If you’ve been in recruiting long enough, you know every year comes with bold predictions about how everything is about to change. In 2026, the conversation is dominated by AI, remote work, and shifting candidate expectations. But what’s truly different, and what’s just noise?

Let’s start with what is changing. Artificial intelligence is no longer a “nice-to-have” tool, it’s becoming embedded in daily workflows. From sourcing to screening, AI is helping recruiters move faster and operate more efficiently. But speed alone isn’t the differentiator. The real shift is how recruiters are using that saved time: those who reinvest it into relationship-building are the ones seeing stronger results.

Candidate expectations are also evolving. Flexibility remains a priority, but it’s no longer just about remote vs. in-office. Candidates are looking for transparency, faster communication, and a clearer sense of purpose from employers. The bar has been raised—not just for companies, but for recruiters as well.

Now, what’s not changing? Relationships still drive placements. Trust, credibility, and communication remain the foundation of successful recruiting. No algorithm can replace a recruiter who truly understands both the client’s needs and the candidate’s motivations.

Additionally, fundamentals like consistent follow-up, thorough vetting, and strong client partnerships are just as critical as ever. The tools may be evolving, but the core of the profession is not.

The recruiters who will thrive in 2026 aren’t the ones chasing every new trend, they’re the ones who adapt strategically. They leverage technology without losing the human touch, stay responsive to candidate expectations, and double down on the fundamentals that have always worked.

In a rapidly changing landscape, that balance is what sets top performers apart.

Event Description
To celebrate Women’s History Month, ASA, ClearEdge, TechServe Alliance, Staffing Industry Analysts, National Association of Personnel Services, and Women Business Collaborative have joined together for this program on gender inclusiveness in the staffing industry.

To be the change we need to see in the world, people need to rally together. All allies are invited to join this webinar and hear industry experts share their personal stories and journeys—as well as industry data that show men overestimate the success of current measures to support women within the staffing industry and underestimate the toll that a lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion can have on the retention of women at their companies. In this webinar, to learn actionable ways to support women in your company and to hear from thought leaders about the importance of allies in action.

During this webinar, attendees will:

• Hear data around what makes a staffing company a great place for women to work
• Learn about challenges that women face in the industry as it comes to pay equity, self-worth, and career progression
• Discuss the impact that motherhood plays on working women in our industry and how our industry can support our teams
• Learn what challenges women still face as they seek gender equity in the staffing industry

• March 14, 10:30 - 11:30 am MT
• LINK: Zoom ASA

Speakers

● Moderator: Leslie Vickrey
● Data: Kip Wright - Executive Chairman, INSPYR Solutions; Board Member, WBC
● Francesca Profeta- Research Analyst, SIA
● Nicole Bauk- Program Manager | Women’s Leadership Council
● Eric Gregg- CEO, Clearly Rated
● Sue Thaden- President and Chief Executive Officer, CRi
● Q+A
● Closing Slide with resources

Format

● Intro- Leslie (5 min)
● WBC Survey data (5 minutes)

○ Kip Wright - Executive Chairman, INSPYR Solutions; Board Member, WBC
● The Motherhood Penalty & Pay Equity (8 min)
○ Speaker: Francesca Profeta- Research Analyst, SIA
○ Will spend a few minutes asking questions and introducing Insight Global
● Insight Global Case Study (8 min)
○ Speaker: Nicole Bauk- Program Manager | Women’s Leadership Council
● What makes a company great for women to work for? (8 min)
○ Speaker: Eric Gregg- CEO, Clearly Rated
● Value of Self Worth( 8 min)
○ Speaker: Sue Thaden- President and Chief Executive Officer, CRi
● Moderated Q+A with everyone and open discussion for audience to ask questions (5 min)
● Closing slide celebrating various initiatives working towards gender equity (5 min)
○ WBC Gender Parity Benchmark Survey
○ ASA Women in Leadership
■ Scholarship
○ ASA IDEA Group
○ ASA Thrive and THRIVEx
○ SIA Global Power 150
○ SIA History of the Staffing Industry
○ Together We Rise
○ TechServe Annual Technology Executive Women’s Luncheon at our 2024 Executive Summit, Nov. 18-20
○ TechServe Monthly Executive Women Roundtable
○ NAPS- LinkedIn Women’s group, quarterly meetings
○ NAPS- Women’s Luncheon at our October 27 - 29, 2024 Conference
○ ClearlyRated Best in Staffing & Best Staffing Firms for Women
○ SIA Conference Women’s Sessions
○ ClearEdge Rising
○ TheEdge Podcast

Facilitator:

Leslie Vickrey

chief executive officer and founder, ClearEdge

Vickrey is an author, podcast host, business leader, and advocate for unleashing the power of women. She is the founder of ClearEdge, a company dedicated to transforming the business of talent through marketing, recruiting, and leadership development services. She is also the co-founder of ARA, an organization that seeks to attract, retain and advance women in technology. Through her book, Together we Rise and TheEdge podcast, Vickrey hopes to break down stereotypes, instill confidence, and encourage the next generation of leaders to rise up. She has been named to Staffing Industry Analysts DEI Influencer list two years running among a number of other accolades and industry recognitions.

Presenters:

Francesca Profeta, CCWP

research analyst, Staffing Industry Analysts

Francesca Profeta is well-known for her market research and commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. With a 20-year career in the staffing industry and over a decade at Staffing Industry Analysts, Francesca has played a pivotal role in shaping SIA’s DE&I research. Through her research and advocacy efforts, Francesca has shed light on the importance of diverse representation, technology trends, diverse networks, and the benefits of embracing a culture of inclusivity in staffing practices.

In addition to her focus on DE&I, Francesca also provides valuable market insights for SIA members on staffing markets as diverse as Japan, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

Prior to joining SIA, Francesca worked for global staffing firms, Select Appointments and Vedior.

Kip Wright

chairman, Inspyr Solutions

Wright is a staffing industry veteran who has been instrumental in shifting the landscape of the human capital industry. Known as a passionate leader with an innate ability to drive both growth and organizational efficiencies, Wright is responsible for all facets of executive strategy and leadership for the Inspyr Solutions organization. Considered a leader in the field of human capital and workforce fulfillment, Wright is the recipient of numerous awards. For example, he is a five-time recipient of Staffing Industry Analysts’ “Staffing 100” award, recognizing the most influential leaders in the staffing industry.

Eric Gregg

chief executive officer, ClearlyRated

With more than 20 years of research experience in the staffing and recruiting space, Gregg and his team at ClearlyRated have analyzed more than seven million surveys with the goal of determining what drives success for staffing and recruiting firms. Gregg has served as an adjunct faculty member in Portland State University’s marketing program and has published numerous articles, business cases, and technical notes in the field of marketing, client loyalty, and employee satisfaction.

Sue Thaden

president and chief executive officer, CRi
Thaden is CEO of Client Resources Inc. (CRi), a leading IT staffing firm in Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 1999, servicing over 180 businesses across 22 states. In 2015, Thaden spearheaded From Now On, a CRi innovation lab spinoff, producing FanX, a mobile fan engagement solution adopted by 160+ college athletic departments and key events like NCAA tournaments. From Now On was acquired by Snap! Mobile in 2023. With 20+ years in tech, Thaden is known for strategic business and marketing leadership. She serves on advisory boards for IT and public policy organizations and resides in Omaha with her husband and three daughters.

program manager, Women's Leadership Council

This webinar qualifies for 1.0 hour of CE toward maintaining your ASA credential.




This program is valid for 1.0 PDC for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®




This program is valid for 1.0 hour of CUEs toward your CPC/CTS certification.