It’s hard to believe that in just two weeks we’ll be heading to beautiful Seattle, Washington to convene with our Members, partners and industry friends at DirectEmployers 2018 Annual Meeting & Conference (DEAM18)! We have so many exciting things planned for our attendees and with the educational sessions, networking opportunities and events, we don’t want you to get overwhelmed! With that said, we have put together a quick guide of everything you should know about our conference to make the most of your time with us. Check it out!
Get The App
For your convenience, everything you need to know during the conference can be found in the new DE Events mobile app, available for both Apple and Android devices. This free download contains the full agenda where you can choose the sessions you would like to attend and maintain a personal schedule to keep you on track during the conference. In addition, you can rate the sessions you attend, view the attendee and presenter directories, send messages and even find places to eat and things to do nearby!
Prior to the conference, we encourage you to complete your profile and upload a photo so your peers can easily find you – and we also ask that you share your conference photos not only on social using #DEAM18, but within the app as well!
Help Us DE-velop New Products
Usually found behind the scenes, members of the DirectEmployers development team will host a discussion about the role of technology in the HR space. The session will begin with a thought provoking ice-breaker geared toward helping you understand the thought process that goes into product development and will continue with an open discussion about how technology and its subsequent tools affect us today—including how the DEvelopers can create these tools to make your job that much less hectic. There are two time slots for this session, Tuesday, April 24 at 2:00pm and Wednesday, April 25 at 10:30am but space in this session is limited!
Have Fun With Us!
On Wednesday night from 7:00 – 10:00 PM, we’ll leave the beautiful Fairmont Olympic Hotel and head to Art Marble 21 for an 80’s party complete with food (think tacos!), drinks and fun! Here you will have the opportunity to mingle with fellow attendees while playing billiards, ping pong, corn hole, giant Jenga, arcade games, board games and more. Plus, no evening is complete without karaoke and a photo booth! No RSVP necessary–just throw on your best 80’s attire, grab your #DEAM18 slap bracelet (you’ll receive it at registration!) and meet us in the lobby at 6:45!
Get Your Questions Answered
You know them from the OFCCP Week in Review (WIR) and you now you will have the opportunity to have their questions answered directly by our OFCCP compliance experts Candee Chambers, John C. Fox and Jennifer Polcer! Please click here to provide any compliance-related questions you would like to potentially have answered during their open Q&A session no later than Wednesday, April 18.
Power Up
It’s probably no surprise that the most common question we receive at our conference is, “Where can I get coffee?” So this year we’ve added a barista to handcraft specialty coffee and tea beverages for our attendees–at no charge! You can find our barista (who is likely to become your best friend by the end of the conference) in the Spanish Foyer, serving drinks through the majority of the conference!
Earn Swag
Tired of ink pens and stress balls? Want to choose your own swag? We’re adding even more fun to the conference and giving attendees the opportunity to earn swag – really cool swag! How? Complete simple tasks to earn ‘swag bucks’ that can then be spent on exclusive DirectEmployers items. Full details on how to earn swag bucks will be available at the conference so keep an eye out!
Explore Tech To Make Your Job Easier
Speaking of earning swag bucks…be sure to visit our amazing underwriters in the Demo Hall to learn about new products and services that can simplify your day-to-day, collect some freebies and earn those swag bucks! These underwriters include Emissary, PeopleFluent, Jobs2Careers, NACE, NASWA, Getting Hired, Verified Credentials, HireClix, Shaker Virtual Job Tryout, HiredScore, Sourcecast and SocialTalent.
Up Your Outreach Game
Aside from networking with fellow industry peers, we’re giving you multiple opportunities to connect with some of our diversity partners for your OFCCP compliance outreach efforts! Chat with partners during lunch on Wednesday, April 25 (and Members–be sure to record the details of your conversations in PRM!). Participating partners include EARN, C5 Consulting, National Organization on Disability (NOD), Fort Carson, National MS Society, Student Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, CASY/MSCCN, Pathfinders, Easter Seals, and more. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to share with partners and peers!
Be Social
Stay up to date with the latest DEAM18 news, before and during the conference, by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or LinkedIn. As always, you can join the conversation on social with the official hashtag #DEAM18.
Want updates sent directly to your phone? Text DEAM18 to 55678 to sign up for text alerts! *Standard text messaging fees apply.
Wow, so much to look forward to! Haven’t registered to join us yet? It’s not too late! Register today, download the app and start planning your conference schedule. As always, feel free to send any questions you may have to DEAM@DirectEmployers.org. We look forward to seeing everyone in Seattle!
