Attending a recruitment conference can be an excellent opportunity to hone your craft. There are dozens of events held every year – there is a good list on this site. It can be difficult to decide which one(s) to attend. Many 2020 events are already scheduled; for example, early registration is currently open for our Global Conference. Here are some tips to help you decide where to spend your time and money:
Start with the content
A recruitment conference is likely to have a specific purpose, mission, or theme. Learn what that is and whether it ties into specific goals you have for your desk or firm. If it’s an event about sourcing but your job is business development, it might not be the best fit for you. Some events focus more on personal networking and relationships. Others provide a classroom training experience.
Who else is attending?
Is there a specific trainer or speaker you’d like to hear? Does the event offer appointment scheduling? Does the recruitment conference include clients or job seekers you can help? Are you likely to meet a lot of new people, or reconnect with old friends? How about the event sponsors? All these groups of people offer valuable connections.
Where is it?
Conference destinations are always interesting. We spend a lot of time thinking about destinations that are intriguing, accessible, and affordable. We survey our members and keep a close eye on where other organizations are holding events. So from a business standpoint, we try to be very tuned-in to destinations that are likely to draw a healthy number of attendees. But, there are other reasons why people attend. Sometimes it’s to visit a client or do some business prospecting. Sometimes attendees piggyback on to another event that is being held nearby. Still others have an opportunity to visit friends or family or use the conference destination as a way to build a memorable vacation.
How much does it cost?
Many attendees look at the cost of a recruitment conference before they look at any other factor. It is also important to calculate value and/or return on investment (ROI). Viewing a recruitment conference as an investment instead of an expense can help you make a better decision about attending. Professional development is an investment in your career. Some investments show their ROI in a short amount of time; others take longer. If you are able to learn one or two tips that save enough money or time to recover the cost of your attendance, you’re in great shape. Investing in your skills makes you a better recruiter and makes your business a stronger competitor.
The recruitment conference landscape is rich; you’re sure to find something that meets your needs. Make 2020 the year you invest in yourself!