Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (RPOA)
Definition
What is the Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (RPOA)
The Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (RPOA) is the leading organization dedicated exclusively to the global RPO community.
Since 2005, it has supported businesses and service providers that transfer all or part of their recruitment processes to external experts, offering guidance, best practices, and industry insights.
Unlike traditional staffing or search firms, RPO providers take ownership of the entire recruitment process, managing strategy, technology, and results. RPOA fosters a collaborative and highly engaged network of members, connecting providers, partners, and thought leaders to advance professional development and business growth.
The association promotes outsourcing recruitment processes as a strategic talent solution, helping organizations optimize hiring, attract top talent, and achieve long-term success.
Through events, resources, and community initiatives, RPOA serves as the go-to platform for innovation, knowledge sharing, and elevating the standards of the RPO industry worldwide.
RPOA educational programs
The Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (RPOA) offers a variety of educational programs designed to help talent acquisition professionals stay informed, grow their skills, and lead strategic recruitment initiatives.
These programs provide practical insights, industry trends, and expert guidance from seasoned leaders in the RPO field:
Time to Hire Podcast
“Time to Hire” is a dynamic podcast hosted by RPOA Executive Director Lamees Abourahma. Each episode features top talent leaders who share market intelligence, innovative recruitment strategies, and actionable tips.
Listeners gain insights to improve hiring processes, strengthen employer brands, and develop forward-thinking talent strategies. The podcast serves both seasoned professionals and newcomers seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving recruitment landscape.
RPO Academy
RPO Academy offers a searchable digital library filled with webinars, ebooks, case studies, and research reports. It covers every aspect of recruitment process outsourcing, providing members with the largest collection of resources tailored to modern talent acquisition challenges.
The platform allows professionals to learn at their own pace and access practical guidance for improving recruitment outcomes.
RPO Voice Blog
The RPO Voice Blog delivers articles written by talent leaders for talent leaders. It highlights emerging RPO trends, shares best practices, and provides insights that help organizations optimize their recruitment processes.
The blog complements other educational programs by offering timely advice and thought leadership in an easily digestible format.
These programs collectively create a comprehensive learning ecosystem that empowers recruitment professionals to innovate, adapt, and succeed.
RPOA networking opportunities
The Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association offers a range of networking opportunities that connect talent leaders, RPO providers, and industry experts to share insights and build meaningful professional relationships:
RPOA forums
RPOA Forums provide a confidential and collaborative space where talent leaders and RPO professionals connect, share challenges, and gain insights from peers in similar roles.
Each forum consists of four to ten members who meet regularly in virtual sessions, with an option for an in-person meeting at the RPOA annual conference. Members determine the focus and cadence of their forums, keeping discussions relevant and actionable.
Strict confidentiality rules create a safe environment for honest dialogue, while structured agendas and clear meeting roles help members maximize learning and collaboration.
What to expect
RPOA Forums follow industry best practices inspired by Toastmasters and Harvard Business Review:
- Standard structure for balanced and productive conversations
- Meetings are scheduled regularly, no less than quarterly
- Privacy rules to foster open and candid sharing
- Participation is limited to forum members and invited guests
- Well-defined agenda and assigned meeting roles
Membership qualifications
To join, companies must hold Silver or Gold RPOA membership. Members are peers in similar roles at RPO companies and must attend at least four of six virtual meetings annually.
Sessions last 60 minutes on Zoom, are scheduled every other month, and participation in the annual conference is encouraged.
| RPOA forum | Intended audience |
|---|---|
| RPO executive forum | CEOs, Presidents, and VPs of RPO providers |
| RPO delivery forum | Client Delivery Leaders and Operations Directors of RPO providers |
| iCoCo forum | Team members interested in tech trends and peer learning |
| Sales and marketing forum | Directors, VPs, and executives from RPO sales and marketing teams |
Annual conference
The RPOA Annual Conference brings together talent leaders, RPO providers, and HR professionals to explore the latest trends, strategies, and technologies shaping recruitment process outsourcing.
Attendees gain practical insights, connect with peers, and discover new approaches to enhance talent acquisition and workforce planning.
Who should attend
The conference attracts professionals across the RPO ecosystem:
- Talent leaders. Executives and HR leaders who are seeking updates on talent trends and workforce outlook.
- Business and human resources leaders. Business executives and HR professionals interested in RPO developments and best practices.
- RPO providers. Leaders and top executives from RPO and recruiting firms who are aiming to stay informed on industry shifts and opportunities.
Why attending is a must
Participants benefit from learning, networking, and immersive experiences:
- Build relationships with industry peers
- Network during outings and receptions
- Gain insights from top thought leaders
- Enjoy Chicago’s vibrant hotels, attractions, and live entertainment
- Experience elevated culinary offerings with local touches
- Participate in a Sunday afternoon social event with fellow attendees
The conference combines education, networking, and cultural experiences to create lasting value for all participants.
RPOA iCoCo
RPOA Innovative Community Connections (iCoCo) empowers recruitment providers through technology literacy and meaningful connections with top-tier industry partners.
It is designed to keep members ahead in the fast-paced world of recruiting, combining education, collaboration, and innovation to support both RPO providers and technology partners.
Who it serves
iCoCo programs are available exclusively to RPOA organization members and industry partners:
- RPO providers. Included as a benefit of RPOA organization membership.
- Technology and industry partners. Offered as a partnership benefit for RPOA industry partners.
RPOA iCoCo platforms
iCoCo provides multiple platforms to connect, learn, and innovate:
- iCoCo marketplace. An online hub to research, connect, and engage with leading RPO providers, consultants, and technology vendors.
- Innovation and technology forum. Invitation-only monthly meetings for members and partners to discuss current and future recruiting technologies.
- Conference sessions. Dedicated sessions at the RPOA Annual Conference showcasing real-world technology innovations
- iCoCo learning hub. An online portal with educational content focused on technology solutions
- Inside iCoCo: RPO tech digest. Monthly newsletter delivering news, insights, and product spotlights directly to members
- iCoCo peer forum. Private space for technology leaders to discuss challenges and share best practices
Why RPOA iCoCo
iCoCo helps RPO providers stay competitive by integrating automated, cutting-edge talent solutions, while giving small to midsize companies a clear path to connect with best-in-class providers and technology.
The community fosters collaboration, learning, and strategic partnerships that solve real problems in talent acquisition and technology adoption.
How to become a member of RPOA
Becoming a member of the Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (RPOA) allows RPO companies to access industry insights, networking, and educational programs that elevate their business and the RPO community.
The process begins with scheduling a call to discuss organizational goals and how RPOA can support them. Next, prospective members review detailed membership options tailored to their company size and focus.
Finally, companies submit an application to join the RPOA community and start leveraging its resources.
Membership levels
RPOA offers three membership levels designed to match the needs of RPO companies at different stages of growth.
Gold membership
Gold membership provides premium branding, high visibility, and engagement opportunities. Members can speak on webinars, podcasts, and at the annual conference, and sponsor the annual research report.
Recommended for enterprise and midsize RPO companies.
Annual fee: $15,000.
Silver membership
Silver membership offers moderate brand recognition, market intelligence, and access to peer forums and analyst webinars. It suits emerging and midsize RPO companies seeking connections and industry insights.
Annual fee: $7,500.
Bronze membership
Bronze membership provides introductory access to RPOA programs, including the iCoCo Technology & Innovation Forum. It is ideal for new RPO entrants or international RPO companies.
Annual fee: $3,000.
Companies can start their membership application here. Join a community that drives growth, innovation, and collaboration in the RPO industry.
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