If you’re a Microsoft Dynamics GP organization - customer or partner, there are many ways to obtain the training, insight into future developments, and peer networking that are critical to making the most of your investment. In my mind, tops on all lists are the many conferences that are available, but which one is right for you? Check out the overview I have put together below and then consider which conferences provide the most return on investment for you and your organization:
GPUG (Great Plains User Group) Summit September 14-18 2009:
This year, the Summit is taking place just outside of Chicago, IL. http://www.gpug.com/default.aspx?pageid=1262. Information-packed Educational Sessions and Role-Based Tracks that deliver Dynamics GP knowledge and experience designed to help organizations optimize the functionality, flexibility, and performance of GP. Focus Areas include Executive, Finance, Manufacturing, BI and Reporting, Security, Supply Chain, Technology, GP10, and Customer Service. If you’re not a member of GPUG, the conference may cost a bit more, but it’s a great way to find out whether this group is for you. There are many chapters around the country - there may be one near you!
Convergence April 25-28 2010, Atlanta, GA
This is a Microsoft Dynamics Customer Conference and is Microsoft’s largest user conference across the board. Without a doubt, the best conference for Dynamics users, packed with workshops, hands on labs, ISV demonstrations in the vendor expo, and one-on-one’s with Microsoft. What used to be a conference of hundreds of attendees has turned into thousands, and for a good reason. http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/convergence/atlanta10/
For GP Partners, make sure you get to Chicago in September! GP Partner Connections September 12-14 at Pheasant Run Resort - this is a peer-to-peer professional networking group for Dynamics GP Implementation Partners and ISVs dedicated to increasing the knowledge and competency of Implementation Professionals, Consultants, and Technical Sales Engineers. Content includes ISV Fast Tracks on Job/Project Costing, Requisition Systems, and Integrations to name a few. Other topics such as SureStep methodology, MOSS workflow, and Excel Reporting will be presented by industry experts. Register at http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=747001
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference, November 9 - 11, 2009, Fargo, ND. http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/fargodeveloperconference/. This partner-only conference will provide learning opportunities for the developer and highly technical community. This event is focused on the product, development tools, best practices and other technical subject matter for Microsoft Dynamics GP. Partners are advised to send developers, implementers, and other technical resources. Specific conference objectives include:
- Gain technical readiness for Microsoft Dynamics GP 11; focusing on new features coming out in the next release
- Interact with the Microsoft Dynamics GP development, support, and leadership teams
- Network with other Microsoft Dynamics GP partners
Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC), July 12-Thursday, July 15, 2010, Washington, D.C
Billed as the “premier” partner event, this partner-only event covers both platform and business solutions, such as Dynamics GP.
Although not associated with Microsoft Dynamics GP at all, I felt it should be mentioned as an extremely valuable conference if you are in the construction field:
CFMA - Construction Financial Management June 26-30, Kona, Hawaii http://www.cfma.org/annual_conference. If you’re in the construction industry, you need to get connected to this conference! It’s jammed with content for those dealing with construction, subcontractor, heavy highway, and risk management. Look for more on this year’s conference in a future post.
Tags: GP Conferences, User Group
