The Activity-Based Management Advanced Implementation Group (ABM SMART) is a community of practice comprised of the world’s leading ABM implementers. Founded by Steve Player in January 2000, the ABM SMART creates a forum where advanced practitioners may continue to learn at an accelerated pace.

ABM SMART members typically have extensive cost management experience. Participants’ implementation experience cross multiple business areas and applications. The interactive meeting environment mixes cost management thought leaders with a group of deeply experienced practitioners to identify how to improve member companies.

Requirements for Membership

To be eligible, companies must have at least three years experience in implementing advanced cost management approaches such as activity-based management or target costing. This forum was created so experienced practitioners could learn from each other with open and candid discussions. Group size is limited and existing members must approve new members. Companies seeking membership should contact Steve Player at 214-239-0155.

Meeting Format

Each of the quarterly meetings typically last for one and one-half days with members arriving Sunday evening and departing at noon on Tuesday. The majority of the first day is focused on discussing leading-edge issues or building skill development areas. The remaining time focuses on cost management case studies, discussion of tools and review of best practices. Meetings are designed to be highly interactive. Deeper individual relationships are facilitated through interactions at member breakfasts, three 30-minute networking breaks and the quarterly team dinner at the end of the first day.

Group Coordination

Steve Player facilitates the ABM SMART meeting and helps member networks to respond to individual member requests. Steve recruits guest speakers and helps plan the annual program.

Robin Baumgartner coordinates group meetings by working with our host companies to arrange meeting sites, hotel recommendations, and other logistics. She handles all member communications, maintains directories and coordinates speaker logistics.