The staffing industry is a dynamic landscape in constant flux. To thrive in this ever-changing environment, agency owners, managers, and recruiters must prioritize continuous learning and information gathering. Their daily business depends on accurately communicating with employers of all sizes along with applicants and employees who apply from all different fields and walks of life. Staying informed, connected, and adaptable isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s a necessity. 

From industry-wide conferences to regional events and ongoing educational opportunities, there’s a wealth of resources available to help your staffing agency thrive. If you’re a newcomer to the industry, this roadmap can be helpful to navigate key trade shows, industry resources, and educational options:

Trade Shows: Connect & Stay Ahead of the Curve

Staffing World (ASA Annual Convention & Expo): This premier event by the American Staffing Association (ASA) offers a comprehensive view of the industry, with sessions, exhibits, and networking opportunities for all levels of staffing professionals.

Executive Forum North America (SIA): Focused on C-suite leaders, this SIA event provides insights into industry trends and strategic planning for senior executives.

Healthcare Staffing Summit (SIA): Dive deep into the specific needs of the healthcare staffing sector at this SIA-organized summit.

United States Staffing Association (USSA) Annual Conference: Connect with a network of independent staffing firms at this USSA conference.

ASA Staffing Law & Compliance Conference: Ensure your firm stays compliant with the latest regulations at this ASA-organized event, designed to address legal complexities and best practices.

State & Regional Associations: Local Focus, Valuable Connections

Consider attending events hosted by your state or regional staffing association. These gatherings offer a chance to connect with local peers, share best practices, and stay informed about regional market trends. Here are a few examples, but check online for associations in your area:

Illinois Search and Staffing Association (ISSA)

California Staffing Professionals (CSP)

Texas Association of Staffing

Florida Staffing Association (FSA)

New York Staffing Association (NYSA)

Colorado Staffing Association (CSA)

National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS)

Georgia Association of Personnel Services (GAPS)

Missouri & Kansas Search and Staffing Association (MKSSA)

New Jersey Staffing Alliance (NJSA)

Northern New England Association of Personnel Services (NNEAPS)

National Association of Physician Recruiters (NAPR)

Ohio Staffing and Search Association (OSSA)

Wisconsin Association of Staffing Services

National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters

Industry Resources: Knowledge is Power

American Staffing Association (ASA): The ASA is a one-stop shop for industry news, trends, advocacy, and research. Membership provides access to valuable data and insights.

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA): Gain in-depth market research, data, and analysis from SIA, a global leader in staffing industry insights.

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): While broader in scope, SHRM offers valuable resources for staffing professionals, including research, conferences, and certifications like the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP, which provide insights into talent acquisition trends and best practices.

Mid-Atlantic Staffing Association: Membership in MASA provides access to a network of industry professionals, advocacy efforts, and resources like industry reports and legislative updates. MASA offers ongoing educational programs and webinars on various staffing industry topics throughout the year. These sessions are typically more affordable than national conferences.

EMInfo - Employment Marketplace  By advertising on EMInfo, agencies can increase brand visibility, generate leads, and connect with potential clients. With a large subscriber base of staffing and recruiting firms, EMInfo provides a direct channel to showcase services, share industry insights, and build relationships within the staffing community.

Forbes, Harvard Business Review, McKinsey, Forrester & Gartner: Stay on top of broader business trends and workforce dynamics by following reports from these leading consulting firms. Understanding trends like the gig economy, automation, and remote work will help you adapt your staffing strategies.

Invest in Education & Certifications

ASA Certifications: The ASA offers certifications like the Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) and Certified Healthcare Professional (CHP) to validate your expertise.

SHRM Certifications: Consider pursuing SHRM certifications like the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP to gain valuable HR knowledge that can benefit your recruitment efforts.

Don’t Go It Alone: Leverage Technology

In today’s competitive landscape, having the right technology is crucial for success. COATS Staffing Software empowers staffing agencies with a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to streamline operations, optimize workflows, and boost efficiency. From applicant tracking to onboarding and payroll, COATS helps you stay focused on what matters most: building lasting relationships and connecting top talent with the perfect opportunity.

Explore how COATS Staffing Software can transform your staffing agency. Visit our website to learn more. Read More by Lynn Conner.