District 8: Stronger Together in 2026

 District 8 SHRM chapters continue to show strong momentum in 2026 through a combination of professional development, community partnerships, and meaningful regional collaboration. Across Charlotte County, Naples, and Southwest Florida, the chapters are building on one another’s strengths and creating opportunities that benefit HR professionals, business leaders, students, and the broader community. The standout event of the spring was the Tri-County HR Conference, held on April 24 at Florida Gulf Coast University, which once again proved to be the largest and most influential gathering in the region. 

Tri-County HR Conference: A Regional Tradition 

Hosted jointly by SHRM Charlotte County, SHRM Naples, and SHRM SWFL, the Tri-County conference brought together a strong mix of HR practitioners, executives, and community leaders for a day of education and connection. Attendance increased by more than 20 percent over last year, a clear sign that the event continues to grow in relevance and value. More than just a conference, Tri-County has become a regional tradition that reflects the strength of the partnership among the three chapters. 

This year’s program offered a well-rounded experience for attendees. Keynote speakers set the tone for the day, while a panel of local business leaders explored artificial intelligence and its impact on business. A legal panel followed, giving HR professionals practical insight into current workplace issues and trends. That balance of strategic discussion and hands-on relevance is one of the reasons the event continues to draw such strong interest. 

The conference also serves an important financial role for the chapters. As a major fundraiser, Tri-County provides critical support for chapter operations while also helping advance the mission of the SHRM Foundation. This year’s event raised nearly $4,000 for the Foundation, reinforcing the idea that the conference is about more than attendance numbers. It is also about investing in the profession and giving back to the HR community in a meaningful way. 

SHRM Charlotte County 

For SHRM Charlotte County, Tri-County is one of the clearest examples of what can happen when chapters work together. The chapter also continues to focus on its own educational and professional development efforts throughout the year. Its upcoming LeadSmart Conference, “Leading Through Disruption,” will be held on September 25 at Charlotte Technical College. Visit the website for more information. 

SHRM Naples 

SHRM Naples has also continued to build momentum in 2026 with a strong mix of programming, engagement, and community impact. The chapter has expanded its educational offerings, strengthened its sponsorship base, and deepened its role as a trusted resource for HR professionals in Collier County. Monthly learning opportunities, certification support, and member engagement efforts have helped create steady growth and stronger participation. The chapter’s upcoming Supervisors Summit will be held on Friday, July 24, and members are encouraged to visit the website for more information. 

Beyond professional development, SHRM Naples remains active in community-focused initiatives that prepare the next generation of workers. Its partnership with Champions for Learning continues to provide workforce readiness programming for high school juniors and seniors across the county. These sessions help students build real-world skills such as interviewing, resume writing, workplace expectations, and resilience, while also giving them a clearer understanding of how to succeed in the working world. That commitment to education and talent development strengthens both the chapter and the broader business community. 

SHRM SWFL 

SHRM SWFL has also had a strong year, with a broad mix of member programs and community service efforts. One of its most meaningful partnerships remains the Big Backpack Event with the Multicultural Centre. Planning is already underway for the 27th annual event, which is expected to provide more than 2,000 local children with free backpacks and school supplies. The scale of the backpack effort is impressive, and the photo from the event shows just how much preparation and coordination goes into making it happen. 

The chapter has also been active in member recognition and professional development. At its holiday celebration, SHRM SWFL honored three members who received certifications and academic scholarships and recognized Yohana Rothenberg as HR Professional of the Year. Those acknowledgments highlight the chapter’s commitment not only to education, but also to celebrating excellence and progress within the profession. SHRM SWFL is also preparing for its 10th Annual Supervisors Conference on Friday, September 18, at Florida Southwestern College, and the event will be offered both live and virtually. Visit the website for more information. 

Stronger Together 

Together, these chapters show the strength of District 8 and the value of working in partnership. Whether through the large-scale impact of the Tri-County Conference, the community service of the Big Backpack Event, the leadership development offered through LeadSmart, or the Supervisors Conference, each chapter is contributing to a stronger HR network in Southwest Florida. The shared commitment to education, service, and collaboration is what makes this district so effective and so important to the region. 

Brian Sauls | District 8 Director, SHRM Florida