According to the American Staffing Association, over 14 million people a year are hired as contract or temporary workers in industries of all sorts. And most of those people work through staffing agencies. The staffing industry continues to grow with over 17,000 agencies representing millions of workers.
In such a competitive field, it is critical for staffing agencies to keep on top of what is going on in the industry. That way they can make moves to stay on top of their niches within their market. Fortunately, there are many events throughout the year for staffing agency owners and managers. Let's look at a few of the top events.
Executive Forum
Every year the Staffing Industry Analysts organization sponsors their Executive Forum. This forum brings together leaders from staffing agencies all around the country. These leaders can share their successes (and failures). It offers the chance to look at and try out new technologies while gaining ideas on how to grow. For 2016, the Forum is being held at the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona from February 22 to 25.
Healthcare Staffing Summit
The Staffing Industry Analysts also sponsor the annual Healthcare Staffing Summit. This summit offers health staffing agency professionals the opportunity to network and gain new knowledge in the process. Some highlights from the 2015 Summit include round table discussions on topics as diverse as selling in-home health care and how electronic records impact the staffing world. Ongoing seminars were available on a number of relevant topics. For 2016, the Summit will be meeting in Washington D.C. from November 8 to 10.
Workforce Solutions Connect
The Analysts sponsor a third event that should be of interest to the staffing industry. It is the Workforce Solutions Connect, being held at the Red Rock Resort Casino & Spa in Las Vegas from September 19 to 22, 2016. This event is split up into three parts, each with their own focus.
The first two days (September 19 and 20) are devoted to the CWS Summit North America. This is the premier event for HR and Procurement professionals to learn more about the future of contingent labor. Attendees often come from both the staffing side as well as the corporate HR side.
The last two days (September 21 and 22) offer attendees the option to go to either the Collaboration in a Gig Economy event or the Certified Contingent Workforce Professional certification course. The Collaboration offers attendees the opportunity to learn about strategies, best practices, and case studies on making the most out of the ever-changing workforce in today's economy. The CCWP certification offers accreditation to anyone involved with contingent staffing needs. It shows a commitment to the industry and to professionalism.
NAPS 2016 Conference
The National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) is holding its 2016 conference at the Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 19 to 21. This conference is a premier education opportunity for anyone in the staffing industry. Networking and education are the centerpieces of this national gathering.
These are just a few of the events that staffing professionals can attend in the coming year. While national events are important for education and networking opportunities, there are regional and local events which offer the same opportunities, albeit on a smaller scale. Keep an eye out for opportunities closer to home.
If you are in the staffing industry, take the time to attend one of these events. It will offer you the chance to stay up to date on industry trends and to network with other professionals in the industry. You can gain ideas on how to grow your agency in the coming year.
