The top reason CAB programs fail is that companies underestimate the amount of work, preparation and investment it takes to run a successful program. Learn more>>
CAB Scholarship Winner
Ignite is pleased to announce the winner of its customer-focused marketing scholarship. Christine Barreto is an MBA candidate at Florida Atlantic University, and a graduate of Broward College. Congratulations to Christine for her winning essay!
Ignite Advisory Group is the world’s leading consultancy focused exclusively on helping B2B companies engage with executives at key accounts through high-impact customer and partner advisory board programs. Learn more >>
Recent Testimonials
“The Customer Advisory Board went extremely well. Most customers told me that it was the best Customer Advisory Board of their professional life, period.” Jacques Conand Product Director, IT Service Management Hewlett-Packard
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CAB Connection is a quarterly resource newsletter from Ignite Advisory Group for Customer Advisory Board (CAB) Managers, Facilitators and Executive Sponsors.
In The News
Why Advisory Boards Matter
This article in Pragmatic Marketer (published by Pragmatic Marketing) outlines the benefits of customer advisory boards, provides example metrics, and offers key guidance to making them successful.
CAB Facilitator Training: February 9-10 and Sept. 20-21, Atlanta, GA
Due to high demand from CAB training participants, Ignite is offering a comprehensive, 2-day training program designed specifically for CAB meeting facilitators. The in-person training will include guidance on obtaining meeting objectives, managing an engaging discussion, and satisfying the high expectations of meeting participants.
CAB Manager Training: February 10-11 and Sept. 21-22, Atlanta, GA
Ignite will again offer its renowned Customer Advisory Board Manager training in 2016. The training garners rave reviews from attendees, and is a MUST-ATTEND event for anyone managing a CAB program.
Recently, Ignite partner Customer Advisory Board.org hosted its annual CAB conference. The event featured real-world CAB practitioners who conveyed best practices and numerous actionable suggestions to attendees.
Eyal Danon is the President and Founder of Ignite Advisory Group, and a world-renowned expert on customer and partner advisory boards.
Question: Eyal, how many advisory board members should we have at our next face-to-face meeting, and how many of my company executives should be there?
Answer: We have found that the ideal number of customers attending an in-person advisory board meeting should be 12. (Plus or minus one or two should still be OK.) Any more than this might make it difficult for everyone to contribute and be heard. Any less can make the meeting feel like there’s not enough of a quorum.
As there will always be last minute cancellations due to sickness, weather, travel cancellations and such, it’s good to have a couple more meeting RSVPs than you might need. (say 14) Finally, as there may inevitably be a couple people who can’t attend the meeting for whatever reason, it’s good to have a few more members in your CAB program as a whole. (say 15-16)
As far as your own company executives, you want to keep a 2:1 ratio of customers to company attendees. That means if you have 12 customer attendees, no more than 6 representatives from your company should attend the meeting.
Got a CAB management question for Eyal? email him at eyal.danon@igniteag.com. Your question could be included in the next CAB Connection.
New eBook Series
"Beginner’s Guide to Establishing a World-Class Customer Advisory Board"
This new, 4-part eBook series is an ideal resource for those new to CABs, and provides guidance on the various types of CABs, what makes CABs work, and how to establish a successful, long-term program.
Ryder Customer Advisory Board Drives New Service Offerings
Eyal Danon is the President and Founder of 