Events

CDM under the spotlight

Data Strategy's Contact Data Management (CDM) Summit, held in association with Experian QAS, left delegates with a much greater understanding of the value of CDM.

Data Strategy's Contact Data Management Summit in association with Experian QAS, took place at the Waldorf Hilton, London, on the 27th January 2009. The event was designed to help delegates explore how to maximise the potential of their contact data, and featured a range of expert speakers and topics directed by the Editor of Data Strategy, David Reed. There was also plenty of opportunity to network with speakers and other delegates throughout the course of the day. Speaker highlights included:

• An insight into the complexities of dealing with health sector information, provided by Roger Haydon, Head of Information Services at County Durham PCT. Roger explained how the Trust uses best practice to manage patient data
• The innovative data strategies and data stewardship put in place at BSkyB, covered by the company's Data and Analysis Director, Simon Kaffel. He outlined a number of initiatives, including the multiple dwelling unit dataset, which helps the business to achieve its growth targets
• Author Keith Gordon, Secretary of the British Computer Society Data Management Specialist Group, who gave the closing keynote speech on 'The essence of data management'. His presentation considered the standards, processes and applications necessary to underpin data flows across an organisation

Experian QAS also held two seminars on the day:

1. 'Using data and insight for more effective communication', hosted by Jim Hodgkins, Managing Director of Experian Marketing Services. Jim focused on how, in today's competitive marketplace, it is crucial that organisations not only look to acquire new customers, but also, to retain valuable existing ones, improve operating efficiencies and have the ability to measure marketing value. Citing numerous case studies, Jim shared insight into how Experian's experience and capabilities can help organisations to:

• Better understand their customers, prospects and markets
• Ensure that they have the strategies and systems to communicate effectively with relevant individuals and organisations
• Measure the impact of this activity

2. 'Implementing a Contact Data Management Strategy for Improved Performance', hosted by Stuart Johnston, UK Managing Director for Experian QAS. Stuart's session discussed how data quality is no longer just a matter of capturing and validating postal details, but also, of identifying duplicates, and authenticating that contacts are who they claim to be. He went on to help delegates explore the potential of their contact data in the following areas:

• Customer management
• Decision making
• Improved processes
• Compliance
• Financial return

Experian QAS felt it important to sponsor such an event, because we believe contact data is the link between you and your customers. By implementing a contact data management (CDM) strategy, you can promise your customers that you'll deliver on service and can clearly differentiate yourself in today's challenging climate.

We have put together a resource centre of materials to assist you with CDM going forward. You can browse, download and digest the wealth of case studies, research papers and videos available, along with the Experian QAS presentation slides from the CDM Summit, by accessing the resource centre of materials.