Time for spring training! That’s right. Even seasoned outsourcing professionals need to re-energize their batteries and hit the road to learn trends, techniques and best practices and meet with peers.
I’m going to tell you about two events in particular that may appeal to you, depending on what kind of face-to-face contact you’re seeking.
First up, Forrester Research’s IT Forum. This year’s event takes place May 15 through May 18 in Nashville, TN and includes agendas by profession, including one for IT Sourcing And Vendor Management Professionals (though some of the sessions seem a bit forced to fit…). The speakers are all Forrester analysts, people such as Stephanie Moore and Paul Roehrig, who really understand and monitor the outsourcing landscape. Among the more interesting titles: Want A Healthy Sourcing Deal? Give It An X-Ray and The Road To SOA Success: Selecting The Correct Service Provider.
The second conference I want to tell you about is one where I’ll be making an appearance: Shared Services Exchange. Hosted by IQPC at the rather luxurious-looking Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, GA outside of Atlanta, this one puts an emphasis on putting you in direct contact with service providers you may want to do business with.
In between my wine-tasting breaks, I’ll be grilling Greg Au, president and chief executive officer of Siemens Shared Services, on the topic, "Structuring Transformative Contracts to Improve Outsourcing Outcomes." Some other interesting topics covered at the Exchange include: "Workforce Engagement: Building a Culture of Shared Leadership and Accountability" and "Thinking Like an Outsourcer: Exceeding Service and Cost Reduction Commitments and Building Value for Internal Customers."
If you’re going to be there, let me know! I’d like the chance to chat with Sourcingmag.com readers about the work you’re doing.
