Step Ahead or Stay Behind: Sourcing Conferences!

When I first stepped into the bustling, energetic halls of my inaugural sourcing conference (2019!!!), I had little idea how profoundly it would alter the course of my career. Like many in the talent sourcing field, I was eager to expand my knowledge and skills, but what I encountered was something far more transformative—a new horizon in my professional journey.

Each session, each casual conversation by the coffee stands, and each serendipitous encounter opened doors to insights and strategies that were once beyond my reach. More significantly, the people I met went from being digital avatars and LinkedIn connections to invaluable mentors, collaborators, and friends. These weren't just networks; they were relationships forged in the shared excitement of learning and the mutual pursuit of excellence.

The impact of these conferences on my career has been indelible (going from attendee to being a speaker myself). These conferences have not only equipped me with cutting-edge techniques and tools but have also instilled a profound sense of community and shared purpose. Each conference is a reminder that we are part of a vibrant, evolving field where every handshake and exchanged business card can lead to new adventures and opportunities. As I share the reasons to attend such transformative events, know that they come from personal experiences—ones that have enriched my professional life and broadened my horizons far beyond what I had imagined.

Here are my TOP 10 Resaons why a Sourcing Conference will upgrade your career:

1. Networking Opportunities: Attending a sourcing conference is invaluable for building professional connections. You'll meet a wide range of industry professionals—from newcomers to seasoned experts—all in one place. These connections can lead to future collaborations, job opportunities, or simply gaining new insights into the industry. Networking at these events often results in long-term professional relationships that are beneficial both personally and professionally. I made the best friends at these conferences (love goes out to Vanessa Raath and Gabi Preston Phypers).

2. Learning Latest Trends and Techniques: The world of talent sourcing is continuously evolving. Conferences provide a platform to learn about the newest trends directly from leading experts and practitioners. These trends could include innovative recruiting technologies, new sourcing methodologies, or changes in the labor market. Staying updated through these conferences ensures that your sourcing strategies remain effective and competitive. My best outreach template?- guess what... I learned about it at SoSu 2019!!!

3. Access to Expert Knowledge: Conferences feature a lineup of speakers who are thought leaders in the sourcing field. They offer valuable insights based on their experiences and research. Attending these sessions can provide you with advanced knowledge and new perspectives that can transform your approach to sourcing, making you more effective in your role. All of the speakers are extremly helpful and open to share and exchange ideas. It's your chance to talk to them personally and get real-life insights.

4. Discovering New Tools and Technologies: Technology is a critical aspect of modern talent sourcing. Conferences often feature tech expos or demonstrations from vendors offering the latest in sourcing software and tools. These opportunities are perfect for discovering innovations that could enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in sourcing tasks. First time, I saw an AI clone for recruiting was at the last Sourcing Summit. It blew my brain away.

5. Career Development: Enhancing your skills and knowledge through conferences shows a commitment to your professional growth. This not only benefits your current role but also boosts your resume. Continuing education through such platforms is often viewed favorably by employers and can open doors to advancement opportunities in your career. From my last conferences alone (SourceCon and Sourcing Summit) I could win some major projects from my business.

6. Inspiration and Motivation: Listening to success stories and innovative case studies at conferences can rekindle your passion for your work. These stories provide new ideas and approaches that you might not have considered, driving you to experiment and innovate in your own sourcing practices. For me, a highlight often is to put 2 (or more) brains together and just nerd around.

7. Strengthening Online Connections in Real Life: Attending sourcing conferences provides a unique opportunity to meet your LinkedIn connections in person. These face-to-face interactions can significantly strengthen relationships that were initially formed online. Meeting someone in person allows for more engaging and meaningful conversations, which can lead to deeper professional connections. This can enhance trust and collaboration among peers, potentially leading to partnerships or joint ventures. Furthermore, these real-life meetings can transform a simple online network into a robust community of industry professionals who can offer support, share insights, and drive each other’s professional growth. Such interactions enrich your networking experience, making your online connections more valuable and impactful.

8. Community Building: By attending conferences, you become part of a larger community of professionals who are facing similar challenges and striving for similar goals. This community can be a great support system for sharing best practices, solutions to common problems, and providing encouragement during challenging times. I know it sounds cheesy but I always feel so welcomed and at home when I am amongst talent sourcers. I guess, talent sourcers are just passionate about inclusiveness.

9. Recruitment Opportunities: Conferences serve as a prime venue for both finding new job opportunities and for recruiting top talent. They attract professionals actively seeking new positions and those who are top performers in their current roles, providing a unique pool of talented individuals.

10. Return on Investment: Implementing just one new strategy or tool from a conference can significantly improve your sourcing outcomes. These improvements can lead to higher quality hires, faster filling of positions, and ultimately, a stronger contribution to your organization's success, justifying the investment made in attending these events. If you think about what you spend and what you get in return, it's a no-brainer!

What's up next?

Hurry up, there's a few tickets left: If you want to attend the famous Sourcing Summit format, you can do so in May (15th-16th) in Cologne, Germany- https://sourcingsummit.net/sosude/

Or if you happen to be in sunny Greece; you can join me at the Talent Acquisition Conference there: https://www.talentacquisitionconference.gr/

And if you still didn't get enough of sourcing conferences you can see me in my hometown Munich at TalentPro in June: https://talentpro.de/people/sandra-feldmann/ or at the Embrace Festival in Berlin: https://embrace.family/festival/

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Hi, I am Sandra, founder of?itsatalent.business ???.?I'm always here to chat about all things talent sourcing & attraction, employer branding, and the future of recruitment. If you have questions, insights to share, or just want to connect, drop me a line. Let's continue this conversation!

?? If you like my tips & hacks, have a look at my book <TALENT TITANS>

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