AFSM International Attracts Leading Services Companies to Upcoming World Conference

Business Wire, August 31, 2004

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- 34th S-Business Education Summit and Expo to include prestigious awards and impressive lineup of keynote headliners

The Association for Services Management International (AFSMI), the only global, member-based professional association of executives and managers in the technology services and support industry, will bring together some of the best companies in the services business at its World Conference. Companies exhibiting include such industry leaders as Astea International, DHL Global Customer Logistics, Nextel Communications, Oracle, Panasonic Computer Solutions, SAP America, Siebel, Symbol Technologies, and UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Each year AFSMI members from chapters around the world come together to learn from leading services and support experts, share their successes and lessons learned, and advance their careers and the s-business profession.

To be held October 3-6 in Dallas, Texas, this year's conference will continue the long tradition of providing AFSMI members and non-members alike with world-class keynote headliners, thought-provoking speakers, in-depth case studies, extensive networking, and an expansive technology showcase. The conference theme, "Learning - Sharing - Advancing," highlights AFSMI's commitment to providing an independent, neutral, and noncommercial forum with over 50 sessions in seven concurrent subject-area paths, providing in-depth case studies and best practices.

The conference also includes the announcement and presentation of two annual awards: the George O. Harmon Award for Industry Excellence and the Service Quality Award. "The George O. Harmon Award provides public recognition for individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution over the past year, earning the respect of their peers through outstanding managerial and leadership qualities that enhance the professionalism of s-business," said John Schoenewald, CEO of AFSMI. "The Service Quality Award recognizes the company that receives the highest rating for service quality from their customers as measured in AFSMI's Annual Industry Study of Service Quality for S-Business," he added.

Also at this year's conference, an impressive list of keynote speakers is headed by Dr. W. Michael Cox, senior vice president and chief economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and professor of economics at Southern Methodist University. Joining Dr. Cox as keynote headliners are David M. Clementz, executive vice president of service delivery for EDS; Scott A. Dougall, general manager, technical support executive - Americas, IBM Global Services; and Steve Smith, co-author of the international bestseller businessThink: Rules for Getting It Right--Now, and No Matter What!

For more information or to register for the 34th AFSMI S-Business Education Summit and Expo, please visit www.afsmi.org/dallas.> About AFSM International

Founded in 1975, AFSM International (Association for Services Management International) is a global, not-for-profit, professional association of customer services and support executives and managers committed to s-business excellence. AFSM International is the acknowledged leader in providing the knowledge, fellowship, and career connections that further the personal and professional development of executives, managers, and individuals involved in s-business. For more information or to join AFSM International, visit www.afsmi.org.

About S-Business

S-business is the industry standard term AFSM International developed to describe all of the activities, organizations, and individuals involved with providing customer services and support for technology-based products and solutions.