2007 S-Business World Conference & Expo

Change was in the air at the 2007 S-Business World Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida. This was the first World Conference since AFSMI announced it was joining forces with a network of other service associations and, for many members, it was the first opportunity to meet AFSMI’s new management team and to learn about AFSMI’s new vision for the future.  JB Wood, chief executive officer of AFSMI, set the tone for the conference in his welcoming remarks, as he traced the rise of services in economies around the globe and outlined the risks facing technology companies that under-utilize the strategic potential of their services organizations.  JB shared AFSMI’s goal to help service executives change the game to increase the visibility and elevate the strategic impact of services across the industry.

Highlights of the conference included:

Keynote Presentations:

AFSMI’s 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.

Breakout Sessions:   

Breakout sessions delivered practical 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 across five tracks; Field Service, Sales and Marketing, Customer Support and Professional Services, Leadership and Management, and Case Studies: Partnering for Success.  Power Panels were a special type of breakout session that featured seasoned executives sharing their insights on the topics of Leadership and Service Metrics.  Roundtables were another popular type of breakout sessions because they offered attendees a relaxed setting to engage in conversations with their peers regarding real-life issues and share what has worked and what hasn’t worked in other services organizations.

The Expo:

The Expo Hall was the center of all activity in Orlando, with leading solution providers showcasing the latest technology in the industry. Networking events included breakfasts and luncheons, as well as evening receptions, where attendees took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy great food and enlivened discussion. Solution Sessions were very popular as some of today’s leading vendors shared their success stories and lessons learned. Prize drawings were also a favorite attraction - our congratulations go to the lucky winners of the many valuable prizes that were given away throughout the event.

AFSMI Awards:

AFSMI continued its tradition of recognizing the brightest stars in the industry in a black-tie affair that included champagne, fine cuisine and celebration.

Thanks to everyone who attended the 2007 S-Business World Conference & Expo. Your energy and commitment to advancing the services industry are the fuel that will drive us to new levels of value for our customers, for our companies and for ourselves as service professionals.