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.
 

Recruitfest 2009

We are off to one turbulent start to Recruitfest '09. The Atlanta flood has wreaked havoc and turmoil over the city. As I wait in the Atlanta airport for my flight, my thoughts turn to those who have been affected by the flood.

If you would like to assist flood victims by volunteering or with a much needed donation, please contact the American Red Cross at 404-876-3706 or go online to http://atlantaredcross.org.

I'll be in Toronto soon enough. Some people are trying to rebuild their lives right now.

Will @ewmonster Attend Recruitfest?

While at the ERE Fall Expo, I had the opportunity to spend more time with Eric Winegardner, also known as @ewmonster. Eric is an active networker to say the least.

I heard a rumor that Eric was also attending Recruitfest so I went to the source. Scott Wilde also helps me with this inquiry.

Off camera, we discussed the importance of attending conferences. You gain awareness into our industry that you simply cannot learn at your desk. The in-person networking has unlimited ROI.

There's still time, so Eric and I hope to see you at Recruitfest.