Timeline 2024

ABSL Czech Edge in 2024: Big Ideas, HR Transformation, and Innovation with AI

With 2000+ attendees, this year was a testament to the strength of our community. Together, we celebrated innovation, a record-breaking number of ABSL Diamonds nominations with brand new categories and outstanding winning projects, introduced a reimagined ABSL Conference concept tailored to inspire and engage 500+ sector experts, launched a game-changing ABSL Fusion Digital programme, and united leaders at a live ABSL Leaders’ Summit to set bold industry directions and many more!
Thank you for being the driving force behind this incredible journey. Experience again the moments we shared together in 2024!
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Thank you for a successful 2024!

JANUARY 2024

ABSL Fusion Programmes Kick-Off: Developing Future Leaders and Professionals!

In 2024, we proudly kicked off a unique ABSL Fusion educational programme with over 30 leaders and professionals from top companies, including ADP Employer Services, Alpiq Energy SE, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Carrier Business Services, Edwards Lifesciences, Envista Holdings, Infosys BPM, JNJ Global Business Services, KBC Global Services, Knorr-Bremse Services Europe, Landis+Gyr, and Siemens. Together, we are shaping the future by raising the next generation of leaders in the Czech business services sector.

FEBRUARY 2024

ABSL Webinar with Johnson & Johnson GBS: Corporate Purchasing Cards

This year, we hosted an insightful webinar on the strategic use of Corporate Purchasing Cards, featuring experts from industry leaders like JNJ GBS and SITA. The session highlighted how P-Cards are transforming expense control, streamlining payments, and improving cash flow for businesses globally.

Technology Club with Microsoft: AI & Tech in HR

This year’s Technology Club brought together 90+ industry experts to explore the transformative power of AI in HR with insights from Microsoft, Conectart, and Manpower. Discussions on AskHR, 365 Microsoft Copilot, hiring bots, and digital skills revealed how AI is shaping the future of Czech business services—proving the future is already here.

MARCH 2024

ABSL Report 2024: From AI & Digital Transformation to New Ways of Working

At the exclusive ABSL Report 2024 launch event, industry leaders explored the trends shaping the Czech Republic as a premium business services location, driven by digital leadership and a growing focus on knowledge-based activities. Key discussions covered adapting to new working models, leveraging technology for growth, and the transformative impact of AI on careers and learning.

With a new ABSL Report already on the way, get ready to uncover the trends that will define the future of Czech business services!

ABSL Webinar in collaboration with Snowfox.ai: ACCOUNTING AI is the next logical step after implementing OCR AI.

In collaboration with Snowfox.AI, we explored how AI-powered automation is transforming purchase invoice processing. The session highlighted why AI, not RPA, is the next step for managing exceptions and revolutionizing manual invoice handling. Stay tuned as we continue to showcase the future of AI in business services accounting also in 2025!

ABSL Cybersecurity Roundtable with Accenture– Phish & Chips: Hacked in a Minute

Hosted at the Accenture offices, this interactive roundtable revealed the sophisticated tactics behind vishing, smishing, phishing, and squishing, even demonstrating how hackers can bypass Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). The session emphasized the importance of cybersecurity, highlighting its growing role in shaping the future of resilient business services. Thank you to a wonderful host Accenture!

ABSL Webinar with Colliers: What’s in and what’s out? Exploring the workplace in 2024

In collaboration with our strategic partner Colliers, this webinar explored the future of people-centric offices as attractive destinations, balancing privacy and collaboration. Insights included effective communication for mandatory office presence and the growing acceptance of desk sharing as a sustainable workplace model. These trends are shaping the future of work in the Czech business services sector.

APRIL 2024

ABSL Webinar with Mercer: PayEquity, PayTransparency

In partnership with Mercer, this webinar delved into the EU Directive on Pay Equity and Pay Transparency, set to reshape pay policies in Czechia by 2026. Key insights highlighted the need to align policies with local laws, engage employees as advocates, and view pay transparency as a cultural shift—not just compliance. These changes are paving the way for a more equitable future in business services.

The First-Ever Digital Transformation Programme for the Czech business services is on: Join the Revolution!

Thanks to you we proudly launched the first-ever Digital Transformation Programme for Czech business services – ABSL Fusion Digital, in partnership with AB InBev, Damas, Deloitte, Diasbytes, HPE, Microsoft, NEOOPS, and Rossum. This groundbreaking initiative is already shaping the future of leadership and innovation and the feedback was just amazing!

The 2nd cohort is now open, and spots are filling up fast—be part of this transformative journey! Get in touch with our Education Programmes Manager at Jarmila.Drastikova@absl.cz or just visit absl.cz/fusion-digital

ABSL Webinar with EPAM Systems: Empowering Enterprises with AI

This webinar offered an exclusive look at EPAM’s advanced AI solutions, including Gen-AI Proof of Concepts and successful projects. The session showcased how AI is revolutionizing industries, helping businesses achieve their objectives through innovative transformations. A glimpse into the future of enterprise AI!

HR Club: Trends in Employer Branding

Our HR Club event in Brno brought together a highly engaged audience to explore the latest employer branding trends. With practical tips and best practices shared by industry leaders from Grafton, KBC, Kyndryl, MANN+HUMMEL, and SAP, attendees gained invaluable insights to position their centres as employers of choice in today’s competitive job market. Thank you to these Brno-based companies for making this session truly inspiring!

ABSL Webinar with Rossum: The Czech Edge: Redefining Global Business Services through Rossum Aurora

In this inspiring webinar, we explored how Rossum Aurora, developed by Czech tech leader Rossum, is revolutionizing global business services with next-generation AI. The innovative solution showcased its ability to transform document automation, saving hours of unproductive work and empowering businesses to focus on growth and innovation. A true example of Czech excellence shaping the global stage!

MAY 2024

Top Leaders Meet Live at the AGM 2024 & ABSL Leaders’ Summit

The ABSL Leaders’ Summit brought top leaders from Czech business services together in person for the first time in years, enjoying a day packed with expert discussions, strategic insights, and dynamic networking. Hosted by SAP Services, with valuable contributions from ACCA, Carrier, CEC Group, Colliers, Deloitte, GEP, Infosys, CzechInvest, Kyndryl, Johnson & Johnson GBS, Microsoft, Novartis, Pure Storage, Rossum, and SII, the event was a true success.

JUNE 2024

Record-Breaking ABSL Beach Volley Cup 2024 – Uniting Czech Business Services Through Sport and Impact

The ABSL Beach Volley Cup 2024 brought together teams from across the Czech business services sector in a vibrant celebration of teamwork, athleticism, and community spirit. Held at Sportcentrum Koráb in Prague, the event showcased the collaborative energy of the industry, with 🥇 CoBa Team (Commerzbank), 🥈 Edovi Srdcaři (Edwards Lifesciences), and 🥉 Swedish Bowls (Atlas Copco) taking top honours.

This milestone wasn’t just about competition—it also made a difference. Together, we raised an incredible 60,360 CZK for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) through contributions and a charity raffle, reflecting the sector’s commitment to positive social impact. Thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable and showed the power of our community! 🏐✨

Magnificient MBA in GBS Graduation Ceremony of UNYP students in Municipal house in Prague

The MBA in Global Business Services (GBS) graduation at Prague’s Municipal House celebrated leaders from Johnson & Johnson and Novartis, taught by the University of New York in Prague. 2024 Valedictorian and ABSL delegate Lucie Kroftová, former J&J GBS Site Lead, inspired us with her words: “Leadership is not about having the time, but about making the time for what truly matters.”

This proud moment highlights the dedication and achievements of leaders shaping the future of Czech business services.

AUGUST 2024

ABSL & ACCA Annual Golf Tournament for the 1st time with a View of Karlštejn Castle

This year’s ABSL & ACCA Annual Golf Tournament was held at an exclusive venue overlooking the historic Karlštejn Castle, blending breathtaking views with a celebration of community spirit. The event showcased incredible sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and fun, bringing together leaders from across the Czech business services sector.

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable! 🏌️‍♂️⛳

ABSL Prague Summer Party 2024 & ABSL Fusion Professional Delegates Graduation

This year’s ABSL Prague Summer Party was a celebration of the remarkable transformation of the Czech business services sector into a knowledge-based, tech-driven community. Held at the futuristic Port7 Holešovice office park, the event showcased innovation and progress, with tours of modern workplaces by Skanska, Epam, Forvis Mazars, and Scott.Weber.

A special highlight was the graduation of ABSL Fusion Professional and MBA in GBS delegates, marking a proud moment for the future leaders of our industry. Congratulations to all graduates—you are shaping the future of Czech business services!

Ready to take a deep dive into business services and level up your career while becoming part of our leader community? Study with ABSL Fusion! Visit absl.cz/fusion or contact our education programmes manager directly at Jarmila.Drastikova@absl.cz to unlock global opportunities and be successful in your career.

SEPTEMBER 2024

ABSL Brno Networking Gathering– A Business Services Hub of Growth and Innovation

The ABSL Brno Networking Gathering showcased the booming Brno region, where new business services centers are investing and thriving. Attendees explored state-of-the-art spaces like Kyndryl’s workplace, Clubco, and CTP’s Building I, reflecting the city’s growth as a vibrant hub for the sector across Vlněna, Spielberk, and Ponávka.

Brno’s dynamic development highlights its potential as a key player in Czech business services. Thank you to CTP and Kyndryl for hosting and to all who joined us to celebrate this exciting progress! Let’s keep driving this transformation forward together.

ABSL Fusion Digital Graduation – Become the Next Digital Transformation Leader. Registrations are now open.

The first-ever ABSL Fusion Digital Programme ended with a fantastic graduation on the beautiful terrace of Deloitte’s new offices, celebrating delegates who are driving digital transformation in the Czech business services sector. Delegates explored key insights, including how Artificial General Intelligence could become super-intelligent by 2025 and why strategy, cost, and data quality are essential for successful automation.

A big thank you to our partners: AB InBev, Accenture, Atlas Copco Group, Asahi, Curium, Damas, Deloitte, Diasbytes, Envista, HPE, J&J GBS, Landis+Gyr, Medtronic, Microsoft, NEOOPS, and Rossum, for making this program a success. Registrations are now open—visit absl.cz/fusion-digital to join the next cohort and lead the way into the digital future!

NOVEMBER 2024

ABSL Conference 2024: The Czech Edge

What an incredible two days we shared at the ABSL Conference 2024! This year’s event introduced a brand-new concept, with three engaging streams—Big Ideas, AI & Innovation, and HR Transformation—across the beautiful venues of Forum Karlín, Hilton, and Spojka Karlín. Together, over 500 of you participated in 50+ sessions, made 6,117 networking connections through the app, and created an electric atmosphere filled with inspiration and collaboration.

A massive thank you to our showcase organizers—Commerzbank, Edwards Lifesciences, and Pure Storage—for enlightening us with hands-on experiences in payment innovation, medical simulation, and creative disruption. Your energy and ideas are driving the future of Czech business services!

We cannot wait to see you again. The date for the 2025 ABSL Conference is already out—visit absl.cz/events to save it in your calendars. Let’s get ready for the next big chapter!

ABSL Fusion Leader Graduation at ABSL Conference 2024

The ABSL Fusion Leader final presentations and graduation, held during the ABSL Conference 2024, showcased innovative, ready-to-implement solutions to some of the biggest challenges in Czech business services. Delegates from leading companies like ADP Employer Services, Alpiq Energy SE, Anheuser-Busch InBev Czech, Carrier Business Services, Envista Holdings Corporation, Infosys BPM, JNJ Global Business Services, KBC Global Services, Knorr-Bremse Services Europe, Landis+Gyr, and Siemens shared transformative projects designed to drive real change.

Now it is your turn! Join the January 2025 cohort to collaborate with top leaders, tackle exciting challenges, and create impactful projects for your centre. Learn more about Fusion Leader projects or contact our Education Programmes Manager directly at Jarmila.Drastikova@absl.cz—last spots left!

2nd Brno Business Services Week was a success!

Brno Business Services Week 2024 was all about showcasing the city’s booming business scene! Companies like Infosys, KBC Global Services, Zebra, Atlas Copco, Deutsche Telekom, Lufthansa InTouch, Kyndryl, and MANN+HUMMEL teamed up with students, universities, and industry pros to explore exciting career paths and innovation. From inspiring talks at Mendel University, Masaryk University, and Brno University of Technology to open days at top centers, attendees got a real feel for what makes Brno a global hotspot for IT, aviation, and more. A huge thanks to our partners—Grafton Recruitment, Cushman & Wakefield, and the City of Brno—for helping make it all happen!

ABSL Diamond Awards – Celebrating Excellence with Outstanding Projects

The ABSL Diamond Awards 2024 Ceremony honoured the outstanding talent and innovation shaping Czech business services. With a record-breaking 67 nominees, we celebrated Jan Skotak (Infosys) as Leader of the Year, SAP Services as Business Services Centre of the Year, and winners across categories like Business Innovation, ESG Strategy, and Technology Innovation.

Thank you to our partners, judges, and the ABSL team for creating an unforgettable night at the stunning Hotel Fitzgerald. Discover the award-winning projects here. 💎✨

DECEMBER 2024

ABSL Webinar with Talentor: Global Recruitment Challenges and Attracting Talents to Czechia

Thanks for joining our webinar with Talentor Czech Republic! We explored what makes Czechia a top destination for international talent—from its cultural appeal and multinational vibe to initiatives like Regime Ukraine, which streamlines hiring for Ukrainian workers in high-demand sectors. One standout insight? Bringing in entire teams, not just individuals, ensures a smoother integration into the workplace.

It was great to see so much engagement and interest in shaping the future of workforce attraction in Czechia. Let’s keep building together!

Growing Together – Welcoming New Members to the ABSL CZ Community

We are so grateful for our wonderful, active expert community and excited to welcome new members: Asahi Business Services, Forvis Mazars, Hofmann Personal, Manpower, Rossum, Skanska, and Talentor. Your energy and expertise are driving our growth and shaping the future of Czech business services.

Thank you for being part of this journey—we cannot wait to see what 2025 has in store!

What’s next?

Get ready for ABSL Events 2025, stay tuned for the ABSL Report 2025, and explore more insightful publications. Take your chance and join the ABSL Fusion programmes starting this January. Exciting news: the date and location for the ABSL Conference and Diamond Awards 2025 are set—save the date for the ABSL Conference 2025!

Need photos, presentations, or want to become a member? Contact us at absl@absl.cz.