ATA vs. SOCAP

While at the American Teleservices Association's annual convention & expo, held this year in San Antonio, I couldn't help but notice that the crowd was much, much smaller than previous years. I'm sure the troubled US economy played a role in making it a leaner affair, not to mention the fact that SOCAP's annual convention was taking place at the same time! But I did hear quite a few conversations where folks are considering increased participation in SOCAP instead of the ATA in the future.

Now, I am a member of both organizations, though I am more involved in the ATA where I serve as a board member of a regional ATA chapter. And I think that many other call center professionals take the same approach of participating in both organizations.

My company has attended two ATA conventions and we've had considerable success from each. But we've not yet attended SOCAP's shows, and we'd like to give them a try. With budget constraints ever-present, we'll probably chose one to participate in next year. That said, I'm looking for advice. Any of you who have been to both and have a frame of reference, please be a dear and let me know your opinion.