Palm Desert, Calif. — If you work in the people-side of government (HR, EEO or Labor Relations), there’s a good chance you, a colleague or maybe your future boss is out here in very sunny California today. Because:

This is the site of the 26th annual FDR (Federal Dispute Resolution) conference, which has become the place to be for government people who deal in what is now called human capital. The No. 1 resource of any organization: It’s employees.

With some exceptions the FDR has a track-record of picking wonderful venues where the 1,000-plus registered attendees can listen, learn and network. In a quest to give the government and registrants the best bang for their buck, FDR conferences are often in very hot spots (it’s 111 degrees here today) so they can take advantage of off-season rates. (Rooms here are $99 per day, which is a very, very good deal for agencies or employees attending on their own dime).

People at the sessions are learning the latest in HR techniques, legal changes impacting managers and workers, a legislative update briefing and, in some cases, earning career-building credentials. What has struck me about past FDR conferences is that no matter how exotic and enticing the location — New Orleans, New York City, Indian Wells, etc., — each session is packed with people whose agencies sent them here to learn, not play. Still, it pays to have an impartial observer on hand. Which is where I come in.

In keeping with the highest principles of journalism: To cover the story no matter what personal sacrifice is required, I have come to this resort (make that outpost in the desert) to keep an eye on things. See if the taxpayers are being served. So far, so good. I volunteered to come here, heat and all, and keep an eye on things. Some younger, less experienced colleagues said they would go. But this is an assignment that only a tough veteran should be tasked to handle.

Assuming I survive the week, I’ll be back here Monday with some eye-popping financial news for feds and retirees. And for once, given the ways things have been going the last few weeks, it will be good news.

To reach me, mcausey@federalnewsradio.com

NEARLY USELESS FACTOID:

Back in the olden days, the U.S. Navy encouraged drinking on the job and even provided the liquor! It served its sailors grog — an alcoholic, rum-based beverage — twice a day until September 1862. According to the National Archives blog, the infraction of “doubling the grog tub” could result in a punishment of 12 lashes.

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