Former President Bill Clinton 42nd President of the United States Speaks on the Main Stage at Record-Breaking SHRM23

​LAS VEGAS — Yesterday, SHRM’s 75th-anniversary signature Annual Conference & Expo (SHRM23) opened on the SHRM23 Main Stage with an exclusive conversation between 42nd president of the United States, Bill Clinton, moderated by SHRM chair and Booz Allen Hamilton’s Chief People Officer, Betty Thompson.

In “A Conversation with President Clinton,” Clinton gave a unique perspective regarding his time as a world leader and his continued efforts as a global philanthropist and humanitarian since leaving the Oval Office. He additionally offered insights into the world of work today, from the state of the economy to immigration reform.

Bill Clinton served as 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. During his administration, he worked to implement the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, a monumental piece of legislation that continues to play a significant role in HR practitioners’ day-to-day jobs.

Clinton told the packed room that there are ways to make paid leave work, saying “there are all kinds of ways to accommodate small business. It would help the economy and would be pro-work and pro-family. We have got to have policies that are not either or.”

You have got to be pro-work and pro-family, you’ve got to be fair to the workers and fair to the owners, you’ve got to be pro-growth and pro-environment.”

On skilled credentials, labor shortage and college degrees, Clinton said, “we shouldn’t require a college degree if the job doesn’t require it. I like it when a lot of people get a degree and go away to college and there are benefits to getting an education, but I don’t think we should make our economy less efficient by lowering workforce participation at a time when there are 10 million open jobs.”

At SHRM23, attendees will hear from over 380 speakers who explore the latest trends in the ever-evolving HR landscape, from talent acquisition, mental health, empathetic leadership, and employee engagement, HR technology, and more.  

Breaking an all-time attendance and revenue records during SHRM’s 75th anniversary year, the Las Vegas Convention Center will be home to 20,000 human resource professionals, executives, students, and others. In addition, approximately 2,500 attendees are attending virtually. 

SHRM23 runs today through June 14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and virtually. The theme of SHRM23 is Drive Change, calling on HR to enact positive, meaningful change in their organizations.  

The SHRM23 theme, Drive Change, is in celebration of its 75th anniversary. “Drive Change” is a call to action to HR professionals to enact positive change in their organizations as a means of supporting workers in the ever-changing landscape of work. Drive Change amplifies how SHRM’s current focus and resources continue to help HR professionals at all levels drive change in their daily work, in their businesses and throughout their careers.

About SHRM

SHRM creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 325,000 members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 235 million workers and families globally. Learn more at SHRM.org.