Dear PHRMA Members,

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our recent membership survey. We truly appreciate the thought, care, and honesty that went into your responses.

The purpose of the survey was to better understand member experience during a time when the HR profession, national dynamics, and economic pressures continue to evolve. As an independent nonprofit, it’s important for us to periodically step back and listen to individual conversations as well as a broader more systematic lens.

The feedback reflected a wide range of perspectives.

Many members shared strong appreciation for PHRMA’s programs, community, and professional value. Others raised questions about cost, the dual membership structure, and how national developments intersect with the local member experience. Some shared concerns, while others indicated that the current model works well for them. Hearing all of these perspectives helps us better understand the diversity of experiences within our membership.

We also heard that there are opportunities for us to do a better job explaining how our membership structure works, including why certain requirements exist and what affiliation means in practice. That feedback is helpful, and it’s something we’re taking into account as we think about how we communicate and support members moving forward.

At this stage, the survey is part of an internal evaluation process being reviewed by our board of directors. The board’s role is to thoughtfully consider how PHRMA can continue to meet members where they are by balancing access, sustainability, and ensuring our structure and partnerships continue to support a strong, inclusive professional community.

What we can commit to is this:

• Your feedback is being taken seriously
• Your perspectives are shaping board-level discussions
• We are carefully evaluating how best to support the varied needs of our members
• We will continue to look for ways to improve clarity, communication, and education
• Any future direction will be approached thoughtfully and communicated transparently

We want to hear from you. Please contact Nikki Schutte, PHRMA Executive Director or Marcett Banks, PHRMA President to continue sharing your thoughts. Hearing from you directly is how we continue to evolve, grow, and serve our members.

PHRMA exists to support its members, and your voice plays an essential role in guiding how we steward the organization forward.

Thank you for being part of our community and for taking the time to share your perspective.

Never Miss a PHRMA Event Again!

Save the time once. Stay connected all year.

You’ll still register for each event—this just helps you hold the time

Our new subscription calendars make it easy to plan ahead without the extra work. Subscribe to the event types that matter most to you, and upcoming PHRMA events will appear directly on your calendar—so your professional development time is reserved before your schedule fills up. Registration is still required for each individual event.

Education-focused programs designed to build HR knowledge and confidence.

Subscribe to calendars:

• HR in 90
  Monthly, in-person sessions featuring a 30-minute networking lunch and a 60-minute learning program. Held at the same central location each month and includes recertification credit. $54 for members.
• HR Specialty Sessions
  Deeper-dive learning on key HR topics. Each specialty includes at least one virtual session and one HR in 90 in-person event, with recertification credit available for most programs. (virtual events are complimentary for members)
  • Recruitment & Retention
  • Workplace Legal Updates
  • Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
  • Total Rewards
  • Employee Relations
  • Leadership Development
• Strategic Management Conference
  PHRMA’s annual full-day conference focused on strategy, leadership, and the evolving role of HR. Features expert speakers, peer connection, and recertification credits. Pricing starts at $349 for members.
  

Opportunities to connect, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships.

Subscribe to calendars:

• District Meet-Ups
  Member-only. Bi-monthly, local, informal gatherings hosted across six districts in the Portland metro area. Designed for conversation, connection, and relationship-building with fellow HR professionals close to where you live or work.
  • District 1 – Downtown
  • District 2 – North – NE Portland
  • District 3 – SE Portland – Oregon City
  • District 4 – SW Portland to Wilsonville
  • District 5 – Beaverton – Hillsboro
  • District 6 – Hood River
• Career Networks
  Member-only. Peer-led groups for Emerging, Mid-Level, and Executive HR professionals. These conversations focus on shared challenges, professional growth, and learning from others at similar career stages.
  • Emerging Network
  • Mid-Level Network
  • Executive Network
• Industry Networks
  Member-only. Communities for HR professionals working in similar industries, such as government, healthcare recruiting, and HR departments of one. Share best practices, challenges, and resources unique to your field.
  • HR Department of One
  • Government
  • Healthcare Recruiters
• Member & Inclusion Socials
  Casual, welcoming events designed to foster belonging, connection, and community.

Programs that support growth, leadership development, and career advancement.

Subscribe to calendars:

• Certification Study Group
• Multi-week, virtual, facilitated study groups designed to support preparation for SHRM certification exams. Structured sessions include guided instruction, peer discussion, and accountability to help participants stay on track and feel confident on exam day.
  • Spring 2026
  • Fall 2026
• HR Essentials Course
  Foundational learning sessions designed for people who do HR as part of their role—but may not be HR professionals by title—as well as those early in their HR careers or new to the field. These programs focus on core HR knowledge, practical application, and building confidence across essential HR functions.
• Mentorship program
  A structured, member-only mentorship experience pairing HR professionals for guided learning, support, and growth. Participation is application-based to ensure thoughtful matches and a meaningful, high-quality experience for mentors and mentees.
  

Opportunities to give back, contribute your expertise, and support the HR profession and broader community. These offerings focus on service, leadership, and creating positive impact beyond individual roles.

Subscribe to calendars:

• HR Think Tank
  A discussion-based forum for HR professionals to explore complex workplace topics through open dialogue, shared experience, and collective insight.
  
• Book Club
  Facilitated, discussion-based gatherings centered on books relevant to HR, leadership, and the workplace. Designed for thoughtful conversation, shared perspective, and connection—no prep beyond reading and showing up.
• Workforce Development
  Learning opportunities focused on workforce planning, talent pipelines, and skills development. Explores how HR can support both organizational needs and broader workforce readiness.

Subscribing adds events to your calendar as they are scheduled. Registration is still required for each individual event.