Q7: What about hotel accommodations and local transportation?

Answer: CS Week has reserved room blocks at two hotels with amenities that seasoned travelers expect within walking distance of the CCC - The Westin Charlotte and Hilton Charlotte Uptown. As CS Week draws closer, reservations typically exceed block numbers, so we have recently added Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn. Reserve early and stay close at negotiated rates. Beware of the reduced-rate hotel offers from third parties outside CS Week; they are SCAMS!

​

Once registered, book your travel arrangements. Review Transportation to get your bearings and review local getting-around options.​

​

Q8: How do I get the most from the Exhibit Hall?
Answer: 

Conference 47 Exhibit Hall opens Tuesday at 1 pm and remains open until Thursday at 3:30 pm. CS Week 2023’s agenda provides wandering-the-aisles and appointment time during receptions, luncheons and private consultations/demos.

 

Exhibitors and sponsors, check out the 2023 Prospectus to see how your marketing dollars go to work, virtually and in person, 365 days/year at CS Week.

 

CS Week has opened its link to request appointments for private consultations/demos prior to CS Week 2023, as well as on Wednesday and Thursday. For two hours each morning, vendors offer show-and-tells at their booths. These often include attendees from multiple utilities, allowing you to learn from others and ask questions in a small setting. Our industry partners, many with a wide portfolio of clients, are ready to share examples, case studies and success stories as they demo their best and latest products/services.

​

Q9: How do I efficiently navigate the Exhibit Hall space?

Answer: CS Week provides lots of options! 

1. Download the CS Week Event App, about two weeks before Conference 47;

2. Review the digital 2023 Program;

3. Fold out the printed 2023 On-Site Guide cover to see the Exhibit Hall floorplan and vendor/booth listing;

4. Review the printed 2023 Exhibitor Catalog.

 

Options 1 and 4 allow you to cross-reference your must-see list with exhibitors offering similar products and services. Consider visiting competitors in like disciplines to gain broader perspectives.

 

Color code or mark your On-Site Guide or Exhibitor Catalog floorplan with:

• Vendors who have reached out to you or your utility’s execs personally;

• Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors;

• Products/services that align with your utility’s planned initiatives, current programs and long-range projects; and

• CS Week Dream Prize Giveaway sponsors. Be sure to secure their stamps on your Giveaway card to be eligible to win fabulous gift cards ranging from $500 - $10,000!

 

Share a game plan with your executive before Conference and be open to redirection. After CS Week 2023, circle back and report your learnings and interactions.

​

Do your homework and visit vendor websites before you arrive. Be prepared to discuss your utility’s customer service/technology roadmap, including timing, key decision personnel, scope, anticipated CX enhancements and challenges to overcome. Accept badge scans or bring business cards and set a personal goal to give/share at least 5 per day.

 

Q10: What meals are provided at CS Week 2023?

Answer: 

Executive Summit and Key Account Forum provide Monday and Tuesday breakfasts, lunches and breaks adjacent to their Westin Charlotte meeting rooms and private receptions/dinners on Monday evening (TBA).

 

ENGAGE311 provides breakfasts and lunches on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday plus an evening networking reception on Wednesday. Attendees are invited to attend Conference 47’s Welcome Reception on Tuesday and Thursday Night’s Special Event.

 

Oracle Energy & Water, SAP and SEW Vendor User Groups provide breakfast, lunch and breaks on Monday. Deep Dives and EVCx provides breakfast and lunch on Tuesday.

 

Conference 47 provides:

• Welcome Reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres/drinks on Tuesday evening;

• Continental breakfasts on Wednesday and Thursday;

• Women in Utilities Sunrise Event as Wednesday's full breakfast for a small fee.

• Plated lunches in the Exhibit Hall on Wednesday and Thursday;

• AM and PM breaks with hot/cold drinks and snacks will be provided in the Workshops aisles on Wednesday and Thursday;

• Networking Reception (LeadNext and Canadian Receptions are co-located) with heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks on Wednesday evening; and

• Special Event with street food and drinks on Thursday evening.

 

CS Week Benchmark meeting (members only) provides Wednesday lunch.

​

Q11: How do I get the most out of what CS Week has to offer?

Answer: 

Visit our website, csweek.org for up-to-date information about our venues and their learning/networking opportunities. Click tabs and links, check out photos of our Board, Executive Advisory Panel, Planning Committee and venue steering groups. This is the place to become in-the-know. We’re always available to talk, so call us with your questions/comments at 903-893-3214.

 

Review the 2023 Program, published digitally in late February, to plan which venues, Conference Workshops, receptions and activities to attend.

​

Download the Conference Attendee App and set your password before Conference 47 begins. Lots of attendees enjoy the App’s social media features, especially sharing photos.

 

Boutique venues provide targeted information about content, schedule and speakers to registered attendees. Watch your inbox for emails for these venues:

 

• Executive Summit                      

• Key Account Forum

• Deep Dives

• ENGAGE311         

• EVCx Forum                               

• Vendor User Groups: Oracle Energy & Water, SAP and SEW

 

Review the 2023 On-Site Guide included in your Conference bag:

 

• Launch your Week with Tuesday’s Attendee Orientation whether this is your first or umpteenth CS Week.

• Attend all receptions and special events for great mingling and connecting.

• Put your pedal to the metal at Thursday Night’s Special Event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Thanks to its long-time sponsor, CS Week always plans a great party, this year an interactive one full of speedway twists, turns and fun.

• Save your Conference bag items for contacts once you’re back at work.

​​

Q12: What should I pack?

Answer: 

• Business cards. Share with exhibitors and fellow attendees and use them as your ticket to win vendor prize giveaways.

• Business-casual attire. Indoor spaces at convention centers and hotels are generally cool, so many attendees appreciate having a sweater or jacket.

• Comfortable walking shoes. With its 200,000+ square foot Exhibit Hall, CS Week is a place to get in your steps. You’ll also appreciate sidewalk-friendly shoes as you venture out to enjoy Charlotte’s local cuisine, sights and sounds.

​

​