The Best Conference You've Never Heard Of

It is less than one month away until the 2013 Summer Brand Camp in Dallas, TX. This is a conference that I must attend each year and here's why:

1. Genuine support for attendees
The pay-it-forward passion that you feel the moment you arrive at Brand Summer Camp is inspirational. The conference hosts and alumni proactively make each attendee feel welcome.

2. Gain insight into real-world solutions
At previous Summer Brand Camps, I learned from executives who shared how they overcame personal hardships to reach their professional goals. You connect with leaders and attendees in a transparent and non-judgemental way that isn't offered at other events.

3. Unique speakers and sessions
The restaurant, retail, and healthcare industry's biggest stars and brands lead sessions that are filled with success stories, actionable items, and data. Check out this year's agenda: http://www.summerbrandcamp.com/agenda.

4. Memories that last a lifetime
The memories and friendships that I made at Summer Brand Camp have helped me through difficult times all year 'round.

To attend Summer Brand Camp, you must be a Restaurant, C-store, Retail or Healthcare operator. If you have any questions, email Melissa Papaleo at melissa.papaleo@prbbi.com. Hope to see you there!

Three Recruiting Conferences That You Must Attend

Most of us in recruiting and social media have a limited travel budget, several ongoing responsibilities and other time constraints.

Here are three events that you cannot afford to miss this year:

1. mRecruitingcamp in San Francisco, CA - September 30, 2011
This conference's Founder, Michael Marlatt, has been an innovative mobile leader for many years now. I remember when I first heard Michael speak at an ERE event, he was revolutionary. On September 30th, mRecruitingcamp will make its industry changing debut as the world’s first comprehensive mobile recruiting conference for HR and recruiting professionals. The lineup of speakers is second-to-none and I'm honored be the emcee. Registration to the event includes a step-by-step guide on mobile recruitment strategies and campaigns. Sign up here: http://www.mrecruitingcamp.com/register.

2. LinkedIn Talent Connect 2011 in Las Vegas, NV - October 17-19, 2011
Last year, I was able to attend the inaugural LinkedIn Talent Connect event. The technical and logistical aspects of the conference were exceptional. LinkedIn provided a variety of networking events and surprises to keep us engaged. The keynote speakers were inspirational. There are also four different learning tracks now, so the content should be even more relevant. Contact your LinkedIn representative for more info or visit http://talentconnect.linkedin.com/pricing-registration.

3. Recruiting Innovation Summit at Facebook in Menlo Park, CA - October 24, 2011
Formerly known as the Social Recruiting Summit, this is the ERE event that showcases emerging recruiting trends. I'm excited to be a speaker and also to visit the new Facebook's brand new campus at Menlo Park, CA. In the past, the networking at this event has been top notch, since it usually has a good mix of new attendees and industry favorites. The early bird pricing is in effect until August 26th: http://recruitinginnovationsummit.com/fb2011/register.

By strategically attending conferences, you invest in yourself and build beneficial relationships in person. Maximize your time while you are at these events to get the most out of them for you and your organization. Hope to see you there!

Social Recruiting Boot Camp

My first speaking engagement of the year is delivering a "Social Recruiting Boot Camp" at the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Recruiting Society. Hope to see you there.

Here is the official invitation:
Let's kick off the New Year with one of the hottest trends in recruiting! In part 1 of our 3 part series of Social Media content, Jenny DeVaughn, Chief Enthusiast Officer (CEO) of Social Precision, will help you start 2010 in the right direction.

Jenny will get rid of your social media timewasters and make sure that your social recruiting strategy is in top form. Jenny has been on the front lines and used social media tools to reach her recruiting, business development and career goals. With some consistent and persistent effort, you can also get the social recruiting results you have always desired. This will be an interactive and energetic session that you do not want to miss.

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Recruiting Society's January 2010 Meeting

Tuesday, January 19th
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Mirant Corporation
1155 Perimeter Center West, 1st Floor Assembly Room
Atlanta, GA 30338

Cost:  Complimentary for members and $20 for non-members

Meeting Time:  5:30 - 6:00 PM - Networking and Registration
                        6:00 - 7:30 PM - Presentation

Register online at http://bit.ly/tagbootcamp and walk-ins are welcome.