🇨🇦 Canadian Staffing Summit Recap: Trends in SOW & Visibility into Supplier Activity

Bridge VMS proudly joined staffing’s best and brightest at the vibrant Canadian Staffing Summit 2025, April 2-3 at Toronto’s iconic One King West Hotel. Our team—Matthew Cook (Chief Revenue Officer), Justin Proctor (Director of Business Development), and MaryEllen DeMarino (VP of Customer Success)—enjoyed being a part of dynamic discussions, insightful networking, and industry-shaping ideas!

Inside Scoop: Winning with VMS & MSP 

Among the engaging sessions, Matthew participated in the highly engaging panel, "Winning with VMS and MSP: Meeting Client Demands for SMEs," alongside industry experts Michael Kitchen and Kelli Ryan, expertly moderated by Chris Kerschbaumer.

Matthew broke down common misconceptions around VMS solutions, highlighting their affordability, scalability, and transformative potential specifically for small and mid-sized staffing agencies.

For those unable to attend, here are a few crucial insights shared during the panel:

• Demonstrating Value as an SME: The panel discussed the unique agility SMEs possess. 

  By leveraging flexible, white-labeled VMS solutions, these firms can deliver personalized services tailored to each client—without giving up ownership or control. This approach positions SMEs to not only retain key accounts but also win new business by standing out in a crowded marketplace.

• Gaining Full Supplier Visibility: A recurring theme throughout the session was the challenge of operating in the dark when it comes to other suppliers. The panel discussed how modern VMS technology provides much-needed transparency into supplier performance and activities—empowering firms to identify new opportunities, evaluate where they stand competitively, and grow within existing programs.

• Competing Against Industry Giants: Panelists shared practical strategies for how SMEs can compete and win against larger players. From using customizable VMS tools to deliver tailored MSP solutions, to shifting the client conversation away from cost and toward value and outcomes, the message was clear: with the right tools and positioning, smaller firms can punch well above their weight.

Buzzworthy Themes & Key Takeaways

If you missed the summit, here’s what staffing leaders found most valuable:

• Power of White Labeling: Attendees learned how quickly they can implement branded VMS solutions, allowing them to maintain strategic control and visibility with their clients—essential for SMEs aiming to grow sustainably.
• Deepening Visibility into Supplier Networks: Many agencies discovered the significant competitive advantage of gaining full transparency into supplier ecosystems. Detailed discussions highlighted how VMS tools could uncover hidden business opportunities, enhance supplier management, and foster stronger client relationships.
• Optimizing Your Tech Stack: There were insightful discussions on the importance of streamlining technology investments, with emphasis on how consolidating tools can significantly boost operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs—a vital consideration in today's resource-sensitive market.
• Navigating Market Uncertainty: The timely topic of global tariffs and economic unpredictability underscored the importance of agility. Attendees explored how adaptive technologies like VMS can empower agencies to remain flexible, responsive, and resilient in turbulent market conditions.

CEO Panel Spotlight: Statement of Work (SOW) Opportunities 

The much-anticipated CEO Panel session, masterfully moderated by Suky Sodhi, featured notable staffing leader Janelle Bieler (Head of Akkodis US; SVP Adecco Group). Janelle highlighted the emerging significance of Statement of Work (SOW) models, urging staffing firms to actively explore this growing segment. This trend presents a powerful growth opportunity, and VMS technology was noted as essential in effectively managing and scaling SOW services.

Meaningful Connections & What’s Next  

The attending Bridge VMS team had the pleasure of connecting with many motivated staffing leaders throughout the summit. Both Matthew and Justin left with numerous planned follow-ups, a clear sign that attendees are eager to embrace advanced VMS solutions to improve efficiency and drive stronger business outcomes.

If you missed the opportunity to attend or if you want to continue the conversation further, please reach out! Our team at Bridge VMS is excitd to support your staffing business in leveraging cutting-edge technology to achieve sustainable grow.

SOW Your Way to Bigger Contracts and Better Margins 

Looking to dive deeper into SOW strategies and stand out in the mid-market? Our new guide, The Battle for Mid-Market Contracts: How MSPs & Staffing Firms Win with SOW Solutions, is your next essential read!

Inside this guide, you'll discover how to:

• Win higher-margin SOW engagements, enhancing your profitability.
• Cultivate deeper, long-term client relationships through structured workforce solutions.
• Differentiate yourself strategically from both larger competitors and smaller, cost-cutting agencies.
• Leverage specialized VMS technology to streamline operations and boost efficiency.
• Confidently position yourself as a trusted, indispensable workforce partner in the lucrative mid-market.