In the scenic and tranquil setting of Wicklow, Ireland, Horton International hosted its highest-attended global conference in recent years. Over two productive days from Thursday 27th to Friday 28th September 2024, partners from across EMEA, the Americas and APAC, gathered to exchange ideas, share experiences and collaborate on future strategies.
“Insightful discussions and a collaborate spirit have been the hallmark of our Partner interactions and this was once again demonstrated during the Partners conference in Ireland. With discussions centred around innovate business development strategies and the use of technology to enhance efficiency, we acknowledge that while technology enhances our capabilities, the human element remains at the heart of what we do: building trust, understanding leadership potential, and fostering relationships.” Maneesh Ajmani, Chairman, Horton International.
Building Global Connections: Our Largest Gathering in Recent Years
This year’s conference saw the largest turnout we’ve had in recent years, a testament to the growing strength and cohesion across the Horton International group. With partners from across the globe—including first-time attendees from new partners in the UK and Australia —the event created an environment that encouraged collaboration strengthening existing relationships while opening doors to new partnerships.
As in past conferences, the underlying theme remained clear: strengthening global bonds. Conversations flowed seamlessly, blending industry insights with genuine moments of personal connection. Whether through formal strategy sessions or casual evening discussions, partners left Wicklow with the feeling that their association with Horton International was more meaningful than ever before.
Thought-Provoking Keynotes and Workshops
As part of the enriching experience, attendees participated in several keynote presentations and workshops that brought valuable insights to the forefront of executive search.
- The Power of Networks with Kingsley Aikins: Renowned for his expertise in global networking, Kingsley Aikins led a workshop that explored how networks drive success, both on a professional and personal level. His session was thought-provoking, offering attendees actionable strategies to leverage the power of connections in an increasingly digital and remote world.
- Effectively Using Ezekia by Joseph Blass: This practical session explored how the Ezekia database and CRM platform is streamlining executive search processes. Joseph demonstrated the platform’s robust features and how they can be used to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the search cycle.
- AI for Executive Search: Given the rise of Generative AI, there was great interest in sharing how AI can be leveraged to enhance executive search processes. Partners shared their use cases on how they are leveraging Gen AI for improving recruitment outcomes.
- The Future of Executive Search: Global Market Trends by Clare Mahon, AESC: Clare Mahon’s presentation offered a deep dive into the trends shaping the executive search industry globally, based on surveys conducted across clients and members.
Collaborative Strategy Sharing
Throughout the two days, partners also took part in strategy-sharing sessions, led by Josh Hollander, Regional Director, Americas. These sessions encouraged open dialogue, allowing partners to present innovative approaches they had implemented in their own countries. The collaborative atmosphere allowed for a cross-pollination of ideas, leading to actionable strategies that partners could take back to their respective regions. We all left with fresh ideas to implement in our home markets.
Moving Forward: Reaffirming Our Commitment
The conference ended on a high note, leaving everyone inspired and invigorated. The two days of workshops, presentations and collaborative discussions reaffirmed the strength of Horton International’s global brand. More than just a meeting, the conference served as a reminder of why partners choose to be part of this dynamic and growing organisation.
“Organizing the conference is always a labour of love for my team, the Board and I, especially with partners coming from all corners of the globe – It really does have to be a meaningful event.
Seeing everyone come together to collaborate and genuinely enjoy themselves makes it all worthwhile. The connections and shared insights we’ve built here are what truly strengthen our global network.” – Gemma Van Rooyen, Director of Global Projects, Horton International
Until Next Time…
As we reflect on the success of this year’s conference, it’s clear that Horton International is positioned to grow stronger as a global community. We look forward to the next opportunity to come together, share and learn from one another.
