With less than a month to go until the biggest call centre event of the year Claudia Thorpe looks ahead to the show and what she hopes to get out of it.
1. Catch up with industry pals
Call Centre Expo is the one time and place in the year I know I will be able to catch up with all my industry contacts all in one place. I know that this year, the organisers have made a big effort to give people the space and opportunity to meet and talk together – so even if I get nothing else out of the event, it will have been worth the time out of the office for a chance to catch up with the latest news and gain ideas from my contacts.
2. Learn something new
I love getting out to conferences. There is nothing better than that lightbulb moment when you hear about something that you think could make a big difference to the way you work and the way customers interact with you. Some great companies will be sharing their experiences at the Call Centre Focus Conference, including Nationwide, Lebara, BT, Danone and Indesit.
I know I keep banging on about it, but I’d hate for you to miss out on the amazing buy one get one free offer on conference places. If you buy a session, a colleague can go to any other session they like for free – but this offer runs out tomorrow, so you must book now (I mean it, the organisers have assured me there will be no extensions on this deadline). Take a look at the conference line up and get your places.
3. Indulge my inner geek
The consumerisation of technology means customer service organisations need to keep up with the very latest innovations on the market. And I’m happy to say that the technology providers exhibiting at this year’s show have upped their game and will be showcasing some truly groundbreaking solutions. I expect to see much more than just a new version of the same old software – and I can’t wait (I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to new gadgets and solutions – don’t ask me how any of it works, but it’s amazing to see what can be done). See the full list of exhibitors.
4. Catch some of the industry greats
I’m really excited about the speakers in the Customer Service Excellence Arena at the show. It is a veritable who’s who of the industry with Dr Moira Clark from Henley Business School, call centre guru Brad Cleveland, social media expert Martin Hill-Wilson and one other amazing speaker I am very excited about – but can’t reveal yet! Look out for the announcement coming soon on www.callcentre.co.uk.
I do hope to catch up with you at the show – please make sure you register before you go so you don’t have to pay £30 on the door. Register here.
Claudia Thorpe is Editorial Director for Call Centre Focus. www.callcentre.co.uk.
