An exclusive interview with Bart Tukkers and Jan Wilkens, Managing Partners at Frontwise
Following the success of its debut in 2024, the recruitment unconference that enriched the HR landscape in Macedonia is officially back. On Thursday, June 4th, the Frontwise office in Skopje will once again transform into a vibrant hub for TruSkopje 2026.
True to the global TRU (The Recruitment Unconference) philosophy, this is not your typical corporate event. There are no tedious PowerPoint presentations and no commercial pitches. Instead, TruSkopje brings together more than 100 of the brightest minds in HR, technology, and business for an intense, energetic day of conversations, open knowledge sharing, and high-impact networking.
Under this year’s compelling theme, “tech meets pro”,the event features an incredible lineup of 9 discussion tracks across 3 rounds. To make the dynamic even more exciting, the discussions will be guided by an all-star mix of international recruitment legends and top-tier local experts.
Ahead of the anticipated event on June 4th, we spoke with the organizers about the evolution of the local “Trumunity,” the magic behind the unconference format, and what to expect when tech meets professional expertise in Skopje.
1. How has the local Trumunity evolved?
Since the first edition in 2024, we have seen something very powerful happen: the recruitment community in Skopje has become more confident, more connected and more ambitious.
For us, that is special. Frontwise has played an active role in introducing recruitment as a serious profession in Macedonia. Sourcing-based recruitment is now strongly represented here, and in many ways our way of working has helped set a new standard in the market.
What makes the Skopje audience unique is the energy. People are curious, open and eager to learn. They do not just want to listen; they want to challenge, discuss and contribute. That fits perfectly with the TRU format.
2. Why “tech meets pro”?
Technology is changing recruitment at high speed. AI, automation and data can make us faster, sharper and more efficient. But recruitment is still a people business.
The real challenge is not choosing between tech or humans. The challenge is using technology as an accelerator, while keeping professional judgement, empathy and expertise at the center.
That is what “tech meets pro” means to us. Tech should support great recruiters, not replace them. The best results come when smart tools meet skilled professionals.
3. Why this mix of international and local track leaders?
We wanted to create a strong balance. International track leaders bring global perspective, experience and challenge. Local experts bring relevance, context and a deep understanding of the regional market.
That mix is important. We do not want TruSkopje to feel like knowledge is being imported from outside. We want it to be a true exchange.
Skopje has a strong recruitment community. By combining international legends with regional talent, we create discussions that are both inspiring and practical.
4. How do you make the open format valuable?
The magic of TRU is that people are not passive attendees. They are part of the conversation.
At Frontwise, we set the stage by creating an informal, open and energetic environment. The track leaders do not give long lectures. They open a topic, challenge the room and guide the discussion.
That is where the value comes from. People share real experiences, real problems and real solutions. You leave with insights you can actually use.
5. How does Frontwise culture align with TruSkopje?
Frontwise is built on sourcing, entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing. We believe recruitment becomes stronger when people openly exchange ideas and challenge each other.
That is also why we feel responsible for supporting the recruitment community in Skopje. Our office is not just a workplace; it is a place where people learn, grow and build the profession together.
TruSkopje is non-commercial by nature. That suits us. It is not about selling. It is about giving something back to the community and helping the profession move forward.
6. What impact do you hope participants take back to work?
We hope people leave with one clear idea: recruitment is changing, and we have to take ownership of that change.
Technology will keep developing. Candidate expectations will keep shifting. Companies will need stronger hiring strategies. But the recruiter who combines curiosity, human judgement and smart use of technology will become more valuable than ever.
If people go back to their workplace with new ideas, sharper questions and more confidence to improve the way recruitment is done, then TruSkopje has done its job.
Don’t just read about it – be part of the conversation! Spaces are limited, so click here to grab your ticket: www.karti.com.mk
Where: Frontwise, Skopje (Block 40 | Naum Naumovski Borce 40 | 1st floor)
When: June 4, 2026 | 9:45 AM – 5:00 PM
