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I-OMPUTER user conferences: a \-rvaluable opportunity to learn or a waste of time? A lot depends on what you do before, during and after attending such an event, experts advise.

Conference planners maintain that having employees attend the sessions enables a company to get the greatest return on a computer system investment. Speakers, workshops, seminars, roundtables and networking opportunities offer an opportunity to learn new techniques and discover how other firms handle situations common to all'building material dealers, they point out.

Conferences "afford plenty of opportunities to learn new things, exchange ideas and solve problems with both our personnel and other users who have many and varied experiences," explains a Dataline representative. His company helps attendees make wise selections by identifying sessions as appropriate for owners, computer operators or both.

workshops around regional trade shows," says Inga Bredehoeft, Triad Systems. "That way we can also relate our prognm to a more concentrated audience."

How should you prepare for attending a user conference?

Preparation is essential for getting the most out of a user conference. "Read all pre-conference information,

"I go to tdk with users from other companies exchange ideas and see if their methods could benefii my comPany."

Scott Horerd Texas Plywood Grand Prairie, Tx.

Regional conferences are often the most helpful. "We find that the best attendance happens on a regional basis, so we try to incorporate our determine who in the organization should attend, send as many as you can, prepare a list of questions to ask or discuss with other users," advises Rob Fitzpatrick, vice president sales & marketing, Spruce Computer Systems.

"Think about the whole company and its needs." adds Eric Salem at Distribution Manasement Svstems.

"Review all sessions being offered and identify areas in which you need assistance," says Debra L. Baker, marketing communications manager, Enterprise Computer Systems. "Note sessions for beginners, advanced users, management and system opera-

Story at a Glance

How sending people to a computer user conference can help your company... tips on what to do before, during and after to gain the most for your money.

tors and send people from different areas of your organization so your company can benefit from all sessions. Take along questions from those unable to attend."

What should you do at a user conference?

"Enjoy outside activities, but keep in mind you must be alert and fresh for each class or seminar you attend," cautions Jenny Robertson at Data-Flow, a Versyss distributor. "Take voluminous notes and ask questiofrs."

gests Distribution Management Systems president Jim Hassenstab, who follows the theory "learning never ends."

"As new ideas are presented, think about how they can simplify or improve your organization," Salem suggests.

"Take specific questions to the roundtables," Fitzpatrick advises.

"Make it a goal to write down from each session you attend at least two ideas that you can apply to your business," Baker recommends.

What should you do when you return to the store?

"Implementing what you have learned right away is vital," Fitzpatrick warns. "The longer you wait, the less likely you are to try something new."

"Prioritize the ideas, present the list to top management with an action plan for implementing what you've learned at the user conference, sell them on the value of adopting it," summarizes Salem.

"Apply what you have learned to

"I am very enthusiastic about this meeting. I took nine pages of notes. The information on inventory ranking was especially interesting. "

Bill Huckabee Builder Mart Albemarle. N.C.

1995 National User Conference Calendar

February 22-25

Dimensions

Salt Lake City, Ut.

March 8-10

Gemini Software Systems

San Antonio, Tx.

March 2g-25

Computer System

Dynamics/Prof itMaster

Denver, Co.

April5-6

Spruce Computer Systems

Latham. N.Y.

April8

Triad Systems

Nashville, Tn.

April19-21

REAL Applications, Ltd.

New Orleans, La.

April22-26

Dataline

Boston, Ma.

April23-25

"Talk to as many other users as possible," advises Baker. "Learn valuable information by networking. Exchange business cards so you can continue to network with fellow users reinforce the ideas," Robertson emphasizes. "Teach others who would benefit or have a mini conference within the company to share what you have learned."

"I didn't realize how far behind the times we were. We're really anxious to get the latest update."

Walt Abrams Forest Hills Lumber Co. Winston Salem. N.C.

after your return home."

"Approach a user forum as you would an industry conference. There will be other companies very much like yours. Learn from them," sug-

"A computer system doesn't do a lot for a company unless they know how to make it work for them and getting training helps users to get the most out of their investment. A users conference is a wonderful opportunity to see first hand all of the new productivity tools and exchange ideas with fellow users who run similar businesses," a Dimensions spokesperson concludes.

Enterprise Computer Systems, Inc.

Greenville, S.C.

June TBA

Advantage Business Computer Systems

Longview, Tx.

June 21-24

Distribution Management Systems

Omaha, Ne.

October 15-17

Enterprise Computer Systems, Inc.

New Orleans, La.