Glen Callum Associates Attend IAAF Member Summer Conference

Glen Callum Associates Attend IAAF Member Summer Conference

On Wednesday, 12th June 2024, members of the Glen Callum Associates (GCA) team attended the IAAF Member Summer Conference, the first in over 20 years. The event was held at The Belfry Hotel and Golf Resort in Sutton Coldfield.

Upon arrival, attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow industry professionals over coffee and croissants. There were also several suppliers with stands offering literature, conversation, and various goodies, including an abundance of pens.

The conference featured an impressive line-up of guest speakers, including GCA’s very own Director, Glen Shepherd, who presented on “Aftermarket” hiring – the changing candidate landscape.

Glen explains,

“We used the latest stats, and recently conducted polls, to provide a temperature check of the candidate market right now. We visited how candidate job search habits are changing with a ‘shop window’ market that’s open 24/7, 365 days of the year. Technology and automation through AI is also shifting the landscape and the need for human interaction at the engagement and screening stages of hiring is more paramount than ever. The increase of Gen Z’s and Millennials into the global workforce is on the upward trajectory and will grow quickly throughout the forthcoming years.

‘Always be hiring’ was our key message of the day and feedback has been extremely positive. The key points sparking discussion being on the differing perspectives of employer versus employee and the disparities surrounding this.”

Other notable speakers and panel discussions included:

Alan Scott – IAAF Training Academy
Hamish Taylor – Former CEO of Sainsbury’s Bank & Eurostar
Mark Armitage – Autotech Group
Ash Sutton & Dan Rowbottom – NAPA Drivers
Matthew Yeldham, Brandon Bourton, Tia Marsh & Freddy Hewitt – East Coast College

Senior Recruitment Consultant, Kayleigh Bradley, who was also in attendance, added

“This was another great event; it was fantastic to focus on the subject on everyone’s lips – talent attraction and retention. There were some really positive conversations happening covering topics from apprenticeship / trainee level right through to recruiting senior team members. Furthermore, how to motivate, develop and retain staff was also widely discussed. Of course, talent acquisition and retention is a topic close to our hearts at GCA, but it’s encouraging to see our wider automotive aftermarket community wanting to debate these issues too.”

The day concluded with a member’s networking BBQ, providing further opportunities for attendees to connect, share insights and reflect on a productive day.

A huge thank you to Mark Field and the IAAF for inviting us to present. It is always a pleasure to attend and support the IAAF at their events. We look forward to reconvening with everyone at the IAAF Annual Conference and Awards in December.

For more information or to arrange a meeting with any of our staff at future industry events, please contact us at jobs@glencallum.co.uk or call 01384 485274.