ERE Recruiting Conference

The Westin Anaheim Resort
1030 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA
November 12-14, 2024

Embrace the New Era of Recruiting

A mix of volatility and innovation has created a need for TA transformation and modernization. If you’re like most recruiting professionals, you’re struggling to adapt to today’s difficult environment as you ask: “How can I elevate talent acquisition when it seems like the profession is facing existential challenges?”

Join us at the ERE Recruiting Conference, where global talent acquisition leaders converge to tackle today's most pressing challenges in staffing, talent attraction, and hiring. Gain insights from a diverse mix of TA pros and discover how to become irreplaceable strategic advisors in a rapidly changing environment. Support and celebrate your peers in person and online as we navigate the tides of change and embrace technology and candidate experience.
candidate

Transforming TA

Gain unparalleled expertise from industry leaders to overcome today’s most formidable challenges

Peer Networking

Foster connections with other practitioners through a variety of interactive learning experiences

Recruiting Intelligence

Future-proof your recruiting efforts with actionable insights, strategies and tactics

Inspiration & Motivation

Engage with TA innovators and learn from their success stories to spark new ideas

Join us at the CandE Awards

Each year the CandE Benchmark Research Program recognizes those participating employers with the highest candidate experience ratings with our coveted CandE Awards.

We will celebrate their achievements at the CandE Awards ceremony on November 13th at 7:00 PM. It’s a special time when we announce the CandE winners from around the world and honor them for raising the bar for candidate experience.

Aspen Dental
Broadridge
Deluxe
Foot Locker
Ford
Grant Thornton
Hoag Medical Group
Inspire
Intel
Schneider Electric
Southwest Airlines
The Met
US Bank
Western Union
WM

There is no question that attending this conference is well worth the time and money. To advance your recruitment prowess and skills, strategically and tactically, this is the one to attend.

Margot Finley
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits

I gained practical tools and knowledge to take back to my organization and felt more empowered to face the war on talent.

Martina Branan
Vectorworks

The ERE conference was refreshing and invigorating. I was able to walk away with strategies and initiatives that I want to implement in the short and long term. This was time and money well-spent.

Anitra Makoni
Zapier

The energy was palpable as professionals from diverse industries came together. We shared stories…and instantly formed connections that felt like we had known each other for months.

Einav Shechter
Mend.io

ERE is so rich with talent expertise, very energizing and extremely motivational! There isn't another organization or membership affiliation out there that offers better content specific to talent acquisition.

Maria York
Universal Orlando Resort

A game changing conference. I never leave this conference without new ideas, new connections, and new perspectives.

Carmen Hern
AMS

The TEDx of conferences for recruiters and talent acquisition. The innovation, intention, and intelligence contributed by the speakers and attendees proves there's a promising future ahead for our industry.

Camille Svenkeson
DoorDash

The only event that brings together every type of thought leader and daily recruiting practitioner with the goal of advancing our profession.

Richard Lucas
Shapiro

Agenda

Tuesday, November 12

5:30 PM PST

Welcome Reception

    Wednesday, November 13

    8:00 AM PST

    Breakfast

      9:00 AM PST

      ERE Recruiting Conference Emcee

      Welcome! I’ll be your emcee for the fall ERE Recruiting Conference. 
      9:10 AM PST

      Keynote

      Rise Like a Phoenix or Perish Like the Dodo: Forging the Future of Recruiting

      Recruiting must shake off yesterday’s ideas and approaches or face the fate of the dodo. It's a time of transformation where visionary leaders must blaze new trails. This transformative session will feature Kevin, a visionary leader in the field, who will share groundbreaking ideas on a new recruiting era.

      The discussion points:
      • Explore the limitations of yesterday's approaches.
      • Understand the impact of a rapidly changing job market and technological advancements.
      • Learn about data-driven recruitment, AI in hiring processes, and the importance of a strong employer brand.
      • Insights on creating a flexible, inclusive, and engaging hiring process.
      • Strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive landscape.
      • Understand the role of visionary leaders in driving recruitment transformation.
      Join us for this compelling session and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to take charge of transforming your recruitment strategies. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's brightest minds and ensure your recruiting practices are future-ready.
      10:00 AM PST

      Keynote

      Future Proofing Human Recruiters in the Age of AI

      Artificial Intelligence is leading to a radical reordering of recruiters' tasks. It is essential for recruiters to embrace AI and accelerate this change while expanding the scope in areas of work where humans will always have either an advantage or preference. In this session, Hung Lee will outline the tasks and predictable changes coming to recruiting and how human recruiters can future-proof their careers in the Age of AI.

      In this insightful keynote, industry thought leader Hung Lee will take you through a forward-thinking journey, spotlighting the tasks most susceptible to automation and the areas where humans maintain an undeniable edge. Hung will reveal why embracing AI is essential for staying competitive and expanding into strategic roles where human intuition, creativity, and relationship-building are irreplaceable.

      Discover practical strategies for integrating AI tools while future-proofing your career in ways only humans can. Learn how to pivot, enhance, and evolve your skillset in the Age of AI—transforming potential challenges into extraordinary opportunities.
      10:45 AM PST

      Networking Break

        11:15 AM PST

        Unlocking Excellence: Strategies for Becoming an Indispensable TA Function

        This session explores essential strategies for creating an indispensable Talent Acquisition (TA) function. Learn how to build strategic, agile, and adaptable TA practices that deliver talent with the right skills at the right time and cost and position TA as a core strategic business function. Discover the skills necessary to take your team's capabilities “from ordinary to extraordinary” and shift from traditional recruitment (aka “order taking”) to talent resourcing (aka “talent advising”).

        •  Positioning TA as a core strategic business function.
        • Adapting and evolving your TA function to keep pace with rapid changing landscape.
        • Structuring your team for success by balancing in-house efforts with outsourcing for optimal efficiency.
        • Shifting team from recruiters to strategic talent advisors.
        11:15 AM PST

        Concurrent Session: High-Volume Hiring

        Cracking the Code on High Volume Recruitment Through Automation and Leaning into the Value of the Recruiter

        Join Rachel Allen, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at 7-Eleven, for an in-depth exploration of the innovative journey to transform high-volume store recruitment through automation. Discover how 7-Eleven harnessed the power of conversational AI to revolutionize their hiring process, resulting in a staggering 40,000 hours saved per week for store leaders.

        Learn how this cutting-edge technology slashed hiring time from over ten days to less than three, dramatically improving efficiency and candidate experience. Rachel will also delve into the strategic benefits of automation, highlighting how it empowers recruiters to concentrate on their most impactful tasks, ultimately making them indispensable in today's rapidly evolving recruitment landscape.

        This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to understand the transformative potential of AI in recruitment and how to position themselves as invaluable assets in their organizations.
        12:05 PM PST

        Lunch

          1:30 PM PST

          Panel Discussion: Technology & Artificial Intelligence

          Artificial Intelligence vs. Recruiters: Who Does it Better?

          As AI continues to make waves in the recruitment industry, many wonder if the human touch still has a place. Can a machine truly replace human intuition and experience? Join us for a dynamic panel discussion where we debate between Talent Acquisition (TA) experts and AI technology advocates. In this discussion, we will explore:

          • The Competitive Edge of AI: Discover how AI recruitment technologies transform talent acquisition, providing efficiency and precision that traditional methods struggle to match.
          • The Human Touch: Understand the irreplaceable value of human insight and experience in recruitment and how it complements AI innovations.
          • Strategic Planning for the Future: Learn how to balance AI and human elements to create a robust and future-ready recruitment strategy.

          Don't miss this spirited discussion that will equip you with insights to navigate the evolving talent acquisition landscape. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a champion of human-centric approaches, this session offers valuable perspectives for everyone involved in recruitment.
          2:30 PM PST

          Concurrent Session: Talent Intelligence

          People Analytics: from data to meaningful insights

          Leveraging workforce data effectively can be a game-changer in today's competitive business environment. This session will give you the knowledge and tools to transform raw data into actionable insights, drive strategic business decisions, and help you achieve your organizational objectives.

          • Understanding Workforce Data: Learn the fundamentals of workforce data and why it’s crucial for your business.
          • Creating a People Analytics Strategy: Discover how to develop a robust people analytics strategy that fosters innovation.
          • Leveraging Technology: Explore the latest technologies that can help you collect, analyze, and interpret workforce data.
          • Driving Business Decisions: Understand how to translate data insights into concrete business actions that align with your company’s goals.
          • Achieving Objectives: Determine how to use data to set, track, and effectively meet organizational objectives. 
          Join us for this dynamic session to unlock the power of your workforce data and turn insights into impactful business decisions. Whether you are just starting with people analytics or looking to enhance your existing strategy, this session will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways to help you succeed.

          2:30 PM PST

          Concurrent Session: Business Management - Leadership

          Leveling Up to Strategic Advisor

          Becoming a strategic advisor means shifting from a transactional recruiter to a trusted partnership role. It requires deep understanding, proactive engagement, and the ability to provide valuable insights that drive business success. Chuck will demonstrate how you can "level up" the recruiting role and significantly contribute to the company's strategic goals.

          Here are some of the discussion points:

          • Long-term Hiring Strategy: Discover how to change the perspective from filling immediate vacancies to developing a long-term hiring strategy that aligns with the company's future goals.
          • Data-Driven Decisions: Learn how to leverage data to inform their strategies and decisions.
          • Proactive Engagement: Recruiters should actively engage with hiring managers and business leaders, transforming the recruitment process into a strategic partnership. 
          Chuck will focus on these strategies and more during his session. 
          3:20 PM PST

          Networking Break

            3:50 PM PST

            Exclusive: Digital Attendees

            Legally Speaking: An Employment Attorney Answers Your Legal Questions

            Want to know which legal issues to be especially aware of this year? Do you have a question about the latest EEOC or NLRB ruling? Do you need to make sure that your latest recruiting initiatives are compliant? This is your chance to ask an employment attorney these and other questions at the top of your mind. Nothing is off-limits. 

            Join this interactive discussion to gain an expert legal perspective on how to move forward with your talent acquisition efforts.

            3:50 PM PST

            Exclusive: In-Person Attendees

            Roundtables

            Join your fellow colleagues for a series of candid discussions about today’s most important recruiting topics and challenges. It’s a great opportunity to exchange insights, experiences, and advice with your peers — as well as network and build relationships. 
              4:40 PM PST

              Day One Wrap-Up

              Closing remarks
                6:00 PM PST

                CandE's Gala Reception

                All attendees are welcome to attend our CandE's Gala Reception.
                Anabella Lobby
                  7:00 PM PST

                  CandE Gala Awards Dinner

                  Join us to celebrate the CandE Award Winners’ achievements! This special event is reserved exclusively for attendees who have paid for the dinner.
                  Dress Code - Semi Formal/Professional

                    Thursday, November 14

                    8:00 AM PST

                    Breakfast

                      9:00 AM PST

                      Welcome Back!

                      ERE Recruiting Conference Day 2 and Emcee opening remarks
                      9:10 AM PST

                      Keynote

                      Future-Proof Leadership: Leaning Into DEI for Sustainable Success in Lean Times

                      In a season where DEI budgets are being slashed, and its impact on revenue is questioned, how can leaders, especially those on the frontlines of increasing diversity, ensure their teams remain irreplaceable? Join Jenn Tardy in this timely keynote as she provides advanced insights on navigating these challenges. Using the metaphor of an obstacle course, Jenn will address the unique barriers faced by marginalized groups and share language that leaders can use to continue to move the needle to increase diversity and retention in their workplaces--even in lean times. Attendees will leave equipped with practical strategies to integrate DEI into their core operations, ensuring resilience and long-term growth. Jenn Tardy's keynote will explore advanced strategies for maintaining diversity and retention in challenging times, providing leaders with the tools to build inclusive, irreplaceable teams.

                      Learning objectives:
                      • Understanding Ambition and Perception: Explore what it means to feel ambitious but always be perceived as different and how this perception shapes workplace experiences.
                      • Navigating and Impact of Obstacles: Understand how perceptions, fueled by biases, create an obstacle course for marginalized groups and examine how these obstacle courses impact marginalized groups and perpetuate barriers.
                      • Supporting Vulnerable Groups: Learn how supporting your most vulnerable groups positively impacts all employees and contributes to a more inclusive and productive workplace.
                      • Lived Experience Intelligence: Gain insights into leveraging lived experiences to foster a more inclusive and resilient team.
                      10:00 AM PST

                      Employer Branding - Recruitment Marketing

                      Are You Running to Stand Still? How You Can Win the Talent Acquisition Arms Race (without going broke)

                      EMPLOYER BRANDING AND RECRUITMENT MARKETING

                      In 2024, Talent Acquisition will spend $32.8B in a global arms race on ATSs, CRMs, ads, tools, bots, content, and any number of other cutting-edge recruiting tactics. 

                      Your company is spending more and more to maintain pace with your competitors. You're working harder than ever, but it never feels like you're winning the game. This might be why your CFO and CHRO tell you you will have to find a way to do more with less.

                      There are only two ways to win an arms race. The first is to outspend everyone else by a significant margin, but that isn't really an option. The second way is to change the game.

                      Don't miss James Ellis' presentation on how companies can create a meaningful recruitment advantage without exhausting your budget. You won't want to miss this!
                      10:50 AM PST

                      Networking Break

                        11:20 AM PST

                        Concurrent Session: Hiring Process

                        How Recruiters Can Beat AI On Evaluating Candidates

                        In an era where AI is rapidly transforming the TA landscape, human recruiters still hold a crucial advantage: the ability to discern nuance and attitude in job interviews. Author of Hiring For Attitude and New York Times bestseller Mark Murphy shares the latest research on how recruiters can outperform AI in evaluating candidates. He’ll share:

                        • Why 89% of hiring failures stem from attitudes rather than skills, and how this poses a challenge for AI-driven assessments
                        • The limitations of AI in interpreting subtle cues and context in candidate responses
                        • Proven techniques for asking behavioral interview questions that reveal a candidate's true attitudes and potential cultural fit
                        • How to spot red flags in candidate responses that AI might miss, including specific language patterns and verbal cues
                        • Strategies for conducting consistent, attitude-focused interviews across your organization
                        • The critical role of human discernment in evaluating emotional intelligence, coachability, and cultural alignment
                        Enhance your hiring toolkit and learn how to leverage the uniquely human aspects of recruitment in the age of AI. Discover how to make more informed hiring decisions beyond surface-level assessments and gauge a candidate's potential for success in your organization.
                        11:20 AM PST

                        Concurrent Session: Business Management - Leadership

                        Purpose Driven Talent Acquisition: Intentional Leadership for Long-Term Success

                        Enhance your Talent Acquisition leadership skills beyond mere task management in this engaging session with Steve White. Discover how to adopt intentional, culture-driven, and goal-oriented strategies that can revolutionize your approach. Steve will guide you in leading your teams to achieve repeatable, purposeful, and measurable results (RPM Key Results). Learn the critical value of making and keeping promises to the business by setting and meeting meaningful goals, fostering true partnerships over transactional relationships, and embedding cultural beliefs that drive excellence. This session is packed with practical insights to elevate your talent acquisition efforts, focusing on the 3Rs: building strong relationships, delivering transformational results, and enhancing our readiness to support and grow the business. Join us to transform your talent acquisition strategy and achieve lasting success.
                        12:10 PM PST

                        Lunch

                          1:10 PM PST

                          Panel Discussion: Technology & Artificial Intelligence

                          Leveraging Recruiting Tech to Cement Your Place as an Essential TA Function

                          Recruiting is cyclical, meaning that when companies grow and hiring markets thrive, talent acquisition professionals are in demand. But when markets turn downward, recruiting teams take a hit. Businesses hope to keep talent acquisition teams efficient with the right tech stack playing a bigger role. 

                          Recruiting talent and technologies are essential for driving business hiring outcomes. Recruiting leaders need to understand where to modernize their tech stack.

                          This panel discussion, moderated by Jim Stroud, will feature TA tech leaders Pankaj Jindal (Sense Co-founder) and Jason Moreau (CEO - Survale Inc.). 

                          During the discussion, they’ll cover:

                          • Identifying the areas where technology can help drive transformation.
                          • How recruiting technologies can significantly aid in retaining recruiters by enhancing their efficiency, reducing burnout, and improving overall job satisfaction.
                          • The ultimate return of hiring outcomes from AI and recruiting tech partners and how they can keep TA irreplaceable. 
                          Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to adapt, innovate, and secure your place as a critical player in the evolving world of talent acquisition!
                          2:10 PM PST

                          Exclusive: Digital Attendees

                          Elevate Your Recruiting Game: Leveraging Podcasts for Talent Attraction

                          Candidates are fatigued, and the recruiter noise is overwhelming. There has to be a more engaging and effective way to reach your prospects, candidates, and target audience. The solution? Podcasts!

                          Join us for an insightful session in which Adam Posner will discuss how podcasts can revolutionize your recruiting strategy. Discover how companies successfully use podcasts to enhance talent attraction, candidate engagement, and brand awareness.

                          Adam, the host of the globally ranked career and recruitment show #thePOZcast, has produced nearly 400 episodes over the past three years. He has honed his podcast into a powerful ecosystem that:

                          • Boosts brand awareness and acts as a lead magnet for candidates and clients.
                          • Develops and fosters business relationships that convert into clients.
                          • Establishes thought leadership for both hosts and guests.
                          • Provides a treasure trove of content across all mediums.
                          • Builds a community centered around value-added content.
                          • Shares unique perspectives with the world.
                          • Creates authentic social credibility.
                          Before pitching his recruitment services, Adam built a podcast and a system to convert guests into clients through deep relationship-building. In this session, he will share his journey and strategy, offering recruiters the tools to create and leverage podcasts within their organizations.

                          Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to transform your recruitment process and stand out in the talent marketplace with the power of podcasts.
                          2:10 PM PST

                          Exclusive: In-Person Attendees

                          Roundtables

                          It's Round 2 of Roundtables! Another terrific chance to have robust discussions about today's toughest recruiting challenges. Learn from peers, exchange advice, and build new relationships in the process.
                            2:55 PM PST

                            Networking Break

                              3:15 PM PST

                              Igniting Purpose: Fostering a Welcoming and Inclusive Culture

                              Ron Fish shares his inspirational journey, highlighting how family members with disabilities have profoundly shaped his professional life, driving him to foster a welcoming and inclusive culture at a global software company. 

                              Ron's dedication to disability inclusion and accessibility has not only earned recognition from the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities but also serves as a testament to the positive impact one individual can make. His story highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and proactive measures in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

                              Key steps include:

                              • Education and Awareness: Foster a culture of understanding through training programs and employee resource groups.
                              • Accessibility: Ensure that both the physical and digital workspaces are accessible to all employees.
                              • Support Systems: Provide resources and support systems for employees with disabilities, such as flexible work arrangements and assistive technologies.
                              • Inclusive Policies: Develop and implement policies that promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
                              • Leadership Commitment: Secure commitment from leadership to champion and drive inclusion initiatives.
                              4:05 PM PST

                              Candidate Experience

                              Redefining Candidate Experience: Innovative Approaches from Industry Leaders

                              Wrap up the ERE Conference with an insightful fireside chat featuring Kevin Grossman, VP of Research at ERE, as he dives into transformative candidate experience strategies with two talent acquisition executives who know the ins and outs of candidate-centered recruiting. 

                              Join CandE Award winners Corrine Long, Global Talent Acquisition Transformation and Strategy at Avanade, and Dee Vitale, Vice President of Talent and Employee Experience at Syndax Pharmaceuticals, as they share the innovative practices and measurable impacts that set their companies apart. Gain firsthand insights on how prioritizing candidate experience enhances recruiting and drives tangible business success.

                              4:55 PM PST

                              Emcee's close

                              That's a wrap! 

                              Photos

                              Three people at table
                              In front of fish
                              Group of peopel looking over
                              people with green background
                              panel
                              smiling three people
                              solo speaker
                              at cocktail table
                              craig and friends
                              owen speaking
                              josh and friends
                              nice ere logo

                              Our Sponsors

                              Gold Sponsors
                              ParadoxSenseSurvale
                              Silver Sponsors
                              Amazon Cloud InstituteCieloClassetEngage2Excelfastr.aiGemGeneral AssemblyPhenom
                              Digital Sponsors
                              HireClix

                              Our Venue

                              The Westin Anaheim Resort

                              1030 West Katella Avenue

                              Anaheim, CA 92802

                              The ERE Recruiting Conference will be held at the Westin Anaheim Resort, a AAA Four-Diamond hotel across from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The hotel offers beautifully designed accommodations and diverse dining options and is situated amid celebrated Southern California attractions. Guests can enjoy dynamic event spaces, an outdoor pool, and a fitness studio. Please book your room under the Westin's general reservations.  Our block of rooms have sold out, but rooms are still available.

                              From the ambiance of Fleming's Steakhouse to the flavors of Puesto's Mexican cuisine, the culinary delights at this Anaheim resort cater to all palates. The Tangerine Room restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience, while the RISE rooftop lounge presents panoramic views of Disneyland.

                              Here is a list of other hotels near the conference:
                              Hilton Anaheim
                              Anaheim Marriott
                              Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort
                              Hyatt Place at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center

                              The Westin Anaheim Resort