Posted on Thu, May 12, 2011 @ 06:12 PM
(By MATT DEUTSCH)
The Icebreaker Reception is one of the most popular events at our annual conferences and conventions. That’s for about two hours, attendees have the opportunity to meet, talk, and network with each other while they enjoy free drinks. (Pssstt, that’s because we buy them, in case you were wondering.)
Relationships have been forged and split placements have been made because of the Icebreaker Reception. It sets the stage for the whole event and helps recruiters determine who they want to talk with during the course of the rest of the convention.
And that’s what’s going on right now at The Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.—the Icebreaker Reception at the 2011 Top Echelon Network National Convention. One of the great things about the Icebreaker is that it’s always a great source of photos—photos of recruiters talking and having a good time . . . which, of course, is what we want them to be doing.
Rest assured that we’ll have plenty of photos from this year’s Icebreaker Reception. We’ll post these photos to the Top Echelon Network Facebook fan page. So while we wait for those photos to get here all the way from Florida, why don’t we take a look at some of the photos that are currently on our fan page. So far, they consist of photos from the events listed below:
- The 2009 National Convention in South Carolina
- The 2009 Fall Conference in Chicago
- The 2010 regional conference in Columbus, Ohio
Just click on the image below to access the albums in which these photos are kept.
So once again, stay tuned. We'll have photos from this year's Icebreaker, as well as from other events at the National Convention!
-- -- --
MDeutsch@TopEchelon.com
(330) 455-1433, Ext. 125
Posted on Thu, May 12, 2011 @ 01:47 PM
(By MATT DEUTSCH)
This is it! The 2011 Top Echelon Network National Convention kicks off tonight at The Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.! The convention will run from tonight until Saturday, and it will include ALL of the elements that have made our conferences and conventions successful for the past 20 years.
And what are those elements? I’m glad you asked!
Networking—Of course, the bread and butter of these events, as recruiters network with one another and form relationships. These relationships lead to split placements, and in some instances, life-long friendships. This happens each and every time we hold a conference or convention. We have proof.
Relationships—See above. This is the natural consequence of face-to-face networking. Getting to know somebody over the telephone (or even webcam) is one thing, but getting to know them in person is another thing entirely. It’s a different experience, one that takes networking to another level of effectiveness and satisfaction.
Recognition—People like to be recognized for their accomplishments. Who doesn’t? At the National Convention, Top Echelon Network’s 2010 award winners will be recognized in front of their peers and given hardware for their commitment and effort as Preferred Members.
FUN—I put this word in all caps because, well, it’s FUN! Seriously (or as serious as I can be about fun), we always strive to make these events as enjoyable as possible for attendees, and that starts with our Gala Event. This year, there will be a beach scavenger hunt for recruiters, and all I can say about it is . . . it’s going to be interesting. Oh, and fun. Can't forget that.
Networking, relationships, recognition, and FUN . . . all elements needed for a successful convention and all elements that will be present in Fort Lauderdale the next three days. In case you haven’t yet seen it, below is a video we put together regarding these four elements and the role they play in our events.
Stay tuned for updates regarding the 2011 National Convention, which starts later this evening with the always popular Icebreaker Reception at 7 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
-- -- --
MDeutsch@TopEchelon.com
(330) 455-1433, Ext. 125
Posted on Mon, Mar 28, 2011 @ 08:36 AM
Sean Napoles of Career Brokers, Inc. is currently the Top Producer in Top Echelon Network. He’s been in the Top 10 in the Network almost from the day he joined Top Echelon, and he’s been the Top Producer on numerous occasions.
With as much as Napoles bills through Top Echelon, you’d think he wouldn’t bother with attending Network events like the upcoming National Convention. But if you think that, you’d be wrong! That’s because Napoles is a firm believer in the benefits that these events provide. In fact, he strongly recommends that his fellow Preferred Members attend the National Convention in Fort Lauderdale in May.
How strongly? He outlined the return on investment (ROI) that he typically receives from Top Echelon conferences and conventions, and he also listed his top three reasons for attending. That’s how strongly.
-- -- --
I will be going to the Top Echelon Network National Convention in Florida in May, and I hope to meet many new Top Echelon Members (and, of course, say "Hi!" to some old ones).
Below is what this convention will cost me . . .
Top Echelon convention cost = $275
Airfare = $400
Hotel for three (3) nights = $600 (using $200 a night since the rates are $169/night + taxes + fees)
Taxicab to and from airport = $60
Total = $1,335 +
Meals = $240 ($80 a day . . . I doubt it will be this high)
Bar tab = $210 ($70 a day . . . I KNOW it will be this high)
Grand total = $1,785
Here are the three reasons why I'm attending the National Convention:
- I know I will turn my $1,785 investment into a $5,000+ profit! I have attended many Top Echelon conferences. At every conference, I have met new Members and received new job orders to work on. It's the old "but for" rule. "But for" me not spending $1,785 to get my butt to the convention, I would have never met these Members and received their job orders. Let's say my average split fee in Top Echelon is $14,000 (it's probably higher). By spending $1,785, I will net about $5,000 (when I make a $14K split).
- Solidify relationships: so important. Just like you make the most money with the clients you talk to the most, the same goes for your Trading Partners in Top Echelon Network. I can not wait to see and buy rounds at the pool bar for all my Top Echelon Trading Partners who have allowed me to work on their job orders.
- Tax write-off. You and your significant other probably have a vacation planned in 2011 . . . why not go to sunny Florida and write it off?
-- -- --
Early Bird Registration for the National Convention ends on Friday! Sign up now and take advantage of the the low Early Bird Registration price. The dates of the National Convention are Thursday, May 12, through Saturday, May 13, and the location is The Westin Beach Resort in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Attend the convention . . . meet other recruiters . . . make more split placements . . . become a Top Producer!
Posted on Tue, Dec 14, 2010 @ 09:13 AM
(By Mark Demaree)
“Super Early Bird Registration” for the 2011 National Convention is now available! Sign up now in the Members' Area at the low price of $275 per person. This is the first time that we've ever offered a "Super Early Bird" and a price this low for a National Convention.
"Super Early Bird Registration" will run until Friday, December 31. Then the price will go up to $350 per person during "Regular Early Bird Registration."
I know time is at a premium these days, so I’ll be brief and review some of the topics that will be covered at the convention.
- Marketing strategies to gain new clients
- How to work more efficiently and smarter . . . rather than harder
- Split placement best practices
- Candidate issues and how to overcome them
- Time management
- How to ensure feedback from other Top Echelon Network recruiters
- The best research tools on the market
- Industry trends and more!
This past year, we went on the road and held six regional conferences throughout the country. In 2011 we’re going back to our old format . . . and it starts with the National Convention on Thursday, May 12, though Saturday, May 14. The location is The Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In addition, the main speaker for the convention is Jon Bartos of Jonathan Scott International, one of the most popular speakers and trainers in the industry.
I’ll see you there. You’ll be glad you went.
If you're planning to attend, what are the reasons? We're always looking to enhance the effectiveness of our events, and we welcome your feedback. What can we do to improve our conferences and conventions and provide more value for those recruiters who choose to attend and invest in their business.
View the preliminary agenda.
See who's already registered.
Sign up for the convention.
-- -- --
MDemaree@TopEchelon.com
(330) 455-1433, Ext. 172
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn.
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Join Top Echelon Network on Facebook.
Posted on Mon, Dec 13, 2010 @ 10:14 AM
“Super Early Bird Registration” for the 2011 National Convention is now available. You can register in the Members’ Area for the low price of just $275 per person! That’s the lowest price for a National Convention that we’ve ever offered. Register for the 2011 National Convention now!
To register for the convention, please follow the steps outlined below:
1.) Login to the Members’ Area.
2.) Click the “Register Now” link located on the left-hand side of the page, under the Placement Forms and on top of the Member Survey. (See image at left.)
3.) Provide all of the appropriate information, which includes the following:
- Industries and specialties
- Awards Luncheon meal choice
- Whether or not you’ll be attending the Gala Event (the Gala Event is included in the price of registration) and/or Todd Bossler’s Big Biller Power User Training Session (an additional $20 per person)
- Guest registration (if applicable)
- Payment options (credit card or check)
- The Top Echelon Network Conference Waiver Agreement
In addition, Top Echelon Network has negotiated a room rate of $169 per night with The Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale. However, there are a limited number of rooms in our block and they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Westin Beach Resort has provided a link to their passkey technology at the bottom of the registration page. This link will take you to a special web page provided by The Westin for Preferred Members of the Network, allowing you to take advantage of our negotiated room block rate.
Remember, “Super Early Bird Registration” for the 2011 National Convention ends on Friday, December 31. Sign up now to take advantage of the lowest price we’ve ever offered . . . and to be entered into a drawing to receive FREE registration. The first 50 Preferred Members who sign up will be entered into a drawing, and the winner will have their registration for the convention waived!
If you have any questions, please call (330) 455-1433.
Let us know your thoughts about the registration process. How can we make it easier and better for the user? What components should we add or eliminate?
View the preliminary agenda.
See who's already registered.
Sign up for the convention.
-- -- --
Follow Top Echelon Network on Twitter.
Join Top Echelon Network on Facebook.
Posted on Sun, Dec 12, 2010 @ 10:26 AM
| |
|
Preliminary Agenda – Thursday, May 12
|
| 7 - 9 p.m. |
Networking Icebreaker Reception
Location TBA
|
The quickest way to form Trading Partner relationships and build trust with other recruiters is through face-to-face meetings. Not only is the Icebreaker the “official start” of the convention, it’s also traditionally one of our most popular and heavily attended events. Don’t miss out on the fun, the networking, the camaraderie, and of course, the free drinks! |
|
Preliminary Agenda – Friday, May 13
|
| 8:30 -- 11:30 a.m. |
Big Biller
Power User Session)
Internet Strategies Manager
Top Echelon Network
Location TBA
|
Big Biller 2.0 has arrived and is in full gear . . . and Todd Bossler will show you how to put the power of the software to work for you! Please note that the cost of attending this session is an extra $20, above and beyond the price associated with attending the National Convention. |
| 11:30 a.m. -- 12:30 p.m. |
Lunch
|
Convention attendees will be on their own for lunch. |
| 12:30 -- 1 p.m. |
Convention Registration
Location TBA
|
Get a jump on the convention by picking up your program and name badge at the Top Echelon Network registration table.
|
| 1 -- 1:30 p.m. |
Opening Comments
Location TBA
|
Mark Demaree, President of Top Echelon Network, will kick off the 2011 National Convention by introducing the members of the Top Echelon team and giving a short opening address.
|
| 1:30 -- 2:45 p.m. |
"Recruiter Fusion 3.0 "
Drea Codispoti, CPC/CERS
Membership Development Coordinator
Top Echelon Network
Location TBA
|
Our “Recruiter Fusion” networking session was quite popular at the 2009 Fall Conference, but it's undergone several transformations since that event. Needless to say, it’s designed for greater results in a shorter amount of time with less calories. What could be better than that? |
| 2:45 -- 3 p.m. |
Networking Break (sponsored by Top Echelon Contracting)
|
| 3 -- 4 p.m. |
"Top Echelon Network
Success Panel "
Location TBA
|
Just what exactly does it take to be successful as a Preferred Member of Top Echelon Network? What do you have to do in order to make more split placements and make more money? Well . . . these recruiters have the answer! They’ve made the splits and enjoyed the success, and now they want to pass along what they’ve learned to you. |
| 4 -- 4:15 p.m. |
Networking Break and Travel Time
|
| 4:15 -- 5:15 p.m. |
Business-Building
Discussion Groups
Location TBA
|
Build relationships, and the business will follow. That’s the catalyst for this session, during which you’ll be divided into small groups (based on industry) and led by a facilitator to discuss topics of interest. By doing so, you’ll spark new relationships and continue to strengthen existing ones, thereby increasing your chances of making split placements. It’s a documented fact that recruiters who have participated in this session in the past have achieved success after building Trading Partner relationships with other recruiters in attendance. You don’t want to miss this session. You never know when your networking efforts will result in placement cash! |
| 6:30 -- 10 p.m. |
"Raise the Roof"
Gala Event
|
Dinner, dancing, music . . . maybe some karaoke—all at the top of The Westin Beach Resort. What more could you ask for from a Top Echelon Network Gala Event? Okay, don’t answer that question. But if there’s one thing that Top Echelon Network recruiters—and staff members—know how to do, it’s have fun, and this Gala Event will serve as “Exhibit A.” By this time, though, it could be “Exhibit Z.” We’ve been doing this a while. |
|
Preliminary Agenda – Saturday, May 14
|
| 8 -- 9 a.m. |
Convention Registration
and Breakfast
Location TBA
|
If you didn't get your convention registration materials yesterday, then get them today . . . and have some breakfast while you're at it, why don't you? |
| 9 -- 9:15 a.m. |
Opening Announcements
Location TBA
|
Top Echelon Network officials will make important announcements regarding the day’s activities. |
| 9:15 -- 10:30 a.m. |
"Title TBA"
Jon Bartos
Jonathan Scott International
Location TBA
|
Description TBA
|
| 10:30 -- 10:45 a.m. |
Networking Break
|
| 10:45 -- 11:45 a.m. |
"Title TBA"
Jon Bartos
Jonathan Scott International
Location TBA
|
Description TBA |
| 11:45 a.m.-- noon |
Networking Break
|
| noon -- 1:15 p.m. |
2010 Awards Luncheon
Location TBA
|
After a one-year hiatus, the Awards Luncheon has returned . . . this year . . . with a vengeance. Well, maybe not with a vengeance, but definitely with plenty of great food (and yes, awards). And of course, the luncheon is a time to recognize those Preferred Members who achieved top billings though Top Echelon Network during the 2010 calendar year. |
| 1:15 -- 1:30 p.m. |
Networking Break
|
| 1:30 -- 2:30 p.m. |
Networking Event
Location TBA
|
Description TBA |
| 2:30 -- 2:45 p.m. |
Networking Break
|
| 2:45 -- 3:45 p.m. |
"Title TBA"
Jon Bartos
Jonathan Scott International
Location TBA
|
Description TBA
|
| 3:45 -- 3:55 p.m. |
Door Prizes and Give-aways
Location TBA
|
Top Echelon Network will pass out its traditional door prizes (as well as other give-aways). (Important note: You must be in attendance in order to claim your door prize.)
|
| 3:55 -- 4 p.m. |
Closing Comments
Location TBA
|
Top Echelon Network President Mark Demaree will give a closing address and recap the highlights of the 2011 National Convention. |
|
What other topics would you like to see us cover at the 2011 National Convention? Should there be more Network-related and networking activities or more of an emphasis on general recruiting topics? Your feedback helps us to improve the effectiveness of our future events.
View the preliminary agenda.
See who's already registered.
Sign up for the convention.
-- -- --
Follow Top Echelon Network on Twitter.
Join Top Echelon Network on Facebook.
Posted on Sat, Dec 11, 2010 @ 02:20 PM
While we’re offering the lowest price ever for a National Convention ($275) and also giving away one free registration, there are still other costs associated with attending the 2011 National Convention. One of those costs is that of travel, including airfare.
However, some flights to Fort Lauderdale are quite reasonable. We did a quick search, and as of a week ago, the prices below were available to those recruiters looking to book flights to Fort Lauderdale. (Editor’s Note: these prices are subject to change and may not reflect current rates. All rates were found through Expedia.com.)
|
Airport
|
Price
|
Stops
|
|
Atlanta (ATL)
|
$132
|
Nonstop
|
|
Baltimore (BWI)
|
$159
|
Nonstop
|
|
Boston (BOS)
|
$286
|
Nonstop
|
|
Boston (BOS)
|
$168
|
1 stop
|
|
Buffalo (BUF)
|
$166
|
1 stop
|
|
Charlotte (CLT)
|
$218
|
Nonstop
|
|
Chicago (ORD)
|
$297
|
Nonstop
|
|
Cleveland (CLE)
|
$320
|
Nonstop
|
|
Cleveland (CLE)
|
$294
|
1 stop
|
|
Columbus, OH (CMH)
|
$157
|
1 stop
|
|
Dallas (DFW)
|
$378
|
Nonstop
|
|
Dallas (DFW)
|
$278
|
1 stop
|
|
Denver (DEN)
|
$308
|
Nonstop
|
|
Denver (DEN)
|
$207
|
1 stop
|
|
Des Moines (DSM)
|
$250
|
1 stop
|
|
Detroit (DTW)
|
$254
|
Nonstop
|
|
Detroit (DTW)
|
$168
|
1 stop
|
|
Hartford (HFD)
|
$194
|
1 stop
|
|
Houston (IAH)
|
$287
|
Nonstop
|
|
Houston (IAH)
|
$193
|
1 stop
|
|
Indianapolis (IND)
|
$148
|
Nonstop
|
|
Kansas City (MCI)
|
$188
|
1 stop
|
|
Los Angeles (LAX)
|
$254
|
Nonstop
|
|
Milwaukee (MKE)
|
$184
|
Nonstop
|
|
Nashville (BNA)
|
$268
|
Nonstop
|
|
Newark (EWR)
|
$178
|
Nonstop
|
|
New York (LGA)
|
$203
|
Nonstop
|
|
New York (JFK)
|
$203
|
Nonstop
|
|
Philadelphia (PHL)
|
$242
|
Nonstop
|
|
Philadelphia (PHL)
|
$195
|
1 stop
|
|
Phoenix (PHX)
|
$168
|
1 stop
|
|
Pittsburg (PIT)
|
$155
|
Nonstop
|
|
Pittsburg (PIT)
|
$134
|
1 stop
|
|
Portland (PDX)
|
$291
|
1 stop
|
|
Raleigh (RDU)
|
$186
|
Nonstop
|
|
Rochester, NY (ROC)
|
$226
|
1 stop
|
|
San Diego (SAN)
|
$269
|
1 stop
|
|
San Francisco (SFO)
|
$356
|
Nonstop
|
|
San Francisco (SFO)
|
$228
|
1 stop
|
|
Seattle (SEA)
|
$278
|
1 stop
|
|
St. Louis (STL)
|
$184
|
1 stop
|
|
Washington, DC (DCA)
|
$168
|
Nonstop
|
Transportation from the airport to The Westin Beach Resort (eight miles) by way of taxi is $25.
For the utmost in convenience and security, the Westin Beach Resort offers valet parking in its on-site, indoor-outdoor garage. The cost is $25 per night, $11 for day visitors, available 24 hours a day.
The average temperature in Fort Lauderdale in early May is a high of 86 degrees and a low of 71 degrees.
How successful have you been finding affordable flights to Fort Lauderdale? Feel free to post any information that you believe would be helpful to other Top Echelon Network recruiters. Or are you not flying and driving instead? If so, how long will it take for you to drive to the National Convention?
View the preliminary agenda.
See who's already registered.
Sign up for the convention.
-- -- --
Follow Top Echelon Network on Twitter.
Join Top Echelon Network on Facebook.
Posted on Fri, Dec 10, 2010 @ 02:42 PM
We’re pleased to announce that Jon Bartos, CEO of Jonathan Scott International (JSI), will be the keynote speaker at the 2011 Top Echelon Network National Convention in Fort Lauderdale! Bartos previously presented for us at the 2008 Fall Conference in Chicago, and he was a big hit with those Preferred Member recruiters who were in attendance.
Bartos is scheduled to present three sessions on the second day of the National Convention—Saturday, May 14. Among the topics he'll address is how recruiters can work smarter and not harder in this economy for greater results.
Bartos is a speaker, writer, and consultant on all aspects of human capital. He is one of an elite group of executive recruiters who bill over $1 million annually. JSI has placed over 1,300 professionals in the fields of SAP, Supply Chain Software, RFID, Data Collection, Mobility and Heathcare IT. Bartos has established JSI as a top 10% executive search and contract staffing firm. JSI has won over 15 international awards in the MRI franchise system, including "International Billing Manager of the Year" and "Top 10 SC Office."
Bartos has presented sessions at a number of industry events, including the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) Conference, and he’s also a regular contributor to The Fordyce Letter. In addition, Bartos runs an executive coaching program for recruiters and recruiting managers called the “Magnum Program.”
Bartos also hosts a career-focused talk show on Fox Radio, “Talent Wins with Jon Bartos, Your Personal Career Coach.” (For more information about the show, you can access its website at www.talentwinsonline.com.)
Have you seen Bartos speak in the past, either at the 2008 Top Echelon Network Fall Conference or at some other industry event? What were your thoughts about his presentations? If you plan to attend the 2011 National Convention, what topics would you like Bartos to cover?
View the preliminary agenda.
See who's already registered.
Sign up for the convention.
-- -- --
Follow Top Echelon Network on Twitter.
Join Top Echelon Network on Facebook.
Posted on Mon, Nov 15, 2010 @ 04:41 PM
We couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout for the recent Top Echelon Network Columbus Conference and the participation of the nearly 60 recruiters who attended the event. We’re also thankful that the Preferred Members who did attend found the conference to be extremely valuable to their Network Membership, as well as to their recruiting business overall.
One such recruiter was Steve Brandvold of Executive Connection, and another was Lloyd Shoemaker of Miami Professional Search, LLC. Shoemaker sent the email below to the Top Echelon Network offices following the conference.
-- -- --
"Just a note to thank you and your staff for an outstanding conference in Columbus. I've been in this business for 25 years, and it's true, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Barb Bruno was as good as she can be and the networking with the other recruiters was priceless.
"Keep up the good work and thanks for all the support you and the other professional Members of Top Echelon provide to us."
Lloyd Shoemaker
Miami Professional Search, LLC
-- -- --
Were you at the Columbus Conference and also had a positive experience? If so, we'd love to hear your story! We welcome your comments below.
Related blog posts:
"Network Recruiter Lauds Staff for 'Job Well Done' in Columbus"
"2010 Kansas City Conference Feedback"
"2010 Tampa Conference Feedback"
(Follow Top Echelon on Twitter and join Top Echelon on Facebook.)
Posted on Mon, Nov 15, 2010 @ 02:57 PM
The 2010 Top Echelon Network Columbus Conference was a resounding success! With nearly 60 recruiters in attendance, there were plenty of opportunities for networking and software and industry training.
But don't take our word for it . . . listen to what some of the recruiters who were in attendance had to say, starting with Steve Brandvold of Executive Connection. Brandvold sent the email below to the Top Echelon Network offices following the conference.
-- -- --
"I just wanted to extend my congratulations to Mark Demaree, Drea Codispoti, Todd Bossler, Debbie Fledderjohann, and all the rest of the staff for a great regional meeting in Columbus. It took a lot of work to make it go so well and on schedule. Barb Bruno remains an outstanding speaker, and I think she has passed up her huisband in her presentations. You always walk away from her presentations with new ideas or are reminded of something you quit doing, but should be doing. I have already changed my briefing procedures and debriefing questions for companies and candidates.
"If there's an area that would have helped me more is the fact that I'm finding it harder and harder to keep up with the technical improvements. Several of the other offices that have very 'experienced in life' people such as myself had the same problem, I believe. I don't know if a beginner's group and a true geek group meeting separately would help or not. Todd did a great job of squeezing a lot of information in to a short session. If my skill level was better, I'm sure I would have understood even more. I will review some of the videos and when I get lost, I will try to tackle Todd one question at a time.
"Once again, thanks to all of you for a job well done."
Steve Brandvold
Executive Connection
-- -- --
Were you at the Columbus Conference and also had a positive experience? If so, we'd love to hear your story! We welcome your comments below.
Related blog posts:
"2010 Kansas City Conference Feedback"
"2010 Tampa Conference Feedback"
"The Focus for the Columbus Conference: Split Placements!"
(Follow Top Echelon on Twitter and join Top Echelon on Facebook.)
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