This week, I had the pleasure of attending ERE Fall Expo 2009. This conference focuses on recruiting and talent management. And who among us isn’t involved in some aspect of talent management?
A huge thanks to David Manaster and Scott Baxt from ERE, along with all of the volunteers, for such a wonderful event. It was my first visit but, hopefully, it won’t be my last. Just in case you missed the fun … here are some highlights:
Session Soundbite
Kevin Wheeler delivered an informative and timely message to a standing room only crowd at his session “What Will 2010 Bring?” While some of the trends weren’t a surprise – like business growth in China and the emergence of sustainability – it was the way Kevin framed the global dynamic that really was significant. We just can’t look at a single trend and draw conclusions. It’s important to process all of the trends to make sure we’re taking everything into consideration. The takeaway from his session? “Simple is good.”
Expo Highlight
I really enjoyed spending time at the Career Life Connection booth. Career Life Connection was not only an exhibitor but one of the conference sponsors.
Leanne Chase, president of Career Life Connection, shared with me a special offer for ERE Expo attendees and said that I could share it with you. Just fill out their employer form and get a 3-month board listing. Be sure to check it out along with their blog. Lots of great info about workplace flexibility and balance.
Swag of the Day
Not a lot of swag at this event. I’m not complaining…it is what it is. But I did snag some microwave popcorn from JobTarget One Click for Mr. Bartender.
And, Black & White Advertising had a very catchy piece of marketing collateral called “Recipes for Success!” It not only talked about their services but included actual recipes. Good reminder that well packaged marketing collateral gets read.
Foodie Spotlight
The conference was local for me so I didn’t really try out any restaurants, but I do want to give a shout out to The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa. It’s a stunning facility with excellent service. And while I think we’ll all agree that conferences aren’t known for their food…the networking lunches and receptions in the expo were pretty darn good.
You Made My Day Award
Kudos to the ERE Foundation and RecruitingBlogs.com for hosting creative after hours activities. Texas Hold’em and wine tasting are far more interactive than the boring old silent auctions that other conferences have settled into. Even if you don’t play cards or drink wine…it’s a way to get people together for networking, which is one of the reasons people attend conferences in the first place.
Duh! Moment
It’s time for conference organizers to realize that social networking is a key component of the conference experience. Attendees want to tweet, post photos and videos and share their experiences – while the event is taking place. I’ve been to three conferences in the past four months. ERE had the best WiFi accessibility of all . . . but it still needed to be much better.
My suggestion is that meeting planners start paying major attention to this or it will become a huge dissatisfier for attendees, exhibitors, speakers, etc.
All in all, the networking was awesome for me. I saw old friends like Jennifer McClure, Laurie Ruettimann, Mary Ellen Slayter, and Mike VanDervort. And connected face-to-face with friends like Jason Buss, Jenny DeVaughn, Robin Eads, Stephanie Lloyd, Miriam Salpeter, and Sarah White (plus a whole bunch more!)
ERE Expo was a winner on so many levels…I’d definitely suggest considering this gem as you plan your professional development budget. They hold two conferences each year – Spring on the West Coast and Fall on the East Coast to accommodate everyone. Look forward to seeing you there next year!
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Jenny DeVaughn says
Sharlyn, I love the topics you covered in this post. Congrats to the organizers, speakers, sponsors, attendees and staff of the Westin Diplomat that helped make the ERE Fall Expo a memorable event!
hr bartender says
Jenny – it was a pleasure getting to chat with you at the conference! Being able to put faces with avatars is priceless.
Jennifer McClure says
Great recap Sharlyn and it’s always a pleasure to have the opportunity to chat with and learn from you! You make a great point here about the need for conference organizers to consider choosing locations that are “social media accessible”. Not only does it enhance the experience for those attending (to be able to share content as well as connect with others who are sharing content) but it also helps to engage the external audience who will both learn and be encouraged to attend in person the next time. I know I watched the ERE Expo live stream last year (thanks ERE for providing this unique opportunity) and it made me vow to attend in person this year. I’m so glad I was able to do that, because the experience of meeting so many awesome people in person made it well worth the trip!
Jason Davis says
Thanks for mentioning the wine drinking event. It was fun and you are right in that it it is a great way to network and meet new people and just have a good time. We will keep doing it.
Sarah White @sarahw79 says
It was so great meeting you as well! I love seeing the people around and in full size! I agree – the networking portion of this show is amazing.
hr bartender says
Jennifer – Good point about live stream. I think it needs to be included somewhere in the agenda. Great seeing you!
Jason – You’re welcome. It was great meeting you.
Sarah – Really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about your blog and business. You’re right – being able to see folks live and in person makes all the difference.
Chernee Vitello says
Jennifer –
Thanks for your perspective on the conference, sounds like it was awesome and I am sorry that I missed it but enjoyed tuning in from live stream throughout the days. Looking forward to following your posts and tweets.
Best –
Chernee Vitello