Newsline Conference Edition

OCTOBER 2007

AFSMI S-Business World Conference Highlights
Enthusiasm was the word of the day at the S-Business World Conference and Expo, held September 16 -18, in Orlando, Florida. With more than three decades of representing and expounding the virtues of services excellence at this event, AFSMI presented our most compelling cast of high-level industry thought leaders and management experts to date and unveiled our new programs and strategies that all in attendance agreed will lead the Association, our members, and the industry in a strong and defined direction. Click on the links below for details and event photos.

The Keynotes
Keynote presenters represented some of the industry’s leading organizations and captured the audience with their logical, inspiring, and sometimes humorous perspectives on the state of services—past, present, and future. Click here for more.

The Breakout Sessions
Our breakout sessions are where attendees gained real insights into the emerging trends in service strategies, exposure to best practices and tested methods in services operations, and the chance to engage with peers and establish new professional relationships. Click here for more.

The Expo
The Expo Hall was the center of all activity in Orlando, with leading organizations including Astea, ClickSoftware, Oracle, RedPack Network, Vertical Solutions and an expansive cast of partners showcasing the latest technology and trends in the industry. Click here for more.

The S-Business Awards Ceremony
One of the main highlights of the World Conference is the S-Business Awards Ceremony, where we celebrate services excellence by recognizing and honoring a growing cast of industry professionals and Association members who have truly made a difference. Click here for more.

The Networking
We know that interaction among your industry peers is one of your main reasons for joining us at the World Conference. Invaluable networking took place not only during regular networking events, but also during “down times” – before and after sessions, chairs and tables in the hallways were filled with executives making important connections. Click here for more.

The New AFSMI
Throughout our 32-year history, AFSMI has been the catalyst for bringing services and support professionals together to meet our collective goals. It is from this solid foundation, combined with new resources and new strategies, that the New AFSMI is born. Click here for more.

Thank You
We thank our members, attendees, and partners for the level of support and enthusiasm you expressed not only in Orlando, but also since we have returned back to “the office.” The feedback we have received reflects a very bright future for AFSMI, and for the members we serve. We look forward to seeing you again at one of our upcoming events. Look to your Winter 2008 issue of Sbusiness for a complete write-up on the S-Business World Conference and Expo.

Building Bridges: Relationship Management Is the New Core Competency
Statistics indicate more than half of logistics outsourced contracts end within five years. To beat these odds, outsourcing companies and their logistics service providers must make relationship management a core competency. Go here to download the white paper: http://www.kn-portal.com/material/KNUCLWP_Managing_Relationships.pdf.

Here’s What People Are Saying…
Below is some initial feedback from attendees of last month’s S-Business World Conference. Look to the Winter issue of Sbusiness to see more of what attendees had to say.

“The New AFSMI lived up to all of my expectations. The future has taken on a whole new look, and it is very bright!”

“It certainly looks like AFSMI is right on track. The 2007 World Conference had all the right keynoters, all the right breakout sessions, and all the right types of attendees. We’re looking forward to an even bigger conference in 2008.”

“A great event—especially during a transition year. If this is an example of what AFSMI members have to look forward to, our association will only get stronger and better.”

“The S-Business World Conference and Expo is the one place that can give you the tools to grow, optimize, and change the direction of your services business. The people, the resources, the products, and the services you need.”

“This year’s AFSMI World Conference was well organized, informative, and provided fantastic networking opportunities. The keynote speakers were exceptionally good and delivered ‘on target’ messages. The breakout sessions offered a wide selection of choices for each attendee.”

Take This Month's Poll

Which topics would you like to see included in future AFSMI Conferences? (Check all that apply on linked page.)

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