Schedule: TechServe Executive Summit 2023

TechServe Workshop

Building a Technology Staffing Firm of Enduring Value: What it Takes

(additional registration required)

Co- Presenters:

John Larson - Consultant, TechServe Alliance M&A Marketplace
Steve Norris - Consultant, TechServe Alliance M&A Marketplace

While many owners of technology staffing and solutions firms have built businesses that provide them with good, and in some cases great incomes, they have not taken the necessary steps to build a company of enduring value.  For those management teams that want to truly build a firm of extraordinary value that will be highly sought after by future acquirers, what does it take? Spoiler Alert: It is not easy and requires investment!   

This interactive workshop will do a deep dive into what is necessary to build significant enterprise value.  Delivered by industry veterans with a track record of success and drawing upon insights gleaned from the TechServe Alliance M&A Marketplace Program, this workshop will explore what is necessary to achieve a high value exit.    

Topics to include:  

Accelerating growth and scaling revenue  
Client diversification
Driving above average gross margins & profitability  
Investing in a leadership team  
Creating a remarkable company culture  
Differentiation in a crowded marketplace

Workshop on Diversity Management - (Limited spots available)

What Every Technology Leader Should Know About Diversity Management

Presenter: James O. Rodgers - Founder & CEO, The Diversity Coach

Whatever you thought you knew about diversity management and inclusion, be prepared to think again. Diversity management pioneer, Dr. James Rodgers, has an intention to “promote the commercial value of diversity and apply it to every member of a team.”

Participants will be invited to learn that:

Diversity leaders must first be leaders.
Identity is not a competence
Dispassion, logic, and relationships are keys to success.
It’s important to define terms and keep it simple.
Diversity management is a relationship and performance discipline.
We need a unified purpose, principle, definition, and intention for diversity management.
Who should lead DEI? Not who you think.

Much of the accepted dogma of D&I is not effective nor is it sustainable. Based on thirty years of observation as well recent empirical research, Dr. Rodgers will invite you to rethink the intent, the approach, and the attitudes about D&I so that it benefits everyone and produces tangible commercial value. This will be a facilitated learning session rather than instruction.

Speed Networking with Staffing Firm Leaders and TechServe Suppliers

Hosted by: Gary Cavanaugh, VP of Enterprise, Talent Group

The perfect event to kick off your 2023 TechServe Alliance Executive Summit!

The 2023 Technology Leaders Speed Networking session is a dynamic event that brings together attendees of the TechServe Alliance Executive Summit for targeted networking opportunities. A pre event survey about business interests and needs will match attendees with others that meet their business profile. Participants will switch tables throughout the networking event allowing them to expand their professional network in a casual and fun atmosphere.

Invited participants will include IT & Engineering Staffing leaders and suppliers of IT & Engineering products & services.

Registration in advance is required. Details sent to all registered attendees. If you did not receive, contact - fredlake@techservealliance.org

Friends of SIM Foundation Reception

The SIM Foundation invites our TechServe colleagues to join SIM for an unforgettable evening at the Friends of the SIM Foundation Reception where we blend exquisite flavors and meaningful connections.

Delight your palate with a private tasting of the renowned Ritz Carlton Amelia Island "First Call" daily bourbon infusion, a rare treat for bourbon enthusiasts. Passed appetizers and additional drinks will be available. Don't miss this unique opportunity to network with fellow attendees and contribute to a good cause!

Your participation not only promises a memorable evening but also supports the mission of the SIM Foundation - supporting STEM education and mentorship.

Cost per ticket is $200. Register Here

TechServe Executive Summit & SIM TechExec Keynote

RADICAL NEXT: THE OPERATING SYSTEM FOR THE FUTURE

Keynote: Samantha Radocchia, Founder, Radical Next

Samantha is a futurist, best-selling author, multimedia storyteller, and frontier tech pioneer who combines the mindsets of an anthropologist and a technologist.

Emergent technologies such as AI, Blockchains/Web 3, VR/AR, Metaverses, and Quantum Computing are ushering in the next radical shift in human, machine, and social evolution. This next revolution -- the quantum era, Industry 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and beyond -- will impact every industry, both new and old.

Sam takes the audience on a journey from our past, present, and future operating systems, highlighting how in addition to a shift in technologies, we are experiencing a broader shift in mindset towards decentralization, which will change how we interact with each other and our environment.

Large Firm Forum

Co-Chairs:

Joel Leege, Chief Strategy Officer, Randstad Digital, North America & Head of Randstad Life Sciences, US
Kip Wright, Chairman, INSPYR Solutions

The Large Firm Forum is specifically designed for executives of large technology staffing and solutions firms. A unique opportunity to engage with leaders of other large firms in an interactive facilitated discussion. Hear how others are responding to the opportunities and challenges presented by a dynamic market. Networking will continue during lunch.

Limited to Executives of Firms with Annual Revenue of $100 Million or More. Advanced Registration Required (No Additional Fee).

Breakout 1

Maximizing Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges in Hybrid Work

Presenter: Julie Kantor, PhD - Business Psychologist & Author of Thrive with a Hybrid Workplace: Step-by-Step Guidance from the Experts

Hybrid workplaces have many advantages, but also create pain-points for many organizations. With the right solutions, these pain-points will be addressed, including getting employees to come in and flourish.

Based on her new book, Thrive with a Hybrid Workplace: Step by Step Guidance from the Experts, Julie Kantor, PhD will provide practical information about:

Creating and maintaining culture
On-boarding and mentoring
Building connections and bringing people together
Communicating in a hybrid environment
Do’s and don’ts of hybrid policies

Breakout 2

Attracting and Retaining a Leadership Team

Moderator: Monica Dominic, Chief Client Officer/Co-Owner PSI

Panelists:

Traci Newkirk, President & COO, ICAP Solution
Kim Whiteley, Senior Vice President, MeeDerby

Whether the plan is to operate a business for the long-term or pursue an exit, building a high-performing leadership team is critical to success. How can you develop current members of your team into future leaders? What incentives encourage high-performers to commit to your organization for the long-haul? If you don’t have internal talent with leadership potential, how should you go about hiring from outside your organization?

Monica Dominic, Chief Client Officer of PSI, will moderate the conversation and share her journey from employee-leader to owner. She will be joined by Traci Newkirk of ICAP and Kim Whitley of MeeDerby, who will provide insights and advice on developing an internal leadership team as well as hiring leaders from outside your organization.

Breakout 3

Marketing for Tech Staffing Firms: Everything You Wanted to Know to Get Started

Moderator: Sona Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer, TechServe Alliance

Panelists:

Milgrim Bello, Vice President of Strategic Marketing INSPYR Solutions
Tim Glennie, Co-Founder and Managing Partner BridgeView IT
Pete Newsome, President, 4 Corner Resources

This panel promises to provide tailored insights, inspiration, and a roadmap for staffing professionals eager to elevate their digital marketing game. Whether it's attracting top talent, promoting staffing services, or differentiating oneself in a saturated market, a targeted digital marketing approach is crucial. But with so many strategies available, where does one begin? 

Join us for a riveting panel discussion where seasoned industry executives share their successful marketing journeys. They will unpack the myriad facets of the digital marketing spectrum, offering clarity and actionable insights on: 

Creating your digital marketing plan
Choosing your medium and channels – emails, blogs, social media, etc.
Creating engaging content
Navigating the decision between in-house efforts and outsourcing
Leveraging Martech and AI, including tools like ChatGPT

Accelerating Staffing Firm Success by Leveraging ChatGPT and other Transformative Technologies

Co-Presenters:

Scott Montminy, Director of Marketing and Communications, Ceipal
Raghav Nookala, Vice President of Customer Success & Digital Transformation, CEIPAL

In this interactive session, CEIPAL will explore the latest technology trends revolutionizing the IT and engineering staffing industry fueled in large part by remarkable advancements in AI technology such as ChatGPT. Attendees will delve into real-life examples of the transformative potential of these tools and platforms that can supercharge staffing firm growth and profitability amid an increasingly competitive environment. Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical insights and actionable strategies to elevate your firm's success and future-proof your business in an era defined by technological innovation.

Sponsored by Ceipal

Breakout 1 Legal Minefields and Ticking Time Bombs: Compliance in an Age of Uncertainty

Moderator: Robert Brown, Chief Executive & Legal Officer, Carlton National Resources

Panelists:

Martin L. Borosko, Managing Member, Becker
Mike Hammond, Attorney, Immigration Partners
Bill Josey, Attorney, William S. Josey, LLC

Litigation and Compliance and Regulations, Oh My! Operating a business in today’s litigious climate is fraught with potential liability. Statutes, case law, and regulations aren’t always clear and these muddied waters can leave owners and operators exposed. This information-packed session brings together leading industry attorneys who will provide updates on some of the key developments in employment and immigration law and offer practical advice on how to reasonably balance a firm’s need to compete with corresponding risks. Topics to include: AEDT and AI Regulation; Updates on IRS and ERTC; H-1b lottery; Compliance and Green Card challenges with a remote workforce; Lay-offs; Non-Compete updates; Independent Contractor issues; Paid Leave laws; and much more!

Breakout 2

Building an Extraordinary Company Culture: What it Takes

Hint: It’s Not All About Fun and Being Nice ok

Moderator: Tom Nunn, President, Tom Nunn Consulting

Panelists:

Quinn Fillmon, CEO, STAND8
Marina Perla, CEO, Mojo Trek

Given that most firms have access to the same or similar technologies and other tools, what differentiates the most successful IT and Engineering Staffing companies from all the others? In short, an extraordinary company culture. While many owners and executives assume a standout company culture solely embodies the elements of a welcoming, fun, and flexible environment, the most important element is a strong commitment to individual accountability.

In this session, leading industry consultant Tom Nunn will guide the conversation on how to introduce and inculcate a culture of accountability throughout your organization. Tom will be joined by two IT staffing firm owners who will share their journey in building a successful company culture based on accountability and how it has been a critical element to the success of their firms.

Breakout 3

Business-Shaping Storytelling – Part I

A Workshop to Enhance Your Communication Skills to Grow Your Business

Presenter: Hannah Harvey, Ph.D., Covestory

Get up-close with your own powerful story and learn how to share it to grow your business. In this storytelling, interactive workshop, you will learn how to harness the stories you already have to shape a work culture that thrives and to create long-term relationships with your team and your clients. Your story is your differentiator – this session will give you the tools and technique to craft it and the confidence to share your story. The workshop will be led by nationally known storyteller Dr. Hannah Harvey who has inspired listeners all over the world.

This is a two-part workshop – you do not need to attend both sessions to benefit from the session.

Breakout 4

Leveraging the Power of AI Today: Use Cases for IT Staffing Firms

Moderator: Lauren Jones, Founder, Leap Consulting

Panelists:

Tyson Franco, President, Mako Professionals
Roger Kipe, Vice President of Staffing, Capstone IT
Brad Rosen, Vice President Training and Talent Acquisition, Dexian

While there is much discussion about the future promise of AI, how are IT staffing firms leveraging its power today? In this session, IT staffing leaders who are early adopters of AI will share how their firms are actually using this game changing technology. From opportunities to automate and drive greater efficiency throughout an organization to using generative AI to enhance your firm’s marketing and communication efforts with clients and candidates, you will come away with actionable ideas on how you can implement this new technology in your business today.

AI and its Implications for the Future of Recruiting and Work

Moderator: Quintin McGrath, D.B.A, CIO Council Advisory, Adjunct Professor, University of South Florida, Founder, QplusAI, LLC

Panelists:

Swaroop Reddy - CIO, Omnicom Precision Marketing Group
Dr. Chrissann Ruehle, Florida Gulf Coast University Provost Faculty Fellow for AI, Management Faculty
Peter Vogel - Lawyer, Vogel IT Law
Kip Wright, Chairman, INSPYR Solutions

Moderated by a leading authority on Artificial Intelligence, our panel of thought leaders from a variety of backgrounds will do a deep dive into the opportunities and potential disruptive force of AI on the recruitment process and the world of work. The panel will engage in a multi-faceted exploration including:

What is the real potential of AI? How are companies employing It?
What are the effects on jobs and recruiting? How should we respond?
In what ways is IT being disrupted by AI? How can the IT Leader be the organization’s AI champion?
What benefits does AI bring to procurement? How can we leverage them?
What are the legal, moral, and ethical challenges with AI?

Join us for this compelling discussion which will provide a framework for technology leaders, procurement professionals and staffing executives to think about the emerging technological revolution that has the potential to transform the future.

Executive Summit & TechExec General Session

Welcome

Presenters

Mark Roberts, CEO, TechServe Alliance
Mark Taylor, CEO, Society for Information Management (SIM)

Prospering Throughout All Phases of the Economic Cycle

Keynote: Alan Beaulieu, Economist, CEO & Founder, ITR

With a reputation for the amazing accuracy of his forecasts delivered with a wry sense of humor, economist Alan Beaulieu, will share his insights on the state of the economy during these turbulent times.  Most importantly, he will offer suggestions on how to use these insights on preparing for the future.  

Breakout 1

Driving Growth and Profitability Through Data Driven Management: An Innovative Approach

Presenters:

Michele Grassley Clarke, COO & CFO, TechServe Alliance Services Corp.
Tom Nunn, President, Tom Nunn Consulting

While larger IT and engineering staffing firms drive superior performance through effective data driven management, many small and mid-sized firms don’t capture or effectively leverage data necessary to make informed decisions, incentivize the right behaviors and hold the team accountable. Even for those companies that collect data, the management team often lacks the bandwidth and expertise to make effective use of the information. In this session, leading industry consultant Tom Nunn will demonstrate how to use data to inform decision-making and achieve successful team performance. Tom will be joined by Michele Grassley Clarke of TechServe Alliance, who will introduce an exciting new service offering that delivers business intelligence and actionable insights driving growth and profitability.

Breakout 2

Creating an Extraordinary Company Culture Through Self-Discovery

Staffing Firm Leader .... Know-Thy-Self

Moderator: Leslie Vickrey, Founder, ClearEdge

Panelists:

Kip Havel, CMO, Dexian
David Martin, Founder & President, Catalyst Branding
Mark Nussbaum, Founder of Signature Consultants & CAO, Dexian

In an industry largely without protectable IP, the distinguishing characteristics of firms that are extraordinarily successful is the management team and the company culture they help create. However, to more effectively foster and communicate your company’s culture, a firm’s leadership should go through a process of self-reflection and self-discovery. Staffing firm leader—first, know thy self!

Why are you in business and what is your purpose? What are your company’s values? In this moderated panel discussion, Mark Nussbaum, founder of Signature Consultants and CAO of Dexian, Kip Havel, CMO of Dexian and David Martin, President, Catalyst Branding will provide an overview of Dexian’s self-discovery process—a process that can be implemented by firms of all sizes. The panelists led by moderator, Leslie Vickrey, Founder, ClearEdge, will discuss how to share the outcome of the self-discovery process with your team, consultants, customers, and prospects to strengthen your company’s culture and accelerate your firm’s growth.

Breakout 3

Business-Shaping Storytelling – Part II

A Workshop to Enhance Your Communication Skills to Grow Your Business

Presenter: Hannah Harvey, Ph.D., Covestory

Get up-close with your own powerful story and learn how to share it to grow your business. In this storytelling, interactive workshop, you will learn how to harness the stories you already have to shape a work culture that thrives and create long-term relationships with your team and your clients. Your story is your differentiator – this session will give you the tools and technique to craft it and the confidence to share your story. The workshop will be led by nationally known storyteller Dr. Hannah Harvey who has inspired listeners all over the world.

This is a two-part workshop – you do not need to attend both sessions to benefit from the session.

Breakout 4

AI and Automation at the Heart of the Staffing Firm Tech Stack

The Latest Innovations in Applicant Tracking Systems

Moderator: Lauren Jones, Founder, Leap Consulting

Presenters:

Gus Samra, Chief Revenue Officer, JobDiva
Laura Bumby, Senior Manager - Analytics and Automation, Bullhorn
Jerome Guerard, Vice President Recruitment Technology, Mercury

Despite an explosion of technologies throughout the talent acquisition ecosystem, the Applicant Tracking System remains at the heart of every staffing firm’s Tech Stack. What are the latest innovations by leading Applicant Tracking Systems? How are ATSs leveraging AI and automation? In this fast-paced TED-talk style session, three of the industry’s leading ATSs will share their latest enhancements and future plans to incorporate AI and automation---the promise of which has the potential to transform the way IT and engineering staffing firms do business.

General Session: IT & Staffing Leaders Speak

Panel of CIO (Chief Information Officer), Staffing Leaders, & IT Procurement Professionals

Moderators:

Mark Roberts, CEO, TechServe Alliance
Mark Taylor, CEO, SIM

Panelists:

Joe Bruhin, CIO, Breakthru Beverage
John Manzanares, CIO, Curaleaf
Bruce Morton, Head of Strategy, Allegis Global Solutions
Amy Schulz, Sr. Director Global Procurement, Hallmark Cards, Inc.

In this candid discussion moderated by the leaders of TechServe Alliance, Society for Information Management, and ITPWG, CIOs, IT staffing executives, and IT Procurement Professionals will share their perspective on current trends impacting both those who employ and supply technical talent. From a pullback in budgets in some sectors, ongoing talent shortages in many skill sets, to the impact of AI, the panel will attempt to make sense of dynamic economic, talent and technology landscape.

Breakout 1

Thriving with a Hybrid Workplace: What's Working, Challenges and Opportunities for Staffing Firms

Moderator: Julie Kantor, PhD -Business Psychologist & Author, Founder, JP Kantor Consulting

Panelist:

Anna Frazetto, Chief Revenue Officer, Airswift
Carolyn Marcelo, Director of Human Resources, DTG Consulting Solutions
Alexa Scalzi, Chief Revenue Officer, Top Stack

For the past few years, the world of work has changed. And will continue to change. In this dynamic session, staffing industry leaders will share lessons learned, ideas for the future, and roadmaps for success in a hybrid world.

Breakout 2

Don't Only Motivate-Empower Your Recruiting Team

Presenter: Barb Bruno, Founder, Good as Gold Training

Why are some IT Contract Staffing Firms’ sales up 37% this year, while others are experiencing a downturn? How do you retain and motivate your recruiting team when business slows down? They often feel helpless and wonder why they are pipelining candidates when they don’t have any contracts or jobs to present.

What if you made your recruiting team part of the solution to landing new clients and increasing your profits?

Join Barb Bruno as she discusses the vital role your recruiters can play in helping your account executives attract the best clients.

Topics addressed will include the following:

Should your recruiters market candidates?
New questions to ask that reveal leads.
Current candidate realities
Impact of references

Barb Bruno will also leave time to answer questions.

Breakout 3

The Art and Science of a Successful Sales Process

Presenters:

Rick Carlson, Director, TechServe’s Sales & Recruiting Management Program
Casey Jacox, Author, Sales & Executive Leadership Coach

Successful selling requires an effective combination of both art and science bringing together analytical skills with the qualities of creativity and emotional intelligence to connect with customers on a deeper level. In this breakout session, two of the industry’s noted sales authorities demonstrate how to blend both art and science for a better sales process.

To stand out in an overcrowded marketplace place, your streamlined sales process should incorporate:

Key benchmarks to better manage KPIs that maximize profitability
How to ask precise questions to better qualify prospects
Compelling storytelling to achieve maximum results

You will walk away with key takeaways and strategies to enhance efficiency, build your sales pipeline, and drive revenue growth.

Breakout 4

Maximize Your Technology Investment

Presenter: Lauren Jones, Founder, Leap Consulting

Whether your organization has an established ecosystem or you’re just beginning to think about your future technology needs, this session led by industry expert Lauren B. Jones will walk you through best practices in building, optimizing, and adopting technology to scale your organization.

Lauren will also share her own experiences in managing ROI from technology investments. Lauren will explain how she used these techniques to improve the ROI of her technology investments and how to apply them to your own business.

Closing General Session TechServe Executive Summit, SIM TechExec, & ITPWG

Stories We Want to Live In

Presenter: Hannah Harvey, PhD

Stories are the most invisibly powerful tools you already own. Use this tool to unlock and discover how even small stories can drive big decisions. Entertaining stories have the power to grip and entice us, deeply influencing the culture of your workplace and your employees’ relationships with potential clients.

A persuasive story paints a richly detailed scene that your audience wants to live inside: it’s the difference between saying “we deliver great service,” and drawing on your experiences to shape compact, vivid, gripping images of relationships that clients will want to step into and a workplace culture that employees will want to sustain.

Experience, and discover the “why” and “how” behind, the stories that move us, with nationally known storyteller Hannah Harvey, as we hear and unmask what’s behind some of the world’s most lasting, meaningful, and indeed lucrative, stories.