Shared Services & Outsourcing Week Conference
Pre-Conference Workshops and Main Day One, Tuesday, 16, September, 2025
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Workshop Registration
Workshop A
9:00 am - 10:30 am Close the Gaps in R2R Automation: Insights from New ResearchJoin us at Redwood’s exclusive workshop at SSOW Houston as we reveal new findings from SSON Research & Analytics on what’s still holding R2R automation back. We’ll go beyond the data to show the art of the possible—how leading organizations are achieving a Touchless Close with 90%+ automation, seamless SAP integration, and greater control. Discover what’s working, what’s next, and how to apply it in your own financial close.
Sponsored by: Redwood
Workshop B
9:00 am - 10:30 am Essential Strategies for a Shared Services Organization to Thrive in Any Market ConditionDive into the essentials of shared services, unlocking its full potential to strengthen the end-to-end customer journey. From aligning with organizational objectives to mastering change management, learn how to navigate uncertainties with confidence and ensure a seamless transition for an elevated experience.
- Align shared services with organizational objectives, clearly defining scope, goals, and expected outcomes to drive success
- Justify shared services with a comprehensive business case, emphasizing benefits and cost savings to secure buy-in and support
- Strategically plan and execute transitions, defining roles and creating detailed roadmaps for smooth implementation and minimal disruption
Sponsored by: ScottMadden
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Mid-Morning Break and Networking
Workshop C
11:00 am - 12:30 pm Untangle Your Processes: 90 Minutes to Shared Services Optimization Tony Hiatt - Director of Shared Services, Granite ConstructionIs your shared services process a tangled web of inefficiencies? In this 90-minute workshop, roll up your sleeves and learn how to transform chaotic processes into streamlined, cost-saving engines. We'll dive into practical methodologies for process mapping, bottleneck identification, and root cause analysis. Discover how to eliminate waste, automate manual tasks, and implement sustainable process improvements. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, you'll gain the skills to diagnose, redesign, and optimize your shared services processes for maximum impact. Leave with actionable strategies and a framework to implement immediately.
Tony Hiatt
Director of Shared ServicesGranite Construction
Workshop D
11:00 am - 12:30 pm Simplify HR Transformation and Enhance the Employee JourneyEmbark on a journey to streamline HR processes, redefine roles and handoffs, and turn challenges into opportunities for an improved end-to-end experience.
- Discover how overcoming common HR transformation hurdles leads to a better experience for employees and stakeholders.
- Hear lessons learned from HR leaders charged with moving mountains with employee experience as the ultimate measure of success.
- Learn actionable strategies for adapting to changes and driving success in evolving landscapes.
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
End of Workshops and Luncheon for Workshop Attendees
SSOW OPENING
1:30 pm - 1:45 pm
SSOW/Chairperson’s Opening - Main Event
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm
Reclaim Your Resources: Strategic Process Optimization for High-Value Work
Todd Ferraro -
Global Vice President, Global Operations & BPO,
Verint-Systems
Is your organization struggling with process inefficiencies that hinder growth and profitability? Learn how one global leader systematically identified, streamlined, and transformed organizational processes, leading to a significant reduction in administrative workload, substantial automation of repetitive tasks, and the elimination of unnecessary processes. Discover how to automate non-value-added work, fundamentally shift the perception of support functions to value creators, and create significant capacity within the business to focus on strategic initiatives. Attendees will leave with a proven framework and actionable strategies to drive significant cost savings, boost employee empowerment, ensure seamless alignment of shared services (spanning facilities, procurement, HR, supply chain, and corporate strategic projects) with overarching business goals, and ultimately generate greater value for the entire organization.
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm
People, Not Just Platforms: Digital Transformation Done Right
More details to come.
Sponsored by: Leena AI
2:45 pm - 3:30 pm
Networking Break
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
The Power of Perception: Communicating IT Success in a Transforming World
Larry Hack -
SVP Shared Services,
PriceSmart
As organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation, effective communication emerges as a critical lever for success. Drawing parallels from extreme sports risk management, Larry Hack presents a novel perspective on IT service delivery—highlighting how strategic, transparent communication can reshape stakeholder perceptions and elevate service value, even without changes to core performance metrics. This session will explore how IT service managers can use communication to foster alignment, build trust, and enhance perceived performance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The SSO & GBS Hot Take Hustle
Participate in a unique and interactive session designed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing shared services organizations today. This dynamic activity will get you out of your seat and actively engaged in real-time problem-solving and benchmarking!
We'll present a series of provocative statements related to shared services best practices, emerging trends, and industry hurdles. Based on your stance, you'll move to a designated area in the room. Once positioned, you'll engage in collaborative discussions with your group. Share your solutions, challenge conventional thinking, and gain valuable insights from your shared services colleagues.
