Unlocking Success: Navigating Global HR Events for Consultants, Sponsors, and Delegates

Following a whirlwind year of global HR events, and some pretty amazing spectacles along the way, I have decided to pause the 10 part-series for 1 week, and do a bit of a write up on my travels, takeaways, and advice (use your own discretion) on the world of HR Communities, and HR Events.

Welcome.....to the exciting world of global HR events! Whether you're a consultant, sponsor, exhibitor or delegate, these gatherings present a wealth of opportunities to network, learn, and grow. In this episode, we'll unlock the secrets to navigating these events successfully and maximizing your return on investment (ROI). From tips and tricks for event attendance, to leveraging exposure as an HR tech vendor or influencer, we've got you covered.

Join us as we dive into the exhilarating realm of global HR events and uncover key takeaways from top industry gatherings like Recfest, Talent Acquisition Week, HR Tech, Unleash + more.

Buckle up and get ready for an insightful journey that will propel your career and event exposure and attendance forward!

The Global HR Event Landscape: A Wealth of Opportunities

The global HR event landscape is a vibrant tapestry of opportunities waiting to be explored. From industry conferences and symposiums to networking events and workshops, there's something for everyone in this dynamic field. These events bring together the brightest minds in HR from around the world, creating an environment ripe with knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation.

For consultants and advisors seeking to expand their horizons, global HR events offer a unique chance to showcase expertise and connect with potential clients; It's an opportunity to establish thought leadership by delivering impactful presentations or participating in panel discussions. By leveraging these platforms effectively, consultants can position themselves as trusted advisors and attract new business opportunities.

Sponsors play a crucial role in the success of these events. Beyond brand exposure, sponsors have the chance to align themselves with industry leaders and influencers while gaining valuable insights into emerging trends. By actively engaging with attendees through interactive booths or sponsored sessions, sponsors can maximize their ROI by generating leads and forging meaningful connections.

Delegates attending global HR events are exposed to a wealth of knowledge that can elevate their careers. Networking opportunities abound as professionals from diverse backgrounds come together under one roof, or many as the discussions roll into restaurants, bars and speakeasies! Tips for delegates include setting clear goals before attending an event, conducting research on speakers or exhibitors beforehand, and actively participating in discussions or Q&A sessions.

In addition to consultants, sponsors, and delegates; HR tech vendors also find great value in participating at these events. Showcasing innovative solutions allows vendors to engage directly with potential customers while receiving real-time feedback on product offerings. Collaborating closely with the most well regarded and influential figures within the industry can lead to strategic partnerships that further enhance market reach, lead to deeper and more meaningful connections, and ultimately increases market reach and business won.

Highlighting key international HR events provides insight into current hot topics like talent acquisition strategies, people analytics solutions, DEI maturity, or employee engagement initiatives, all being discussed globally within the Human Resources and Talent communities today. With larger players in the conference scene attracting both established players alongside startups, they are all looking to disrupt outdated practices prevalent throughout much traditional workplaces across numerous industries worldwide without fail each year, and these events give them the added exposure to how their solutions can ease the painpoints of those attending.

These events present a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, gain exposure to the latest HR technologies, services and providers, and connect with like-minded professionals from across the globe.

Maximising ROI: A Sponsor's Guide to Success

Sponsoring a global HR event can be an excellent opportunity for companies looking to expand their reach and build brand awareness. However, in order to make the most of this investment, sponsors need to approach these events strategically and with clear goals in mind. A high percentage of vendors attending and exhibiting their products do not do this, whether it's their first or 100th event.

First and foremost, it's crucial for sponsors to thoroughly research the event they are considering sponsoring. Look into the target audiences, attendee demographics, topics, gravitas of speakers and their following, and previous year's success stories - to name a few! This will ensure that your company aligns with the values and interests of the attendees.

Once you've chosen an event(s) that is a good fit for your brand, it's time to plan ahead:

• Take advantage of any pre-event marketing opportunities offered by the organizers. This could include guest blog posts, analyst/influencers promotions of the event, or social media takeovers.
• Engaging with attendees before the event even begins, generating buzz and increase anticipation around your brand.
• Actively engage with delegates through interactive experiences at the event: During the event itself, don't just sit back and let things happen passively – utilise things like booth talks with a well known advisor/analyst/influencer, collaborate with complimenting vendors to your product/services on evening cocktail drinks/dinners, put on short workshops / masterclasses during the week while everyone is in the city of the event, or showcase through immersive product demonstrations and not just slides and presentations. This will not only help create memorable experiences aligned to your brand, but also allow you to gather valuable feedback from potential customers. In addition to on-site engagement, maximize exposure by leveraging digital platforms such as social media channels, virtual reality (if you can) or live streaming sessions from your booth at the event.
• Encourage attendees to share their experiences using designated hashtags or by tagging your company, employees and others aligned to your brand directly.
• Post-event follow-up is equally important when it comes to maximizing ROI. Ensure that you have a clear and defined system/process in place for capturing leads during the event so that you can continue nurturing relationships after everyone has gone home.

By taking these proactive steps throughout sponsorship journey - from researching events carefully beforehand all way through post-event follow up - sponsors can significantly boost their return on investment while creating lasting impressions among delegates.

Remember: The key here is engagement! Make sure every aspect of your sponsorship strategy focuses on fostering meaningful connections with attendees which ultimately lead long-term business opportunities, leaves memorable impressions, and makes them think post event about your brand, product and services.

IN SHORT.....

1. Stand Out - Make sure your booth is visually appealing and stands out from the rest. Use interactive displays, interviews, live podcasts, demos, or giveaways to attract attendees.
2. Be Engaging - Don't just rely on flyers or brochures to promote your products or services. Be engaging and have meaningful conversations with attendees to showcase the value of your offerings.
3. Offer Discounts - Consider offering event-specific discounts or promotions to attract potential clients and customers while you are in front of them face-to-face.
4. Leverage Social Channels - Use social media platforms to promote your presence at the event, engage with attendees, and share updates about your booth or sessions you are leading, and have the influencer community join you on the journey, as they know the buyers markets more than anyone!
5. Ask delegates to post with you, and/or the team in the photo and let them know your names, company pages and hashtags and get them to post it there and then, and you do the same back - share the promotion of your brand with their career, and mix it up!

Delegate Insights: Tips and Tricks for Event Attendance

Attending global HR events can be an exciting, and also a nerve-racking experience, but a great opportunity to network, gain industry insights, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends. However, it's crucial for delegates to make the most of their experience by being prepared and strategic.

Here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you navigate these events successfully:

Do your homework before the event: Research the agenda, speakers, and exhibitors beforehand so that you can prioritize which sessions or booths you want to visit. This will ensure that you make the most efficient use of your time at the event. Plan your schedule if you get the chance, and have dedicated times for meetings, sessions, break out chats, rests, food and free time - most of these events have designated apps where you can arrange meetings, and network and chat prior, but if not, do your homework and research who is going and reach out.

Networking is key! Take advantage of every opportunity to connect with fellow attendees: Whether during coffee breaks or networking sessions. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations and exchange contact information. These connections can lead to valuable partnerships, career advancement opportunities or future collaborations.

Come equipped a digital business card that people can scan, or with plenty of physical business cards: We live in a digital world, and often I scan my digital business card onto people's phones, and my entire contact details card is auto-saved in one click from the other person. Physical business cards at these events are still a powerful tool for exchanging contact information quickly. Make sure your platform, or cards are professional-looking and contain updated details such as your name, job title, company name, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL etc.

I'm not one for body cues, but at events immerse yourself in conversations, remembering that body language often plays a significant role in making a positive impression on others - so look interested, and participate - especially when it's a subject you are passionate about that's being discussed. Stand tall, be proud and engage in conversations; maintain eye contact; listen actively; ask thoughtful questions; show genuine interest in what others have to say - all these elements contribute towards building strong connections.

Network Effectively and be smart with your time: Take advantage of the networking opportunities offered at these events, break-out areas, side conversations, booth talks, smaller intimate sessions and fireside chats etc. Be prepared with your elevator pitch, and a genuine interest in learning about others.

Attend relevant sessions, or sessions you are truly passionate about learning more on: Choose sessions that align with your role, your experience, your interests or areas you want to learn more about. This will maximize your time and ensure you gain valuable insights from the event that you can take away and use, implement or speak about internally in your organisation.

Follow up, follow up, follow up: Like the sponsor and exhibitors, after the event, follow-up with every single one of the connections you made. This can lead to potential collaborations, opportunities to learn more, partnerships or even business in the future.

The power of social media should not be underestimated at global HR events: Utilize platforms like Tiktok, X (Twitter), Meta, Instagram or LinkedIn during live sessions by posting interesting quotes or sharing key takeaways. Encourage engagement from other attendees by using relevant event hashtags. In doing so, you'll not only enhance your online visibility, and build personal brand but also foster meaningful discussions among participants.

Lastly,don't forget about self-care! With long days filled with workshops, presentations, hands-on activities, forums, and networking, it's important to recharge yourself throughout the day. Stay hydrated, take short breaks, grab a snacks, or find a quiet corner to collect your thoughts. NOt everyone who attends these events are hugely extroverted, so make sure you play within your own boundaries, and take care of yourself.

HR Tech Vendors and Influencers: Leveraging Exposure and Engagement

In the ever-evolving world of HR, technology plays a crucial role. That's why HR Tech vendors have become an integral part of global events, offering innovative solutions to address the industry's most imminent challenges. These vendors not only showcase their products but also provide insights into emerging trends and best practices. By participating in HR events as a vendor, you can leverage exposure and engagement with your target audience. The key is to create a compelling presence that captures attention amidst the crowd; Utilize VR, AI, interactive displays, demonstrations, and workshops to showcase how your tech solution can revolutionize HR processes.

Alongside HR Tech vendors are influencers, who hold sway over decision-makers in the industry, often bridging the gap between buyers and vendors. Personally, I have and still do, sit on both sides; I am a practitioner, who now advises and influences buying decisions for corporates, but who also partners with vendors to showcase how they genuinely solve workforce problems.

Collaborating with these influential individuals can significantly boost your brand visibility at global events: Consider partnering with them for speaking engagements or panel discussions to position yourself as an authority on relevant topics. Engagement is crucial at these events - be proactive about networking opportunities by connecting with delegates, consultants, sponsors, and other vendors alike.

Leverage social media platforms to share event highlights in real-time using event-specific hashtags while engaging with attendees online. Remember that attending these events is more than just showcasing your product; it's about building relationships within the community.

Seek feedback from delegates on pain points they face in their day-to-day operations - this valuable insight will help you refine your offerings based on actual user needs, or develop in directions you maybe hadn't thought of.

By staying updated on current trends through influencer collaborations and meaningful conversations at global HR events, you'll gain a competitive edge in understanding market demands while fostering brand loyalty among potential clients. Stay tuned for our next blog section where we highlight some key upcoming Global HR Events!

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Highlighting Key Events: Recfest, Unleash, and More

As we continue to explore the world of global HR events, here are some upcoming conferences and exhibitions that you won't want to miss - to name a few (in no particular order).....

• RecFest UK : This annual event in London, and as of this year, Nashville, USA, brings together recruitment professionals from around the globe to discuss the latest trends, technologies, and strategies in talent acquisition in a festival format. My personal opinion is that this breaks the usual event mould, and for any market, brings an enthusiasm that I've never seen before - well done to the founders Jamie Leonard & Bobby Leonard on this, as it has shaken up the event market!With over 50 speakers and 1,000 attendees, this event offers a great opportunity for networking and learning from industry leaders.
• UNLEASH : This event continues to be one of the largest HR events in the world, bringing together HR leaders, influencers, and technology providers to discuss The Future of Work. It was the speakers from this event that influenced my last newsletter series on The Future of Work! Thanks Marc Coleman for gathering a great speaker line-up.With conferences in Paris (Unleash World), and Las Vegas (Unleash USA), this event offers a global perspective on the latest trends in HR. Attendees can expect keynote speeches, workshops, forums, and an abundance of networking opportunities.
• HR Tech : This event takes place in Las Vegas and is going on around us, right now. This event is one of the largest of its kind, and focuses on the latest technologies and innovations in HR. With over 10,000 attendees and 450 exhibitors, this event offers a vast array of learning and networking opportunities. Jeanne Achille
• Talent Acquisition Week : This event in San Francisco brings together talent acquisition professionals to discuss the latest strategies, trends, analysis and technologies in recruiting. With over 1,200 attendees and 80 speakers, this event offers a comprehensive look at the future of recruiting, through multiple lenses.
• ERE Recruiting Conference #ERERC : The ERE Conference is a must-attend event for talent acquisition and recruitment professionals. With a focus on recruitment strategies, employer branding / recruitment marketing, and TA technology, this event offers valuable insights, actionable insights, takeaways and networking opportunities.
• Gartner Reimagine HR Conference: These conferences in London, Orlando, Florida and Sydney, Australia, brings together HR leaders to discuss the latest trends and strategies for building a future-ready workforce. Attendees can expect keynotes from industry experts, forums running across all topics in Workforce, Data, HR and Talent and attend workshops, masterclasses, fireside chats + networking opportunities.
• HR Transform : This event in Las Vegas is designed for HR leaders looking to transform their organizations. With a focus on technology, culture, and leadership, this event offers valuable insights and networking opportunities to drive innovation in HR.
• LinkedIn Talent Connect: This event has literally just ended, and the feedback from it was exemplary! Centred this year around the topic of AI in Talent (no surprises there!), this event brings together talent acquisition professionals to discuss the latest trends and strategies for engaging, attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent. Attendees can expect keynote speeches, workshops, and plenty of networking opportunities.
• Association for Talent Development (ATD) : The Association for Talent Development hosts a conference and expo in the US every year, bringing together HR professionals from around the world to discuss the latest trends, strategies, and technologies in talent development. With over 10,000 attendees and 400 exhibitors, this event offers a vast array of learning and development opportunities.

• SHRM Annual Conference and Expo: SHRM throw a plethora of events each year, far exceeding most event hosts in terms of volume. The annual flagship event is the largest gathering of HR professionals in the world, with over 15,000 attendees and 700 exhibitors. With a focus on the latest trends and innovations in HR, this event offers unparalleled networking and learning opportunities through SHRMs academy and online learnign capabilities.

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• ATC - Talent Acquisition Events & Media (Australasian Talent Conference): This event in Australia, which is only a month away (Nov 22nd & 23rd) brings together HR and Talent Acquisition professionals at the iconic Luna Park, Sydney, to discuss the latest trends and strategies in Recruitment, Talent, HR, Learning & Development + many more topics. Attendees can expect keynote speeches, workshops, and insights with industry leaders and experts, while having the fun side of a harbour view theme park to let your hair down - NOT TO BE MISSED! Thanks Jo Vohland & Trevor Vas

In addition to these events, there are many other local, national, regional and industry-specific HR conferences and events that are worth checking out. These include events such as the HR Summit and Expo in Dubai, HRD Summit in the UK, and the HR Leaders Summit in Canada. Attending these events can provide valuable insights, learning opportunities, and networking connections for HR professionals looking to stay ahead in their field. Consider attending one or more of these events to gain a competitive edge and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the HR industry.

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Conclusion

?Attending HR conferences and events is a great way for HR professionals to stay updated on the latest trends, strategies, and technologies in their field. These events offer valuable learning opportunities, networking connections, and insights from industry leaders and experts. Consider attending one or more of these events to gain a competitive edge and stay ahead in your career. By doing so, you will be equipped with the knowledge and resources to further your professional development and remain at the forefront of HR innovation.

For event partnerships and vendor packages to help boost your Event ROI by over 5000% (2022 proven data), to have us speak, host or emcee at an event, assist with deal acceleration workshops & masterclasses pre-during-post events, or any other services that will help you maximise your event attendance, reach out to Kris Clelland at Clellands & Co Pty Ltd or visit our website HERE!