In an increasingly remote world, in-person gatherings have become essential for building meaningful relationships and enhancing our learning and development through human connection. Shared moments over coffee, walks, laughter, or cocktails are now more cherished than ever, and these experiences are what make the Talent Acquisition Institute such a special event year after year.  

This year, from May 19th to 21st, we united talent acquisition (TA) professionals from across the U.S. at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, a city best known for its thriving jazz scene and delicious Southern fare. The location provided the perfect atmosphere to host guests for two and a half days of networking, thought leadership, and critical information exchange on today’s pressing issues in the world of talent acquisition. Attendees could explore all the agenda had to offer—not only timely subject matter but also leisurely fun, including a ‘Second Line’ jazz parade where a brass band led our attendees on a lively stroll through the French Quarter, and a live bluegrass concert enjoyed while sipping on New Orleans’ signature cocktail, ‘The Hurricane.’

The opportunity for these executives to step away from the demands of day-to-day life and focus on their own professional development was well deserved given the current state of talent acquisition. In recent years, U.S. talent acquisition professionals have faced significant challenges and achieved notable successes. In 2022, the job market saw an unprecedented 11.5 million job openings, while the unemployment rate hovered around 3.6%, leading to intense competition for talent. This scenario forced companies to adopt innovative strategies to attract and retain candidates. For example, companies like AAA (a featured organization on the 2024 program agenda) have expanded their remote work policies and enhanced their employee benefits, emphasizing wellness, flexible working conditions, and employee retention. Additionally, according to a recent LinkedIn report, 69% of talent acquisition leaders have increased their use of AI and automation in recruitment processes, significantly improving efficiency and candidate matching. This was a topic that esteemed TA leader Suzanne Baugher discussed in relation to the restructuring of talent acquisition at her organization, Allstate.

Despite the hurdles, these efforts have borne fruit; a SHRM survey revealed that 75% of HR professionals reported a reduction in hiring time and a 64% increase in the quality of hires over the past year. These statistics underscore the resilience and adaptability of U.S. talent acquisition professionals in navigating a rapidly evolving workforce landscape, driving the topics and conversations on-site last month.

If you are interested in contributing to the 2025 Talent Acquisition Institute program agenda—whether as a member of the Speaker Faculty, Advisory Committee, or Sponsoring Partner—please reach out to Jennifer Holmes, Senior Producer, at jholmes@ipmievents.com.