Our 2024 Blue Signal Summit brought our team together from all corners of the country for a weekend that was truly out of this world. Every year, we meet up in Phoenix – our company’s home base – to reconnect, celebrate our progress, share insights, and recharge for the future. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Arizona desert, this year’s theme, On a Mission to Evolving Excellence, felt especially meaningful as our team continues to grow in ways that redefine how we work, connect, and serve our clients.
Held at the historic Wigwam Resort, this summit was designed to make the most of that growth. We filled the weekend with engaging sessions, inspiring speakers, and activities that strengthened our team and sharpened our focus. From team-building games to thought-provoking workshops, each moment gave us something valuable to bring back to our roles. Here’s a look back at the highlights, insights, and experiences that made the Blue Signal Summit 2024 a weekend we’ll carry forward together.
Friday: Recruiting Managers Retreat
We kicked off the summit on Friday with a special retreat for our recruiting management team. Managers traveled to Phoenix to reconnect, strategize, and – in true Blue Signal style – tackle an escape room challenge together! This high-energy, team-building experience tested everyone’s problem-solving skills and encouraged collaboration in a fun, fast-paced setting. The escape room was the perfect icebreaker, bringing everyone together with plenty of laughs and setting the tone for the weekend ahead.
That evening, the team headed to State Forty Eight Funk House for dinner. Over good food and conversation, our leadership team wrapped up the day feeling recharged and ready to welcome the rest of the Blue Signal crew.
Saturday: Reception, Networking, and The State of The Signal
On Saturday, the rest of our team arrived at the Wigwam Resort. The morning allowed for some options for exploration, with activities as varied as a round of golf at the resort, a tour of Luke Airforce Base, or sightseeing around the Phoenix area. It was the perfect way to relax, reconnect, and take in the beauty of Arizona.
As the sun set, we officially kicked off the evening with a cocktail hour that gave everyone a chance to reconnect, share stories, and welcome new faces. The energy carried into our Quarterly State of the Signal & Awards Ceremony, where we celebrated team accomplishments and recognized standout contributions. A delicious dinner and fun party rounded out the night, giving everyone the chance to unwind and celebrate together. It was a perfect start to the weekend, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the energy to fuel us for what’s next.
Sunday: A Day of Learning, Growth, and Team Building
Sunday was packed with activities, each carefully crafted to foster growth, connection, and insight. We started the morning with a team breakfast on the patio, enjoying Arizona’s fresh air and sharing conversations over coffee before heading into our first session.
Team-Building Game to Start the Day
After breakfast, we jumped into a lively game of Kahoot, quizzing each other on everything from fun facts about our team members to company-related trivia. This interactive session was full of surprises, giving us all a chance to get to know each other a little better. Laughter and a little friendly competition made it a perfect start to the day.
Intentional Listening Workshop Led by Jonathan Lee
Our next session was an Intentional Listening Workshop led by our Director of Operations, Jonathan Lee. Paired with colleagues we don’t usually work alongside, we were challenged to have conversations focused on truly listening without interrupting. For two minutes, each of us listened fully to our partner’s story, then had a chance to share our own. This workshop sparked powerful moments of understanding, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the diverse experiences and perspectives across our team. It was a strong reminder of the value in our differences and the importance of connecting on a personal level.
Lunch with Industry Peers
At lunch, we welcomed recruiters and colleagues from nearby firms who were in town for the NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services) conference. It was a unique chance to network with other professionals and exchange insights. The lunch break provided a refreshing pause before diving into the afternoon’s highly anticipated sessions.
Keynote by Danny Cahill: Go on This Run
In the afternoon, we were thrilled to welcome our keynote speaker, Danny Cahill, a seasoned recruiter, founder of Hobson Associates, and accomplished author. With over 30 years of experience, Danny shared powerful insights on recognizing and seizing opportunities. His keynote encouraged us to identify those pivotal "runs" in our careers—times when success and opportunity align, ready for us to act. He emphasized the importance of resilience and focus in a world full of distractions, highlighting the need to stay disciplined through challenges. Danny reminded us of the impact of personal connections, like a live phone call, in building trust and making meaningful relationships, even in today's digital age. He also discussed the necessity of adapting to industry trends and embracing new tools to remain competitive, while underscoring the importance of valuing our time by protecting it for what matters most. His message was a compelling call to make the most of each moment, both personally and professionally.
Allan Fisher: 2024 is the Year I Stopped...
Our next speaker, Allan Fisher of Premier Financial Search, delivered a powerful talk on adapting recruitment strategies to fit today’s evolving market. In his session, Allan shared what he’s chosen to leave behind in order to stay agile and effective. He explained the value of letting go of outdated practices and embracing fresh approaches that better serve the current job landscape. Allan emphasized the importance of aligning with new market realities, especially by understanding Gen Z candidates and addressing their career concerns. He spoke to the importance of setting clear boundaries and managing expectations with candidates, and shared how his “Candidate Pledge” has helped foster mutual respect and transparency throughout the hiring process. Finally, Allan highlighted the importance of a growth mindset, encouraging recruiters to see each interaction as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and continually improve. His message was a timely reminder that in recruitment, flexibility and openness to change are key to staying ahead in a dynamic field.
Closing Panel: Industry Insights from Top Leaders
To close out the day, we held an engaging panel discussion featuring some of the industry’s top thought leaders: Matt Walsh, our CEO; Kim Laipple, SVP of Scientific Search; Joe Rice, CEO of JDI Search; and Allan Fisher, President of Premier Financial Search. Each panelist shared their perspectives on the evolving recruitment landscape, focusing on the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and innovation. It was a powerful way to conclude the day’s discussions, leaving us with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose as we look toward what’s next for Blue Signal.
Sunday Evening: Wrapping Up with Fun and Connection
As the day winded down, we gathered for dinner at Papa Paul’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta, where conversation and laughter flowed as freely as the food. It was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy each other’s company after a full day of learning and growth. We capped off the night at the NAPS Ignite Conference welcome party back at the Wigwam, where we had the chance to connect with the larger recruitment community, rounding out an incredible day.
Monday: A Focus on Personal Growth and Professional Development
On Monday, while our recruiting team kicked off the NAPS Ignite Conference, our specialists—those in key roles outside of recruiting—joined a workshop led by Tom Healy with Mentumm. During this session, we explored the Predictive Index behavioral assessment to gain a deeper understanding of our unique work styles and learn how to leverage them to operate more effectively as a team. The experience offered valuable insights about ourselves and each other, setting us up for continued growth as we return to our roles.
Reflecting on Blue Signal Summit 2024: A New Chapter in Evolving Excellence
The 2024 Blue Signal Summit didn’t just bring us together – it propelled us forward. From inspiring keynotes to meaningful connections, each experience deepened our commitment to our mission and the values that drive us. As we return to our roles, we’re bringing back not only the insights and inspiration from this weekend but also the momentum to take on new challenges. Together, we’re ready to embrace growth and continue our mission to evolve in excellence.
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