That Was Then, This Is Now

by Paula Santonocito

What a difference a year makes.

Last year's Onrec conference, held in September 2008, offered very little insight into what was in store with regard to the economic climate. The event showcased a number of startups (and a few upstarts) that offered innovative products designed to further the goal of adding to staff. Product bells and whistles were inspired, if at times a little less than inspiring.

The climate was somewhat reminiscent of the tail end of the dot-com era, when young entrepreneurs still hoped to catch a wave and ride it to early retirement. Onrec Expo 2008 featured shiny, happy people, confident they had staying power.

Quite a few of those folks were absent from this year's event.

Onrec Expo 2009, held earlier this month, was noticeably different from several standpoints. People were subdued and reflective. There was recognition of what the past year had wrought, and camaraderie was apparent as employers and product and service providers alike seemed grateful to have weathered turbulent times.

The show's demographic pointed to a shift as well. Last year's attendees and exhibitors were a younger crowd. This year's participants included a good number of mid- and late-career professionals, including one gentleman in his 80s.

At this year's conference, professionals sought practical, cost-effective solutions. And exhibitors and presenters delivered.

This by no means suggests innovation isn't alive and well in online recruitment and the talent management technology industry as a whole. However, if Onrec Expo 2009 is any indication, going forward, there will be a new bottom line: Technology solutions must add value that can be measured in dollars and common sense.