Editor's Note: This post was originally published on Nov. 24, 2015, at which point not all conference dates and links were readily available. This post has since been updated with the most current information as of April 4, 2016.
While the year may not be over yet, 2015 brought a number of new trends to the recruitment industry. Whether it was the increased focus on mobile, adoption of social media as a key recruitment source or a renewed emphasis on quality of hire over time to fill, the changes over the last year have been felt throughout the UK and Europe.
As 2016 approaches, recruiters everywhere will want to make time to attend a number of conferences that will highlight the latest trends, best practises and technologies that will help their companies stay ahead of the curve and help them continue to succeed.
The following list represents the top UK recruitment conferences for 2016:
- Recruitment Agency Expo – (3-4 February - London, England):
If you’re a recruitment agency decision maker, the Recruitment Agency Expo is the number one place to learn about new recruitment products and services in the industry. This event will allow you to learn about, demo and even take home some of the latest tech that will give your agency the edge in 2016.
- CIPD Recruitment Conference and Workshop – (23-24 February - London, England):
This conference offers speakers and workshops geared towards retaining the best talent pool possible to fill the positions you need in a timely manner. Learn, put into practice and get notes on the skills you’ve acquired over the course of this two-day event.
- SIA CWS Summit Europe – (13-14 April - London, England):
The Staffing Industry Analysts CWS Summit Europe is specifically geared for upper management and leadership at your staffing company. This conference is focused on arming recruitment leaders with the latest technology, strategies and tactics that help you run your company more efficiently and successfully.
- CIPD Recruitment Exhibition – (15-16 June - London, England):
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s yearly exhibition is focused on bringing the leading HR software suppliers together under one roof. More than 45 leading suppliers will be in attendance to provide recruitment professionals with the latest technology and pair it with free learning sessions.
- OnRec Trade Conference – (12 July - London, England):
The OnRec Trade Conference is geared towards everyone in the recruitment industry from recruitment professionals to suppliers and job boards. The one-day event is geared specifically towards new trends and obstacles and how you can adapt and overcome. This year’s speakers include the CEO & Founder of OnRec David Hurst.
- LinkedIn Talent Connect – (19-20 October - London, England):
LinkedIn has created a conference for visionaries in the recruitment industry with their annual Talent Connect event. Recruitment leaders, executives and entrepreneurs should attend to learn from industry thought leaders on what’s next for our space, how to make it happen, and how to get started.
- TREC – (22 June - Grange Tower Bridge Hotel):
The Talent, Recruitment & Employment Conference brings senior recruitment industry speakers together for topical and genuine debates on market trends and best practises.
- SIA Executive Forum Europe – (13-14 October - London, England):
The Staffing Industry Analysts yearly executive forum is a top event for staffing executives and vendors. The forum provides recruitment leaders with best practises, how-tos and a number of networking sessions.
- JobG8 European Summit – (Date and Location TBD):
The JobG8 Summit is the best conference available for recruiters who are interested in better understanding the job boards that they are using and those they are missing out on. Learn the challenges facing the job board industry and learn how to better utilise these valuable talent resources.
- The Future for World Leaders in Recruitment Conference
– (9 September - Bishopsgate, London):
Recruitment International has been widely regarded as the premier recruitment industry event for the past 16 years, drawing the industries biggest names, speakers and agencies. Top recruiters and HR leaders should attend to learn about the future of the industry and the direction top executives plan on taking it in.
As the new year approaches, make sure to mark your calendars for these top conferences that will set you up for success in 2016. Make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming dates and to check conference websites and speaking opportunities are widely available.
