The Seasonal Human Resource Association was born in 1989 out of the National Park Hospitality Association. National Park Hospitality Association members are exclusively approved to provide lodging, food services, gifts and souvenirs, equipment rentals, transportation, and other visitor services in the National Park System. At one NPHA conference, it was suggested that the HR managers and directors might also benefit from this unique niche industry collaboration, and thus the spark for SHRA was created! The 2023 SHRA Conference will be our 32nd event and a long awaited post-pandemic return.
The Association began as a stand-alone trade group. National park concessioners such as Xanterra Parks and Resorts, Delaware North, ARAMARK Leisure, Forever Resorts, and Princess Tours are often represented, along with other properties from across the country. While attendees represent seasonal employers, many operations also have full-time, year-round staff on board as well. The diverse audience at a SHRA conference ranges from the do-it-all, one person HR offices to HR Managers and Assistants, General Managers, Recruiting Managers, as well as corporate level HR Directors/VP’s.
Association members and participants join us from many different seasonal industries and areas all around the country. The conference serves as our single major gathering throughout the year, drawing these various niche industry representatives together. SHRA is the core of a community that fosters relationships and support for continuous outreach and networking throughout the year. SHRA Conference attendees range from brand new HR people to seasoned veterans. This diverse setting creates a dynamic environment where experienced and fresh HR professionals alike are energized and educated alongside and by their peers. No matter where you are in your HR career, at SHRA, everyone has something to contribute.
Considering the challenging topics and discussions that surround HR issues, there is camaraderie and comfort in knowing there are others out there facing similar challenges at their own properties. An organic cornerstone of the conference is collaborative troubleshooting. Whether in formal sessions or casual downtime, there are ample opportunities to present a dilemma to your peers and gain amazing insights from someone who’s tackled it, or allies willing to help you think it through. It’s not unusual to find small groups breaking off to discuss employee housing challenges on a walk, or staff recreation initiatives over a beer. The conference has a fun, engaging energy – you won’t be sitting still for long, and we guarantee you’ll leave with new ideas and inspiration.
Over the decades, CoolWorks.com has grown from a participant to SHRA’s main sponsor and host.
If you are an HR Manager, Recruiter, or People Leader of a seasonal operation and are interested in joining the Seasonal Human Resource Association, consider joining us for the 2023 conference!
Please contact us with any questions or join our mailing list for all the latest SHRA news and updates.