Human resource management (HRM) plays an essential role in the success of any organisation. It encompasses many responsibilities, including talent acquisition, learning and development, compensation and benefits, employee engagement, and workplace culture.
With the ever-changing workplace landscape, HR professionals must stay current with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices.
The Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad & Tobago (HRMATT) recently hosted its Biennial HR Conference from November 7-9 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. The theme, HR Into the Metaverse, drew so much excitement and attention from companies and participants within the public and private sectors, locally, regionally and internationally.
This conference, geared towards HR professionals, people managers, C-Suite executives and business leaders in both the public and private spheres, hosted a combination of intriguing panel discussions from panelists across various sectors, gaining many perspectives and thought-provoking insights and, individual sessions from industry leaders. Topics ranged from digital transformation, leadership, ESG, DEI, the reintegration of the formerly incarcerated persons, technology and big data, and much more. This was the event where professionals in the field of human resources certainly gathered to share knowledge, network, and learn about the latest industry trends and best practices.
The conference also featured an exhibition hall with international, regional and local businesses, for example The Silicon Partners (TSP), HRIZONS, the National Training Agency, ANSA Mobility, Lazzuri Apparel, Caribbean Jobs, First Citizens bank, Label House, Lucent Research, Newtown Medical, NIBTT, Pat & Max Ltd., Caribbean Airlines, Deloitte, and much more.
The HRMATT booth featured our partner, Patient Connect, who is responsible for the HRMATT Wellness Hub and the book sales of HRMATT authors Caron Greaves and Richard Solomon. The exhibition hall was formally opened on day one of the conference by Port-of-Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne, HRMATT president, Cavelle Joseph-St Omer and executives of TSP & HRIZONS.
HRMATT’s conference provided an opportunity for delegates to meet and connect with other HR practitioners, leaders, and experts from different organisations, industries, and regions. These interactions help build valuable relationships and expand their networks, leading to new business opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. In addition to onsite conference opportunities, HRMATT, for the first time, hosted offsite networking activities on each conference day. At the end of day one, full conference delegates, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and event partners were invited to a cocktails reception at the Central Bank Auditorium. This event was sponsored/supported by Appleville Catering Services, Angostura Limited, Nivlek Décor Inc., and Freedom 106.5 FM.
It is with gratitude we say thank you to these organisations for supporting this event.
Day two ended on a musical note. Our international partners were excited to “Karry Yuh Key” at our Karaoke event at the Bungalow Trinidad. Bungalow’s live music scene saw a new face, as Simon Irasquin, of SAP Success Factors, certainly put on a show. HRMATT’s board members, Cavelle Joseph-St Omer, Rhonda Matthew-Garcia, Desmond Lawrence and Allsha Long; along with committee members Charlene Pedro and Elizabeth Gowasack, added their voices to line up. This event also attracted Patient Connect CEO, Dr Ravi Muradali, Janelle Lowe of TSP and HRMATT members who cheered on.
A cultural night was on the calendar with an orchestrated performance by Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra hosted live at their panyard. Invaders received the Chaconia Medal (Gold) in 1996 for their contribution to culture. The band is one of the oldest in Trinidad, and a legend in steelband, and it is for that reason HRMATT partnered with them for a musical night for our international and regional visitors. Supported by ANSA Mobility, the group was picked up at their hotel and the first stop was the world’s largest round about and Trinidad’s culture mecca, the Queen’s Park Savannah.
Local cuisine and drinks were on the menu before heading to the panyard. Shell Invaders performed while the group were entertained and enjoyed a catered meal with full access to the bar services on site. A melody of Christmas music, soca, calypso and reggae, with even some steelpan lessons, was arranged. Thank you to Michael Din Chong of Shell Invaders and the entire band, Idaor Catering Services, Triple BZ Treats, Ansa Mobility and in particular, their coordinator Ian Haywood, for sponsoring this event.
HR conferences are essential for HR professionals and organisations, as they provide a range of benefits, including: professional development, opportunities to learn from industry experts, networking opportunities, access to new technology, insights into industry trends and strategies.
We express our sincere gratitude to Minister of Public Administration Allyson West, Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh, Port-of-Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne, Simon Irasquin, Jim Newman, our C-Suite panelists, conference speakers, panelists, moderators, conference committee members, sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, event partners and our media partners (TTT Limited, Guardian Media Ltd., WESN Content Capital, Power 102 FM, Freedom 106.5 FM for supporting our first conference after COVID. You supported our vision and through that support, provided an opportunity for our delegates to gain insights into industry trends and strategies, which will help their organisations stay ahead of the curve.
Professionals had the opportunity to learn about emerging HR practices, policies, and trends shaping the industry’s future by attending our keynote sessions, panel discussions, and other conference events. We are eternally grateful to TSP, SAP Success Factors, HRIZONS, First Citizens, the National Gas Company, Pat and Max Ltd., Caribbean Airlines, Appleville Catering Services, ANSA Mobility, and Angostura Limited!!! We could not have done this without you. All our supporters have inspired us to do much more. We cannot wait for 2024.
