The American Teleservices Association (ATA) earned high marks during its 2009 Convention & Expo. Attendance and participation were better than anticipated and results from attendee surveys ranked keynotes and workshop sessions higher than in the past five years.
“One of the greatest compliments came from ATA Board Member Steve Brubaker, a long-time professional in the teleservices industry, who said this was the best ATA convention he has attended in 20 years, and I would have to agree,” says Tim Searcy, chief executive officer of the ATA. “My email box is full of complimentary notes recounting successful lead generation, valuable sessions and great experiences in our expo hall. Despite the down economy and negative trends among associations in general, we are thrilled with the outcome of our 2009 event.”
Sunday’s annual ATA Open golf tournament was followed by two packed days of educational and networking opportunities. The ATA welcomed United States Senator David Vitter of Louisiana and ATA Board Chair Phil Grudzinski with their heartening opening remarks reflecting on the ATA’s mission to “Answer the Call” in New Orleans and within the contact center industry. Attendees were then treated to a powerful and enthusiastic keynote address from Joe Gilliam who presented “How to Create a Positive Culture in the Service Industry” before a standing-room only crowd.
ATA CEO Tim Searcy presented his annual “State of the Industry” update, and a thought-provoking keynote from Comcast executives Tina Waters and Marty Marcinczyk addressing what it takes to unify technical expertise with personal connections inside the contact center. During the annual Awards Gala Tuesday evening, the association recognized individuals, ATA chapters, and member companies for their significant contributions to the ATA and impact on the teleservices industry.
In conjunction with the Convention, the ATA Political Action Committee (ATA-PAC) hosted a sold-out fundraising event which featured Grammy Award Winning artist, Terrance Simien and his Zydeco Experience Band at the House of Blues New Orleans, raising over $20,000 to support and expand the Association’s advocacy efforts.
This year’s Call Centers CARE service project included 50 attendees who volunteered on Wednesday, October 7, to further the efforts of HandsOn New Orleans by working at the Mid-City Community Garden where they built and assembled garden structures, cleared debris, and painted garden signs.
Dates for the ATA’s 2010 national events are April 25-28, ATA Washington Summit in Washington, DC; and September 11-15, ATA Convention & Expo in Orlando, FL.
[Connections Magazine is proudly published by Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD editor.]