Generative AI for Shared Services & GBS

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will I receive my conference material?

A: Your conference handouts will be distributed on the first morning of the conference (unless otherwise stated in the event program). Additional conference material will be made available on a temporary website after the event. You will be provided with access details for this website at the conference.

Q: When should I pay for the conference?

A: Payment must be received prior to the conference.

Q: How should I pay for the conference?

A: Payment can be made online by credit card.

Q: Are the meals included?

A: Yes, all refreshments and conference lunches have been carefully selected to offer you the best in banqueting. Check the agenda for times.

Q: Can I register onto a workshop at the conference venue?

A: Yes, you may register onto workshops on site and our registration personnel will be happy to help you.

Q: How many attendees will be at my conference?

A: This varies for each conference. Please do ask at our registration desk if you would like us to assist in facilitating meetings with anyone present to ensure you receive maximum benefit from the day.

Q: How can I get to the venue?

A: The hotel phone number is listed within the conference information. Once registered, you will receive a Hotel & Conference Venue Location Map. Details are also available on the Venue & Accommodation page. Please contact us if you require any further information or assistance.

Q: What about accommodation?

A: The cost of the hotel accommodation and travel is not included in the registration fee. Details of the accommodation options are also included within the conference information, and on the Venue & Accommodation page. To take advantage of our corporate accommodation rate, please quote you are attending an IQPC conference when making your reservation.

Q: What should I wear?

A: The dress code at the conference is business casual. The speakers usually come in business attire.

Q: Special Needs

A: If you have any special needs, disabilities, and/or dietary restrictions that we may address to make your participation at our events more enjoyable, please do let us know when registering.

Q: Delegate Substitutions and Cancellations

A: Please view our cancellation policy.

Q: Will I receive any information from you in the mail?

A: After the conference, from time to time, you may receive brochures on related topics.

Q: Interested in becoming a media partner?

A: Click here to become a media partner.

SSON Impact Awards FAQs

Q: Where can I download the application forms?

A: You may access the application forms by following the links of the Awards categories above at sharedservicesweek.com/awards or email us at Will.Thomae@ssonetwork.com

Q: How do I submit the application forms?

A: Please e-mail Will.Thomae@ssonetwork.com with your completed application(s). Please read the application thoroughly for instructions on how to properly label your application email.

Q: Is there any cost involved for awards submission?

A: There is no cost, or prerequisite requirements to enter the awards. All companies, regardless of maturity stages, who aspire to excel in their Shared Services journey, are encouraged to participate.

Q: How many categories am I able to apply for?

A: We are limiting submissions to three categories per company. Make sure you speak with your teams to avoid multiple submissions and focus on which qualities your SSC embodies the closest.

Q: How am I being judged?

A: You will be judged on 5 distinct methods:

1. OVERVIEW – How well your organization presents their submission (Flow and structure, clarity, relevant metrics, etc.).
2. STRATEGY – How well your organization planned its strategy.
3. METHODOLOGY – How well your organization executes its methodology.
4. RESULTS ACHIEVED – Effectiveness of your organization’s strategy.
5. CHALLENGES – How well your organization navigated the challenges involved in executing your strategy.

Q: I am a Vendor; can I apply for any category?

A: You are welcome to apply for any category. As a business partner, these awards are here to celebrate not only your success, but your client’s success as well. Our Awards are a celebration of your partnership with your client, and both you and the client will receive separate awards for your contributions to your success. Therefore, you MUST include a NAMED CLIENT on your application or the submission will not be accepted. If you apply for the Technology of the Year or the Service Provider of the Year awards, you do not need to list a named client.

Q: I’m a solution provider, but I have a shared services function within my organization. Do I still need to list a client on my application?

A: Yes, as a Vendor you must include a named client for every application. If you are unsure if this applies to you, email Will.Thomae@ssonetwork.com for more information.

Q: I am located outside of North America. Can I still apply for the North American Awards?

A: If your SSO/GBS has operations within the North Amercian region and you deliver service within the North American region you may apply for the North American Awards. Please be sure to list your North American representative as finalists will need to participate in the awards onsite at SSOW.

Q: If I’m a finalist, what does SSON require of me?

A: As a finalist, a representative of your company must be available to attend the Black-Tie Awards Gala in person on Wednesday, March 27th. If your company is selected as a winner, you must be prepared to give a 2min speech onstage during the awards ceremony.

Q: When is the deadline to submit an award?

A: Your submission is due by Monday Jan 22nd, 2024. After this date, delayed submissions will NOT be accepted in order to give our judges ample time to review all applications.

Q: How will I know if I’ve been nominated as a finalist?

A: Finalists will be announced on Friday, February 16th, 2024. Finalist winners will be emailed directly to confirm their achievement. You can also find the announcement on SSON’s website, LinkedIn, or you can email Will.Thomae@ssonetwork.com if you have any questions.

Q: Can I get feedback on my application from the judges?

A: To promote fairness, integrity of the awards, and the privacy of the judges, we do not share the results of the awards. No feedback, notes, or comparisons are available to you.

Q: I’m a finalist! Does my free ticket cover the conference and the Black-Tie Awards Gala?

A: As a finalist, you will receive one free ticket to the Black-Tie Awards Gala. This ticket will not cover entry to the Shared Services & Outsourcing Week (SSOW) Conference, Pre-Conference Bootcamps, or Workshops.

Q: I am a finalist in multiple categories! Do I get a gala ticket for each time I've been nominated?

A: Each company will receive only one gala ticket regardless of the number of categories they have been nominated in. All other representatives you wish to bring must purchase a gala pass.

Q: I’m not submitting applications, but I am interested in attending the Awards Gala. Am I able to?

A: Anyone who is attending Shared Services & Outsourcing Week (SSOW) can attend the Awards Gala on Wednesday, March 27th by purchasing a single Gala ticket for $249 or a Table for 10 for $2,500. You must be a ticket holder of either a Gold or Platinum pass for SSOW to attend the Gala. Dinner, drinks and entertainment are included in the prices!

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