Our Annual Meeting & Conference comes chock-full of new experiences each year (ahem, make-your-own donut bar last year), but one constant element are the eager faces of the repeat attendees who you developed rapport with over the years. The conference may be located in different cities each year, but that doesn’t stop our attendees from traveling across the country to join us.
One such attendee and long-standing DirectEmployers advocate is Pam Webster, Assistant Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Enterprise Holdings. From her impeccable style and grace to the innovation and best practices she’s brought to the industry, I’m happy to see her each year. Here’s what Pam had to say about why she chooses to join us each year:
Q: How many times have you attended DirectEmployers Annual Conference (DEAM)?
A: I don’t know the exact number but I think I’ve been to every one since I got to St. Louis in 2005. Maybe 10?
Q: Explain how your experience at DEAM is different from other conferences?
A: I love that fact that it’s a mix of content from recruitment marketing, to veteran and disability outreach to compliance. There’s something for everyone.
Q: If you were to choose three words that described DEAM, what would they be and why?
A: Content, Value, Networking – the content is always great from DE members and partners, you get value out of the meeting – there is always something to take back to your office and implement or try and there are great networking opportunities with your peers.
Q: How have you used information that you’ve discovered at DEAM and incorporated it into your company’s strategy?
A: We have partnered with several organizations that we meet at DEAM and we implement the use of the PRM for documenting our veteran and disability outreach. We have hundreds of users so it is nice to have a tool that was easy to implement and use.
Q: What is your favorite memory from DEAM?
A: In 2016 I was completely surprised when I was awarded the DE Breakthrough Award!
Q: What have you gained as a repeat attendee of DEAM?
A: Building on relationships established early on and spending time with Tom Eckhart.
Q: How has DEAM expanded your peer-to-peer networking?
A: There are so many different companies and roles within organizations represented at the meeting there to have good conversations with at the conference or post conference.
Q: With budgets being cut for HR travel, how do you justify your travel to DEAM?
A: DE is a valuable tool for our company especially from a compliance standpoint and the relationship with have with DE is very important.
Q: We love seeing your favorite photos from past DEAMs. Do you have one you’d like to share?
Q: Any other additional comments you’d like to share about DEAM or DirectEmployers?
A: You guys are great!! Staff is amazing!
We feel very fortunate to have Pam’s support, as well as the support of her many team members who join her at our Annual Meeting & Conference. In addition to registering for DEAM18, you can create your own team-centric learning by encouraging your team members to join you, then head back to the office with a refreshed perspective and drive to tackle new and outstanding projects. For more information about DirectEmployers Annual meeting & Conference, visit http://DEAM18.DirectEmployers.org or contact deam@directemployers.org with questions.
See you in Seattle, Pam!
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