Professional recruitment conferences offer a host of benefits to attendees and are an important opportunity for training and development. We’re getting into the thick of our conference planning for 2024, and here are some of the main reasons members cite as reasons for attending in-person events.
Networking—Year after year, networking ranks as one of the top, if not the main, reasons for attending professional recruitment conferences. This can come from meeting other like-minded professionals in your practice area. It can mean meeting speakers or service providers and bringing those resources into your office for your whole team. It can mean getting to know the staff of the hosting organization and how that can lead to future business opportunities. We’ve seen speakers gain new business by talking with sponsors about other events. We’ve seen service providers create business opportunities among each other. And we’ve seen personal and professional relationships that have blossomed into lifelong friendships as well.
Training, Development and Education—It’s no secret that the educational offerings are also a huge reason to attend professional recruitment conferences. Conference-goers are often able to receive training and education at a fraction of what it would cost to bring those same speakers into your office (virtually or in-person). In some cases, the entire cost of the conference is less than what a single trainer would charge for a single session. On top of that, you’ll often find speakers are generous with their materials in addition to their knowledge, so you’ll benefit from take-home goodies that you can share with your teammates. Still others offer fantastic “show special” offers on books, media, and additional resources. And it’s a calendar-friendly way to get a lot of professional development in a single setting.
Volunteer and Leadership Opportunities—Whether your event is hosted by a formal or informal organization, there are bound to be opportunities to volunteer and provide leadership. Depending on your skills, interests, and expertise, you could help host the event, provide speaking/training, get involved in governance, mentor a newbie, or so many other things. I can’t think of an organization that doesn’t need or want volunteer support. People volunteer for many reasons: to give back, to encourage civic responsibility, to learn new skills or promote personal growth. Professional recruitment conferences offer volunteer roles that match purpose with passion.
Travel—If you like to travel, especially with like-minded people (and friends!), attending conferences can help you do that. Tax laws may allow you to write off a portion of your travel expenses. Adding a few extra days can give you time to enjoy the leisure aspects of a conference destination. We’re holding events this year in Salt Lake City (USA), Marbella (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), and Melbourne (Australia) that offer everything from stunning outdoor scenery to arts & culture, dining, and more. Some of our events include optional tours to foster even more networking and friendship. This is a wonderful way to experience a new culture while also expanding business relationships.
Discover New Tools—Whether seeing a demo, talking with a service provider, attending a workshop, or just talking with other attendees, you’re bound to discover new tools, or new ways of using existing tools. In 2024, expect AI and AI tools to be a big focus at recruitment events. Business development is having a moment, and there are many new tools promising to make this easier and more effective. You may learn about a new ATS, a new way to check references, or a new service for handling payroll.
Recharge Your Batteries—There is something unique and special about the energy generated by a room full of like-minded, successful professionals. This can give you a much-needed boost to tackle a new challenge, celebrate good things in your business, or get back on track if your desk is lagging. Whether you’re coming off a great year, an average year, or a year you’d like to forget, you are sure to come away from any professional recruitment event energized and ready to work.