The Metering, Billing/ CRM Europe conference 2008 proved not only to be Europe’s, but world’s leading conference/ exhibition focusing on the latest policies, regulatory and technological developments, which are shaping the utility of the future.

Over 2500 participants from 72 countries attended the 10th edition of Metering, Billing/ CRM Europe 2008, making it the largest event ever. Here are some statistics to show the growth of the event compared to 2007:

 - Total number of participants: 2547 (+ 57%)
 
 - Number of visitors: 989 (+ 55%)
 
 - Number of delegates: 838 (+ 46 %)
 
 - Size of the exhibition: 1902 sqm (+ 70 %)
 
 - Number of exhibiting companies: 115 (+ 32 %)
 

What participants said about Metering, Billing/ CRM Europe 2008:

- “Well above the rest!”
Ms. Isabel Navolon, IBERDROLA, Meter Reading Manager

- “As usual networking opportunity was fantastic”
Mr. Paul Cullen, ESB Customer Supply, Manager Business Process and IT

- “It was one of the best I attended”
Mr. Rainer Kramer, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Head of Gas Metering

- “The best one for metering and AMM systems”
Mr. Thiery Deneux, ERDF, Project Manager

For a an impression of Metering, Billing/ CRM Europe 2008: see video or visit picture gallery

Conference
During the 3-day multi track conference programme, over 120 high level speakers gave in-depth case studies and best practice presentations on the following topics:

- Financial aspect of Smart Metering
- Smart Metering- increase operational efficiency
- After Roll out- What changes in my organization and people
- 20025
- Metering architectures and technologies
- Evaluation of data acquisition
- From metering to energy data management
- Metering Technologies and innovations
- Towards a sustainable future: issues of sustainability
- Demand response - making it happen
- Energy Efficiency – achieving 2020
- Intelligent grids – towards a vision
- Trends and policies shaping billing for utilities
- Billing/ CRM: improving business performance
- Impact of smart meters on customer interactions
- The road to loyalty

Besides the regular conference programme, there were three focus tracks on:

- Regulatory aspects of smart metering
- Metering issues in the water industry
- Metering Issues in the gas industry

During the keynote “Smart Metering: past present and future”; the audience got involved in the discussion through the voting systems and provided a unique view of utility market in Europe.

A special thanks goes out to our chairwoman, Ms Colette Lewiner, Senior Vice President and Global Leader EU&C, Capgemini and the following key-note speakers:

- Mr Paul De Martini, VP Smart Metering Programme, Southern California Edison, USA
- Mr George Maltabarow, CEO, EnergyAustralia, Australia
- Mr Bonifacio Alvarez, Metering Director, Iberdrola, Spain

The overall conference programme and presentations were well received by the audience:

What people said about the conference:

- “No other conference gives the same information”
Mr. Sander Wijninga, HSF b.v., Metering Business Unit Manager

- “Good focus of the conference, all relevant players are at the conference”
Mr. Wiebe Bijlsma, KPN, Senior Business Development

- “Gives very good overview about what's going on in Europe”
Mr. Andreas Bolder, RheinEnergie AG, Metering Management

For an overview of the conference programme, please click here

Exhibition
With over 115 of world’s leading companies under one roof (2000 sqm exhibition) showcasing their latest technologies and services, the exhibition offered an excellent opportunity to:

- meet current/ new suppliers
- be updated on the latest technologies and industry developments
- make brand to brand comparisons
- network with industry colleagues and associates

During the vendor showcase at the exhibition several companies gave interesting presentations which were well attended. Participants had the opportunity to find out more about these companies, their products and services and ask questions.

For an overview of the exhibiting companies and their products and services, please visit the virtual exhibition: more info

- “I was pleased to meet companies I would never expect to attend”
Ir. Luc Schetters, RheinEnergie AG, Head of Metering Management

- “Thanks for a great event, your friendly, skilled and always helpful team,
   professional set up and really good program. We are happy with the results
   established on that platform”
Julia Schweitzer, Telenor Cinclus, Marketing Manager

Next year’s Metering, Billing/ CRM Europe conference/ exhibition will take place in Barcelona, Spain from 6-8 October. If you were not able to attend this year’s show, we hope you will join us next year! Don’t miss the opportunity to attend world's leading event where everyone in the metering, billing and customer relations management business gathers!