IDC Brings Successful Human Resources Forum to Chicago.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- With the future indicating further economic growth and a shrinking workforce, the war for talent is heating up, with fewer knowledgeable candidates available to fill key positions and fewer workers entering the job market to replace retirees. The looming talent gap will be the focus of the upcoming IDC Human Resources Forum, to be held at the Park Hyatt Chicago on March 27, 2007.

Building on the success of its inaugural Forum in 2006, the IDC Human Resources Forum will bring together senior HR and IT executives to learn how organizations can address the coming talent gap and how retaining and developing superior talent can impact corporate success and growth. Featuring case studies and real-world perspectives from end users, IDC analysts, and industry experts, the conference agenda offers comprehensive coverage on how companies are attracting and retaining the right workers, as well as the latest services and technologies available to identify, secure, and retain the best talent.

In addressing the Forum theme, Strategies and Technologies to Acquire, Retain and Engage Talent, speakers will explore key topics including "The War for Talent," Integrating Performance and Development," "The Critical Role of Retention," "Engagement in Today's Marketplace," "360-Degree View of Talent Management," "The Ultimate Competitive Workforce," and "Getting Through the Immigration Maze to Secure the Best and Brightest."

A partial list of speakers include:

* Steve Arneson, Senior Vice President, Leadership Development and Executive Talent Management, Capital One

* Bill Doucette, Vice President of Human Resources, NES Rentals Holdings, Inc.

* Steven W. Garrett, Senior Consultant, Career Systems International

* Susan C. Hastings, Partner and Labor and Employment Practice Group Leader, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, LLP 

* Judy Herbst, Senior Vice President of Human Capital, General Growth Properties 

* Dan L. Hilbert, Managing Director, Staffing, Workforce Planning and College Intern Program, Valero Energy Corporation 

* Linda Miller, SVP, Marketing and Communications, Ultimate Software

* Rocky Parker, VP Talent Acquisition, Nationwide Insurance

* Eleanor Pelta, Managing Director, Morgan Lewis Resources, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP

* Robert J. Powell, VP, HR Operations and Workforce Planning, Archer Daniels Midland Company

* Janet Snow-Godfrey, EVP, Human Resources, Culligan International

* Patrick Sterling, Director of Risk and People Administration, Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC 

* Randall Stevens, Director, IT Recruiting Talent Acquisition, Nationwide Insurance

* Rita Wyrostek, Senior Organizational Development Consultant, Zurich American Insurance Group

"The war for talent is heating up. Recent IDC research indicates that recruiters are seeing greater shortages of candidates across many job titles," said Lisa Rowan, program manager, HR and Talent Management Services, IDC. "This conference has been designed to bring senior HR and IT executives together to learn about best practices for attracting and retaining the right workers as well as the latest services and technologies available to identify, secure and retain top talent. By putting effective talent strategies in place, today's organizations will be better armed to do battle."

Sponsors and Partners of the IDC Human Resources Forum include Ultimate Software, SuccessFactors, Vurv Technology, and the Human Resources Outsourcing Association.

For more information or to register for the IDC Human Resources Forum, March 27, 2007, please visit IDC's website http://www.idc.com/hrmidwest07. Complimentary press passes are available for qualified journalists. To request a press pass, please contact Lisa O'Brien at 508-988-7557 or [e-mail].

About IDC

IDC is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. Over 850 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends. For more than 42 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.

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