SOCAP Industry Communities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Learn more about SOCAP's Industry Communities through these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Q: What are Industry Communities?

A: SOCAP’s Industry Communities are vertical industry groups identified as the leading sectors within the Association’s membership. SOCAP members may select one or more Industry Communities to join and participate in related educational and networking activities for their designated communities. Each Industry Community will be led by a group of Industry Champions who will help to organize activities and facilitate networking within the Industry Community.

Q: Which industries are included?

A: There are six current Industry Communities:

• Automotive
• Food & Beverage
• Household & Personal Care
• Retail & Consumer Goods
• Healthcare
• Travel & Hospitality

Q: Why did SOCAP create the Industry Communities?

A: According to a 2008 membership assessment survey, more than 80% of SOCAP members responded that they were interested in connecting with other members from their industry to share best practices and ideas. The idea for Industry Communities also grew out of SOCAP’s highly successful Industry Learning Labs, which were first introduced at the 2008 Symposium in Boston. Additionally, SOCAP has had great results with developing industry-based activities for members from the Food & Beverage and Automotive industries for several years. Based on the success of all of these efforts, SOCAP decided to create Industry Communities for other industries represented within the Association.

Q: What are the benefits of joining an Industry Community?

A: There are many advantages to joining an Industry Community. Members will be empowered by selecting the Industry Community that best matches their professional needs and area of focus. Additionally, participation in an Industry Community will offer the following benefits:

• Access to industry-specific networking opportunities, including new social networking community groups
• Participation in and access to cutting-edge industry benchmarking research data for the different Industry Communities
• Access to educational materials designed to pinpoint industry trends and best practices

Much of SOCAP’s program content will revolve around the new Industry Communities, and Industry Community members will have input into this program development.

Q: Have SOCAP members been satisfied with the development of Industry Communities?

A: Feedback on our new Industry Communities has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees at SOCAP’s 2009 Symposium were impressed by the industry-focused format, with 64% saying the Industry-specific breakout sessions went above their expectations. In addition, 93% of attendees chose to spend an entire day of the Symposium with their Industry-focused Community.

Q: What types of networking and educational materials will be available?

A: SOCAP is launching a variety of Industry Community-specific networking and educational activities, including:

• Listservs
• Webinars
• Publications
• Social networking forums
• Discussion groups

Q: Has SOCAP conducted industry benchmarking for the Industry Communities?

A: This year, SOCAP partnered with COPC (Customer Operations Performance Center Inc.) to conduct original benchmarking research for each of the Industry Communities. Participating companies were surveyed on a variety of performance metrics such as customer satisfaction and delivery measurements. The final benchmarking report—available only to SOCAP members who have joined an Industry Community and taken part in the survey—included one comprehensive report along with individual sections for each Industry Community.

SOCAP uses the data to provide insights into the strategies that can help the target industries to better support the consumer experience. Additionally, the benchmarking data is used to leverage greater networking opportunities among SOCAP member companies within each Industry Community.

Q: What is an Industry Champion?

A: Each Industry Community is led by a group of Industry Champions who work closely with SOCAP staff to identify member and non-member companies to participate in a benchmarking survey and to provide input on future SOCAP content. Additionally, Industry Champions will help broadly to promote the Industry Community concept to key players and prospective members for SOCAP.

Q: How do I sign up for my Industry Community?

A: SOCAP members can click here to register their interest in a specific Industry Community. After submitting this completed form, individuals will be given access to the primary Industry Community they selected. Members will then have immediate access to other SOCAP members for networking and idea sharing.

Q: What if I am already an existing member of a SOCAP Food and Beverage and/or Executive Industry Community? Can I still join an Industry Community?

A: Yes. In fact, existing members of the Food & Beverage and Executive Industry Communities will automatically become members of new communities once they register with their respective industries. Members of both communities will still have access to the Listservs originally created by SOCAP.

Q: How do I become an Industry Champion?

A: SOCAP members interested in becoming a champion for an Industry Community should contact Marjorie Bynum, Sr. Director, Education & Communications at marjorie@socap.org.