Post-show 2008 Recap...

The 17th annual National Conference on Operations & Fulfillment was a rousing success. As 140+ vendors anchored a busy exhibit hall at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, FL, coupled with a plethora of interesting and informative sessions. April 7-10, was time well spent for just over 1,100 attendees who came away with tactical information to better run their operations.


If you didn’t make the show, sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service and copresented by Multichannel Merchant magazine and The DMA, you missed out.

Quick Links to:

Zappos.com’s blog posting about NCOF

Speaker and sponsor video interviews, courtesy of shippingcoach.com

Multichannel Merchant’s Daily Event Coverage

NEW Contact Center Social Networking Community on ning.com

Whitepapers on various industry topics published by NCOF speakers

2009 Date/Location Information (hint: Elvis still lives there)

Speaking Opportunities for ‘09

FREE sample presentations for select ’08 sessions.

NCOF focuses on ways to boost workforce productivity, operating efficiency, and cutting costs. Best practices and benchmarks for fulfillment and contact centers were discussed in over 67 workshops, sessions and keynote presentations.
Attendees received a CD-Rom with all available presentations.
Here’s a sampling of some for download.

Negotiating Parcel Contract Rates & Terms
It's Not The Systems - It's The People
Customer Contact Preferences - Technology’s Role
Surviving Seasonal Peaks In The DC - Working Smarter
Harness The Power Of Your Contact Center Data
Material Handling To Increase Warehouse Efficiency 400%

Roundtable discussions proved to be ve4ry popular, and the consensus is to offer longer formats for ’09. New for ’08 were one-on-one consultations with topical experts – Ask the Experts will be offered again, in Vegas. Networking opportunities were everywhere – kicked off with a First-Timers reception, dessert and evening receptions each day in the Hall, the infamous USPS reception, and even the piano bar at the Palms was a hopping networking location!

Alfred Lin, of shoe e-tailer Zappos.com keynoted about their culture of service.
Read Alfred’s internal zappos.com blog about the event.
Other case studies included: - Apparel marketer American Eagles Outfitters on multisite distribution centers; and - Home products/hardware mailer Lehman’s on managing operation staff

Contact Center Performance Forum - online networking site for Contact Center Professionals
NCOF Speaker Kathryn Jackson started The Contact Center Performance Forum after the event. It's an online social networking website hosted by ning.com. Join peers interested in improving the performance of their contact centers. Participate in and listen to the dialogue of experienced professionals. Join Now!

Mark Taylor, long-time NCOF speaker, shares video and written NCOF coverage on various shipping topics on his personal Shipping Coach blog.

Among the entries, you'll find the following clips:

UPS, FedEx, DHL, United States Post Office, and Eastern Connection executives inform us about the biggest mistakes that shippers make in this video.

If You Only Use 1 Parcel Carrier, You Are Leaving Money on the Table

Jim Cochrane, the VP of the US Post Office provides his tips for small business.

USPS VP Offers Tips for Saving on Shipping for eBay Sellers & Small Business

Jerry Hempstead, retired VP of DHL provides this advice:

Retired DHL VP Shares Inside Secrets for Slashing Shipping Cost

This is a great idea if you insure your parcels.

Cut Parcel Insurance Cost in Half

If you use endicia, you can save on postage.

Get Lower Rates from the US Post Office

Finally, this is how you can get a discount from the parcel carriers.

How to Get a Discount from UPS, FedEx, or DHL

Multichannel Merchant NCOF Coverage:

Getting DC Size Right
Have HEART, Operations Execs
American Eagle Outfitters on Cutting Labor Expenses
Live From NCOF: Postal Reform Makes USPS A Parcel Delivery Contender
Live from NCOF: Lehman’s Culture: People Who Need People
Live from NCOF: Contact Center Daily Double – Quality and Balance
Live from NCOF: In the Midnight Hour, What Would P.T. Barnum Do?

Don’t miss 2009: NCOF is goin’ to Vegas for the 1st time! Post it on the calendar and place it in the budget now, so you’re sure to make it. March 24-26 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.
Interested in Speaking?