Press Release: Soundings and Temple University Launch Groundbreaking Study on the Freelance Economy for Business Events
SAN DIEGO, CA – With the mission of revolutionizing the way companies work with talent, Soundings, a leader in freelance talent placement, is excited to announce a partnership with Temple University on a novel academic study focused on integrating freelance talent for business events. Officially titled “Exploring the motivations and values of gig workers”, this research is spearheaded by esteemed researchers from top universities including Temple, Penn State, San Diego State, and Purdue. The goal is to understand the motivations of independent talent and offer insights to organizations on fostering supportive work environments to effectively engage, retain, and elevate this cohort of talent.
The study kicks off with a comprehensive pilot involving 25 freelancers from Soundings' recently inaugurated Future of Work Advisory Board. This initial phase paves the way for extensive qualitative and quantitative research, with findings set to be unveiled in January 2024. Throughout the research process insights will be shared with the industry in the form of white papers, articles, and presentations, with the first presentation on Tuesday October 17th at 10AM PST, at IMEX America 2023.
With an academic focus on uncovering distinctive HR and organizational practices within the service industry, Dr. Lindsey Lee is leading the research team. As a co-author of the study "What Really Matters: Exploring Women's Professional Identities in Hospitality," she highlights the importance of embracing diverse talent in the events and hospitality industry. "Our mission is to create a synergy between academia and business, leveraging academic insights to address the talent conundrums of today and tomorrow.”
Soundings' Founder & CEO, Tracy Judge, envisions this study as a catalyst for talent innovation. “Understanding the motivations and values of freelance talent is a critical step in solving major challenges faced by the business events industry such as talent shortages and skill gaps, recruitment and retention challenges, and agility and business continuity,” said Judge. “We're charting a roadmap for businesses to harness the power of flexible talent for greater growth and innovation”.
Independent talent, organizations and all industry professionals are invited to participate.
Independent Talent Survey: The survey will launch at the beginning of November. Freelancers are encouraged to join the interest list now to receive additional information. Participants who complete the survey will receive a complimentary StrengthFinders assessment and be entered for a chance to win a 2-night stay at the Four Seasons Punta Mita. Join the interest list and learn more here.
Stay Informed: Updates and additional opportunities to participate will be shared throughout the study. Industry professionals are welcome to join our mailing list to stay up to date.
IMEX America 2023: We will be conducting roundtables with freelancers and organizations interested in agile talent strategies. Learn more and join a roundtable here.
About Soundings:
Soundings is the premier platform for connecting organizations with the most relevant independent talent in the events, hospitality, and non-profit sectors. Boasting a community of over 2,300 distinguished freelance professionals and a legacy of innovation and thought leadership in talent solutions, Soundings collaborates with businesses to devise agile talent strategies that maximize profitability, magnify products and services, and increase talent retention. As a certified Women-Owned Small Business, Soundings proudly serves female-dominated industries and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
About The Research Team:
This research team is led by Dr. Lindsey Lee and has been specially curated for this study. With research areas spanning key topics such as employee well-being, personal identity construction, and human resources practices specific to the hospitality and events industries, the team brings a breadth of knowledge and expertise.
Lindsey Lee, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism & Hospitality, Temple University
Ceridwyn King, Ph.D. - Professor & Department Head, White-Lodging J.W. Marriott School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Purdue University
Heyao (Chandler) Yu, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, School of Hospitality Management, Penn State University
Sandra Ponting, Ph.D. - Associate Professor, L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality, San Diego State University
Media Inquiries:
Nikki Gonzales
**Updated on November 6, 2023.
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We extend our gratitude to Smart Meetings for their unwavering support of the Independent Talent Community! We invite you to click below and explore one of the exclusive webinars tailored specifically for independent talent, and additional content curated for your benefit.
Industry Supporters
We appreciate our industry partners who recognize the value of the independent talent community! Thank you for your support of this cohort of talent and the economic value they bring to the industry.