I just returned from Transform, the conference for leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs driving meaningful change in workplace culture. This marked my fifth year attending, and it’s become a can’t-miss event for me. While the content is always compelling, it’s the people—the conversations, connections, and shared moments—that keep me coming back.

My experience deepened when Transform became the annual in-person meetup for the StartupExperts community. For the past four years, we’ve partnered with the Transform team to carve out space where our members feel seen and connected, even among thousands of attendees. Through intentional meetups and small-group events, we’ve created a sense of belonging, especially for those attending solo.

At the heart of StartupExperts is a “go-giver” spirit. Volunteering to coordinate events and support fellow attendees has made Transform even more meaningful for me. Stepping into a leadership role—with the goal of helping others—transforms the experience (you see what I did there?). As Eleanor Roosevelt stated, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” If you have the chance to contribute as a helper during a conference, formally or informally, do it. You’ll be surprised how much you gain by giving.

This year’s conference highlights included sitting in the front-row during panel sessions that featured brilliant friends and peers from StartupExperts — it was an honor to cheer them on as they shared their charisma and insights on stage.

Whether you’re eyeing Transform or gearing up for another conference, here are a few helpful tips I’ve learned over the years to enjoy a successful experience:

✦ Embrace the FOMO

You can’t do it all. Don’t try. Choose a pace that fits your energy—whether that’s a packed agenda or strategic downtime.

✦ Be selective with vendor outreach

You’ll get lots of sales pitches—no need to stress. Focus on those that align with your needs; the rest can wait.

✦ Give yourself time in the expo hall

It’s a goldmine of HR tech solutions, and fun swag. Do a walk-through, take notes, and follow up where it counts. Bonus: great insights and cool freebies (save some room in your luggage).

✦ Connect with speakers

Many speakers are approachable offstage—introduce yourself! These spontaneous chats can be just as powerful as their keynote speeches & panel presentations.

✦ Take breathers

Breaks are essential. I love our StartupExperts Wellness Walk—it’s a moment to reset, get fresh air, and connect outside the conference halls.

✦ Prioritize people over panels

You can catch recordings later—but real-time conversations with peers? Those conversations are irreplaceable. Be intentional about prioritizing personable connections with conference attendees whenever you can.

Transform keeps getting better. Come with comfy shoes, an open mind, and a willingness to connect—and you’ll leave inspired, recharged, and even more rooted in the HR community.

I’ll be back in 2026—hope to see you there!

This article was written by Holly Hatlo, Lead HRBP at Hatch. Hatch create products to support you as you find your way to a well-rested life. To learn more about Hatch, visit Hatch.co.