FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the concept and history behind the CEE SSO Awards?
We first started out, 4 years ago, as the Poland SSC/Outsourcing Awards, but expanded it to the CEE region (Baltics down to Romania). We are focused on connecting large foreign investors with cities/locations in CEE, and believe that global investors first look at the region, then drill down to a country and a specific city.
We also believe that the Shared Services and outsourcing sectors deserve extra special attention, media focus and recognition, since the sector is driving significant employment growth.
Why should my company submit a Nomination?
We have found that the most savvy companies understand the PR boost and media attention from being disinguished at the very top of your field. Winners in the past have used this to help with their internal corporate PR, external recruitment, and improve their image with clients and in some cases the local community and city where they are based. Not only Winners are distinguised; All Nominations that move past the Jury's first vote to the Short-List are also promoted widely via our media and association partners, both before the Awards and for several months after the Awards.
How many Nominations categories are there?
We have Nominations in 26 categories, with the most focus on Shared Services centres. Nominations are sometimes divided into 2 regions: Poland and CEE (ex-Poland). We do this because Poland is both geographically biggest and represents nearly 50% of the CEE's regions SSC/BPOs, so a separate CEE category (which excludes Poland) allows us to emphasize the other leaders in the region, and the different niches being filled in different countries.
Does it cost anything to submit a Nomination? And can I win if I don't pay? Any connection with winning and sponsorship?
The answers are No; Yes; and No. Nominations are completely free to submit and winning is not connected to attendance or sponsorship. We detest “paid-for” Awards events. Our Awards Gala is meritocracy-based, and even the Jury will not know who won the Awards until the envelopes are opened on stage at the Awards Gala 4th February 2016.
What are the rules regarding Nominations?
Anyone can nominate anyone and there is no limit to submitted Nominations. However, we have found that the Winning Nominations are usually submitted by the Company itself, who knows best the organization. Nominations must be submitted online (see Link on the website) before the 30 November deadline.
Who is on the Jury? And why such a composition?
We like a large Jury, and this year we'll have nearly 30 people on the Jury, with knowledge of different geographical markets and different specialities within the SSC sector. In addition to country investment officers on the Jury, we also have large investors that are already invested in the region. Each year, we rotate 50% of the Jury members.
Can I attend the Awards for free?
No. Only the Jury and the Forum Speakers attend the Awards event complimentary. Registration is here: ___ And all SSC/BPO executives receive 33% off attendance to both the Awards Gala and daytime Forum.
Who will attend the Awards Gala and Forum ?
In February 2015, we had 275 guests. In 2016, we expect about 300, from more than 23 countries across the region, and also the US, Canada, UK, France, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Italy, and India. These are mostly senior-level execs in charge of setting up or operating a SSC/BPO operation in CEE. In addition to the SSC/BPO operations people, we also have services providers to the sector, such as recruitment, office developers, and IT/technology providers. We also will have a number of mayors and inward-investment officers from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Serbia and Slovenia.
Tell me about the daytime schedule (Forum and Site Visits).
We have an excellent agenda for the daytime Forum, and Speakers/Panelist are exclusively from SSC operations. See the website for updated Agenda. We view the daytime Forum as an integral part of the event, and it's an excellent way to hear Case-Studies and “lessons learned” from operators active on the market.
Can I sponsor the event?
Yes, we have a few different options, and will be pleased to discuss the options. Please contact Thom Barnhardt, , or .
What kind of media support does the Awards have?
We have media support in the UK, US, France, Scandinavia, and Germany. Additionally, we have support from more than 10 Associations across the region that help investors.
Who is the organizer?
We are an independent media group (BizPoland Media Group) with deep experience in Poland and CEE over the last 20 years, based in Warsaw, and we publish magazines, directories, and websites about topics including SSC/BPO, Energy, and Capital Markets. Our magazines include BizPoland Magazine, and CEE Shared Services/Outsourcing Directory, and four other titles. We also organize 3 other Awards events per year for the CEE region.
What is the date and location?
4 February 2016; Warsaw, Poland; Hotel Intercontinental.
CEE Shared Services And Outsourcing Awards 2016
Location: Hotel Intercontinental Warsaw, Poland
Date: 4 February, 2016
Time: 18:30-24:00
Attendees: 275+
Dress Code: Black Tie (formal attire)
Management of Shared Services centres and BPO/ITO centres receive 33% discount off single ticket prices for both Gala and Forum.
