Written by Erica McMannes, Chief People & Community Officer, Instant Teams
As battle-tested founders and company leaders with eight years of conference-hopping under our belts, we thought we’d seen it all. That is until we stepped into the inspiring atmosphere of the Execs In The Know Customer Response Summit (CRS). This wasn’t just another industry gathering; it was a transformative experience that landed us right into the heart of CX passion and advocacy.
CRS stands apart as a beacon of connectivity in the CX landscape, offering an unparalleled environment where relationships aren’t just formed—they’re forged. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in a warm embrace of welcome that’s rare in the often-impersonal world of executive conferences.
While long-time CRS attendees have undoubtedly mastered the art of maximizing their conference experience, there’s something uniquely valuable in a newcomer’s perspective. As first-timers, we discovered that the true magic of CRS lies in its “bookends” – those moments at the beginning and end of the week that are often overlooked but hold immense potential.
These are the golden opportunities for connection, growth, and community support that can transform your CRS experience from merely informative to truly transformative. Let us guide you through these critical touchpoints, ensuring you don’t miss out on the chance to forge lasting relationships, gain fresh insights, and contribute to the vibrant CX community from day one to final farewell.
Show Up Early: Start Small to Go Big
Arriving early for the Pickleball fundraiser was a game-changer. The intimate charity event and dinner immersed us in a relaxed group of leaders and organizers, fostering deeper connections before the main conference rush. Shared experiences of desert heat and novice Pickleball attempts (earning us ‘most injured’ and ‘least experienced’ titles) sparked easy conversations – and laughs, for the rest of the week.
By the conference kickoff, we had a network of familiar faces, transforming the larger event into an extended, less daunting experience. This networking head start set a positive tone throughout the conference. The benefits of these early interactions rippled through our entire stay, making it a strategy we’ll definitely repeat for future events.
Stay Late & Cultivate
The evening social events proved to be the crucible where professional acquaintances transformed into genuine connections. As we embraced the mantra to “stay late and cultivate,” the relaxed atmosphere, coupled with excellent food and drinks, created the perfect environment for deeper engagement. Conversations flowed effortlessly, transcending work-related topics to include personal anecdotes and shared experiences. This informal setting allowed us to peel back the layers of our professional personas, revealing the human stories behind the job titles. By investing time in these after-hours gatherings, we not only enriched our network but also laid the foundation for lasting relationships that extend far beyond the conference walls. The decision to linger and engage proved invaluable, turning fleeting interactions into meaningful bonds that promise to shape our professional journeys for years to come.
Reflecting on our experience, Liza and I are amazed by the numerous meaningful connections we forged in just a few days at the Execs in the Know conference. The welcoming, curated environment facilitated relationships that have already sparked collaborations, mentorships, and a stronger professional network. For CX executives seeking genuine, impactful connections, this conference is unparalleled. Its focus on relationship-building, coupled with excellent content, sets it apart in the CX conference landscape. In our field, our network truly is our net worth, and events like this underscore how human connections drive innovation and excellence in CX.
Instant Teams has strategically scaled over the past 8 years as a boutique BPO with intentionality and velocity, led by female founders and military spouses, Erica McMannes and Liza Rodewald (CEO). At its core, Instant Teams recognizes the unique talent and potential within military spouse communities and has leveraged this understanding to create a workforce strategy that has not only been “the secret sauce” to its own success but also its primary benefit to its customers as a CX talent marketplace. By diversifying their workforce and offering their CX solutions to companies, the results increase access to individuals with a unique set of experiences, resilience, and adaptability and have set an example for brands while also fulfilling their mission of creating meaningful employment opportunities for military families.
