SHRM Washington State is seeking engaging, knowledgeable speakers to help shape the educational experience at our 2027 Annual Conference.

​

Each year, approximately 450–500 HR professionals and people leaders come together from across Washington State and the Pacific Northwest to learn, connect, and explore what’s next for the profession.

​

For 2027, we’re looking for speakers who can bring fresh perspectives, practical expertise, real-world experience, and actionable ideas that attendees can take back to their organizations.

​

Whether you are an experienced conference presenter or an emerging voice with expertise worth sharing, we invite you to submit a proposal.

​​

Our 2027 Theme

​People. Purpose. Impact.
Demonstrating the Value of HR

​HR has an increasingly important role in shaping the organizations we serve. This year’s conference will explore that role through three lenses:

​

PEOPLE
Building stronger workplaces through people.

​Topics may include talent acquisition, employee experience and engagement, retention, leadership and manager development, learning and development, workplace culture, wellbeing, total rewards, employee relations, career development, and workforce development.

​

PURPOSE
Connecting people strategy to organizational strategy.

​Topics may include HR strategy and business acumen, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, change management, organizational design, ethics, employment law and compliance, policy and governance, strategic communication, and HR leadership.

​

IMPACT
Demonstrating and expanding the value of HR.

​Topics may include artificial intelligence, HR technology, people analytics, HR metrics and ROI, data-driven decision-making, innovation, the future of work, organizational performance, business transformation, process improvement, and building the business case for people initiatives.

​

We welcome proposals beyond these examples when they meaningfully connect to People, Purpose, or Impact and provide relevant value to today’s HR professionals.

​

What We're Looking For

​Strong conference sessions go beyond sharing information. We are especially interested in proposals that:

​

• Address timely and relevant workplace or HR challenges;

• Provide practical tools, strategies, or approaches attendees can apply;

• Include clear and measurable learning outcomes;

• Incorporate research, data, case studies, or meaningful professional experience where appropriate;

• Engage attendees through discussion, examples, activities, or other interactive approaches; and

• Offer education rather than promotion of a product, service, or business.

​

Our goal is to create a conference program that represents a variety of experiences, industries, perspectives, career levels, and voices from across the HR community.

​

Speaker Compensation & Benefits

​We value the expertise, preparation, and time our speakers contribute to the conference. To provide a consistent and equitable experience, SHRM Washington State offers standardized compensation for selected speakers.

​

Breakout Sessions: $500 honorarium per selected session
Keynote/General Sessions: $4,000 standard honorarium

​

Selected speakers also receive complimentary conference registration, and limited travel assistance may be available when needed.

​

Speaker compensation is standardized and is not individually negotiated through the Call for Speakers process.

​

Complete compensation, co-presenter, travel, and participation terms are provided in the Speaker Proposal Form so you can review them before submitting your proposal.

​

What to Expect When You Apply

​The Speaker Proposal Form will ask you to provide information about:

​

• You and your professional background;

• Your proposed session and its alignment with People, Purpose, or Impact;

• Session description and learning objectives;

• Practical takeaways for attendees;

• Your approach to audience engagement;

• Previous speaking experience or proof of performance, if available;

• Co-presenters, if applicable; and

• Travel assistance needs, if applicable.

​

Previous professional conference speaking experience is not required. We welcome proposals from experienced speakers as well as practitioners and emerging voices with relevant expertise and a compelling educational idea.

​

Selection Process

​Proposals will be reviewed based on the strength of the educational content and its fit for the conference audience and program.

​

Considerations will include:

​

Relevance • Theme Alignment • Practical Application • Learning Outcomes
• Evidence & Experience • Audience Engagement • Clarity • Originality

​

Submitting a proposal does not guarantee selection. Selected speakers will be asked to sign a Speaker Agreement confirming the final session, compensation, and participation terms.

​

Ready to Join Us?

​If you have expertise, experience, or an idea that can help HR professionals strengthen their people practices, connect their work to organizational purpose, or demonstrate greater impact, we’d love to hear from you.

​

Speaker Proposal Deadline: December 1, 2026

​

Selection Notifications: No later than February 1, 2027

​

​​Please review all information in the Speaker Proposal Form before submitting. A separate proposal should be submitted for each session you would like considered.

​

Questions?

Contact events@wastateshrm.org