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26th Annual Call Center QA/CX Conference Agenda

, DeSoto Hotel, Savannah, Georgia

Updated Janurary 10, 2025

26th Annual Call Center QA/CX Conference Agenda

April 29 – May 1, 2025

Executive Track

SQM clients will share their best practices to improve QA, FCR, CSat, and ESat in the management track. The executive track is special because it is a peer-to-peer benchmarking discussion facilitated by an SQM QA/CX expert.

April
29

Registration

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Lobby Madison

SQM cordially welcomes guests to the beautiful DeSoto (4-Star) Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. Conference attendees can pick up a welcome package, sign up for the mySQM™ demonstration, and get information on the events.

Networking Reception

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Madison Ballroom

Mingle in the Madison Ballroom after you arrive and enjoy the views while having food and drinks.

April
30

Registration

7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Lobby Madison

SQM cordially welcomes guests to the beautiful DeSoto (4-Star) Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. Conference attendees can pick up a welcome package and get information on the events.

Breakfast

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Madison Ballroom

Keynote #1: The Best Auto QA & State of the Call Center Industry for CX Delivery

Mike Desmarais

Founder and CEO — SQM Group

Nader Ghattas

Chief Customer Experience Officer — SQM Group

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Our mySQM™ automated QA solution is the #1 ranked QA Tool on G2 reviews for user customer satisfaction in the Americas market.

We will share our best practices for leveraging QA to improve First Call Resolution and Customer Satisfaction, such as:

  • Evaluating up to 100% of customer interactions using AI.
  • Accurately measure and benchmark QA metrics against other call centers.
  • Predicting customer satisfaction for every call with up to 95% accuracy.
  • Conducting post-call surveys to calibrate QA evaluation scores.
  • Providing agents with self-coaching & self-training tools to empower them.
  • Offering agents with real-time financial recognition to motivate them.

Using these QA best practices, we help call centers monitor, motivate, and manage agents, driving exceptional customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Looking Back on 2024: What is the State of the Call Center Industry for CX Delivery

SQM Will Share the Following Top 10 Contact Center Benchmarks:

  1. First Call Resolution
  2. Customer Satisfaction (Including CSat Prediction)
  3. Agent Job Satisfaction
  4. Agent Turnover
  5. Omnichannel CX Score
  6. One Contact Resolution
  7. Average Handle Time
  8. Service Level
  9. Holds and Transfers
  10. mySQM™ QA Score

Break

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Leveraging Technology for Better Customer Experience

Company TBD - Speaker TBD

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Conference Room — TBD

This speaker will discuss how they leverage technology and innovation to enhance CX by integrating AI-powered tools like chatbots to provide faster, more accurate support. Cloud-based platforms and CRM systems enable seamless access to customer data, ensuring personalized and consistent service across channels. By adopting cutting-edge solutions like omnichannel communication and real-time insights, the call center streamlines interactions reduces wait times, and delivers a more efficient and satisfying experience.. Learn about:

  • AI-Driven Insights: How AI can predict customer needs and provide agents with real-time suggestions.
  • CRM Optimization: Using customer data effectively for seamless interactions.
  • Omnichannel Integration: Ensuring consistent experiences across phone, chat, email, and social media.

Personalization and Empathy in Customer Service

Company TBD – Speaker TBD

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Conference Center — Room TBD

This speaker will discuss how they excel in personalization and empathy, tailoring each interaction to the Customer's unique needs and preferences using data from past interactions to provide relevant and seamless support. Agents are trained to listen actively, convey understanding, and address concerns with genuine care, creating a connection that goes beyond transactional service. By combining emotional intelligence with customer insights, the call center builds trust and leaves customers feeling valued and understood. Learn about how they use:

  • Using Data for Contextual Interactions: Personalizing service based on customer history and preferences.
  • The Human Touch: Teaching agents to convey empathy and build trust during interactions.
  • Creating Memorable Experiences: Going beyond issue resolution to satisfy customers.

Lunch

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Madison Ballroom

Empowering Customer Service Agents

Company TBD - Speaker TBD

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Conference Center — Room TBD

This speaker will discuss how their call center empowers its customer service agents and focuses on comprehensive training, equipping them with the skills and tools needed to excel. Agents are supported with real-time insights, AI-driven assistance, and access to customer histories, enabling them to resolve issues quickly and effectively. The call center builds agent confidence by fostering autonomy and encouraging decision-making, which increases customer satisfaction. Learn about:

  • Building Agent Confidence and Competence: Training programs for skill development.
  • Agent Autonomy: Allowing agents to make decisions that benefit the Customer.
  • Reducing Burnout: Stress management and motivation strategies to keep agents engaged.

Self-Service and Proactive Support

Company TBD - Speaker TBD

1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Conference Center — Room TBD

This speaker will discuss how their call center uses self-service and proactive support to empower customers to resolve issues independently through user-friendly tools like AI-driven chatbots, dynamic FAQs, and intuitive portals. The call center minimizes customer effort and prevents frustration by proactively reaching out with solutions before problems arise, such as reminders, updates, or troubleshooting tips. This combination of accessible self-service options and timely, proactive assistance ensures faster resolutions, reduces wait times, and drives high customer satisfaction. Learn about:

  • Building Effective Self-Service Portals: Empowering customers to resolve issues independently.
  • Proactive Customer Support: Reaching out to customers before issues escalate.
  • The Role of Chatbots and IVR in CSat: Enhancing automated interactions without frustrating customers.

Break

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Conference Center - Room TBD

Understanding Customer Expectations

Company TBD - Speaker TBD

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Conference Center —Room TBD

This speaker will discuss how their call center excels at understanding customer expectations, prioritizes active listening, and uses data-driven insights to anticipate needs and preferences. Agents are trained to respond empathetically and precisely, ensuring every interaction feels personalized and meaningful. By aligning their processes and communication styles with customer expectations, the center resolves issues efficiently and creates a seamless, satisfying experience that fosters trust and loyalty. Learn about:

  • Anticipating Customer Needs: Using data and feedback to predict and meet customer demands.
  • Personalization at Scale: Tailoring interactions to create high customer satisfaction.
  • Handling Difficult Customers: Techniques for de-escalation and empathy-driven solutions.

Swing Dance Theme - River Boat Tour & Dinner

5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Savannah Riverboat Cruise

The riverboat tour leaves the dock right next to where General Oglethrope landed on the riverfront, head upriver into the Port of Savannah. Then it turns around, head back under the Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge, and past the historic riverfront. Boarding begins at 5:00 to tour the river and swing dance to the sounds of band TBD. The boat departs at 5:30 PM.

May
01

Registration

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Lobby Madison

SQM cordially welcomes guests to the beautiful DeSoto (4-Star) Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. Conference attendees can pick up a welcome package and get information on the events.

Breakfast

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Keynote #2: 2024 Call Center of the Year Winner

Company TBD - Speaker TBD

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Conference Center — TBD

Discover how Company TBD provides world-class First Call Resolution, Customer and Agent Satisfaction performance. They will share some of their great customer service results and insights on how they achieved their success, such as:

  • Sharing their FCR, CSat, and Esat results
  • Their secret sauce for achieving world-class CX
  • How they collaborate with other departments/functions
  • Their best learning and biggest mistake

Keynote #3: 2024 Best Performing Small-to-Mid-Sized Call Center Winner

Company TBD – Speaker TBD

8:45 AM - 9:30 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Learn how Company TBD provides world-class First Call Resolution, Customer and Agent Satisfaction performance. They will share some of the excellent customer service results and insights on how they achieved their success, such as:

  • Sharing their FCR,CSat, and Esat results
  • Their secret sauce for achieving world-class CX
  • How they collaborate with other departments/functions
  • Their best learning and biggest mistake

mySQM™ Auto QA Software Special Announcement

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Break

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

mySQM™ Auto QA Software Demonstration

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Pulaski Room

Our new mySQM™ Auto QA software is here! Come to the demo booth for a short presentation on how you can evaluate 100% of the calls, benchmark QA metrics, and QA scores, and predict CSat scores. Speak with SQM's experts on using mySQM™ Auto QA to improve CX, EX, and costs.

Lunch

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Madison Ballroom

Wine Reception

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The Foyer

Mingle in the Foyer and enjoy the views while having a few drinks before the main event.

Call Center CX Industry Awards and Gala Dinner

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Oglethorpe Ballroom

Be dazzled with participants dressed in formal attire at SQM's 26th Annual CX Gala Industry Awards celebration, recognizing world-class performing organizations and individuals who provide great CX as judged by the customers they serve and employees who work in the contact center.

Post-Gala Extravaganza

9:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Oglethorpe Ballroom

After the awards gala, join us for live music with the band TBD after the awards ceremony, with team dance contests and special prizes for the winners.

Management Track

SQM clients will share their best practices to improve QA, FCR, CSat, and ESat in the management track.

April
29

Registration

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Lobby Madison

SQM cordially welcomes guests to the beautiful DeSoto (4-Star) Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. Conference attendees can pick up a welcome package, sign up for the mySQM™ QA demonstration, and get information on the events.

Networking Reception

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Madison Ballroom

Mingle in the Madison Ballroom after you arrive and enjoy the views while having food and drinks.

April
30

Registration

7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Lobby Madison

SQM cordially welcomes guests to the beautiful DeSoto (4-Star) Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. Conference attendees can pick up a welcome package and get information on the events.

Breakfast

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Madison Ballroom

Keynote #1: The Best Auto QA & State of the Call Center Industry for CX Delivery

Mike Desmarais

Founder and CEO — SQM Group

Nader Ghattas

Chief Customer Experience Officer — SQM Group

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Our mySQM™ automated QA solution is the #1 ranked QA Tool on G2 reviews for user customer satisfaction in the Americas market.

We will share our best practices for leveraging QA to improve First Call Resolution and Customer Satisfaction, such as:

  • Evaluating up to 100% of customer interactions using AI.
  • Accurately measure and benchmark QA metrics against other call centers.
  • Predicting customer satisfaction for every call with up to 95% accuracy.
  • Conducting post-call surveys to calibrate QA evaluation scores.
  • Providing agents with self-coaching & self-training tools to empower them.
  • Offering agents with real-time financial recognition to motivate them.

Using these QA best practices, we help call centers monitor, motivate, and manage agents, driving exceptional customer satisfaction and operational excellenc.

Looking Back on 2024: What is the State of the Call Center Industry for CX Delivery

SQM Will Share the Following Top 10 Contact Center Benchmarks:

  1. First Call Resolution
  2. Customer Satisfaction (Including CSat Prediction)
  3. Agent Job Satisfaction
  4. Agent Turnover
  5. Omnichannel CX Score
  6. One Contact Resolution
  7. Average Handle Time
  8. Service Level
  9. Holds and Transfers
  10. mySQM™ QA Score

Break

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Understanding Customer Expectations

Company TBD – Speaker TBD

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

This speaker will discuss how their call center excels at understanding customer expectations, prioritizes active listening, and uses data-driven insights to anticipate needs and preferences. Agents are trained to respond empathetically and precisely, ensuring every interaction feels personalized and meaningful. By aligning their processes and communication styles with customer expectations, the center resolves issues efficiently and creates a seamless, satisfying experience that fosters trust and loyalty. Learn about:

  • Anticipating Customer Needs: Using data and feedback to predict and meet customer demands.
  • Personalization at Scale: Tailoring interactions to create high customer satisfaction.
  • Handling Difficult Customers: Techniques for de-escalation and empathy-driven solutions.

Leveraging Technology for Better Customer Experience

Company TBD - Speaker TBD

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Conference Center — Room TBD

This speaker will discuss how they leverage technology and innovation to enhance CX by integrating AI-powered tools like chatbots to provide faster, more accurate support. Cloud-based platforms and CRM systems enable seamless access to customer data, ensuring personalized and consistent service across channels. By adopting cutting-edge solutions like omnichannel communication and real-time insights, the call center streamlines interactions reduces wait times, and delivers a more efficient and satisfying experience.. Learn about:

  • AI-Driven Insights: How AI can predict customer needs and provide agents with real-time suggestions.
  • CRM Optimization: Using customer data effectively for seamless interactions.
  • Omnichannel Integration: Ensuring consistent experiences across phone, chat, email, and social media.

Lunch

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Madison Ballroom

Self-Service and Proactive Support

Company TBD - Speaker TBD

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Conference Center — Room TBD

This speaker will discuss how their call center uses self-service and proactive support to empower customers to resolve issues independently through user-friendly tools like AI-driven chatbots, dynamic FAQs, and intuitive portals. The call center minimizes customer effort and prevents frustration by proactively reaching out with solutions before problems arise, such as reminders, updates, or troubleshooting tips. This combination of accessible self-service options and timely, proactive assistance ensures faster resolutions, reduces wait times, and drives high customer satisfaction. Learn about:

  • Building Effective Self-Service Portals: Empowering customers to resolve issues independently.
  • Proactive Customer Support: Reaching out to customers before issues escalate.
  • The Role of Chatbots and IVR in CSat: Enhancing automated interactions without frustrating customers.

Empowering Customer Service Agents

Company TBD - Speaker TBD

1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Conference Center — Room TBD

This speaker will discuss how their call center empowers its customer service agents and focuses on comprehensive training, equipping them with the skills and tools needed to excel. Agents are supported with real-time insights, AI-driven assistance, and access to customer histories, enabling them to resolve issues quickly and effectively. The call center builds agent confidence by fostering autonomy and encouraging decision-making, which increases customer satisfaction. Learn about:

  • Building Agent Confidence and Competence: Training programs for skill development.
  • Agent Autonomy: Allowing agents to make decisions that benefit the Customer.
  • Reducing Burnout: Stress management and motivation strategies to keep agents engaged.

Break

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Personalization and Empathy in Customer Service

Company TBD – Speaker TBD

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Conference Center — Room TBD

This speaker will discuss how they excel in personalization and empathy, tailoring each interaction to the Customer's unique needs and preferences using data from past interactions to provide relevant and seamless support. Agents are trained to listen actively, convey understanding, and address concerns with genuine care, creating a connection that goes beyond transactional service. By combining emotional intelligence with customer insights, the call center builds trust and leaves customers feeling valued and understood. Learn about how they use:

  • Using Data for Contextual Interactions: Personalizing service based on customer history and preferences.
  • The Human Touch: Teaching agents to convey empathy and build trust during interactions.
  • Creating Memorable Experiences: Going beyond issue resolution to satisfy customers.

Swing Dance Theme - River Boat Tour & Dinner

5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Savannah Riverboat Cruise

The riverboat tour leaves the dock right next to where General Oglethrope landed on the riverfront, head upriver into the Port of Savannah. Then it turns around, head back under the Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge, and past the historic riverfront. Boarding begins at 5:00 to tour the river and swing dance to the sounds of band TBD. The boat departs at 5:30 PM.

May
01

Registration

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Lobby Madison

SQM cordially welcomes guests to the beautiful DeSoto (4-Star) Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. Conference attendees can pick up a welcome package and get information on the events.

Breakfast

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Madison Ballroom

Keynote #2: 2024 Call Center of the Year Winner

Company TBD - Speaker TBD

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Discover how Company TBD provides world-class First Call Resolution, Customer and Agent Satisfaction performance. They will share some of their great customer service results and insights on how they achieved their success, such as:

  • Sharing their FCR, CSat, and ESat results
  • Their secret sauce for achieving world-class CX
  • How they collaborate with other departments/functions
  • Their best learning and biggest mistake

Keynote #3: 2024 Best Performing Small-to-Mid-Sized Call Center Winner

Company TBD – Speaker TBD

8:45 AM - 9:30 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Learn how Company TBD provides world-class First Call Resolution, Customer and Agent Satisfaction performance. They will share some of the excellent customer service results and insights on how they achieved their success, such as:

  • Sharing their FCR, CSat, and ESat results
  • Their secret sauce for achieving world-class CX
  • How they collaborate with other departments/functions
  • Their best learning and biggest mistake

mySQM™ Auto QA Software Special Announcement

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

Break

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM

Conference Center — Room TBD

mySQM™ Auto QA Software Demonstration

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Pulaski Room

Our new mySQM™ Auto QA software is here! Come to the demo booth for a short presentation on how you can evaluate 100% of the calls, benchmark QA metrics, and QA scores, and predict CSat scores. Speak with SQM's experts on using mySQM™ Auto QA to improve CX, EX, and costs.

Lunch

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Madison Ballroom

Wine Reception

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The Foyer

Mingle in the Foyer and enjoy the views while having a few drinks before the main event.

Call Center CX Industry Awards and Gala Dinner

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Oglethorpe Ballroom

Be dazzled with participants dressed in formal attire at SQM's 25th Annual CX Gala Industry Awards celebration, recognizing world-class performing organizations and individuals who provide great CX as judged by the customers they serve and employees who work in the contact center.

Post-Gala Extravaganza

9:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Oglethorpe Ballroom

After the awards gala, join us for live music with the band TBD after the awards ceremony, with team dance contests and special prizes for the winners.

Appreciation Day

April
30

Registration

7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Conference Center — Room TBD

SQM cordially welcomes guests to the beautiful DeSoto (4-Star) Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. Conference attendees can pick up a welcome package and get information on the events.

Swing Dance Theme - River Boat Tour & Dinner

5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Savannah Riverboat Cruise

The riverboat tour leaves the dock right next to where General Oglethrope landed on the riverfront, head upriver into the Port of Savannah. Then it turns around, head back under the Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge, and past the historic riverfront. Boarding begins at 5:00 to tour the river and swing dance to the sounds of band TBD. The boat departs at 5:30 PM.

May
01

Breakfast

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Madison Ballroom

Appreciation Day Activities / Lunch

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Activities are in various locations, please see your itinerary.

Wine Reception

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The Foyer

Mingle in the Foyer and enjoy the views while having a few drinks before the main event.

Call Center CX Industry Awards and Gala Dinner

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Oglethorpe Ballroom

Be dazzled with participants dressed in formal attire at SQM's 26th Annual CX Gala Industry Awards celebration, recognizing world-class performing organizations and individuals who provide great CX as judged by their customers and employees who work in the contact center.

Post-Gala Extravaganza

9:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Oglethorpe Ballroom

After the awards gala, join us for live music with the band TBD after the awards ceremony, with team dance contests and special prizes for the winners.

Registration Now Available

Registration is now open for our upcoming 2025 annual QA/CX conference and awards. Register today!