It's time for a  RecFest recap and reflections on the event. Farrah and Mike recount the excitement of meeting each other in person for the first time, the awkwardness of navigating social interactions like deciding who to hug, and the ongoing challenges faced by recruiters in today's job market. Amidst the casual banter, we touch on the frustrations around AI in resume reviews and the persistent issue of ghosting in the hiring process, all while sharing some humorous takes on coffee preferences. Listen in as we recount the chaotic yet amusing experience of running over time during a panel discussion at RecFest, leading to some unexpected moments with the host and abruptly cut microphones. We explore hiring practices aimed at humanizing the candidate experience, such as providing feedback and resources to rejected candidates, and share a humorous tangent about the favorite foods from the event. From public speaking nerves to the unique atmosphere that combined elements of a festival with a professional conference, this episode captures the essence of RecFest in all its glory. Finally, we explore the recent trends in remote work productivity and corporate policies, with a special focus on major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta revisiting their return-to-office mandates.  Finally we are joined by a special guest we've heard about but never heard from on the podcast!