2026 SHRM Indiana Conference FAQs
ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS
NETWORKING, ENGAGEMENT & ONSITE ACTIVITIES
MERCHANDISE OPPORTUNITIES & SPEAKER BOOKS
CERTIFICATION & CONTINUING EDUCATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the name of the conference this year?
Beginning with the 2026 event, the conference is now the SHRM Indiana Conference. You may still see reference to “HR Indiana” in prior-year materials, social media handles, or app history, but the 2026 event will use the SHRM Indiana Conference name.
Is there a dress code for the conference?
We encourage attendees to wear what makes them feel comfortable and confident throughout the day. There’s no formal dress code in place, so whether you’re in slacks, jeans, a blazer, or your favorite sneakers, you’ll fit right in. Please choose attire that is appropriate for sessions, networking, walking throughout the venue, and spending time in meeting rooms. Meeting rooms are often well air conditioned so we recommend bringing layers.
Where can I find agenda information?
The most current agenda is available in the Whova mobile app and on the conference website. Please download the Whova app using the same email address you used to register for the conference.
To reduce printed materials, physical copies of the agenda may not be available onsite. The app will be your best source for session times, room locations, speaker information, announcements, and last-minute updates.
Selecting a session in the app helps you plan your schedule, but it does not reserve a seat unless otherwise noted. Most sessions are first come, first served.
You may also access the web version of the conference agenda at https://shrmindiana.org/agenda.
Where do I check in when I arrive?
Attendee check-in will be located on the first floor of the Indiana Convention Center in the ICC Wabash East Corridor.
Is there a conference hashtag?
Yes. We encourage posting and sharing at the conference. Please tag our SHRM Indiana in your social media posts so we can like, comment, and re-share when possible.
Recommended hashtag: #SHRMIndiana
Where can I find the lost and found?
Please check with the Westin and/or Indiana Convention Center directly for assistance with lost items. You may also stop by the SHRM Indiana information or registration desk onsite, and our team can help direct you.
Where can I access floor maps?
Floor maps are available in the Whova app. Look for ‘Floor Map’ button. Signage will also be placed throughout the conference venues to help you navigate.
What should I do if I miss a session I wanted to attend?
If a speaker elects to share materials, slide decks or PDF worksheets may be available in that session’s profile within the Whova app. Not every speaker provides materials, and session attendance is not guaranteed unless a session has a formal reservation process.
Will sessions be recorded?
Sessions are designed as live, in-person experiences and will not be recorded. If session materials are shared by speakers, they will be available in the Whova app.
REGISTRATION, HOTEL & TRAVEL
How do I register for the conference?
Registration is available through the official SHRM Indiana Conference website.
Will registration prices increase?
Conference pricing does changes as the event approaches. Registering early is the best way to secure the current rate and make sure you receive important conference updates. The last price increase occurred June 1, 2026.
Is there a conference hotel block?
Yes. A conference hotel block is available, and attendees are encouraged to book early. Rooms in the block are limited and help SHRM Indiana meet its contractual commitments with the hotel. Use the link below to book a room if you did not register with the Hotel Bundle.
The Westin Indianapolis
Book a Room
Deadline: July 31, 2026 or until hotel block is full (whichever occurs first).
Why should I book inside the conference hotel block?
Booking in the official conference hotel block helps you stay close to the conference activities, simplifies your onsite experience, and supports the conference’s negotiated commitments. It also helps SHRM Indiana continue offering high-quality conference experiences in future years.
What parking options are available?
- Overnight Attendees
- Westin- valet or self parking
- PRO TIP: Overnight hotel guests are guaranteed a parking space at the Westin. Be sure to tell the valet attendants you are staying overnight even if the garage signs say they are full!
- Westin- valet or self parking
- Commuting Attendees
- World of Wonders – 130 S Illinois Street
- Capitol Commons (Westin – self parking garage) – 10 S. Capitol Ave.
- Plaza Park Garage – 109 S Capitol Ave
- Westin Valet
- Advance Parking Reservation
- Resources
- Visit the DowntownIndy.org parking website for more parking options: Parking | Explore | Downtown Indianapolis
I am commuting. Should I reserve parking in advance?
If you are commuting, we recommend reviewing parking options in advance and allowing extra time for downtown traffic, any road construction, garage entry, and walking to the venue. Advance parking reservations may be available through third-party services.
ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS
Where can I find accessibility and accommodation information?
Learn more about The Westin and Indiana Convention Center here:
For additional information about the physical features of accessible rooms, common areas, or special services relating to a specific disability, contact the Westin at 1-800-228-3000.
Additionally, when reasonable, the SHRM Indiana Conference will provide accommodations when we become aware of a request. To make an accommodation request or if you have an inquiry around reasonable accessibility – please email Admin@HRIndianaSHRM.org. Upon receiving a request, the SHRM Indiana Conference team will work with you toward finding the right solutions for you to have access. Note – please allow for reasonable lead time for any accommodation request.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included all 3 days of the conference, with lunch being served on Monday and Tuesday, along with coffee or beverage service at designated times all three days of the conference. Meals will also appear in the Whova agenda so you can add them to your personal schedule.
Meals will be served in Hospitality HQ.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
If you noted a special dietary need during registration, pick up your dietary card at check-in and present it to staff during meals.
Are there any grab and go options for food?
Yes! ICC has a grab and go cart with snacks and sodas for purchase located in the Wabash Corridor that will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
NETWORKING, ENGAGEMENT & ONSITE ACTIVIES
Are networking opportunities and social events a part of Conference?
Yes. SHRM Indiana plans networking opportunities throughout the conference, including receptions, meal-period networking, sponsor engagement, and app-based community features. Specific details can be found in the Whova app as they are made available.
How do I connect with other attendees or speakers?
The Whova app makes it easy to meet people before, during, and after the conference. You can use the app to send messages, join discussion topics, participate in social groups, schedule meetups, and exchange digital business cards.
Adding your interests and ares of focus to your Whova profile helps other attendees find and connect with you.
Will there be social groups in the app?
Yes. Inside Whova, you’ll find discussion boards and community groups where you can connect around topics, industries, and interests.
You can post questions, share resources, and join ongoing conversations with other attendees throughout the conference.
Will there be a passport game?
Yes. SHRM Indiana plans to offer a passport-style engagement game. Details, rules, and prize information will be shared in the Whova app and onsite.
Will there be a leaderboard?
Yes. We’re using Whova’s gamification features so you can earn points for things like checking into sessions, visiting exhibitors, posting in the community, and more.
You’ll be able to see a live leaderboard in the app and track how you stack up against other attendees.
Information about how to earn points and what prizes are available will be posted in Whova before the conference kicks off.
Will there be a photo contest?
Yes. SHRM Indiana will host a conference photo contest to capture your favorite moments.
You’ll be able to share photos on Whova using the official conference hashtag, and select photos may be featured during and after the event.
Full contest details, including how to enter and prize information will be shared in Whova.
Will complimentary headshots be available?
Complimentary headshots will be available again in 2026, by popcam. The specific schedule of when these will be available can be found in the Whova app.
Will chair massages be available?
Chair massages are planned for 2026. Details, including hours, location, and any sign-up process, will be shared in the Whova app.
Will there be a blood drive or community cause this year?
SHRM Indiana plans to support a community-focused activity during the conference. Details will be shared in the Whova app once the partner, date, location, and sign-up process are finalized.
SPONSORS
Where can I meet sponsors?
Sponsors will be available in the designated Hospitality HQ area in the Convention Center. Visit sponsor booths during breaks, meals, and dedicated networking times. Be sure to get your badge scanned while doing so to be entered for chance for a free 2027 registration through our passport game!
Why should I visit sponsor booths?
Sponsors and exhibitors help make the conference possible and provide resources, services, and expertise relevant to HR professionals. Attendees may also be able to participate in sponsor activities, passport game opportunities, giveaways, raffles, or product demos.
Will there be charging stations?
Charging stations are planned for the 2026 conference area. Locations will be noted on the Floor Map in the Whova app.
MERCHANDISE OPPORTUNITIES & SPEAKER BOOKS
Will there be a bookstore?
A pop-up store is planned for the final day of the conference with limited selections of swag. Speaker books will be available throughout the conference outside of rooms in which speaker authors present. Times and locations for speaker book sales will be listed in the Whova app.
What forms of payment will the bookstore accept?
Only credit cards will be accepted for payment at the bookstore / speaker book sales. SHRM Indiana is not able to take payments via Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, or CashApp.
VOLUNTEERING
I signed up to volunteer—where do I check in?
Please check your volunteer-specific email for your assigned shift, check-in instructions and location. Volunteer check-in details will also be available onsite.
Can I still sign up to volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities may be available to registered attendees. Details and sign-up instructions will be shared by email and / or in the Whova app.
SPECIAL ROOMS & NEEDS
Where is the Mother’s Room?
The Mother’s Room will be located in the established ICC Mother’s room located outside Hall E throughout the conference. The location is labeled on the floor plans in the Whova app.
Is there a quiet room, wellness room, or prayer room?
A dedicated quiet room has not yet been confirmed. Please stop by the SHRM Indiana information desk onsite if you need assistance finding a quieter location.
CERTIFICATION & CONTINUING EDUCATION
How many certification credits are available?
Certification credit information will be shared once approvals are finalized.
Where can I find the certification codes?
Certification code instructions will be shared in the Whova app and / or by email. Codes are typically made available after the conference or after attendees complete required steps such as session feedback or the post-conference survey.
Do I need to attend every session to claim credits?
Attendees are responsible for following SHRM and HRCI recertification rules and claiming only credits for sessions they attended. Additional instructions will be provided with the certification code document.
SCHOLARSHIPS / AWARDS
Are scholarships / awards available?
Yes. The SHRM Indiana Conference Awards – funded by Barnes & Thornburg + Ken Yerkes – provide support for conference attendance and SHRM certification. The application deadline for this year’s award is June 15, 2026. Recipients will be presented with their awards at the Conference.
The SHRM Indiana State Council will also announce the recipients of the HR Agility Award, Lifetime Leader Award, and Rising Leader Award at the conference.
Will scholarship / award recipients be recognized during the event?
Yes. SHRM Indiana Conference Awards – funded by Barnes & Thornburg + Ken Yerkes recipients will be recognized during the conference.
