Two conferences and VERY DIFFERENT. In both industries I am working on positions and visit RSWRECRUITINGSOLUTIONS.COM to see the profiles.
After a summer off from attending conferences and blogging it was fun to attend two very different conferences and share my insights. While both had inspirational speakers and technical sessions they were different industries, type of attendance and approaches.
Both conferences are old established markets, technologies and products including rubber, iron and steel, metals, minerals and ceramics focused on bringing forward innovative technologies and people needs. All industries my recruiting company supports.
Here are some of the insights I gathered:
Both conferences were well attended with a much different mix and focus. The International Elastomer conference seemed to have a traditional attendance and may have reached close to 5000 like prior Cleveland conferences. Many new products and innovative technologies were being discussed at the booths and in the technical programs. Many of the exhibitors had evening entertainment and events for their customers including trying to include the local Indians and Yankee playoff game. I went home to a disappointing elimination of our Indians. Go TRIBE 2018.
The attendance at MS&T was close to 3000 attendees but a MUCH younger mix. My observation was well over 25% of the attendees were recent college grads, present college students and younger in age. The buses from high schools were lined up outside to attend the “Materials Camp”. Many college students supported the Camp, participated in the “Domesday” structure competition and the poster presentations. Notice the number of back backs.
My discussions with the exhibitors and attendees shared an excitement around the youth and the intense focus on learning. For many older industries and companies, there is big gap for many organizations – they need a pipeline of strong, not only young, but diverse and female candidates to move to managers and into the executive ranks. RSW Recruiting Solutions has taken on some searches at this level of the organization to include even college grads to support our client’s needs.
What continues to resonate with me – Conferences are still the best way to network, get your message in front of your customers and there is a growing need to gain new, younger and more diverse candidates to participate in their industry and work for their companies. The needs are increasing with additive manufacturing, advancing needs in digitization and IIOT.
The next conference on my schedule is CAMX in Orlando rescheduled for December due to the tragic Hurricane Irma. I hope like me, many are able to make the new dates and look forward to networking with clients and candidates.
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