Speaker FAQs
Call for speakers is closed for 2026.
When and where is the conference?
The Arkansas SHRM HR Conference & Expo is a 2 and half day event on October 14-16, 2026, at the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Why speak at our conference?
Speaking at the Arkansas SHRM conference gives you the opportunity to elevate your thought leadership, connect with HR decision-makers, and showcase innovative ideas shaping the future of work. Speaker benefits include:
• Reach 450+ HR leaders actively shaping people strategy and workplace innovation.
• Position yourself as a future-of-work thought leader by sharing insights with an engaged executive audience.
• Increase your visibility through social media promotion before, during, and after the event.
• Complimentary full conference pass with access to all sessions and networking events.
• VIP networking opportunities with speakers, sponsors, and attendees.
• Access to the attendee list to support meaningful post-event follow-ups.
• Hotel accommodation at a hotel connected to the speaking venue is included for either the night before or the night after your session.
• Keynote speakers receive a speaking honorarium and travel reimbursement.
• Concurrent/session speakers participate on a non-paid basis but receive the full range of speaker benefits listed above.
Who attends the Arkansas SHRM Conference?
The conference brings together 450+ HR professionals at every career stage from entry-level practitioners to CHROs and senior HR executives. Attendees include professionals in HR, People Operations, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, HR technology decision-makers, and innovators shaping the future of work.
What types of sessions are we looking for?
Concurrent sessions are 1 hour with the expectation to provide the same session/topic twice. Topics focus on the most important issues shaping today’s workplace, including the future of work, HR technology and innovation, talent strategy, leadership development, employee experience, legal updates, and workplace culture. Sessions should deliver practical insights, real-world strategies, and valuable educational information for HR professionals.
What topics do we prioritize?
We prioritize timely, practical topics that help HR professionals navigate today’s rapidly changing workplace. We are especially interested in real-world case studies, actionable strategies, and innovative approaches that HR leaders can immediately apply within their organizations.
What is expected from speakers?
Arkansas SHRM hopes our speakers will provide a professional and informational presentation at our conference. We hope our speakers will promote event to their audience (email + social) and meet all deadlines set by conference committee.
Speaker handouts are due at least 30 days prior to the event so that our attendees may download the material prior to the event. The handout should be uploaded via a link sent to you from our conference website. If you do not have a handout, you can notify us via the same link. Arkansas SHRM does not provide paper copies of any handouts. If a speaker wishes to provide a handout, it is up to the speaker to provide the copies at his/her own expense.
Speakers with a presentation to display must bring their own laptop and cords including the power cord. Speaker should also bring their own clicker to advance their slide. Speaker should ensure laptop is properly charged and can modify the output display signal from the computer. Speaker may have to change the display resolution to connect to the projector. Any audio or video should be downloaded and the speaker should not rely that wi-fi will be available to connect for video or audio presentation. There is very limited AV assistance available at the conference.
How are speakers selected?
Arkansas SHRM looks for sessions that meet certain criteria including relevance to HR leaders; practical takeaways; innovation level; no pure sales pitches; and real case studies preferred.
References are helpful and sessions that are already approved for HR certification is an advantage.
Arkansas SHRM notifies speakers from eat0@eau0eav0eaw0. We recommend adding this to your safe contacts. This is how we will notify you of your application status and any follow-up instructions through a series of emails.
Can vendors speak?
Yes, vendors may provide educational content, but it should not be a marketing sales presentation. Sessions must deliver actionable insight, not product demos disguised as talks.
What is the room setup?
The concurrent room set-up is a classroom style with a lectern, LCD projector, screen, podium microphone, and wired lavaliere microphone.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email our Programs Chair via our Contact Page.