Sowing Seeds

Attendees of the PRISM (Professional Records & Information Services Management) International 27th Annual Conference May 9-12 should prepare for a dynamic, highly energized atmosphere with a number of learning and networking opportunities, according to event planners.

PRISM International, the nonprofit trade association representing the commercial information management industry, has selected "growth" as the theme for this year’s conference. "One of the points of critical focus for PRISM International is assisting small businesses in growing their businesses," Jim Booth, PRISM International executive director, says. "Our educational sessions focus on issues such as sales, customer prospecting and development, improving operational efficiencies, mitigating risks—especially risks associated with changes in the regulatory environment—and development of human resources." He adds, "To succeed and grow a business requires new ideas and new approaches. Attendees at the PRISM International conference will receive both."

PRISM International has selected Savannah, Ga., for its 27th Annual Conference. "Our conference frequently visits Florida, so Savannah is an opportunity for our attendees to enjoy a truly historic southern city with unique architecture and a deep southern heritage," Booth says. "The Westin and Savannah Convention Center provide great value and a world-class meeting environment."

Booth says that each PRISM International conference has its own flavor that makes it unique. "Southern hospitality, a relaxed atmosphere and the beauty of the classic southern surroundings overlooking downtown Savannah and the Savannah River will make this annual conference a special one to remember."

The conference’s keynote speakers should also help to make PRISM International’s 27th Annual Conference an event to remember.

This year’s conference features Steve Little and Lorna Riley as keynote speakers. "Both of them are high-energy presenters with decades of experience in their respective subject areas," Booth says.

Prior to Little’s keynote address, he facilitates a workshop from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. titled "The Ten Ts" of Customer Acquisition and Retention." In this workshop, Little presents "the essential building blocks of any customer-driven growth initiative," according to the conference brochure.

Award-winning sales trainer Riley addresses attendees at the keynote session Friday, May 11, beginning at 1:30 p.m. According to the conference brochure, Riley helps attendees "develop a high-performance sales and service organization by learning the four-stage road map to excellence." Her presentation provides information on the three most powerful skills for success in sales.

Riley, an 18-year veteran professional speaker and trainer, also facilitates a workshop Friday morning beginning at 11 that focuses on training, retaining and motivating employees. She offers advice on building continuity and integrating value-driven leadership and making better decisions more quickly.

The conference also offers a number of educational sessions, which conference planners have rated to help guide attendees. General sessions are appropriate for all attendees, basic sessions are geared toward people with two or fewer years of industry experience, and advanced sessions are designed for attendees who have been in the record and information management industry for more than three years.

Basic sessions include "Fundamentals of Hard Copy Records Management," "Fundamentals of Shredding for Commercial Records Centers, "How and Why to Start Selling Imaging" and "Media Vault Standard Operating Procedures." The general sessions offered at the conference include "Planning for Your Business Future," "Case Study – Lessons Learned from the Iron Mountain London Fire" and "Industry Fire Testing: Review of Testing Protocols and Industry Impact." The advanced sessions include "Human Resources Issues and Answers," "A Survey of Digital Storage Trends and Horizon Technologies" and "Media Types and Handling Techniques."

Outside of the session rooms, attendees can gather for various networking events, including exhibit hall receptions, the President’s Reception and various optional events, such as a golf tournament.

The first opportunity for networking at the PRISM International 2007 Annual Conference is the optional golf tournament, Wednesday, May 9. The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. and concludes with a luncheon in the clubhouse of The Club at Savannah Harbor.

The exhibit hall hosts the conference’s opening reception Wednesday night at 6, providing attendees with a first look at the event’s exhibitors. (See p. 68 for exhibitor list).

An optional networking dinner follows the Wednesday evening reception, enabling attendees to discuss business issues with other operators. PRISM says that it assigns seating for the event to assure a non-competitive environment and a relaxed atmosphere.

The exhibit hall hosts breakfast and refreshment breaks Thursday and Friday as well as a second reception Thursday evening from 6 to 7:30.

The conference concludes Saturday, May 12, with networking roundtables from 9 a.m. to noon. In these small group discussions, a table leader moderates each discussion, providing content related to the table topic while focusing on peer-to-peer interaction.

"The energy from PRISM International events comes from a highly evolved culture of sharing among peers," Booth says. While the educational events and trade show are exceptional opportunities for learning, an equal amount of learning takes place informally as operators share problems and solutions during social events or conference breaks."

More information on the PRISM International 27th Annual Conference is available by visiting www.prismintl.org or by calling (800) 336-9793.