CRM Association - Portland Chapter.:Past Events

Past events

Spring Event -- May 24, 2005

CRM Solution Provider Expo -- Avoiding the Pitfalls in CRM Software Selection!

How to Select CRM Software - Evaluating your requirements

Have you been confused by all the CRM vendor ads telling you that they have the leading technology and software? Would you like a chance to compare CRM solutions in a non-threatening environment? This is your chance to see a multiple CRM packages side-by-side.

Each CRM solution provider has a "sweet spot" in pricing and business focus. This means, one or a few are better suited for your specific needs. The key to you, is finding out about this "sweet spot", so you can cut down on the time-consuming evaluation process.

TOPICS COVERED IN OUR PRESENTATION:

What are the significant criteria to consider when analyzing your business needs?
What methods ensure a comprehensive assessment of competing CRM vendors and technologies?
Join us for our second annual CRM Solution Provider Expo. View a dozen CRM solution providers all in one location. This is like no other expo or trade show, in Portland or elsewhere!

FEATURING: Trisha Tubbs

About the presenter: Trisha Tubbs is a Director at SoftResources LLC, a consulting firm that specializes in software selection. SoftResources does not represent, resell, or implement software in order to maintain objectivity and vendor neutrality in their software recommendations. Trisha has written numerous articles and has done presentations on software selection and CRM throughout the country. Her clients come from all segments and range in size from small organizations to large multi-national corporations, including the Museum of Modern Art (NYC), Toyota, the American Heart Association, the Washington Technology Center and many others. She will be discussing the CRM software selection process and relate experiences she has had working with companies in the evaluation of CRM software. Join us to learn how to avoid the horror stories of implementation that have gone awry.

Quarterly Event - March 29th, 2005

Join us for a unique chance to meet with a national known speaker.

CRM Market Consolidation - What Does it Mean to the Customer?

These days, customer relationship management (CRM) technology vendors aren't just selling software - they're also selling themselves. More specifically, the long-predicted consolidation of the CRM technology industry is finally taking place - most notably signified by the recent PeopleSoft/Oracle merger, as well as a number of lesser-known yet very significant deals.

However, it is often overlooked in the boardroom and in the financial community what technology buyers can and should do regarding protecting their investments in CRM. So they can make sure their current and future choices align with industry directions.

There is hope. The good news is that there are predictors to help users identify the long-term players. If users follow simple steps, they can avoid the risk associated with market consolidation.

CRM users are asked to attend the Tuesday, March 29, 2005 meeting of the Portland, Ore. chapter of the Customer Relationship Management Association (CRMA-Portland). During this session the association will specifically address:

Why CRM Consolidation is both necessary and natural
Is consolidation winding down, or just getting started? Expectations for 2005 and beyond.
Steps that customers can take to protect their current and future investments Alternative business and financial models that can reduce risk and enhance return

The program features Chris Selland, a well-known expert with over 10 years of experience in the CRM industry, as an analyst, author, solution provider and buyer. Users struggling to understand what CRM mergers and acquisitions mean to them are asked to attend this presentation where the association will tackle this topic.

Speaker: Chris Selland, Mr. Selland will combine his 10+ years of experience in the CRM industry, as a vendor, buyer, industry analyst and investment banker to deliver a must-hear session for any company struggling to understand what CRM M&A means to them, and to their industry.

Quarterly Event - October 27th, 2004

Join us for a unique chance to meet with customer service experts in a panel discussion.

Building and Measuring Effective Customer Service

Customer Service is term generally used for the action your organization's front-line people deliver day-in and day-out. It can greatly impact the chances of your customer's return visit! Are you collectively honoring and building that customer relationship at every opportunity?

Come join us to discuss various philosophical approaches to customer service and how CRM systems are seen as supporting or hindering customer experiences.

What new methods and models are improving the customer experience?
Which old-fashioned or emerging tools are organizations using to deliver customer service?
What are the best metrics for proving customer service effectiveness?

We had a great panel from diverse companies including:

Martha Brooke: Interaction Metrics
Rob Schnell: Columbia Ultimate
Matt Duncan: Resolute

Moderated by: Arne Kainu, Prior to founding Centerstance, Arne was a Vice President with SBI and Company with responsibility for solution definition, client service, business development and engagement management. Prior to assuming this role at SBI, he was the Vice President and General Manager of the Northwest practice for Emerald Solutions, a former Internet professional services firm which was acquired by SBI and Company. Arne continues to assist clients with complex solution planning, implementation and systems integration projects. He has over 14 years experience serving customers in a variety of industries including: Manufacturing, Utilities, Transportation, Financial Services, Telecommunications, Retail and Consumer Products. Arne began his career as a Senior Consultant with Andersen Consulting and later served with Claremont Technology Group as a Senior Manager in the Utilities Practice. Arne holds degrees in Industrial Engineering and Business Administration from Oregon State University. He is certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) by the American Productivity and Inventory Control Society (APICS).

About the presenter: Spencer Arnesen, CPA is a Founder and Principal at SoftResources LLC, an unbiased software selection consulting firm. SoftResources does not represent, resell, or implement software in order to maintain objectivity in their software recommendations. Spencer has a Masters degree in Accounting with an Information Systems emphasis and has spoken at conferences and tradeshows around the country regarding software selection and the software vendors on the market. He will be discussing the CRM software selection process and relate experiences he has had working with companies in the evaluation of CRM software. Join us to learn how to avoid the horror stories of implementation that have gone awry. Get the program you need on the budget you have.

Meeting Sponsor:

Thanks to our Research Sponsors:

CRMA Portland chapter welcomes sponsors. We are currently in the process of establishing sponsorships for the local events. If interested please visit Sponsorship Opportunities for all the options.