The origins of the Carnival of HR can be traced back to the distant days (2007!) of HR content creation; a time when podcasts were in their infancy and video creation somehow existed even in those pre-Tik-Tok days.
The Carnival of HR, a monthly collection of blog posts that “travelled” each month to be curated by a different host on their blog, brought together a collection of writers, speakers, profession-changing innovators and, the best part of all, HR leaders and practitioners who simply had something to say.
The Carnival, and I may be biased, laid the foundation for the various iterations of the greater – and incredibly global – HR community that has morphed and rejuvenated itself numerous times over the past 18 years!
And the Carnival, beyond being a repository for up-to-the minute thinking that provides easy access to knowledge seekers, is first and foremost about bringing people together.
The History
The Carnival of HR began in February 2007 when it was launched by Suzanne Lucas (aka the Evil HR Lady). With a goal of bringing together the best posts from the HR blogging community, the Carnival ran on a bi-weekly basis.
In 2008 Suzanne handed over the Carnival reins to Alison Green (aka Ask A Manager) who increased both participation and awareness and then in 2009 Shauna (Moerke) Griffis assumed Ringleader tasks. In 2016 Shauna passed the reins over to me and I took care of the Carnival until 2022 when I passed the torch to John Baldino. Shortley thereafter I joined John as a staff member at Humareso and continued coordinating the Carnival.
It was rough going though circa 2023 – 2025; people stopped blogging, we struggled to get monthly hosts and even when we secured a host, there were a few months with zero submissions. Zero. Quite a bit down from the old days of 25 – 30 biweekly submissions!
So we let the Carnival rest.
Until now.
So what, exactly, IS the Carnival of HR?
A blogging carnival is a social media meme in which a group of bloggers submit blog posts to a “host” who compiles the posts into one collection that is then published on their site on the prearranged day. It was one of the earliest forms of “curated content.”
The Carnival of HR, which originally ran bi-weekly, has always focused on topics related to HR including recruiting, HR technology, leadership, DE+I and much more.
And now, in 2025, each carnival brings together a unique blend of content – including blog posts, podcasts, and video submissions – and introduces you to new creators.
Want to get involved?
If you’re a content creator and interested in participating via submissions – or as a host! – please contact me at carnivalofHR@gmail.com and I’ll add you to the mailing list for those times when we call for hosts and/or submissions!
