Thousands of HR professionals headed to San Diego for SHRM25, the year’s biggest industry event. With topics such as AI integration, pay transparency, compliance changes and employee well-being on the agenda, the conference took place at a time when the expectations placed on HR are higher than ever.
This year’s main stage reflected that urgency. President Joe Biden was among the featured speakers, along with SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis, singer Josh Groban and The Office Ladies podcast hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey. In total, more than 375 sessions spanned topics ranging from global workforce strategy to leadership development and AI adoption.
Between the keynote sessions and deep-dive tracks, attendees saw what’s new, tested out tech solutions and connected big-picture ideas with real-world tools. For HR teams looking to work smarter and move faster, Paycom’s presence at the expo offered a hands-on look at what that can mean in practice.
Paycom’s Booth Brings Practical Value and Unexpected Perks
At its booth, Paycom offered a hands-on look at how its single-database HR software helps teams reduce administrative work, improve visibility and simplify daily operations. The Oklahoma-based company is known for delivering automation that benefits both HR and employees and for making the conference experience a little more fun, too.
Here’s what visitors experienced:
- A visit from Toby. Paul Lieberstein, best known for his role as Toby on The Office, took photos with attendees on Monday, June 30.
- A spotlight on automation in action. On Tuesday, July 1, Alexandra Wilson, vice president of HR at Graeter’s Ice Cream, joined Paycom’s Tiffany McGowen to share how automation is helping the ice cream brand scale processes and drive measurable ROI with their employees and business in a session titled Taste the Difference: How Automation and Innovation Empower HR to New Heights.
- The Paycom Cash Caddy returns. Free transportation to and from the convention center was available via Paycom’s fleet of luxury SUVs and buses. One standout ride, the Cash Caddy, added an extra layer of excitement with opportunities to win cash, exclusive prizes, swag and more.
- Hollywood getaway sweepstakes. Attendees who booked a demo had a chance to win an all-inclusive trip to meet actor Shemar Moore (The Young and the Restless, Criminal Minds), Paycom’s “Unnecessary Action Hero.” The sweepstakes was one of several booth-only perks available to SHRM25 attendees.
The Expo Hall Was Where Strategy Meets Execution
While SHRM25’s main stage delivered inspiration, many of the most practical takeaways came from the expo floor. HR professionals are seeking ways to work smarter in areas such as compliance, employee engagement and performance tracking. As workplace expectations continue to shift, many teams are expected to do more using fewer tools and tighter budgets.
Paycom’s unified platform unites core HR functions, including payroll, performance, benefits and compliance, into one user-friendly software. Tools like Beti®, an industry-first solution empowering employees to do their own payroll, and GONE®, which streamlines time-off requests and reduces decision fatigue for HR teams and leaders, are designed to reduce the burden on managers while giving employees more ownership over their data and time.
Making the Most of SHRM25
This year’s SHRM conference offered HR professionals the chance to reset and refocus on simplifying operations, supporting their workforce and aligning with leadership goals. Between the keynotes, breakout sessions and networking opportunities, the expo hall added another layer of value.
For those in need of practical solutions and a few unexpected moments, Paycom’s booth was a smart stop on the SHRM25 map. Learn more at paycom.com/learn-more/shrm.