The 2008 APSO National Staffing Conference was, to quote one of our delegates, “the best ever!”

Once again APSO has wowed its members with a one-day power packed conference that included our best speaker line-up to date. The delegates were treated to variety of subject-matter experts on a range of topics pertinent to our industry. Taking into account the very constructive feedback received from our members who attended, next year’s conference need not have such a busy line-up but rather allow more time for each of the speakers – particularly our International recruitment specialist.

The day started off with a bang with entertaining speaker Estienne de Beer, proudly sponsored by Placement Partner,  who enlightened the audience on how we can learn from meerkats in our everyday business. His entertaining style, interesting information and pertinence to the recruitment sector was a superb way to get the conference started and judging from the evaluation forms, he got a “big thumbs up” from everyone!

John Lloyd once again ably handled the duties of Master of Ceremonies and helped to keep the very busy schedule on track as far as possible. His knowledge of the industry, gained through a long association with Independent Newspapers and APSO, makes him the perfect host on this day. In addition to performing as MC, John also addressed those who attended the afternoon Consultant Breakaway with his talk “YOU…Unlimited”. During this presentation, John shared some of his secrets on how to develop your personal business skills and achieve greater success within the recruitment industry.

IT entrepreneur Mark Gray educated the audience on Internet search techniques and how good candidates can be found by simply utilizing available technology. His talk provided some key search techniques for refined searches in Google and other search engines like FireFox & Mozilla and many of the recruiters, particularly those not in the IT recruitment sector, learned something new. During his talk he also engaged the audience on using social networking sites like Facebook & LinkedIn as ways to unearth passive candidates. This technique in particular, was reiterated by International recruitment specialist, Mike Walmsley during his training workshops.

Professor Tim Noakes shared his experience of helping the Boks win the Rugby World Cup 2007 and provided many insights into the power of self belief. Although his talk centred on the sporting arena, rugby in particular, the message of knowledge and preparation coupled with the desire & will to win, easily translate to the business arena. This message was enforced in several of the talks during the day and many experienced recruiters will tell you that keeping positive helps keep the figures on the board!

During the lunch break delegates were treated to the antics of Muzi Kuzwayo, CEO of TBWA/Hunt/Lascaris. His presentation, which included several rather interesting stories from his youth, certainly had the delegates’ tongues wagging. Delegates were treated to a superb meal and the choice of a plated meal definitely got ratings of “excellent” on the evaluation.

After lunch, the delegates split into the now familiar, afternoon sessions – one focused more on operational issues facing recruiters and the other on the strategic issues that recruitment owners and managers need to address.

In the consultant session, Dr. Hospice Djohoun, coupled with Dr. Brenda Trautmann, shared their expertise on negotiation and how to apply this in the recruitment sector. Their presentation included a case study and some practical examples of how to use negotiation techniques.

International recruitment trainer Mike Walmsley shared his SuperBiller Secrets with the consultants. His practical techniques translate well from the UK market into South Africa and many consultants suggested that they would have enjoyed listening to him for at least another session!

Winding down the consultant session was the Fairy Godmother, Donna McCallum who shared her tips on how to de-stress and sprinkle more magic and happiness into your life. Adorned in blue fairy wings and with her assistant in the audience, Donna made the “graveyard shift” fun, entertaining and practical. We hope that the consultants learned some tips on how to keep sane on the recruitment rollercoaster.

The manager’s session focused on some of the more pressing issues facing recruitment owners and managers today. In the first session Mike Walmsley shared some of his ideas on how to grow a profitable recruitment business. His session included aspects like internal staffing, client marketing and candidate sourcing and gave the audience many techniques that could be implemented on their first day back in the office. Mike was proudly brought to the conference by sponsors Kroll and PNET.

Professor Nick Binedell of GIBS shared his inspirational and motivating view on South Africa and the economy. Judging from the evaluation form comments, those who’d attended his talk feeling sceptical about the country and our ability to handle 2010 left feeling invigorated and very proudly South African.

After tea, the manager’s were addressed by Dr. Van Zyl Slabbert who shared his insights on South Africa’s currently political and economic issues, with particular reference to the labour market. His many years of experience within South African politics certainly shone through during his presentation and formed the ideal background to the APSO panel discussion.

In keeping with APSO tradition, the last session in the manager’s breakaway included a panel discussion with Government, Unions and recruitment business representatives. This year’s panel was no different and we were very proud to have the following panellists:

Mr. John Botha, COO of CAPES
Mrs. Zodwa Mabaso, Manager Employment Services, Department of Labour
Mr. Manene Samela, NACTU
Mr. Sekete Moshoeshoe, COSATU

The discussion “How does TES fit within the South African Labour Market” was facilitated by MC John Lloyd who did a good job of allowing all panellists to have their say as well as fielding questions from the audience. The high calibre of panellists is a testimony to the increased working relationships between APSO and other key stakeholders.

As always, the APSO Annual General Meeting was held immediately after the close of the conference and a good attendance was recorded. The proceedings flowed smoothly and the Executive Committee was elected en masse. Those in attendance were reminded to participate in the Code of Best Practice review and were advised that a series of regional Special General Meetings would be called in September to debate and ratify the new Code of Best Practice & Ethics for the association.

In keeping with efforts to improve the event and offerings to our members, this year’s sponsors were given the opportunity to formally exhibit at the conference. The stands were very nicely put together and sponsors were on hand to provide more information and, in most cases, extra goodies, to those delegates who visited their stands. By all accounts this feature was well received by the delegates and will most likely increase in the years to come.

The evening function, proudly sponsored by The Star Workplace, was a roaring success and the dance floor buzzed from the moment the music started until the band packed up past midnight. Delegates were treated to a sumptuous evening meal and superb entertainment in the form of DJ Jazzy D and his partner Dantonio.

The party atmosphere was fantastic and it can be argued that whilst APSO conference delegates are known to have a good time, this year’s evening function was the biggest yet! Delegates were treated to a broad spectrum of music ranging from Frank Sinatra through to today’s best house, courtesy of DJ Jazzy D’s remake of “My Lady Soul”.

We have had many requests for slight changes to the programme and we’ll be seriously considering how best to make this event even better next year. If you’ve not yet been to an APSO National Conference, you don’t know what you’re missing. Start planning today so that you too can be a part of one of the industry’s biggest annual events!