Recruitfest - Memories from a year gone by...

It's hard for me to believe that it was nearly a near ago when I took my first trip to Toronto to present at the inaugural Recruitfest event.

Upon my return I recall posting about my experience. It's only that it really is hitting me just how important this event was. I attend lots of events and speak at many as well. Recruitfest was different. The show was not large in size so it wasn't that there were thousands of people there, it was the quality of the people and the quaility time with them to build relationships. Yes, I was able to generate business at the show which turned into revenue but more importantly I learned some things that will pay dividends for many years to come.

One of the nice things was the blend of people there, thought leaders, bloggers, sources, agency recruiters, consultants, and more. I would mention names here and specifics but there are just too many and I would be certain to leave someone out. Outside of the sessions and all the work stuff I also have to mention that this was one of the most fun events I have ever attended, The poker tourney was a blast even though I did not win, the drum circle as amazing, the food at the evening party was some of the best you will find anywhere, and the RBC band jam session in the basement was just out of this world.

Anytime I get to rub elbows with the likes of Gerry Crispin, Jason Davis, Dave Mendoza, Jerry Albright, Maren Hogan, Rayanne Thorn, The Animal, David Perry, Susan Burns, John Sumser, Brendan Sheilds, Amy Renz, Susan Kang, and Adam Peterson, Jim Stroud, Maha Akiki, Claudia Faust, and Julia Stone (just to name a few :) in the same room is a very good day!

Craig

Comment by Fred Greenberg on August 24, 2009 at 5:12pm: Hey Craig, i will be there and we get to party together in my neck of the woods.

Comment by Slouch on August 24, 2009 at 5:36pm: Hey Craig, you don;t think that because you write such a great post about RecruitFest that I forgive you for not being able to make it this year do you?

Comment by Recruiting Animal on August 24, 2009 at 10:10pm: I enjoyed meeting the Craig for five minutes and regret that I didn't get into his session. I heard it was very good

Comment by Gerry Crispin on August 25, 2009 at 11:45am: It is all about the conversation. Multiple conversations. Gotta be present to have one.

Comment by M A on August 25, 2009 at 11:06pm: Craig, if you don't make it to Recruitfest 09, you'll be holding yourself back from something better :)
We will miss you. We'll think about forgiving you.

Comment by Craig Silverman on August 26, 2009 at 1:03pm: First, yes it is true that I will not be able to be there this time. Very sorry about it and certain I will be missing out. Unfortunately I can only be out of the office so much and get all my work done, I just got back from a family vacation in Alaska and then week before Recruitfest I will be presenting the Opening Keynote at the Annual NAPS Conference in Las Vegas. Second, Gerry is right, it is all about the conversation. I recall sitting next to Gerry at the dinner the night before the opening event and as with each time I have had the opportunity to spend quality time with him I learn and get new ideas. I'll be there is spirit. Maybe you can have a Mac in the room and I can watch via iChat...Any streaming live feeds planned?