SMPHR Weekly Brew — Monday, August 24
Happy Monday, SMPHR fam. Two things need your attention this week: a partner conference discount that expires Friday, and our Hot Topic Power Hour on Wednesday. Let's get into it.
🎟️ Member opportunity: McLean & Company Signature 2026 — save $600 through Friday
Our partner McLean & Company is hosting its flagship HR conference, McLean Signature 2026, October 4–6 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. This year's theme is Human-Centric, Future-Ready: research-backed sessions, keynotes, peer exchanges, and CHRO panels for HR executives and leadership teams.
SMPHR members get discounted registration through Friday, August 28 — a $600 savings versus the regular rate. After Friday, pricing goes up.
Register for McLean Signature 2026 · Download the Signature 2026 brochure (PDF)
🔥 This Wednesday: Hot Topic Power Hour — Real Talk. Real People.
One energizing hour of honest HR conversation, from AI to culture to talent retention. Bring your perspective, your questions, and your boldest ideas. Wednesday, August 26 · 12:00–1:00 PM Central · Zoom.
How to join: register here and the Zoom link arrives in your confirmation. Already registered? Check your confirmation email for the link. See you Wednesday at noon.
⭐ Special Offer · Roundtable Attendees Only
Turn your Roundtable ticket into a full SMPHR membership
Attended June 22 but not yet a member? Your event payment applies as credit — two CHRO Roundtables for the price of one, plus every member offering into early 2027 and the RISE mentorship program. Email info@smphr.org with your name and company; we verify attendance and reply with your one-time promo code.
🎓 Partner offer: NHRA PHR/SPHR Study Group — SMPHR rate $175
The National Human Resources Association in St. Louis starts its annual PHR/SPHR Study Group next month, and SMPHR members join at a reduced rate of $175. Structured, virtual exam-prep support facilitated by seasoned HR professionals; exams can be taken any date of the year. Thursday evenings, 6:00–8:30 PM CT, starting September 3. Learn more and save your spot.
📌 Quick notes
- RISE 2026: the wait is almost over. Mentor and mentee matches will be communicated on Tuesday, September 1, and the program kicks off right away. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to mentor and to grow.
- Missed the CHRO Roundtable recap? The film, key takeaways, and 60-second cut are at smphr.org/chro-recap-promo.
📅 Coming up
- Wed, Aug 26, 12:00 PM CT — Hot Topic Power Hour: Real Talk. Real People. (Zoom) — register
- Fri, Aug 28 — Last day for the SMPHR member discount on McLean Signature 2026
- Tue, Sept 1 — RISE 2026 mentorship program kicks off
- Oct 4–6 — McLean Signature 2026, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
- October — Professional Development: SMPHR Employment Law Legal Update with John Marino (date coming soon)