Top 4 Hits and 1 Big Miss at Recruitfest '09

Trinity College in TorontoThere were many unexpected highlights and one glaring miss at Recruitfest, the recruiting un-conference event of the year at Trinity College in Toronto, Canada. 

Thank you to the selfless efforts of Geoff Webb, Maha Akiki, Maren Hogan, Jason Davis, Miles Jennings and the other partners of Recruiting Blogs for a wonderful time. I was humbled by the honor of leading a social media discussion.

Here are my top 4 hits:
1.  Weak explanations are not welcome at an UN-conference. When you are speaking in a circle with your peers, industry leaders, new friends and skeptics, it is impossible to turn spam into filet mignon.

2.  Girl power! I loved continuing the conversation into the wee morning hours with my hotel roommates: Chris Havrilla, Jessica Miller-Merrell and Kelly Mitton. I was also inspired by @PunkRockHR @SarahW79 @BizWerkerJulia @cvitello @karla_porter @amyrenz @pennycurtis @caliancareers @sourcesaid @sapphireca @scalawag72 @kirstistubbs @qc_lady @jillelswick @ray_anne @RecruitCare and more.

3.  Eric Winegartner enhances the experience of every conference attendee. From the second Eric arrives, he succeeds at making everyone feel welcome. He gives generously without any expectation in return. Conferences should wise up and give him full VIP treatment to attend their event.

4.  A tweetup at Slouch Central is second to none. Top chef + gourmet food + full service bar + amazing guests + musical theatre + DJ Jerry Albright  + valuable career advice + the best hosts = a party that never seems to end.

There was one blunder. My colleague, @StephanieALloyd, wasn’t able to make it. You can find out why she didn’t attend Recruitfest here. We all missed out on her healthy dose of candor served with a smile.

For those who attended or followed the tweets, you can view my Recruitfest video at http://RecruitingBlogs.com.
 

Comments

[Michael Long (The Red Recruiter)]

Jenny,

Great to finally meet you in Toronto!

Your #1 hit listed above is an excellent point! There is a different sense of accountability in an Un-Conference setting than what I've found in other regular conferences... good stuff!

Of course... 2, 3 and 4 are great points too!

See you soon!

Michael

[Maha Akiki]

Jenny, it was AWESOME (I've been hanging around with @radicalrecruit way too much) meeting you. Thank you for coming to Recruitfest and leading an awesome (again!) discussion around social media.

[Jenny DeVaughn]

Michael and Maha:
Recruitfest wouldn't have been the same without you. Loved being able to have a conversation with you both, in person.