There is a very interesting and, for many people, unusual UK HR and recruitment event taking place in London on 18 and 19 of February. The event is TRU London and what makes it unusual is that it is an unconference. It's not the first - that took place in London last November, but it is the biggest in the UK so far.
In the words of the organisers, "An unconference is an event that has no fixed structure and only two rules, no power point and no presentations."
So, besides the format, what else makes TRU London so eye-catching?
Well, here are a few for starters:
In the words of the organisers, "An unconference is an event that has no fixed structure and only two rules, no power point and no presentations."
So, besides the format, what else makes TRU London so eye-catching?
Well, here are a few for starters:
- The format is less about lectures and more about facilitated discussion
- That means participants are expected to interact with discussions
- The event is split into different streams or 'tracks' providing attendees with a broad range of topics to dip in to
- Track leaders, as they are called at TRU London, are experts in their area so can facilitate a high level conversation around their topic
- Social media and social networks provide the communication channels for the event
- Unconferences attract a far greater audience online than at the event thanks to the live coverage on Twitter, Facebook and blogs.
- The event will be unpredictable - taking thinking in different directions
- It is rare to attend events where HR, recruitment and social media intersect at the same place and at the same time
TRU London organiser Bill Boorman has pulled together a stellar line-up of track leaders including Laurie Ruettimann, Steve Boese, Trish McFarlane, Jon Ingham, Andy Headworth and Matt Alder.
Bill says he was able to entice big name HR bloggers from the US due to the fact he has built up strong relationships on social networks. That's no mean feat and means that for the first time in the UK we are going to see some high profile HR players from over the pond.
Social networks and networking tools underpin the unconference model and during TRU London those watching proceedings online will be able to get involved through initiatives such as the Live Lab when the event will connect with the online world to take questions and discussion points.
XpertHR will be there to join the conversation and to tweet and blog what goes on. If you are going, we look forward to seeing you there.
In the meantime, keep an eye of the event hastag #trulondon on Twitter and the TRU London Facebook page.
What others are saying about TRU London
One more for 2010 - TRU London
TRU London calling to the faraway towns
All Tomorrow's Parties - what TruLondon and Unconferences mean to me
Bill says he was able to entice big name HR bloggers from the US due to the fact he has built up strong relationships on social networks. That's no mean feat and means that for the first time in the UK we are going to see some high profile HR players from over the pond.
Social networks and networking tools underpin the unconference model and during TRU London those watching proceedings online will be able to get involved through initiatives such as the Live Lab when the event will connect with the online world to take questions and discussion points.
XpertHR will be there to join the conversation and to tweet and blog what goes on. If you are going, we look forward to seeing you there.
In the meantime, keep an eye of the event hastag #trulondon on Twitter and the TRU London Facebook page.
What others are saying about TRU London
One more for 2010 - TRU London
TRU London calling to the faraway towns
All Tomorrow's Parties - what TruLondon and Unconferences mean to me
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Comments (3)
Nice report, Martin. I couldn't make #TRUlondon this time, but I hope to skip across the pond for #TRUAmsterdam in June. I will also be leading a track at TRUusa in April.
Looking forward to hearing more about #TRUlondon
Posted by Michael VanDervort | February 5, 2010 5:37 PM
Posted on February 5, 2010 17:37
Thanks, Mike. Shame not to get the chance to meet you in London next week. Maybe I can get to Amsterdam. The fact the TRU events are taking place around the globe will bring some interesting comparative discussions. Bill was talking about keeping some tracks the same across all events so the differences across countries can be drawn out.
Posted by Martin Couzins | February 8, 2010 9:31 AM
Posted on February 8, 2010 09:31
We will be able to meet another time, Martin. I usually get to Europe every year. I'll make sure to get in touch next time I am in England!
Posted by Michael VanDervort | February 8, 2010 10:32 AM
Posted on February 8, 2010 10:32