Talent & TIARAs US Conference

About this Event

Date November 13 - November 14

Venue / Location Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park Free

Our two-day Talent Leaders conference will focus on how Talent Acquisition and HR leaders in the US should navigate the evolving landscape and proactively take steps to cultivate and advance the future workforce.

As the world of work continues to evolve at speed, organizations are exploring new ways to recruit, retain and develop diverse talent pools. And when it comes to confident decision-making there is nothing more enabling than getting together with peers to celebrate achievements, share challenges and experiences. Here is what you can expect on the day:

• Gain insights and inspiration from keynote speakers
• Explore impact, trends and innovation in talent acquisition with our industry experts
• Participate in expert-led roundtable discussions on key hiring challenges
• To finish with a flourish, we will crown our TIARA Talent Acquisition and Talent Tech Stars champions in a gala celebration dinner

TALiNT Partners events are recognized for the quality of their interactions, their delegates and support of the best industry partners and experts. We also have a unique approach which allows us to keep our sessions complimentary for relevant HR and TA leaders. We highly recommend you register now while spaces are available.

Your registration booking details will be sent after registration.

Event Disclaimer: Our curated events are designed to foster meaningful exchanges, and we cater meticulously to each participant. Should your plans change so that you are no longer able to attend, we kindly ask for timely notice to accommodate others who could benefit from this event.

Agenda

• Day 1

• 10:00 - 10:30 Arrival and Registration
• 10:30 - 11:00 Welcome & Introduction Hosted by Ken Brotherston, CEO of TALiNT Partners
• 11:00 - 11:30 Panel: What will shape the TA agenda for 2025? Our panel of industry leaders will debate and explore what they see as the key issues across the spectrum of TA activities.
• 11:30 - 12:00 Roundtable Discussion This your opportunity to discuss the points and priorities from Panel 1 and decide whether you agree!
• 12:00 - 12:45 Networking Lunch
• 12:45 - 13:15 Keynote: Creating a World-Class Employer Brand With Ally Brown, Employer Brand Manager, Employer Brand and Recruiting at VCA Animal Hospital
• 13:15 - 13:45 Roundtable Discussion How would you design a new EVP for your organization?
• 13:45 - 14:15 Panel: The Candidate Experience Candidate attraction, Candidate Onboarding. Even if hiring volumes are down, effective attraction, engagement and a positive candidate experience are still critical?
• 14:15 - 14:45 Networking Break
• 14:45 - 15:15 Panel: The Employee Experience What are the key differences between internal vs external employee/candidate experience?
• 15:15 - 15:45 Roundtable Discussion Candidate Experience & Employee Experience - Is one more important than the other?
• 15:45 - 16:15 Keynote: AI & recruitment.... Can they co-exist? With Marcus Sawyerr, Founder & CEO at EQ app
• 16:15 - 16:45 Wrap up
• 17:00 - 19:00 Networking Drinks in partnership with Eightfold An opportunity to informally network with your fellow delegates, our partners and the TALiNT Partners team.

• Day 2

• 08:30 - 09:00 Arrival and Registration
• 09:00 - 09:15 Welcome & Introduction Hosted by Ken Brotherston, CEO of TALiNT Partners
• 09:15 - 09:45 Fireside Chat: A strategic approach to Contingent Labor With Dani Crouch, Global Contingent Workforce Director at Baker Hughes
• 09:45 - 10:15 Panel: Meeting talent where they are? Permanent, Contingent, Freelance – To what degree should they ‘come to you’ or to what degree do you create your plan to ‘go to them'?
• 10:15 - 10:45 Roundtable Discussion Talent scarcity & Skill gaps – How can you identify the current and future skills gaps in your organization and what can you do?
• 10:45 - 11:15 Networking Break
• 11:15 - 11:45 Panel: Technology What makes the perfect Talent Tech stack in today’s TA landscape?
• 11:45 - 12:15 Roundtable Discussion How will your DE&I strategy evolve in the years ahead? What are the barriers and the opportunities?
• 12:15 - 13:15 Networking Lunch
• 13:15 - 13:45 Debates Workforce planning vs Demand forecasting
• 13:45 - 14:15 Panel: "Just One Thing!!" Our panel will discuss what are the key drivers of sourcing and TA success and give you their best ‘if you can only do one thing, do this’ advice!
• 14:15 - 14:45 Interactive Exercise Design the TA dashboard of the future
• 14:45 - 15:00 Closing Remarks
• 19:00 - 11:00 TIARA Awards: Talent Acquisition & Talent Tech Star Awards Tickets for the awards are available to purchase here: https://talentacquisitiontiaras.com/ceremony/

Speakers

• 

  Marcus Sawyerr EQ Community Founder & CEO
  Marcus Sawyer is the Founder and CEO of EQ App, a company leveraging AI to revolutionize how businesses connect with networks and information for growth in sales, marketing, and recruiting1. With over 15 years of experience in HR tech and recruiting, Marcus has established himself as a forward-thinking innovator in the industry.

  Before founding EQ App, Marcus held significant roles at CareerBuilder, where he started in ad sales, and at The Adecco Group, where he served as Global President of Adecco Group X, focusing on building technology solutions.

  He has also been a member of the Microsoft Services Executive Board and an investor, showcasing his diverse expertise and leadership in the tech and recruitment sectors.

  Originally from London and now based in Silicon Valley, Marcus has a global perspective, having visited over 107 countries. This international experience has been instrumental in building the EQ Community, which champions inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

  Marcus is passionate about using AI to unlock opportunities and help individuals and businesses thrive. His vision for EQ App is to inspire users to harness AI’s potential and achieve their professional goals through innovative products and content.

• 

  James Gennis City of Atlanta Contingent Workforce Manager
  James Gennis is the MSP Program Manager at the City of Atlanta. In this role, James oversees the management and implementation of the city’s Managed Service Provider (MSP) programs, ensuring efficient and effective workforce solutions.

  James is known for his expertise in talent acquisition and workforce management, which has been instrumental in optimizing the city’s staffing processes. His leadership and strategic vision have significantly contributed to the success of various initiatives aimed at improving the city’s operational efficiency.

  James frequently participates in industry conferences and panels, sharing his insights on workforce solutions and talent management. His contributions to the field have earned him recognition as a thought leader in MSP and talent acquisition.

• 

  Barbara Blevens LexisNexis Risk Solutions Global Talent Acquisition Leader
  Barbara Blevens is the Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. In her role, Barbara is responsible for leading the company’s talent acquisition strategies, ensuring that LexisNexis attracts and retains top talent across its global operations12.

  Barbara is a key member of the company’s Inclusion Council, where she advocates for a diverse and inclusive workforce. Her efforts focus on reaching out to underrepresented talent and supporting the company’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are vital to maintaining an inclusive culture1.

  With a strong background in human resources and talent management, Barbara has held various leadership positions throughout her career, contributing significantly to the success of the organizations she has been part of. Her expertise in recruitment and talent acquisition has been instrumental in driving LexisNexis Risk Solutions’ growth and innovation.

• 

  David Bach Labcorp Senior Director, Talent Acquisition
  David Bach is a prominent figure at Labcorp, where he serves as a key leader in the company’s strategic initiatives. With a strong background in healthcare and diagnostics, David has been instrumental in driving innovation and operational excellence at Labcorp.

  Before joining Labcorp, David held various leadership roles in the healthcare industry, where he developed a reputation for his expertise in clinical operations and strategic planning. His educational background includes advanced degrees in healthcare management and business administration, which have equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the healthcare sector.

  At Labcorp, David is known for his commitment to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the efficiency of diagnostic services. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing Labcorp’s mission to deliver world-class diagnostic solutions and improve health outcomes globally.

• 

  Diane Alvarez Grady Health System Human Resource Director, Talent Acquisition
  Diane Alvarez is the Human Resource Director, Talent Acquisition at Grady Health System. Based in Atlanta, GA, Diane brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles at Nice Healthcare, BAYADA Home Health Care, PruittHealth, and AccentCare.

  Diane’s educational background includes studies at the University of Bridgeport and The College of New Rochelle1. Her skill set is diverse, encompassing customer service, healthcare, employee relations, recruiting, and more1.

  At Grady Health System, Diane plays a crucial role in overseeing talent acquisition strategies, ensuring the organization attracts and retains top talent to provide exceptional healthcare services. Her leadership and expertise are instrumental in driving the HR department’s success and supporting Grady’s mission to improve the health of the community.

• 

  Penny Burnett TK Elevator Talent Acquisition Leader
  Penny Burnett is a seasoned professional currently serving as the Talent Acquisition Leader at TK Elevator. With a robust background in transformation and talent acquisition, Penny has significantly contributed to the company’s growth and strategic initiatives.

  Before joining TK Elevator, Penny held the position of Vice President, Transformation at Sevenstep, where she played a pivotal role in driving organizational change and enhancing talent acquisition processes. Her career also includes notable roles at Equifax, HD Supply, Home Depot, and Bank of America, where she honed her skills in leadership, talent management, and strategic planning.

  Penny’s extensive experience and dedication to excellence make her a key asset to TK Elevator, where she continues to lead and inspire her team towards achieving new heights in talent acquisition and organizational success.

• 

  Dani Crouch Baker Hughes Global Contingent Workforce Director
  Dani Crouch is the Global Contingent Workforce Director at Baker Hughes, where they lead strategic planning and execution of workforce initiatives to ensure flexibility and efficiency. Known for aligning workforce strategies with company goals of innovation and sustainability, Dani is also a recognized speaker at industry events, sharing valuable insights on workforce management and trends. Her career is distinguished by a strong focus on strategic planning, talent acquisition, and operational efficiency, significantly contributing to Baker Hughes’ mission in the energy sector.

• 

  Ally Brown VCA Animal Hospital Strategic Employer Branding Leader
  Ally Brown is a dynamic Strategic Employer Branding Leader at VCA Animal Hospital. With a knack for crafting compelling narratives, Ally excels in attracting top talent and enhancing the company’s brand presence. Her innovative strategies and passion for animal welfare make her a key player in the industry. When she’s not revolutionizing employer branding, Ally enjoys volunteering at local shelters and exploring the great outdoors.

• 

  Jenn Koss WilsonHCG SVP, Global Business Services
  Jennifer Koss has worked at WilsonHCG for 14 years. She arrived at Wilson with years of management and sales experience that served her well as she started her recruiting career as a sourcer.   

  She has sat in numerous leadership roles at Wilson including her current position of SVP, Global Business Services. In this role, she oversees, creates, and operationalizes internal solutions that help optimize and support client partners and delivery teams along with managing Wilson’s global coordination function.  

  During her tenure at Wilson, she has gained extensive experience and understanding of what it takes to deliver effective workforce solutions to client partners with scopes exceeding thousands of hires annually in multiple industries across the world.  

  Jennifer’s expert knowledge of the sector has made her a frequent speaker at conferences all over the world and she’s a regular media commentator. Jennifer is also a Profiles in Diversity Journal Women Worth Watching honoree.  

• 

  Koye Adejumo Sevenstep Senior Vice President Operations & AI
  Koye Adejumo’s inclusion on SIA’s 40 Under 40 list for the second time highlights his significant impact in the talent solutions industry. He leads Sevenstep’s Analytics and Intelligence (A&I) unit, driving data-driven innovations in analytics, technology, and operations. His team manages financials, internal planning, and predictive models for client activity and resourcing. Their expertise allows for efficient scaling, optimized sourcing, and early identification of bottlenecks. 

  Adejumo played a key role in implementing a machine learning model to predict aging roles, enabling timely solutions. Under his leadership, Sevenstep saw 35% growth in 2023, far surpassing industry trends, and won the TalentEdgeAI Best Use of Technology Award. 

   

• 

  Shalon Travis Lendmark Financial Vice President, Talent Acquisition
  Shalon Travis is the Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Lendmark Financial Services, a role she has held since March 2020. Based in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, Shalon is responsible for overseeing the recruitment and talent acquisition strategies for the company.

  With a strong background in human resources and talent management, Shalon has been instrumental in creating and implementing career path programs that help attract and retain top talent. Her efforts have significantly contributed to reducing employee attrition and improving engagement within the organization.

  Shalon’s educational background includes studies at the Interactive College of Technology. Her leadership and innovative approaches in talent acquisition have made her a key figure in Lendmark Financial’s growth and success.

• 

  Brandi Ferguson Visa Director Talent Acquisition, Global Business Planning
  Brandi Ferguson is a prominent figure at Visa, where she serves as the Senior Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition. In this role, Brandi is responsible for leading the company’s global recruitment strategies, ensuring that Visa attracts and retains top talent across all its markets.

  With over 20 years of experience in human resources and talent management, Brandi has a proven track record of developing innovative recruitment programs and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Before joining Visa, she held senior positions at several leading financial and technology firms, where she was instrumental in driving talent acquisition and employee engagement initiatives.

• 

  Shelly Hernandez Baldwin Paving Co., Inc Director of Human Resources
  Shelley Hernandez is the Director of Human Resources at Baldwin Paving, a position she has held with distinction. Based in Marietta, Georgia, Shelley plays a crucial role in overseeing the company’s HR functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development.

  Before joining Baldwin Paving, Shelley accumulated extensive experience in human resources, having served as Vice President of Human Resources at Industrial Pressure Works. Her career also includes significant roles at Soft Surroundings, True Aveda Salon, Godiva, and Zebra Technologies1. This diverse background has equipped her with a broad skill set and deep understanding of HR practices across various industries.

• 

  Phyllis Badgett BoozAllen Talent Attraction & Experience Leader
  Phyliss Badgett is a distinguished leader at Booz Allen Hamilton, where she serves as a key figure in the company’s strategic initiatives. With a wealth of experience in management and consulting, Phyliss has been instrumental in driving innovation and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.

  Her role at Booz Allen involves overseeing critical projects and collaborating with diverse teams to deliver impactful solutions for clients. Phyliss is known for her strategic vision, leadership skills, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders.

• 

  Trent Cotton HatchWorks AI Vice President of Talent and Culture
  Trent Cotton is the Senior Global Director of Talent Acquisition and Retention at HatchWorks AI. In this role, he leads the company’s efforts to attract and retain top talent, leveraging innovative strategies and technologies to enhance the recruitment process.

  Trent’s career journey is marked by a significant transition from finance to human resources, bringing a unique perspective to his role. He emphasizes the importance of human connections in successful recruitment and the transformative potential of AI in automating mundane tasks, allowing recruiters to focus on high-value activities

• 

  Katie Bussey Talent Fusion Sr. Vice President and Direct Sourcing Practice Leader
  Katie Bussey is the Senior Vice President and Direct Sourcing Practice Leader at TalentFusion, a company launched by Innova Solutions in 2023. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Katie brings extensive experience from her previous roles at HireGenics, Volt, IMS Oneworld, and Volt Consulting Group.

  At TalentFusion, Katie leads the Direct Sourcing Practice, focusing on revolutionizing how large enterprises engage contingent talent. Under her leadership, TalentFusion has introduced Branded Talent Communities, leveraging advanced technology to create a more efficient and engaging talent acquisition process. Katie’s expertise in staffing, workforce solutions, and brand marketing has been instrumental in transforming TalentFusion into a leader in the Direct Sourcing industry.

   

• 

  Andrea Shiah Eightfold Vice President of Talent Transformation
  Andrea Shiah is the Head of Talent Strategy and Transformation at Eightfold AI, a company specializing in AI-driven talent intelligence. In her role, Andrea leverages her extensive experience to provide strategic insights and guidance to Talent and HR Executives, helping them navigate talent transformation and optimize their workforce strategies.

  Before joining Eightfold, Andrea had a distinguished 25-year career at American Express, where she held various roles across multiple business units. Her deep understanding of talent management and transformation has been instrumental in driving Eightfold’s mission to match people with the right jobs based on their skills and experiences.

• 

  Rhea Moss iCIMS Global Head of Workforce and Customer Insights
  Rhea Moss is a data aficionado, intellectual thrill-seeker, women in tech advocate, customer cheerleader, strategic advisor, passionate people leader and keynote speaker. In her current role as the global head of workforce & customer insights at iCIMS, a leading provider of talent acquisition technology, she serves as the company’s resident data nerd. She oversees the iCIMS Insights program, providing talent and business leaders with deep insight into labor market activity, trends and job seeker expectations. The proprietary data is drawn from the iCIMS platform of more than 3 million global users who receive more than 200 million applications and make more than 5.5 million hires annually. Moss and the iCIMS Insights data are regularly cited in top tier media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, NBC News and Bloomberg.

  Moss has 15 years of experience in various data insights, customer intelligence, software engineering and product management roles with organizations including MongoDB and Thomson Reuters. She studied General Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Statistics at the Johns Hopkins University.

• 

  Dominic Esposito Network CEO
  Dominic Esposito is the CEO of Network, leading the company’s mission to build the infrastructure that powers a more flexible future. With a strong background in product and engineering, Dominic has a proven track record of success in the tech industry. He has successfully raised $60 million in funding and spearheaded the development of five pioneering products that set new industry standards in workforce management.

  Dominic’s career, shaped by roles at Applico and Wiz Studios, has been marked by significant achievements in revenue generation and building high-performing remote teams across multiple countries. He specializes in AI technologies, product development, and workforce optimization. At Network, he is focused on expanding the company’s advanced AI-powered SaaS platform in the rapidly growing flexible work market. Dominic’s leadership is driven by a commitment to leveraging technology to create a more dynamic and efficient work environment, benefiting both businesses and the next-generation workforce. His expertise in the gig economy, staffing industry, and strategic vision positions Network at the forefront of the flexible work movement, aiming to capture significant opportunities in this evolving sector.

   

• 

  JB Nussbaum Network VP of Enterprise Sales
  JB Nussbaum is a proven sales executive with over 20 years of experience driving GTM activities across marketing, alliances, and sales, with a focus on scaling growth-stage SaaS companies. Currently serving as VP of Enterprise Sales at Network, he is spearheading the company’s growth through new customer acquisition, refining messaging, and forging strategic partnerships. JB is passionate about helping organizations better solve their human capital challenges, with a particular focus on the external workforce industry. His extensive experience includes a 13-year tenure at Fieldglass/SAP Fieldglass, followed by leadership roles at Beamery and Glider.AI. As an experienced team builder and AE enabler, JB is dedicated to creating a strong culture and a scalable foundation for success. At Network, he is committed to delivering a consumer-grade VMS solution that empowers both clients and gig workers, driving efficiency and engagement in the shift-based labor market

• 

  Saleem Shaja WorkLLama COO and Co-Founder
  Saleem Khaja is a technology evangelist known for developing, implementing, and managing innovative products and services in various industries, including talent acquisition and talent relationship management. Saleem has over 25 years of experience in business development, product strategy, and operations, a micro-master’s in digital product management from Boston University, MBA from Iowa State University, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from National Institute of Technology, India

• 

  Leigh Cuevas AgileOne Senior Director, RPO Customer Experience
  Leigh Cuevas is a transformative leader with over 27 years of expertise in Global Talent Acquisition, RPO Service Delivery, Total Talent Solutions, and MSP. With a diverse background across healthcare, pharma, tech, engineering, and banking, Leigh has consistently driven exceptional outcomes through strategic innovation. Her work has saved organizations over $10 million in talent acquisition costs, reduced requisition fulfillment times by 98%, and enhanced vendor performance by 23%. As part of AgileOne’s Senior Leadership Team, Leigh is spearheading initiatives in RPO, Direct Sourcing, and MSP, with a focus on delivering comprehensive solutions that prioritize client needs and future workforce demands.

  Leigh’s insights into workforce planning, employee satisfaction, retention, and DEI have reshaped recruitment processes and inspired sourcing teams globally. Known for her passion for nurturing talent, Leigh’s presentations offer actionable strategies and forward-thinking perspectives that empower organizations to navigate today’s complex talent landscape.

• 

  Manvay Singh VeriKlick CTO
  Manvay Singh, in his capacity as Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder at VeriKlick, embodies a profound passion for technology coupled with a keen insight into its boundless possibilities. His visionary leadership has significantly propelled VeriKlick’s rapid expansion and the introduction of innovative solutions.

  With an unwavering dedication to technology, Manvay co-established VeriKlick, leveraging his extensive technical proficiency to steer its growth trajectory. His adept problem-solving skills and insatiable curiosity have been pivotal in conceptualizing and enhancing VeriKlick’s distinctive product offerings.

  As CTO, Manvay assumes responsibility for overseeing all technical facets of the company. He spearheads the formulation and implementation of technology-driven strategies, ensuring seamless alignment between VeriKlick’s technical vision and its overarching objectives while maximizing operational efficiency.

• 

  Denise Boeger 7-Eleven Senior Manager, Corporate Recruitment
  Denise Boeger is the Senior Manager of Corporate Recruitment at 7-Eleven, a position she has held since 2021. She oversees recruitment strategies for corporate roles, having joined the company in 2019 as an Executive Recruiter. Denise previously worked at Dean Foods, Dairy Farmers of America, Reddy Ice, Direct Energy, and Bread Financial. She holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and a Bachelor’s in Communications from Fordham University. Denise is dedicated to building high-performing teams and contributing to 7-Eleven’s success.

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