Recently, 60+ members of NPAworldwide gathered for a Regional APAC meeting in KL to network, share their thought leadership, best practices, make new friends and renew old friendships. In doing so they carry on a tradition and practice at NPAworldwide that goes back almost 70 years. I would like to thank Carola Chard our Board member for APAC, Andrew Thoseby Board Member for AUS/NZ, and Kristen Davie for doing such a great job organizing this event. I've asked Carola to summarize the event below:
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I reflect on our recent conference held in Kuala Lumpur. With over 60 members from across the APAC, Europe, and the USA, this gathering truly exemplified the remarkable power of face-to-face meetings. We enjoyed impactful presentations, networking, fun and friendship, creating new business opportunities within our global recruiting network along the way.
In an age where virtual communication has become the norm, there's clearly an irreplaceable magic that happens when we come together in person.
The Kuala Lumpur conference reaffirmed the tremendous value of face-to-face meetings. It allowed us to forge deeper connections, strengthen existing relationships, and build trust that transcends borders. The energy in the room was palpable, and many spontaneous discussions and brainstorming sessions unfolded during breaks and meals. Even this week, almost a month after the conference, members participating in our regional network zoom calls were abuzz with refreshed energy and ideas.
Being in the same room with our fellow members and share experiences, challenges, and success stories in real-time was invaluable. It reminded us that behind every email, phone call, or video conference, there's a human being with unique perspectives, insights, and a shared passion for recruiting excellence. These personal connections are the foundation upon which we can grow and thrive as a global network. Since last year’s Bangkok conference, five successful placement splits happened which members directly attributed to conversations they had while there. Those results speak for themselves, it pays to invest the time and money to join a conference and connect in person.
Kuala Lumpur featured a lineup of presentations and discussions that were not only informative but also highly impactful. Our keynote speaker Mike “Batman” Cohen gave us a deep-dive tour of AI and other new technologies available, and the impact those will have on our work. While not everyone will go high tech and apply the tools, it certainly has given food for thought to many of us, how we can best leverage our skills and expertise in an ever-changing marketplace. Dave Nerz, our President, and yours truly gave an update on the BOD activities and spoke about the growing power of the network in our region and the positive results.
Our member FK Law talked about recruiter skills – learning to read the client needs clearly.
A panel discussion of members, facilitated by Parvathy Krishnan, shared the economic outlook for the region.
Andrew Thoseby gave a talk on back to sales basics.
All volunteers shared their expertise, best practices, and innovative strategies, providing us with a treasure trove of knowledge to enrich our recruiting endeavors.
Kristen Davie shared tips and tricks how to increase visibility and impact in the network on marketplace and other tools and presented member success stories. We happily celebrated her being our invaluable key support for APAC for the past 10 years.
The diversity of perspectives and experiences represented in these sessions was a testament to the global reach of our network. From recruitment trends in different regions to the latest technologies and tools transforming our industry, the conference offered a comprehensive view of the ever-evolving recruitment landscape. We were able to gain fresh insights, learn from one another and adapt our approaches to stay ahead of the curve.
The relationships fostered during the conference have already borne fruit. Numerous members reported successful collaborative ventures that began as casual conversations during our networking events. The trust and camaraderie built during these interactions are often the catalysts that lead to profitable partnerships and growth opportunities. Moreover, the cross-cultural networking experience was particularly enriching. Engaging with members from different continents and cultural backgrounds provided us with a global perspective that is invaluable in our line of work. It expanded our horizons and opened doors to international opportunities that we might not have otherwise considered.
In conclusion, the Kuala Lumpur conference was a resounding success, showcasing the enduring power of face-to-face meetings, impactful presentations, and networking in our ever-connected world. It reaffirmed our shared commitment to excellence in recruiting and our dedication to building lasting relationships within our network.
I want to express my appreciation to our organizers Veronica and Kristen and all volunteers and attendees for making this event a memorable experience. Let us carry the energy, insights, and connections from Kuala Lumpur forward as we continue to work together to elevate NPA Worldwide to new heights.
Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you at the next conference!
Special Member Shout-Outs from Jim Lyons
As is customary, I like to recognize members for recent accomplishments. Today, I am proud to announce that my friends Ed Wallach, Ed Wallach Search Group and Laurie Smith, Talent Match Recruitment have reached new levels in our Recruiter Achievement Status program. Ed is our newest Double Platinum / Hall of Fame member, representing cumulative salary totals of US $10 million. Laurie has reached the Platinum level, representing cumulative salary totals of US $5 million. Some of you may know this is Laurie's second stint in the network, and this Platinum level is based solely on his production since rejoining. Way to go, Ed and Laurie!
I also want to say thanks to Joe Smith and Keith Syberg from Smith and Syberg for stepping up as co-leaders for the Healthcare Practice Group!