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International Outsourcing Forum is an evolving event which reflects current and future market challenges and opportunities !
International Outsourcing Forum 2010 is among the most anticipated events for the outsourcing professionals across the globe. John Whalen, Director of Business Development - Asia & Sourcing Portfolio, Arena International Events Group talked to BPO Voice to explain what distinguishes IOF from other outsourcing events. Below are the excerpts:
What is the main agenda of the International Outsourcing Forum 2010? Now in its 7th year, IOF 2010 will provide an ideal opportunity for senior executives with active outsourcing requirements to meet with major outsourcing Supplier organisations and IPAs (investment promotion agencies) from all over the world through a series of specific, tailored, one to one business meetings. Running alongside these business meetings will be a programme of interactive presentations, workshops and seminars designed to help tackle the challenges emerging in the industry.
How do you plan out the "one to one" appointments?
Buyer delegates, suppliers and IPAs all have the option of meeting whoever they like - however, to enable these meetings to be more accurate, we collate specific information from the buyer delegate of their future outsourcing and investment projects, and then the value propositions from Suppliers and IPAs. We then aim to match the needs of one party with the other.
How has been the reaction/response to the previous meetings?
Very positive - it's a unique format that helps you to meet the right people, crucially, at the right time.
It's also an evolving event which reflects current and future market challenges and opportunities.
What do you have to say on the high return rate of the attendees of IOF?
Our repeat clients are on average approx. 70%. We are unique in providing access to Supplier organisations (outsourcers and IPAs), and the support and advice from world class legal and consulting advisers through a programme of workshops and presentations. We therefore combine advice, insight, experience and market propositions - this is a compelling proposition for all the attendees.
I think for Clients it highlights that although different organisations will have different business objectives for the year, IOF caters for all needs. From a buyer perspective, they may be just starting out on their outsourcing journey and need to be walked through the process by prospective suppliers/IPAs. Others are much more mature in terms of outsourcing, and know exactly what they are looking for from a Supplier and/or an IPA. As a Supplier or IPA, having the opportunity to meet with key executives with active requirements enables you to educate, consolidate your market profile and go after new business.
Do you have any advice for those companies who waste a lot of money on brokers etc. in their search for BPO projects?
Sure - come to IOF!
How difficult has been the last year for such event organizers?
I think all industries have been affected to a certain degree - however, what we noticed was where one Supplier (outsourcer or IPA) organisation reduced their business development spend, there was another ready to use that as an opportunity to get ahead of their competitors. Invariably most Client organisations are always looking to save cost and become more efficient, and IOF is a good way to explore the options available. The Supplier organisations recognise this and therefore the need to attend.
About John Whalen :
What is the main agenda of the International Outsourcing Forum 2010? Now in its 7th year, IOF 2010 will provide an ideal opportunity for senior executives with active outsourcing requirements to meet with major outsourcing Supplier organisations and IPAs (investment promotion agencies) from all over the world through a series of specific, tailored, one to one business meetings. Running alongside these business meetings will be a programme of interactive presentations, workshops and seminars designed to help tackle the challenges emerging in the industry.
How do you plan out the "one to one" appointments?
Buyer delegates, suppliers and IPAs all have the option of meeting whoever they like - however, to enable these meetings to be more accurate, we collate specific information from the buyer delegate of their future outsourcing and investment projects, and then the value propositions from Suppliers and IPAs. We then aim to match the needs of one party with the other.
How has been the reaction/response to the previous meetings?
Very positive - it's a unique format that helps you to meet the right people, crucially, at the right time.
It's also an evolving event which reflects current and future market challenges and opportunities.
What do you have to say on the high return rate of the attendees of IOF?
Our repeat clients are on average approx. 70%. We are unique in providing access to Supplier organisations (outsourcers and IPAs), and the support and advice from world class legal and consulting advisers through a programme of workshops and presentations. We therefore combine advice, insight, experience and market propositions - this is a compelling proposition for all the attendees.
I think for Clients it highlights that although different organisations will have different business objectives for the year, IOF caters for all needs. From a buyer perspective, they may be just starting out on their outsourcing journey and need to be walked through the process by prospective suppliers/IPAs. Others are much more mature in terms of outsourcing, and know exactly what they are looking for from a Supplier and/or an IPA. As a Supplier or IPA, having the opportunity to meet with key executives with active requirements enables you to educate, consolidate your market profile and go after new business.
Do you have any advice for those companies who waste a lot of money on brokers etc. in their search for BPO projects?
Sure - come to IOF!
How difficult has been the last year for such event organizers?
I think all industries have been affected to a certain degree - however, what we noticed was where one Supplier (outsourcer or IPA) organisation reduced their business development spend, there was another ready to use that as an opportunity to get ahead of their competitors. Invariably most Client organisations are always looking to save cost and become more efficient, and IOF is a good way to explore the options available. The Supplier organisations recognise this and therefore the need to attend.
About John Whalen :
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