As you’re reading this post, our Global Conference is kicking off in Tampa, Florida. Recruitment conferences are offered by a variety of organizations, designed for a wide range of audiences and participants. These events are a valuable part of your professional and personal development activities. Here are four of the most important reasons for attending:
- Training/Education – Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned professional, there is always something to learn. Recruitment conferences often bring in big-name speakers and trainers covering a broad array of topics. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way to access multiple educational events in a single outing. It’s easier (in my opinion!) to show up and pay attention during a live session … and harder to get away with the multi-tasking that begs for our attention during virtual events and conference calls.
- Networking – Really successful recruiters are great at making all sorts of connections, and recruitment conferences offer an excellent opportunity to build your professional network. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a lot of new people, make some friends, and even catch up with colleagues and partners you’ve known for years. And there’s still no better way to build rapport than via real-life activities. Whether it’s participating in a round table or a round of golf, networking is a key reason to attend professional events.
- Show Specials/Exhibitors/Sponsors – We’re excited to have the support of fourteen sponsoring organizations at our Global Conference, and we work hard to make sure they bring as much value for our members as they receive from attending. Other organizations have similar structures, and still others offer a full-blown trade show or exhibit hall. Don’t skip out on this portion of the event! Not only are there products/services that can help you save time or make more money, but there are often exclusive show specials that you just cannot get anywhere else. Even if you’re not in a position to make a purchase, sponsors are typically closely aligned with the host organization, so it’s another opportunity to learn something new and add to your professional network.
- Travel/Business Development – Recruitment conferences provide an excellent opportunity for travel. Whether it’s a location you’ve always wanted to visit, you have family or clients nearby, or want to do a little business development, travel is another reason for attending events. Consider arriving a day or two early, or extending your stay, to maximize the value you get from the travel.
It’s not always easy to schedule time away from work or family obligations, but recruitment conferences are a great way to recharge, refocus, and renew your enthusiasm. Make sure to include a couple of these events every year to keep your skills up-to-date, your networking growing, and have a little bit of fun at the same time. What’s the best tip you’ve ever learned at a conference? Share below!
