This is a paid piece from Disrupt HR - Sioux Falls.

Simplified: Do you have an idea on how to make work better, more efficient, more engaging, more productive, more fun? Are you someone who likes to challenge the status quo? It's time to share your thoughts with a broader audience. Disrupt HR - Sioux Falls is now accepting applications for speakers to share their unconventional ideas in a fast-paced, high-energy professional event this spring.

Why it matters

  • Disrupt HR was founded in 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio, as an event to exchange ideas among human resources professionals. It's since expanded to hundreds of cities globally – including Sioux Falls in 2018 – and the mission is to energize, inform and empower people when it comes to talent, culture or tech in the workplace.
  • The format is unlike other conferences or professional events in that each speaker is given only five minutes to present on their topic. They're limited to 20 slides, which advance automatically, so they've got to keep up.
  • Ultimately, it's about creating a platform for people to talk about difficult topics, challenge conventional wisdom and find innovative ways to make a difference, said Paul Rann, Disrupt HR board member and speaker co-chair for the event.
"People want to work in environments where they can make an impact – to be able to spark an idea that really challenges people," said Jackie Payne, Disrupt HR board member and speaker co-chair. "It makes a difference when people are given a platform to do that, and it also can drive innovation."

Tell me more about Disrupt HR - Sioux Falls

The annual event will take place in April at the Washington Pavilion, but speaker applications must be submitted before Nov. 13.

  • Speakers can be anyone who has an idea that challenges conventional thinking, and you don't have to be an HR professional to take the stage.

The event itself is "disruptive" in that it's more candid, relaxed and direct than most professional conference-type speeches. Speakers might swear, for example, and it's a safe space to say out loud some of the quiet conversations you might typically reserve for chatting in the corner with friends, Payne said.

"It's meant to be a fun social setting, too," Payne said, noting the cash bar.

And, because the event takes place in a theater, it's really something where attendees and speakers alike can sit back and enjoy the show, she added.

It's also meant to be inclusive and a space where all ideas are valid.

"This is the ability for us to let folks in the day-to-day – and who might have a different take – have a platform," Rann said. "Sometimes we’re like, 'Am I the only one who thinks this?'"

How can I submit my idea?

You can fill out the application on the Disrupt HR - Sioux Falls website.

How else can I get involved?

Disrupt HR - Sioux Falls is currently seeking sponsors for the April event. They're also looking for volunteers to help day-of.

  • It's also worth noting that the event is also looking to do some good for the community by raising funds for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

You can learn more about sponsorships, tickets, and more on the Disrupt HR website.