Upcoming Events

Unlocking remote success in today’s world, huh? Quite the puzzle, really. Navigating through virtual events tailored for leaders in the shared services industry can feel like finding a beacon in fog. But no fear! It’s less about the “how” and more about the “let’s just figure this out together” spirit. Remote work is like—okay, what’s the analogy? Think of it as that ever-elusive treasure hunt where every clue is a bit more obscure than the last (and sometimes, the clues are buried under a pile of emails). Anyway, let’s dive into some top virtual GBS events. You’re going to want to put these on your radar for some serious shared services transformation magic. Virtual Events: Your Beacon of Hope Oh, speaking of treasures… Let’s talk about how these virtual gatherings shape leaders. One moment you’re sipping your third cup of coffee, the next you’re wading through insights on process optimization, thrown at you by people who genuinely get it (or so they’d have you believe…). GBS Summit 2025 Picture this: executives from around the world, sharing wisdom like it’s their grandma’s secret recipe. This event usually dives deep into shared services transformation and showcases innovative strategies that savvy leaders are using. And the best part? It’s all virtual. You can attend in your pajamas. Win-win? Global Shared Services + Outsourcing Week Yes, yes, another event. But wait! This one’s like that weird cousin you can’t help but adore. It’s a mix of networking, learning, and maybe even a bit of flirting with new ideas. Leaders from various sectors come together to explore industry trends and challenges. Consider it a smorgasbord for your brain (and oh, they won’t judge if you snack while you zoom). Digital Workforce Summit Here’s the thing—everyone’s shouting “automation!” These sessions dig into how to blend human touch with digital efficiency. And they do it in a way that makes you go, “Oh! That totally makes sense!” You might even experience a tiny lightbulb moment (you know, the kind where you audibly gasp in awe). These events are more than just PowerPoint slides and awkward Zoom hellos. (Ever been stuck in a “Can you see my screen?” loop? Yeah, me too.) Instead, think of them as virtual salons where leaders share their quirks, stories, and—most importantly—strategies. Why Join? (Spoiler: Learning & Networking!) But why even bother attending? Well, it might feel like remote work is just a series of isolated emails, but these events—oh boy—are filters for understanding what’s hot in the industry. They whip out best practices from their treasure chests and show you ways to implement them. Quite remarkable, really. Want some tangible benefits? Here are a few: Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals (and think of the LinkedIn connections you could rack up). Practical Insights: Some sessions are introspective—like therapy, minus the couch—but with actionable strategies. Because who doesn’t need a little sprinkling of “Hey, I can do that!”? Innovation Inspiration: You might stumble upon the next big thing in shared services, or at least someone might drop an idea that makes you ponder late into the night, scribbling notes in the dark. Remember—amid the sea of jargon and corporate lingo, there’s a human layer. The very essence of shared services transformation is about connecting with people. You’re all in this bizarre, virtual galaxy together. The more we share stories, the clearer the path becomes. Finding Your Event Tribe Ah, breadcrumbs of inspiration. Sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start. Look, when you’re hunting for the right event, consider these cool pointers: Content Relevance: Does the agenda speak to your current challenges? Find the events that align with your hurdles (if it feels like they were lifted straight from your life, you’ve struck gold). Speaker Line-up: Who’s presenting? This isn’t just about names; it’s a vibe (if you ask me). Audience feedback can be a great proxy for what’s actually worth your time. Interactive Elements: Do they offer breakout sessions? Q&As? Nothing feels bleaker than being an audience zombie while the presenter drones on, right? Let’s wrap this up with an idea—the world’s way of keeping connected is shifting. The virtual space is brimming with possibilities if you dare to dive in. Shared services transformation isn’t just a corporate finish line; it’s an evolving marathon, and we’re all in it together. So come on, let’s do this—log in, engage, and unlock that remote success. Call to Action And as you venture towards these events, keep an open mind, a quirky outlook, and maybe a snack nearby. You never know what nuggets you might unearth in this wild jungle of virtual experiences. So, have you signed up for any of these yet? If not, what’s stopping you? Your treasure awaits! 🏆

You know that feeling when you’re staring at your calendar and realize, like, whoa— the GBS Summit is just around the corner? (But—here’s the kicker—you can’t remember what you had for breakfast, let alone where you left your notes on leadership strategies!) That rush of panic? Totally normal. So, let’s chat—no, not just about leadership, but about *mastering* the art of it as we glide into this big event. Imagine you’re at the summit, surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the shared services industry (and maybe one or two people who are just there for the coffee). You didn’t just discover a new process optimization strategy or hear about the latest in shared services transformation; you dug deep into something meaningful. A leader’s journey isn’t linear. *Oh no.* Picture a squiggly line darting around like a kid with a sugar rush—bouncing from inspiration to panic and back again. A good leader navigates these ups and downs. They embrace the chaos like it’s a dance floor. So how do we get there? Well, grab a seat (not really, because I can’t see you, but you get it). The Power of Storytelling in Leadership Leaders aren’t just figureheads—they’re the storytellers. (I mean, who doesn’t love a good story?) You know, the ones that make you lean in a little closer, wanting to hear more? Sharing stories can connect teams, inspire change, and—here’s the kicker—encourage that process optimization everyone’s chasing after. Let’s sprinkle in a quick antidote. A few years ago, at a quaint little conference—think cozy, not stuffy—a senior manager shared a tale about a project that almost went belly-up because they overlooked a crucial step. The catch? They laughed about it! That vulnerability roped the room in; it was like a warm hug on a chilly day. But storytelling isn’t just about missteps. It’s capturing victories too. What’s your proudest moment as a leader? I mean, genuinely. Think about it. Those moments have warmth, they have lessons tucked in there—like little nuggets of gold just waiting to shine. Navigating Change: A Leader’s Playground So, change. Let’s just take a moment—because yikes, it can be daunting! (And I’m not just talking about your last haircut.) In shared services, adapting to change is where the magic—or madness—happens. Leadership isn’t about refusing to budge; it’s about steering your ship through choppy waters, shouting instructions over the roar of waves. (I kind of hope the metaphor isn’t getting lost here…are you with me?) Stay Agile: With change knocking on your door, flexibility is key. Think of it like yoga, but instead of downward dog, it’s about bending without breaking. Empower Your Team: Let them take charge sometimes. It’s like giving your puppy the chance to pick which park to visit. The excitement? Unmatched. Communicate Openly: Be that open book—totally lose the “I’ve got it all together” facade. Your team shouldn’t feel like they’re in a spy movie trying to decipher your vibes. Building a Community of Leaders So picture this—what if, at the GBS Summit, instead of merely networking, we built a tribe? A clan of like-minded leaders ready to tackle anything from shared services transformation to reshaping corporate culture. I mean, wouldn’t that be killer? Sharing insights, struggles, victories. (Might even spark a group hug!) Engagement: It’s all about that sweet interaction. Grab a coffee with someone new. Ask pointed questions—sometimes the most obscure queries lead to the brightest epiphanies. Mentorship: Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you admire. (But, seriously, don’t be creepy about it!) Think more along the lines of “let’s geek out over leadership together.” Follow Up: After the summit? Keep those connections alive, like the pesky houseplant you forgot to water. (But, like, in a good way.) As you get prepped for the GBS Summit, remember—it’s less about being the most polished leader in the room and more about being the *realest*. Your voice, your story, your presence makes waves. So go in with an open mind, an honest heart, and hey—embrace the quirks (like not remembering that one person’s name twelve times). Time to gear up for this wild ride! A little chatter, a few laughs, and a whole lot of leadership wisdom await. Let’s do this! (And maybe grab an extra cup of coffee while we’re at it. Cheers!)

Ah, the calendar flips to 2024. Exciting right? Or is it just me? Anyway, if you’re in the world of Global Business Services (GBS), then you know events are where magic happens—and I’m not talking about glitter and fairy dust, but the real deal: networking, insights, transformations! 🎉 And oh boy, we’re in for a treat this year. Ready to jump into the must-attend GBS events that’ll boost your shared services game? Let’s dive in! GBS Global Summit: The Mecca of GBS Minds Picture this—the buzzing energy of a room filled with industry leaders, the excitement in the air, and the smell of fresh coffee (hopefully it’s decent; no lukewarm stuff, please). The GBS Global Summit is like the Olympic Games for shared services. It happens (drumroll, please) every June in Amsterdam. Yes, Amsterdam! Can you say “canals and croquettes”? Now, this isn’t just about having a cappuccino in a cute café and talking shop. Nope. It’s about **shared services transformation** on steroids. You get case studies, expert panels—maybe even some wild two-minute pitches. You’ll hear stories that make you laugh, maybe cry, who knows? But the takeaway? Huge. Think process optimization, automation strategies, and maybe even a sprinkle of digital disruption here and there. Did I say transformation? Yes, again, because it’s that important. Annual Shared Services Conference: Innovations Galore! A little birdie told me (okay, fine, it was my calendar alert) that the Annual Shared Services Conference is happening next March. This one’s in sunny Miami—perfect for a little networking with a splash of sunshine (I mean, who doesn’t love a tan while talking about service delivery?). The vibe? Informal yet intense. You’ll be stumbling upon session tracks that cover everything from talent management to leading through change (because yes, that’s a thing). Funny enough, I always find the best conversations happen between sessions (it’s like the universe wants us to connect). There’s this moment—just after lunch, maybe?—when everyone’s buzzing and sharing ideas. And here’s the kicker: you’ll definitely want to pay attention if the term **process optimization** makes your heart race. This event dives into the nitty-gritty of how technology is transforming service delivery. Spoiler alert: you’ll walk away with actionable insights. The Future of GBS Forum: Disruption Awaits Okay, hold onto your hats—The Future of GBS Forum is lurking just around the corner in November, and it promises to shake things up. Think of it as a rollercoaster through the bubbling cauldron of innovation and technology (yes, I went there). This year, it’s hosted in… wait for it… Berlin! Hello, currywurst! This forum is more like an open discussion rather than a rigid presentation format. You’ll find that the lines between the speakers and attendees blur. It’s raw, it’s real. There are discussions around “What the heck is next?” and “How can we adapt while maintaining our cool jobs?” (because yes, job security is still a concern amid all this change). With keywords like **shared services transformation** being tossed around like confetti, expect fresh takes on everything from AI to customer experience (which, by the way, is becoming THE priority for shared services). Snack Break, Anyone? (You didn’t think I’d forget about breaks, did you?) A good event has snacks. And yes, **delicious snacks = happy networking**. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re chewing on a chocolate croissant and brainstorming with someone who just happened to sit down next to you. I firmly believe that pastries have special powers. Why Attend? Look, it’s easy to scroll through LinkedIn feeds and talk about how you’ll “network more” this year. But joining these events? That’s where real connections happen—people sharing raw stories, mistakes, and little nuggets of wisdom. It feels honest, and honestly, that’s what’s gonna unlock your success in GBS in 2024. We’re talking industry insights, thought leadership, and oh, did I mention? The opportunity to bump into potential collaborators! (You might even find yourself gabbing with a thought leader while both of you wait for the elevator—those spontaneous moments are golden, my friends.) Wrapping It Up (But Not Really…) So, here we are! GBS professionals, grab your calendars, and mark these dates. Events are your ticket to a treasure trove of insights and connections. Each conference is like a new chapter in your professional journey—embrace it! To sum up, don’t sleep on these events. Get those networking skills polished, and prepare to unlock the secrets to **shared services transformation** like never before. Who knows? You just might revolutionize how your organization approaches processes in the coming years. 🌟 Happy event planning, and may your 2024 be filled with success and plenty of delightful conversation (and pastries).

So, you’re in management—middle management, senior management, or maybe you’re just straddling the worlds of the two (fun times, right?). Anyway, if you’re like me—scrambling around, juggling a million things at once while wondering how to make sense of it all—then you might be thinking about how to stay ahead in the game. You know, that game called “shared services transformation” (it should come with a manual, by the way). Events, conferences, the whole shebang—the best ways to unlock success in our field. So, what’s up for 2025? Let’s dive in. Why Events Matter (Who Even Knew?) Truth bomb: attending a GBS event can feel like a magical elixir for shared services transformation. (Kind of like that caffeine fix you swear by, or maybe the last slice of birthday cake—seriously, how good is that?) Being surrounded by industry peers, soaking up insights, sharing war stories (not literally, of course), and catching that elusive spark of inspiration can be game-changing. Networking: The connections are gold. Sure, you might end up exchanging business cards with someone’s dog—just kidding… kind of—but you get the point. Knowledge Sharing: Get ready for big minds sharing ideas. Not your typical PowerPoint snoozefest. Think insightful panels, innovative workshops…maybe even an impromptu dance party? (Okay, maybe not that last one, but who doesn’t love a good dance-off?) Trends: Always in the know, or at least trying to be. Staying down the rabbit hole of industry trends is like, well, like chasing a chicken with a constantly moving goalpost (very relatable). So, what events should jump start your 2025? The Lineup You Can’t Miss GBS Connect 2025 (Takes place in April—write it down. Or type it. Whatever floats your digital boat). This conference is huge. Think keynote speakers who actually get it, workshops that make you feel like a genius (you probably are, deep down), and networking sessions that could lead to… who knows? Maybe your next career move? SSON’s Annual Conference (Even Googling it will make you feel smarter, promise!). This one’s a classic. It’s like the good old trusty coffee shop that never lets you down. Covering shared services optimization and transformation, expect roundtables and panel discussions that could have you scratching your head in thought or nodding vigorously. Fun Fact It’s like having dessert after dinner—you know you shouldn’t, but come on, you’re only human. Automation & AI Summit (2025 is gonna be huge for tech, no doubt about that). How are we maximizing processes? How is AI going to change our day-to-day? If you’re in the trenches, this will be more informative than a meme about office life (and extremely less infuriating). Bonus: This event’s full of folks who understand the struggles—hurdles, mountains, enormous boulders—of process optimization. Global Shared Services & Outsourcing Week (happens in the fall—mark your calendars). Hosted at various spectacular locales (talk about motivation), it’s—can I say it?—an experiential feast for the senses. Expect a smorgasbord of insights during seminars and keynotes. You might even leave with strategies that feel like secrets to success, shh… don’t tell anyone! Shared Services & Outsourcing Network’s Regional Events (lesser-known but a gem, I swear). These smaller gatherings can feel just like a cozy coffee chat with your favorite industry pals—less formal, more intimate. It’s where genuine connections happen. They’re perfect for discussing innovative ideas on shared services transformation without the overwhelming noise. What You’ll Take Away Now when you sit down with a cuppa post-event (or maybe it’s just an iced chai latte—you do you), you can ponder (maybe even marvel) at your newfound knowledge and connections. Remember the tips: Keep it relaxed. This is not a sterile board meeting where a wrong move could lead to awkward silence (yikes). Jot down insightful nuggets. Have them on hand. Because, let’s face it, we can always use a fresh perspective to shake things up back at the office. Let’s Wrap This Up So to get back on track—if that’s even possible at this point—don’t let the fear of missing out take its toll on your yes-no equation for 2025. GBS events will do wonders for your shared services transformation journey. Are you ready to embrace the chaos and thrive amid the changes? I mean, who isn’t? Let’s go discover, connect, and maybe dabble in some social media sharing that doesn’t look like you just got your wisdom teeth out—those awkward selfies are not making anyone look good. Here’s to a successful 2025—may it be full of growth and maybe just a little bit of fun!

So, picture this: you’re working in a bustling shared services environment (or maybe not-so-bustling, but let’s not nitpick), and you think, “I need to step my networking game up.” Absolutely! (You should.) But, where to start? Well, *ta-da*, let’s dive into the top five GBS conferences—because nothing says networking like mingling with other pros and exchanging business cards like they’re candy. And, oh yeah, you’re probably wondering, “Why conferences?” Well, because those little face-to-face interactions can turn into big opportunities. It’s like finding the golden ticket in your chocolate bar, except—wait, wait—this isn’t about chocolate. Anyway, let’s get into it. 1. GBS World Conference: The Granddaddy of Shared Services (Event Flash! Shiny Things!) The GBS World Conference is like the Super Bowl of shared services transformation (#SharedServicesTransformation). Held annually in various locations, this conference brings together a mashup of industry leaders, innovative thinkers, and, let’s be real—people who love to talk shop (side note: can we just agree that we all love talking shop?). You know, you’ll find sessions on process optimization, tech advancements, and even some panels where, *gasp*, real-life success stories unfold. Who doesn’t love a good success story? It’s motivational—you might even leave inspired. Or at least caffeinated. Key Takeaway: Network with the pioneers in your field. And don’t forget to bring your business cards! (They’re practically currency in the networking world, right?) 2. SSON Conference: The Shared Services Connection Next up—drumroll, please—the SSON Conference. This one’s for you if you’re into, oh I don’t know, advanced strategies and operational excellence. Who isn’t? (Honestly?) Connecting with peers here isn’t just an “oh, hey!,” it’s more like a “Let’s partner up and transform shared services.” Expect workshops and breakout sessions that are both enlightening and—let’s be straightforward here—kinda fun too. It’s like a generous buffet of knowledge and networking, but without the awkward mingling at a cocktail party. Insight Alert! Get comfy, and don’t hesitate to chat with random folks. Yes, they might be strangers now, but aren’t we all one good conversation away from becoming besties? Just throwing it out there… 3. Gartner Supply Chain Symposium: Not Just for Supply Chain Buffs Hold up, did someone mention supply chain? Even if you’re not a supply chain nerd (and who would blame you—sometimes numbers can be snooze-fests), the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium is loaded with insights that impact everyone in shared services. Yes, everyone. The best part? The networking opportunities are like, *hello, nice to meet you*—and often include sessions on emerging trends and association meetings. Seriously, how can you pass up a chance to hear from industry rock stars? Fun Fact: They say, “What happens at conferences, stays at conferences.” Not that you’d be getting into shenanigans—but you get the idea, right? 4. AICPA Conference on Current SEC and PCAOB Developments Here’s a curveball for you. If you’re in finance or accounting—bam! There’s the AICPA Conference, focusing on going the extra mile in financial reporting (which we all love… most of us). Navigating the ever-evolving regulations of the SEC? Unpack it here with folks who can relate. What’s even more important—(and I can’t stress this enough)—is the networking. Connect with leaders, specialists, and maybe even find your next collaborator or mentor. How refreshing, right? Pro Tip: Grab those conversations over lunch. Nothing like a meal to loosen everyone up—seriously, throw in a few jokes about audit fatigue. 5. Shared Services & Outsourcing Network (SSON) Roundtables Who said conferences have to be all big and flashy? Sometimes, you just need an intimate setting. Enter the SSON Roundtables. Picture this: small groups of industry insiders swapping insights over coffee or—if you’re feeling fancy—tea. Yes, tea is a thing. These roundtables are perfect if you want to dive deep into niche topics. No fluff—just good, solid discussions. Connection on steroids! (Not literally, you know what I mean). Serious Note: It’s all about relationship-building here. Each chat can lead to possibilities you didn’t even know existed—like, “Did I just uncover a partnership opportunity?” — So, there you have it! A slice of goodness served hot with the top five GBS conferences—each ripe with opportunities, lessons, and moments that could turn into game-changers for your career (or at least your networking Rolodex). Embrace the chaos, the impromptu conversations, and maybe even find a new friend—maybe one you’d sip a cute latte with post-conference and discuss shared services transformation over. Remember: It’s not just about attending these conferences; it’s about engaging. Dive in, mingle, make those connections, and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to networking success. Happy conferencing!