A handful of years ago, Search Associates recognized that the vast convergence of participants in the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) would benefit from a leadership fair in the same city in the days subsequent to it. This year, the 3rd annual Search Associates Leadership Fair, hosted at the Grande Sukhumvit Westin in Bangkok, attracted 41 schools and 122 candidates, an approximate 30% increase from last year's turnout. The fair, held November 4-6, attracted a good cross section of overseas schools. Senior Associates Ray Sparks and Michael Williams were impressed by the quality of professionals new to administration. Ray commented about the results,
"[We received a] a great deal of positive feedback by both candidates and recruiters on the importance of such an event. This type of fair gives new administrators an opportunity to meet face to face with Heads of Schools where they may not get this opportunity on paper or at larger fairs."
At the fair, up-and-coming administrators build their knowledge during different occasions in different formats, such as interviews as well as question and answer sessions with a panel of experienced administrators and consultants. Recruiters, keen to share their perspective on the qualities and behaviors of successful administrators, spend a good deal of time with the candidates. However, those interested in the fair should remember that the purpose of the fair is to provide a first opportunity to meet with recruiters. Most placements will be made at a later date.
Search looks forward to the 4th annual Leadership Fair, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, November 3 - 5, 2014 at the Concorde Hotel. We have already begun receiving requests from international schools interested in attending. Invitations will be sent out August 15, 2014.
