Erika Osmundson
June 03, 2019
Newsletter Article
Managing Change, Hidden Disabilities and So Much More
Don’t Miss the 2019 Ag & Food HR Roundtable
In a workspace that is always evolving keeping up with, let alone addressing, the demands of recruitment and retention challenges can be overwhelming. You aren’t alone and in fact you have the opportunity to come together with others facing similar situations to learn, grow and exchange ideas. Register today for the 2019 Ag & Food HR Roundtable, July 30 – August 1 in Ames, IA. Thank you to our hosts Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and BASF.
Here are nine reasons you won’t want to miss this year’s event:
1. Networking is key according to past participants and we’ve worked in plenty of great networking for this year. Check out our optional events – campus tour, breakfasts and dinner. Nowhere will you find a group of industry and educational professionals willing to put aside competitive attitudes and network together for the sake of collaboration and advancing the industry as a whole.
2. Change Management – Our keynote address will highlight change and how we as professionals (and as people) cope with change. As our industry grows, consolidates and evolves change is ever-present. You’ll be delighted by presenter Sarah Noll Wilson as she brings humor and grace to this topic.
3. Hidden Disabilities – Don’t cut out early. We’ve saved one of the best topics and presenters for last, Liz Allen. Through her own inspiring story, she has become an activist for those with invisible disabilities. As we look at our workplace, this could be one of the larger challenges (opportunities) we will face in the coming years, considering the growing prevalence/awareness of mental health and other nonapparent disabilities.
4. Keeping up with what is coming and all the advancements within our industry is enough to make those with their heads in that space daily spin. As HR professionals and career services staff, this isn’t always top of mind. However, we need to be aware of where our competition for talent is coming from. And, how we can talk with candidates from non-ag backgrounds intelligently about our exciting industry. There are so many advantages to knowing what is on the Horizon. Our opening session on Wednesday, by Billi Hunt of the Cultivation Corridor is sure to be enlightening.
5. There is no doubt that the low unemployment rate and lack of talent has shined a light on retention. Get a sneak peek at some of AgCareers.com’s latest market research around retention best practices. Hear from one of our hosts, BASF, as they share how development programs influence retention. We may not be able to find more people, but let’s keep the good ones we have!
6. There is a war for talent and we are going to let you hear how to ‘win’ the battle for new graduate talent. Our esteemed panel, led by moderator Paula Beecher of Clemson University, will answer questions about today’s graduates. What are they looking for and why will they pick you! For those attending, be on the lookout for an email to submit your questions in advance.
7. Dive deep into a variety of hot topics with our concurrent session series. Topics include: International Students; Where Are They Now (we are bringing back young professionals we had as guests three years ago to learn about the triggers along their early career journey); AI in HR; Onboarding; LGBTQ Inclusion; and Assessment Evaluations. There is something (or things) for everyone!
8. Have an intern? New this year, we are offering an intern rate of only $225 with a paid agribusiness professional. Give your intern the opportunity of the summer. Bring them to network, learn and grow in their love for our industry.
9. Fun! To name a few…We’ll have speed networking with our university attendees. This is a great way to get a jump-start on your campus recruiting. This will take place at the beginning of the Welcome Reception, so you’ll be right there and ready to join us for some cocktails! On Wednesday evening, join us for a casual tailgate themed dinner at Jack Trice Stadium, home of the Iowa State Cyclones. Wear your favorite team attire and kick back and relax for the evening!
Register now before the optional activities are full and the early bird discount is up! We look forward to seeing you in late July. Together we can accomplish so much more than individually.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: BASF, Iowa State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Corteva, OK Foods, Syngenta, Wilbur-Ellis, Valent USA, Gavilon, The Noble Research Institute, Renewable Energy Group, Landus Cooperative
