SI Review: Autumn 2014 European Issue

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Preview: Executive Forum Europe

Executive Forum Arrives in London

By John Nurthen

The publication of this special edition of Staffing Industry Review coincides with the launch of the Executive Forum Europe in London between 3rd and 5th November 2014.

While it is a new event for Europe, the Executive Forum is a long-standing and prominent feature of the U.S. staffing market that attracts more than 1,000 senior staffing executives each year, including a number who travel from overseas to attend. Established in 1992, the Executive Forum has been at the heart of the development of the American staffing industry more than 20 years. It is much more than a conference with thought–provoking presentations. It is an event where industry leaders get to meet their peers each year, where friendships and partnerships are made, where deals get done, and where companies get sold and bought.

So what’s different about this event from other recruitment/staffing conferences? First, it is underpinned by Staffing Industry Analysts’ award-winning research, which provides unique insights into market trends, forecasts, legal and regulatory developments, best practices and much more. Second, the calibre of the attendees — which includes business owners, chief executives and other board-level executives. Third, the international nature of the event — it is the only staffing conference that reflects on pan-European developments as well as important global themes. Finally, the unrivalled agenda and roster of expert speakers:

Jonas Prising, CEO of ManpowerGroup, will provide his unique perspective on the future of the staffing industry globally and the impact of changing technology and business practices on talent, customers and the players in the industry. As the company’s fourth CEO, Jonas Prising leads all aspects of ManpowerGroup’s business in 80 countries and territories worldwide so is in an unrivalled position to provide insights on the global staffing market.

Our Voice of the Customer session gives you the opportunity to question some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated buyers of staffing services in order to better understand their opinions, priorities and concerns. What do buyers really think about their staffing suppliers and what do they really expect in terms of service fulfilment? How do they go about selecting suppliers and what value do they place on quality rather than price? Expect a frank and open exchange of views.

Neil Jacobstein will explain how developments in artificial intelligence are creating a fundamental shift in the workforce. As the co-chair and director of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the Singularity University, NASA Research Park, Professor Jacobstein has a great insight into how jobs are under threat from software automation and robots. Staffing Industry Analysts’ own research predicts that temporary jobs are under a much greater threat from these developments than permanent jobs. So where exactly does this leave the staffing industry? How soon will staffing companies have to consider providing software or robots to fulfil client needs rather than just people?

Management expert Fons Trompenaars will discuss how global leaders can bridge the cultural divide and reconcile cultural differences to create a powerful platform for innovation. As part of this topic, Trompenaars will also discuss international teambuilding, remote management, strategic dilemmas, corporate social responsibility and sustainability, 21st century leadership, creativity and innovation and cultural due diligence in M&A.

Other important topics on the agenda:

  • Targeting high growth segments
  • Buying and selling a staffing firm
  • Improving profitability in times of margin pressure
  • Implementing a winning sales force culture
  • Investment and savings opportunities for 2015
  • Trends in European staffing legislation
  • The trials and tribulations of expanding abroad
  • Employee engagement strategies to improve business performance
  • And much more …

So, if you want to stay abreast of important business trends as you plan for business development in 2015 and beyond, I very much hope to see you at the Grange St Paul’s Hotel alongside Europe’s most forward-thinking staffing executives.

John Nurthen is executive director, global research, at Staffing Industry Analysts. He can be reached at jnurthen@staffingindustry.com.