What an outstanding turnout at the 4^th annual Midwest Staffing Conference! Each year the event expands with attendees, vendors, and incredible speakers. To accommodate more attendees, this year the event was held at the Holiday Inn in Rolling Meadows, IL, conveniently located for those coming in from all over the Midwest. This year’s event was SOLD OUT.

The Midwest Staffing Conference is an annual event (usually held in April or May) for anyone involved in the staffing and recruiting industry. It is organized by the ISSA (Illinois Search and Staffing Association) and WASS (Wisconsin Association of Staffing Services). All staffing professionals are invited to participate in the event. A member of either organization ISSA or WASS, receive a registration fee discount. Member pricing was also offered to members of SSAI (Staffing Services Associates/Illinois), MKSSA (Missouri/Kansas) and MNRSA (Minnesota). Also offered was a discount if a company sent more than 5 attendees.

Training

The Midwest Staffing Conference offers an “all-star” line-up of professional speakers/industry trainers. Attendees get a fresh perspective on various staffing industry topics as well as gain new knowledge on trends and business issues. Sales teams are supercharged and managers learn new ways to make their teams the best at what they do.

Networking

The conference offers a wealth of networking opportunities. The value of sharing ideas cannot be underestimated. Besides the fantastic training workshops there are many opportunities to speak to other attendees and get to know the leaders of the various staffing organizations better. It’s a good time to learn more about membership in your local chapter and other events that could help you and your team. Some of the trainers hang out during networking breaks which offers a chance to ask them more about their work.

Vendors

Without the help of participating vendors an event such as the Midwest Staffing Conference would not be able to be as affordable. Vendor tables were sold out at the event with 17 vendors participating. It’s always fun to check out industry products – all in one convenient location. A wide variety of vendors offers insight on staffing software, web sites and marketing, insurance, drug testing, funding and so much more. Many vendors also donate raffle prizes to make the conference even more exciting! It is certainly a win-win for attendees and vendors who showcase their products and services.

In order to be a successful recruiter or operate a prosperous staffing firm, it is imperative to stay current with the latest industry trends. The Midwest Staffing Conference experience is one more tool to help companies and individuals get to the next level in the industry. Further, joining the local staffing organization offers a number of business opportunities that can add to the success of every member.

Natalie Chrapla is the Marketing Coordinator of Automated Business Designs, Inc., software developer of Ultra-Staff staffing software for the staffing and direct hire industry. Ultra-Staff is a staffing software business solution with components for front office, back office and the web. Natalie’s email address is Natalie.Chrapla@abd.net or for more information on Ultra-Staff go to www.abd.net.