibitors Page for what is included in the registration price.

Q: How can registration payments be made?

A: After you register on the MISHRM conference website, an invoice will be created and sent to you. You may pay with a check or credit card within 30 days. All past due invoices will incur a 15% late fee. If adding additional booth representatives onsite, payment will be due upon arrival.

Q: Can I have more booth representatives than what is allotted with my booth fee?

A: Yes, please be sure to add your booth representatives when registering. You will have the chance to log in and modify your registration to add additional representatives on if you do not know at the time of registering your booth. Please reference the exhibitor page to review cost of adding additional representatives. All invoices MUST be paid in advance of the conference. Badge swapping is NOT permitted.

Q: How do I select my booth?

A: You will click on the Exhibit Hall Floorplan link to choose your booth space. Once you select your booth(s), you will be directed to continue registration where you will enter your booth details and add additional booth representatives.

Q: What if I also want to be a sponsor?

A: We would love for you to sponsor.  Check out our sponsorship page for more information.

Q: What is the onsite schedule for exhibitors?

A: The tentative schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, October 17th
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exhibitor Load In
Wednesday, October 18th
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Exhibitor Load In
Exhibit Hall Opens
Exhibit Hall Kick Off Reception
Thursday, October 19th
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Hours
Exhibit Hall & Breakfast
Exhibit Hall & Lunch
Exhibitor Prize Giveaway
Exhibitor Load Out
HR Extravaganza Networking Event
Increase in dedicated tradeshow time by 2 1/2 hours!

Q: Do exhibitors get to attend sessions?

A: Exhibitors are allowed to attend keynote sessions. Conference attendees should have primary access to all sessions. If you are primarily coming to attend the conference and are looking to attend breakout sessions, you must register as a Conference Attendee rather than an exhibitor.

Q: Can I have a company sponsored networking event during the conference and invite attendees?

A: Yes, however, we require all outside company sponsored events to NOT be held during conference event times. Events must start no earlier than 30 minutes after all MISHRM events conclude.

MISHRM's mission is to support the State SHRM chapters and serve the HR professionals (networking, development opportunities, best practice sharing) and serve as a conduit from our great state to SHRM.

Michigan Council of the Society for Human Resource Management

310 West Front Street Suite 408
Traverse City, MI 49684
(844) 4MI-SHRM
info@mishrm.org