31 July 2025
and
Niehlerstraße 104, Aufgang B, 50733 Köln
Access to an exclusive network of HR executives
Strategies for tomorrow's talent
Events based on expertise x experience
What you can expect:
Your goal is to build a talent acquisition function that consistently delivers the right talents, exactly on time and cost-effectively? Then the D2T Executive Retreat is the right format for you – especially for experienced HR experts with a strategic agenda.
🎯 Over two days we will first offer a market-oriented perspective: What are the current economic conditions and what do they mean for your HR strategy - today and in the coming years? We then assess the maturity of your talent acquisition, identify critical gaps and translate them into strategic priorities with a clear return on investment. A baseline assessment before the event helps determine your current state and create the foundation for data-driven decisions and long-term improvements.
Objective: Position recruiting as a strategic business function and define the initiatives that enable the HR department to develop from a cost to a profit center.
🧠 The program includes detailed insights into the role of HR in dynamic markets, a structured introduction to the recruiting excellence methodology and guided group work based on your individual evaluation report. You will receive a comprehensive gap analysis, a prioritized roadmap and a scorecard to track ongoing progress and measurable results.
👥 This retreat gives you the space to improve your recruiting strategy: strategic, data-driven and ready to execute. And as always: real connections, inspiring conversations and an unforgettable dinner experience in Cologne.
Our speakers
Mark-Christian Schmidt is Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at talentsconnect and is one of the leading minds in strategic HR and data-driven recruiting in Europe. With over a decade of experience in global HR roles, including at Viessmann and Zalando, he has made a name for himself as a thought leader for modern talent strategies.
As a speaker, Mark impresses with his ability to communicate complex HR topics in an understandable and practical way. His focus is on topics such as retention strategies, active sourcing, preboarding and the transformation of HR departments into strategic profit centers.
In doing so, he combines in-depth knowledge with an inspiring presentation style that encourages rethinking and provides concrete recommendations for action.
With decades of experience across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific, I’ve built and transformed high-performing Talent Acquisition teams for some of the world’s biggest companies.
- Co-Creator of the Recruiting Excellence Methodology
- Lead author of the Hiring Success Methodology
- Industry keynote speaker & thought leader
- Advisor to global enterprises on TA transformation
- Followed by thousands of TA leaders worldwide
- Award winning Head of Talent
I don’t just talk about Talent Acquisition – I build and implement the strategies that make hiring a competitive advantage.
With over 15 years in HR, I have established myself as a Global TA Lead, HR blogger, podcaster, and author, contributing significantly to the evolution of recruiting, personal marketing, and employer branding in Germany.
- Co-Creator of the Recruiting Excellence Methodology
- Expert in Employer Branding, Personal Marketing & Recruiting
- Specialist in HR Digitalization & Transformation
- Advocate for Professional HR & Future Work
- Initiator of the ‘Schicht im Schacht’ Recruiting Conference
- Recipient of multiple awards for innovative HR concepts
I am passionate about transforming HR practices to create people-centric organizations supported by technology and data.
Countdown to the event
What access to this event offers you
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Exclusive network of HR executives
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Cutting-edge knowledge on strategic HR topics
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Dive into the unique talentsconnect corporate culture
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Fun in the craziest office
- Strategic talent for today and tomorrow:
Inspiration to optimally align your business strategy to find and retain the best talent in the right place at the right time.
Detailed insights and joint strategies:
Dive into the exclusive “Direct to Talent Executive retreats,” where we dive deep into strategies, share best practices, and highlight the latest industry trends.
Inspiring exchange for HR managers:
Whether you're an HR manager, CHRO, or someone responsible for your company's recruitment and retention strategy, this is the perfect environment to share and grow with like-minded people in person.
Dive into the Talentsconnect culture:
Experience not only the transfer of knowledge, but also feel our unique corporate culture first-hand and become part of an inspiring community.
Combine business and fun:
Not only will you get deep insights into HR topics, but you'll also enjoy exceptional activities such as meditation, ice baths and refreshing drinks in the rooftop bar — for an inspiring and memorable retreat experience.
Shaping the future together:
Be part of a unique network of HR experts who not only share knowledge but also have fun together and explore innovative ways to develop talent.
O-Töne von Teilnehmenden
Our program
We start with relaxed music, relaxed conversations, and a flying lunch.
We start with a macroeconomic perspective: What are the current market dynamics and what does it mean for the future of human resources? We present the talentsconnect ROI curve and discuss the key value drivers that transform HR from a cost center into a strategic function.
What is the real purpose of TA — and how can we measure excellence? Together with Tony De Graaf, we present the Recruiting Excellence methodology and its maturity assessment. Participants reflect on their own levels of maturity and identify performance gaps as a starting point for strategic improvements.
In small groups, we prioritize important areas of action based on the REM assessment. We define current obstacles, ideal results and create initial ideas for transformation.
We're going to dinner together - culinary surprises included:)
Wir beginnen den zweiten Tag mit einem informellen Spiel, um neue Energie zu tanken und uns als Gruppe wieder zu connecten.
How do we translate strategic priorities into tangible measures? In this session, Marcel Rütten presents Recruiting Excellence's continuous improvement approach — including scoping maps, implementation roadmaps, and the Recruiting Excellence Scorecard to track progress and results.
What are you taking with you? What else do you need?
For those staying in Cologne, our office is open for coworking in the afternoon.
Our program
We start with relaxed music, relaxed conversations, and a flying lunch.
We start with a macroeconomic perspective: What are the current market dynamics and what does it mean for the future of human resources? We present the talentsconnect ROI curve and discuss the key value drivers that transform HR from a cost center into a strategic function.
What is the real purpose of TA — and how can we measure excellence? Together with Tony De Graaf, we present the Recruiting Excellence methodology and its maturity assessment. Participants reflect on their own levels of maturity and identify performance gaps as a starting point for strategic improvements.
In small groups, we prioritize important areas of action based on the REM assessment. We define current obstacles, ideal results and create initial ideas for transformation.
We're going to dinner together - culinary surprises included:)
How to get on the D2T Executive Shortlist
- Fill out the application form
- Check & result by email within 2 working days
- Invitation to the next Executive Retreat
- 🚀 Let's go - have fun!
Any Questions?
