When the doors opened at 9am, it was all systems go. Talent X was live and the crowd was hungry to learn and network. Last Thursday’s event was the largest exhibition in RCSA history, with 48 speakers across three stages dishing out valuable insights, knowledge and even a few jokes.
The venue, Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre, was vast enough to accommodate the 750 attendees, who were able to get their steps up while moving between the 29 exhibitors. The vibe was electric, the mood was high, and the caliber of speakers impressed.
“This was a big effort by the RCSA team and it paid off in spades, says RCSA CEO Charles Cameron.
“We decided to go large this year and we delivered. The three stages gave ticket holders plenty of options when it came to learning and developing. It was truly and event for the entire staffing industry, from your consultants and operational staff to leaders.”
The day kicked off with a welcome and a thirty-minute session with Main Stage MC and future of work expert, Dr Ben Hamer. By 10 am all three stages were firing. Through colour coded headphones attendees had the ability to wander, learn and connect simultaneously.
“The concept was pretty unique. The headphones enabled people to walk about and still listen to the content being presented between all three stages.”
On the main stage, 16 speakers wowed including Teamwork Guru and Antarctic Expeditioner, Rachael Robertson and Business Mentor/Media Personality, Mark Bouris, who closed out the day to a packed audience.
“Mark commanded attention. It was standing room only despite his presentation being right at the end of the day. I saw a lot of notes being taken. To have the opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s most revered businessmen was pretty special,” says Charles.
While the main-stage presenters kept a healthy crowd occupied throughout the day, the side stages didn’t disappoint. The Operations Corner engaged ticketholders with the hot topics facing today’s recruiters.
“It tackled content relating to important issues like labour hire licensing, compliance, workplace health and safety, employment law and tech recommendations for staffing.
“The line-up of presenters was specifically designed to benefit staff holding operational and back-office support roles and the feedback was positive.”
The Top Billers stage drew in its own healthy crowd.
“It was a bit of a standout with content geared towards consultants, billing managers and team leaders.
“We had presenters covering off topics like candidate care, relationship building, effective storytelling, sales and business development,” says Cameron.
The curtain came down on Talent X after 7 hours of power when weary, but empowered attendees handed back their headphones, taking home plenty of food for thought.
“There was a lot of information dished out, says Charles.
“It’s a day that gives people in the industry the opportunity to reflect and grow.”
Talent X will be back next year on May 22 in Sydney.
Click here to see the photos from the event.