Nr Get mput s: tof erences co

Gonference Tips

. Before the Conference:

/ Read all literature carefully.

/ Determine who should attend and send as many people as possible.

/ Prepare specific questions for roundtable discussion groups

. AJ,the Conference: o After the Conference:

/ Build relationships with other users.

/ Think about how you can apply new ideas presented to your company.

/ Prioritize the ideas you gain frOm the conference:dnd creale a plan for implementing them.

/ Implement some of what you learned right away. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to try something new.

/ Teach what you have learned to those, who :did not attend, perhaps sharing your knowledge at a mini conference within the company.

/ Send an after-the-conference evahration lettef to your vendor.

/-IOMPUTER 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. Regional conferences are often the most helpful. "We find that the best attendance happens on a regional basis, so we try to incorporate our workshops around regional trade shows," says Inga Bredehoeft, Triad Systems. "That way we can also relate our program 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,

Retailer Reaction

"I go to talk with users from other companies, exchange ideas and see if their methods could benefit my company."

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 Management Systems.

"Review all sessions being offered and identify areas in which you need assistance," says Debra

"Note

L. Baker, marketing communications manager, Enterprise Computer Systems.

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.

sessions for beginners, advanced users, management and system operators 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 questions."

will be other companies very much like yours. Learn from them," suggests 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 reinforce the ideas," Robertson emphasizes. "Teach others who would benefit or have a mini conference

Retailer Reaction

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

I995 :National Us€F Gonference Calendar

February2246; Dimensions

Salt Lake City, Ut.

March &10

Gemini Sottware Systems

San Antonio, Tx.

March 23-25

Computer System

Dynam ics/ProfitM aste r Denver, Co.

AprilS€

Spruce Computer Systems

Latham, N.Y.

April I

Triad Systems

Nashville, Tn.

Aprillg-21

REAL Applications, Ltd.

New Orleans, La.

April22-2$

Dataline

Boston, Ma.

April23-25

Enterprise,Computer -sy,Slerns, lnc.

Greenville, S.C.

"Talk to as manY other users as possible," advises'baker. "Learn valuable information by networking.

Retailer Reaction

within the company to share what you have learned."

"A computer system doesn't do a lot for a company unless they know

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

Exchange business cards so you can continue to network with fellow users after your return home."

"Approach a user forum as you would an industry conference. There 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.

June TBA

Advantage Business Computer Systems

Longview, Tx.

June21-24

Distribution Management Systems

Omaha, Ne.

October 15-17

Enterprise Computer Systems, lnc.

New Orleans, La.