Why Recruitfest...Why Now?

Recruitfest is the brainwork of Jason Davis and, well, we’ve all seen what he can do! Its easy enough to say that if you like what you find on RecruitingBlogs.com then why wouldn’t you enjoy seeing it come to life at Recruitfest. BUT its much more than that. Jason is a quiet visionary. He subtly observes, plays, seeks and then shapes a new path that has far-reaching benefits for many, many people. He also courageously pushes the boundaries – which other conferences have you considered that will have a drumming circle! BUT its much more than that.

Recruitfest is an UnConference – that means that you are the Conference! Each session is an hour long. You can anticipate that the first 15 minutes of each discussion topic will be the facilitator presenting some mix of content relating to concept, learning, visionioning or implementing that will set the framework for an interactive discussion. The next 45 minutes are guided by the thoughts, ideas, and experiences of you and the other Recruitfest goers and facilitated by the presenter. You’ll be able to dig your hands in and help shape the topic – community in action!

Why Recruitfest – because you have something to say and your voice will help define the direction of the talent space. Regardless of how much you want to contribute you’ll make an impact, learn from the community and further your knowledge to add more value to your business.

Why Now? – Why not now! Seriously, for $225 – oh, and 50 cents, you’ll join together with a community of other curious individuals collaborating on the future of our field – and have a hec of a lot of fun drumming and raising money for charity at the same time!

So take a look at the agenda, reach out to Jason, or the presenters, to get more info on topics that interest you, REGISTER and make your plane & hotel reservations to join us in Toronto and be part of RecruitingBlogs.com history in action! Afterall, look where Burning Man is today!

Want more insight into what’s on my mind for Recruitfest – here’s some information on my topic:

Ideation: Talent 2020 - entertaining ideas about the possibility and future for Talent Attraction, Acquisition and Management strategies.

What does the future hold for Talent Attraction and Acquisition strategies? Given a shifting global business landscape, the need for increased agility, continued scarcity of select talent, generational differences, increased complexity and market noise, dysfunctional talent-centric technology.......what transformative actions can be envisioned, explored and implemented to shift the tides and move aggressively towards a new age in recruitment excellence.
We'll explore possibilities for the future of many aspects of an outstanding Talent Strategy:

> Employment branding and the evolving roles of community and social media
> Technology as an enabler
> Reimagining the boundaries of a defined workforce
> Internal networks and communities of practice
> Talent planning and preparing your organization for the future
> Metrics aligned with business strategy, and
> Furthering alliances between corporate and third-party recruiters.

We’ll dive into a conversation and take these as far as you want to go….and, probably come up with a lot more as well!

Want to learn more about the history of the UnConference format? Start HERE. And, don’t forget the original UnConference in the Talent space and Jeff Hunter’s work to push the boundaries - the Talent UnConference.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Susan Kang Nam on August 8, 2008 at 1:27am

Great post on Recruitfest Susan.... obviously so much admiration goes for you and everyone who will be attending and leading the event... starting with Jason's leadership and his visionary efforts to bring a recruiting "community" together. Look forward to seeing you and rest of RBC crew.. What can I say? I am excited.. and at the same time.. curious about what I can do to "give back"... as this site has been extremely valuable to me so far... not just as resources provided by everyone.. but also the support network.. it's been tremendous. And as someone coming from completely "new" to the industry.. after so many years of absence.. to attend recruitfest will be quite special.. My first ever HR related conference. I was a SHRM, NEHRA member back in 2000.. but didn't get a chance to attend... and my last conference I presented and attended was Society of Behavioral Medicine which is completely unrelated I know :) So, what am I interested from your list

- Employment branding and the evolving roles of community and social media - yes~
- Technology as an enabler - definitely yes (esp. new web 2.0 and more)
- Reimagining the boundaries of a defined workforce - hmm very interesting how?
- Internal networks and communities of practice - yup!
- Talent planning and preparing your organization for the future - very interested
- Metrics aligned with business strategy, and --- always helpful (to "show" your value & worth to org)
- Furthering alliances between corporate and third-party recruiters. (definitely.. and possible transformation? best practices?)

High expectations! Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Susan Burns on August 8, 2008 at 12:06pm

Thanks for your thoughts Susan - I'm so glad you'll be joining us all in Toronto! Check out what Innocentive is doing........one part to reimagining the boundaries of a defined workforce.

btw - looks like the 19th in Boston will work and I'll email you some possible times. Cheers to Recruitfest!

Susan Kang Nam said:

Great post on Recruitfest Susan.... obviously so much admiration goes for you and everyone who will be attending and leading the event... starting with Jason's leadership and his visionary efforts to bring a recruiting "community" together. Look forward to seeing you and rest of RBC crew.. What can I say? I am excited.. and at the same time.. curious about what I can do to "give back"... as this site has been extremely valuable to me so far... not just as resources provided by everyone.. but also the support network.. it's been tremendous. And as someone coming from completely "new" to the industry.. after so many years of absence.. to attend recruitfest will be quite special.. My first ever HR related conference. I was a SHRM, NEHRA member back in 2000.. but didn't get a chance to attend... and my last conference I presented and attended was Society of Behavioral Medicine which is completely unrelated I know :) So, what am I interested from your list

- Employment branding and the evolving roles of community and social media - yes~
- Technology as an enabler - definitely yes (esp. new web 2.0 and more)
- Reimagining the boundaries of a defined workforce - hmm very interesting how?
- Internal networks and communities of practice - yup!
- Talent planning and preparing your organization for the future - very interested
- Metrics aligned with business strategy, and --- always helpful (to "show" your value & worth to org)
- Furthering alliances between corporate and third-party recruiters. (definitely.. and possible transformation? best practices?)

High expectations! Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Susan Burns on August 8, 2008 at 12:09pm

From what I hear about Toronto the city is ready for just about anything! A little blurb on Toronto from Richard Florida - Whose Your City and Rise of the Creative Class

May need some poker tips from you Rayanne and we really need to find out if JD found the snake yet!!

Rayanne said:

This is going to be the best recruiting event of the year. No holds bared discussions, one on one time with the best of the best, and..., AND there's poker. Hold on to your seats, boys...I just found my poker visor and the El Beso cigars have been rolled and are ready. And because it is fo a good cause, I won't feel guilty... woo-hoo! I LOVE being a recruiter!

Hey, I just thought about something..., We are all ready for Toronto but is Toronto ready for us??

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Permalink Reply by Susan Kang Nam on August 8, 2008 at 7:35pm

I truly hope Toronto is ready for us.. ;)

Rayanne said:

This is going to be the best recruiting event of the year. No holds bared discussions, one on one time with the best of the best, and..., AND there's poker. Hold on to your seats, boys...I just found my poker visor and the El Beso cigars have been rolled and are ready. And because it is fo a good cause, I won't feel guilty... woo-hoo! I LOVE being a recruiter!

Hey, I just thought about something..., We are all ready for Toronto but is Toronto ready for us??

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Permalink Reply by Susan Kang Nam on August 18, 2008 at 5:33pm

Can't wait.. and will get back to you with my 3 ~~ thanks for Recruitfest~

Susan KN

Slouch said:

Thanks Susan. So far there are about 25 people coming. I can have a total of 80 and next week I'll start promoting it to the Toronto recruiting community. I'm really excited about it. It' going to be amazing day if I do say so myself.