Alex Downey-Ging – Eastern President

It was a night of learning and laughter at Woodbine Racetrack for Xplor Eastern Canada’s: The Document Derby. The chapter gathered for this educational session and dinner to learn from speakers and mingle with members of the industry. Horse racing can be a good metaphor for how many can feel, trying to keep up with changing regulations, trends, and varying needs of customers to stay ahead. This event was a chance to address those questions with two excellent speakers who have been focused on these very changes for years.

The first speaker, Nick Romano, presented the session “Managing the Customer Experience in an Omni-Channel World”. Based on his own past experience in the industry, he discussed where companies have been heading and common concerns with the changing customer experience from a business standpoint.

In the second session, Len Baker, regional VP at the CNIB gave a presentation on “Effective Communications for Canadians with Visual Impairments”. With insights on Canadians from his work at CNIB, it was great to hear about the areas where many companies are still not effectively reaching those with visual impairments, and what we should know to not leave any customers behind.

Both speakers then joined the panelists Avi Greenfield, Senior Manager of Product Strategy for OpenText Exstream, and Jen Goulden with moderator Dennis Quon (both from Crawford Technologies), to discuss these ideas further, how both topics related, and to take questions from the attendees. It was interesting to hear from both the speakers and attendees on the changes they have seen already, and what is expected in the future. The group then enjoyed dinner while watching the horse races.

Getting the group together to discuss the industry and get to know each other a little better was great fun. Thanks to our event sponsors, Crawford Technologies and RRD, for helping make this event a success. In addition to the social aspect, having the chance to learn and discuss the industry as it changes will hopefully keep our members from betting the wrong horse.

Our next social event will be our annual holiday gathering. Stay tuned to the website for more details. Want to help out with the planning? Let me know!

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