Partners' Connection Hour

Housekeeping: session purpose, timings, and how Q&A will run.

Dave Sanderson, Director of Member Services, Socitm

Focus:

• The President’s Conference theme(s): why now, outcomes we’re aiming for.
• Structure and highlights across the two days (keynotes and type of sessions we are looking for).
• How partner contributions help amplify impact.

Outcome: Partners understand the conference agenda and the storyline they’re plugging into.

Nadira Hussain, CEO, Socitm

Focus:

• Deep dive on thematic pillars and how they connect to member priorities.
• Socitm Panel Session: proposed format, topics, panel composition, interaction model (e.g., live polls, audience Qs), and the kind of partner input we’re inviting (e.g., data points, case studies).
• What we’d like partners to do on the panel session, IE, futuristic speakers and how we’d like to see this session progress and also be followed up.

Outcome: Partners to understand the themes and overview of the day and also be clear on what we’d like to see from the panel. Partners are clear on the panel expectations and how to contribute meaningfully.

David Ogden, Engagement Director, Socitm

Focus:

• Case study session structure (time, roles, and flow).
• Content guidance: outcome-focused session to be re-iterated from Nadira and David O on what good looks like in these sessions.
• Submission and preparation checklist (titles, synopsis, speakers, presentations to be received by, accessibility).
• What we want from partners: Customer to be involved in the case study & alignment to conference themes.

Outcome: Partners to leave session with the understanding of what we’d like from the event.

Aimie Francis, Head of Partnerships, Socitm

Focus:

• Awards categories, criteria, timelines, and judging approach.
• Gala evening format: run-of-show, partner visibility moments, etiquette, and opportunities to celebrate member achievements.
• How partners can appropriately support nominations.