Summit programme
Here’s what you can expect on the day
With Suky Sodhi & Mark Coetzee
6 NOVEMBER 2025
09:00am
Programme Director
09:10am
Mark Coetzee – Opening Keynote
Keynote Address: A Journey to Success or Failure!
Join us for an inspiring keynote presentation by Mark Coetzee, a sought-after leader who has successfully run staffing businesses across five continents. Attendees have been eager for his insights, and we’re thrilled to deliver! In this engaging session, Mark will share how companies not only survived but thrived during challenging times. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert who knows how to turn challenges into opportunities!
10:00am
Panel 1: Business Owner Discussion
From Challenges to Triumphs: Inspiring Journeys of South African Staffing Owners
Join us for an inspiring panel featuring successful South African staffing owners who will share their journeys of growth and resilience. These industry leaders will discuss how they expanded their businesses while navigating various challenges, from economic shifts to changing market demands. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the strategies that enabled them to maintain focus and drive growth, even in difficult times. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from their experiences and gather practical tips to apply to your own staffing business!
10:50am
Tea
11:15am
Breakaway Sessions Part 1
BREAKAWAY PART 1
The two sessions run concurrently so if you are a Recruiter, you will be in Suky’s session, and if you are a Business Owner / Executive, you will be in Mark’s session.
Break Away for Recruiters – Suky Sodhi
(brought to you by Wages Corp)
The contingency model is outdated, and it’s holding recruiters back. In this power-packed session, we’ll unpack why competing on price is costing you respect, how to shift to a contained model that builds stronger client partnerships, and how to position your value to win both local and international business. Expect real talk, proven strategies, and a roadmap to break free from the race to the bottom.
Breakaway for Executives – Mark Coetzee
(brought to you by Wages Corp)
Change isn’t coming, it’s already here. This closed-door session is for owners and executives ready to scale and lead with confidence in evolving markets. Join Mark Coetzee for a dynamic, hands-on workshop packed with proven frameworks, real-world examples, and practical tools to turn uncertainty into opportunity. Walk away equipped to navigate change, drive growth, and future-proof your business for success.
12:45pm
Lunch
13:30pm
Breakaway Sessions Part 2
BREAKAWAY PART 2
Continuation of Part 1: Break Away for Recruiters – Suky Sodhi
(brought to you by Wages Corp)
Continuation of Part 1: Breakaway for Executives – Mark Coetzee
(brought to you by Wages Corp)
14:45pm
Tea
15:00pm
Panel 2: Client Panel Discussion
Fireside Chat: What Clients Are Really Looking For In A Business Partner
Hear directly from leading clients as they share what they truly value in a staffing partner. This candid conversation will dig into how agencies can move beyond being seen as vendors and become trusted advisors. Our confidence—and the missteps that lose it. They’ll also offer their perspective on how talent needs are evolving and what the future of work means for collaboration. Walk away with clear, actionable insight into how to build stronger, longer-lasting client relationships.
16:00pm
APSO Industry Awards – Launch Announcement
The Staffing Excellence Awards honor proud South African trailblazers whose contributions are shaping the recruitment market. These awards recognize those setting new standards of excellence locally while amplifying South Africa’s presence and influence across borders. Recipients embody innovation, integrity, and the vision to define the future of staffing for years to come.
16:20pm
Close
16:30pm
Drinks
Unwind and connect with peers over drinks as the day transitions into an evening of conversation and celebration. This is your chance to speak directly with summit speakers, exchange ideas with fellow leaders, and congratulate the winners of the Staffing Excellence Awards. Expect lively discussion, new connections, and the kind of insights that only happen offstage.
**While we aim to stick to this programme, there may be some adjustments**