APSO National Staffing Conference 2009… yet more conference records broken

It appears that the sky is the limit when it comes to APSO conferences – each year the event gets bigger and better and 2009 was no exception. For the first time ever, APSO welcomed more than 500 delegates to the one-day power conference including members, non-members and corporate clients. Despite the recessionary market, the great lineup and value-for-money approach by APSO meant that members, big and small, saw value in attending. It was refreshing to see too that nearly 20% of the delegates came from outside Gauteng.

The conference theme of “Future Recruiter” was encompassed in all aspects including the advent of online booking, a formal exhibition of industry suppliers and in the choice of speakers and subjects. Topical issue -the current debate around TES and labour broking - took centre stage and was one of the main reasons for many of the delegates attending.

APSO President, Suraj Maharaj’s opening address was filled with many success stories of the achievements gained by APSO during the past 18 months. In addition he highlighted the need for the industry to stand firm, speak out with one voice and ensure that operations within the legitimate sector remain complaint, ethical and highly professional in the face of the onslaught from unions and others who wish to see the banning of labour brokers.

ILO Southern Africa Director, Vic van Vuuren, provided insight on the changing world of work and the current local and global calls for the adoption of “decent work”. He highlighted the need for the industry to acknowledge that abuses do occur within the sector and to focus on driving professionalism, getting rid of the non-compliant operators and working, together with all social partners, towards achieving better standards of employment for all.

Neil Jacobsohn showed the audience how to thrive on turbulence and his AV-packed presentation was exceptionally well received. Despite the troubled economy, Neil showed the audience how they can rise like a black swan and lead their competition into the future.

Nerishini Shunmugam, of Prodigy, provided insight into the world of tomorrow and the people we can expect to hire in the future. Her presentation, largely based on the PWC research conducted in the UK in 2007, provided an interesting glimpse into the future.

A delicious finger lunch, sponsored by MIE Background Screening, was enjoyed by all. Delegates made use of the lunch break to catch up with colleagues, old friends and to meet and mingle with the exhibitors. With the fantastic range of lucky draw prizes on offer – Blackberry phones, a laptop, 2010 hampers, spa vouchers, software packages, training courses - all delegates made sure that they visited each stand to get their business card into the draw.

As has become tradition, the afternoon sessions were split into one focused on operational issues and the other on strategic ones. This year’s operational session was focused on harnessing technology to market more effectively.

Douglas Kruger’s presentation certainly did “Pop!” and judging from the superb feedback from the audience, he not only educated but entertained as well. Douglas shared practical advice and used real-life examples of how to stand out from the competition. We are confident that delegates who attended this session will be putting some of these ideas to good use in the coming months.

The last session in the operational breakaway dealt with the ever-increasing popularity of social media marketing strategies. Peter Venter provided a layman’s guide to technical jargon and some practical advice on how to harness social media, like FaceBook, LinkedIn and Twitter, into the recruitment and marketing strategy. Many “old school” recruiters in the audience, later reported feeling less overwhelmed at the concept of utilizing technology in their traditional marketing strategy.
The strategic breakaway focused on the hot topic of the threats to TES. The panel discussion was extended, due to a sudden illness of Loane Sharp who was scheduled to speak in the first session, and proved to be one of excellent engagement.

The panelists, chaired by Suraj Maharaj, included, Johnny Goldberg, Andrew Levy, Johann le Roux, John Botha and Simon Ridge; they provided their opinions on the current state of affairs as well as feedback from formal engagements at NEDLAC and the PPC hearings recently held in Parliament. Although the audience appeared to have many concerns, it was clear that the majority of those present felt confident that their operations are compliant and that they should not be “lumped” with the bakkie brigade.

A highlight of the session was the acknowledgement of the good the industry is doing by Mr. Plaatjie Mashego, President of the Unemployed People’s Party (UPP). Mr. Mashego shared his encouragement that APSO was in existence and that we had been doing such a good job of self-regulating members in respect to the Code of Ethical & Professional Practice etc. He further commented that he believed more could be done to work together to assist in reducing unemployment, by training and developing people, even if it is through work that is of a temporary or contract nature.

At the conclusion of the session, the consensus remained that despite the ongoing calls by unions for a ban, the government seems set on regulation rather. It is the duty of all members to continue to operate ethically, professionally and compliantly and to cooperate with stakeholders in promoting greater regulation for the industry. The panelists called for assistance from the audience, in respect to engaging with their clients, and where possible, to come forward to be part of the more formal engagement process with key stakeholders.

The closing session of the conference was hosted by Billy Selekane who took the audience on his personal journey from barefoot to snakeskin shoes. Billy’s engaging style, honesty and uplifting story brought the audience to tears, as well as into fits of laughter. The standing ovation at the conclusion of his session said it all – Billy was a hit! Thanks must go to Billy for donating 20% of his speaker’s fee to a charity of APSO’s choice. APSO is currently in the process of assessing a few charities in the East Rand area, and will make the donation to the most worthy. Watch the APSOgram for more news of this.

The delegates were invited to take the opportunity to join PNET for a drink and networking session. Delegates mingled with one another, reflected on the day and the issues facing the industry whilst listening to the soothing sounds of saxophonist, Wild Sax.

The Independent Newspapers evening function was once again a huge success with delegates enjoying a scrumptious dinner in the Serengeti Lapa. Delegates were treated to the phenomenal sounds of male vocal-only bad, Navi Redd, who had the audience tapping their feet and singing along. In keeping with the tradition of partying to the wee hours, many of the delegates were still seen dancing as the pumpkin hour approached.
APSO would like to extend our grateful thanks to the generous sponsors who made the event possible:

Platinum Sponsor            -              Independent Newspapers
Gold Sponsor                  -              PNET
Gold Sponsor                  -              MIE Background Screening
Bronze Sponsor               -              Express Employment Professionals
Bronze Sponsor               -              Placement Partner

Thanks too to the exhibitors – MCI, ProficienC and LabourNet.