POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, March 16 – A record number of nearly 800 outsourcing professionals from 38 countries came together at the recently completed 2012 Outsourcing World Summit in Orlando to network and learn.
With 97 percent of delegates rating the event good to excellent, this year’s Summit stood out for its education and networking value. The Summit was the 15th annual industry gathering of the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®).
“IAOP’s Outsourcing World Summit was an excellent opportunity to meet global sourcing executives and service providers,” said Siegfried Richter, Vice President, Global Sourcing of Prudential. “I thought the keynote speakers were exceptional, the booths were very informative, and the small group and one-on-one opportunities for discussion were absolutely invaluable! I definitely plan on attending next year.”
“The 2012 Outsourcing World Summit may be the best I’ve ever attended,” said John Hindle, Outsourcing Marketing, Accenture. “The content was very strong this year. The structure was organized to address a diversity of interests and issues in the growing field of outsourcing, and, as always, the logistics and execution were very, very professional. It’s a challenge to keep it fresh, and IAOP succeeds year after year.”
Attendees also spoke about the value of the event to their jobs and to their companies. Energized by the new connections they made and by the insights of industry thought leaders, delegates said they are returning to their jobs ready to focus on building collaborative relationships and looking at innovative new ways of solving today’s business challenges through outsourcing.
“As it was my first Summit, I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to say I was delighted with both the way the Summit was run and how much I learned. It was a great chance to meet so many others facing similar challenges and opportunities to myself. I will be back in 2013 and will be bringing colleagues with me,” said Tim Lyons, General Manager, ManageChina Shanghai, China.
“We are pleased with the feedback from delegates that shows many outsourcing professionals left the Summit with new insights, strategies, best practices and contacts that they are putting to work in their day-to-day jobs,” said IAOP CEO Debi Hamill. “As a result of their participation, their businesses and the outsourcing industry continue to grow stronger.”
Keynote speaker Peter Sheahan, Founder and CEO of ChangeLabs, who spoke on innovative business thinking, telling delegates to “go after the non-sexy stuff as it really unlocks the most value” was the highest rated session, according to delegate survey results.
Other top educational main sessions included a presentation on Outsourcing in Global Transition by F. Warren McFarlan, Baker Foundation Professor, Albert H. Gordon Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus, Harvard University, as well as talks on the state of the industry and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Delegates spoke highly about all aspects of the event from the interactive sessions and broad range of topics to the practical lessons shared by leading companies, as well as the networking at the awards luncheon, receptions and throughout the event.
“After 15 years, the Outsourcing World Summit continues to grow and remains the world’s best known and most highly-respected event of its kind in the industry,” said the association’s founder and chairman Michael Corbett. “The best testament to its value is the many delegates who have attended every Summit and return year after year. The feedback we receive helps us shape future programs and services to best serve professionals in this ever-changing industry.”
About IAOP
The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®) is the global, standard-setting organization and advocate for the outsourcing profession. With more than 120,000 members and affiliates worldwide, IAOP helps companies increase their outsourcing success rate, improve their outsourcing ROI, and expand the opportunities for outsourcing across their businesses. To learn more, visit www.IAOP.org.