The SAP SuccessFactors HR Connect event in Vienna was an incredible two-day experience, packed with insightful conversations, inspiring keynotes, and valuable networking opportunities. Reflecting on this event, we are excited to share some key takeaways and memorable moments. Before the Event: A Special Visit to OMV Our team, led by Ilija Kiroski and Petar Kocev, had the privilege of visiting OMV’s headquarters in Vienna prior to the event. We had the opportunity to meet with the talented team behind OMV’s Rewards & Recognition platform, engaging in insightful discussions about employee experience and recognition. A big thank you to Judith Seher, Irina Mihaela Puiu, and Yvonne Heytmanek for their warm welcome and thought-provoking conversations. It’s clear that our partnership with OMV is strong, and we are excited about the potential for future collaborations. Day 1: Partnering for Impact The event kicked off with energizing discussions, bringing together SAP and their partners to explore how we can create a more significant impact in the HR space. The conversations were centered around the future of HR, with a focus on the role of culture and leveraging data to drive tangible outcomes. Highlights: Josh Gosliner set the tone for the event by presenting a compelling vision for the future of HR, highlighting the possibilities that lie ahead. Lisa Lichtenegger and Gabriel Tomic shared an inspiring HR story from Meinl, showcasing how culture can be embedded within an organization in meaningful ways. Their insights on making culture tangible resonated deeply with many attendees. Steve from ANDRITZ took the conversation to the next level, showing us how data and analytics can be harnessed to drive better HR decisions and improve the employee experience. The day provided a wealth of insights, sparking new ideas and strategies for approaching HR challenges. Day 2: Engaging with Customers and Exploring Opportunities The second day was focused on engaging with customers directly to explore their challenges and opportunities. These sessions were both inspiring and energizing, giving us a deeper understanding of the evolving needs in the HR space. What truly made this event memorable were the one-on-one conversations and connections that took place. There were numerous opportunities to meet and engage with industry leaders, SAP experts, and fellow professionals. A few highlights included discussions with Dejan Stojanovic, the Master of Success, as well as insightful talks with Manuela and Miško on how we can make every employee a success. “The world of work is changing fast – and AI, Total Rewards, and Employee Experience are at the heart of it. At Semos Cloud, we’re helping companies turn their workforce into their greatest competitive advantage through intelligent, human-centred solutions.” – Ilija Kiroski, Head of Partnerships Vienna: The Perfect Backdrop Vienna provided an ideal setting for the event. The city’s blend of historical charm and modern innovation made it the perfect location to host a global HR event. From the majestic Schönbrunn Palace to the cutting-edge discussions at HR Connect, Vienna truly embodied the theme of the event: where history meets the future. And, of course, no visit to Vienna would be complete without a cup of Julius Meinl coffee and some delicious Mozart Kugeln, which provided a much-needed energy boost during the event. Final Thoughts As we wrap up HR Connect Vienna, I’m left feeling incredibly optimistic about the future of HR. The conversations, insights, and partnerships formed over the past two days have reinvigorated my belief in the power of HR to create real impact. There is much work to do, but the energy from this event has made me more confident than ever that we can turn these insights into actionable strategies. Ready to get the most from your SuccessFactors integration? Request demo I want to thank everyone I had the chance to connect with and the event organizers for making HR Connect a truly remarkable experience. Now, let’s take these ideas, turn them into actions, and make 2025 the year of meaningful HR transformation.