How to get more out of NAVUG Summit!

In May of 2014 we met a man while interviewing NAV partner that introduced us to the NAVUG community. We soon realized that the company he represented was just what our company and ERP needed and we began our partnership with Western Computer.

Our ERP was old, tired, full of holes and patches and in much need of a good cleansing and upgrade and in June of 2014 we embarked on a journey with Western Computer to do just that.

Our new partners quickly pointed us to the NAVUG community for help in the open forum, training in the live and recorded webinars and encouraged us to attend the yearly Summit in October.

We quickly became members of the NAVUG community and began learning and training daily on the web site, and soon after registered for the 2014 Summit. After seeing how much we had learned during the short time we had been part of the online community, we were certain there would be much to glean at the live conference. After a few meetings with our new partners, we had decided to re implement from NAV 5.0 to NAV 2015 in the second half of 2015. Our plan for Summit quickly had a purpose, get to everything and anything we can out of the Summit that will help us with that re implementation.

So my first tip for you is to evaluate your ERP and your Company, what are your pain points, what are your stresses, where is your ERP failing you, what are your current continuous improvement items? If you know these things you can build a plan and have a strategy going in. I think Mark Rhodes once told me if I fail to plan, I plan to fail. Ok, ya got me, it was Benjamin Franklin.

When you register you will go to the schedule, much like I did and be overwhelmed, I can tell you there are going to be over 10 different tracks and more than 100 sessions to choose from and you will not be able to get to everyone you are interested in so it is imperative that you have a plan.

So how do you choose your sessions, tip number two, be strategic with your time. Two main points come to mind when I select my sessions, the first is will there be value to take back to the owners in this session. As much as you would like to think they just wanted you to have a nice trip, they are expecting a return on their investment. Attend sessions that will bring value to the company. The second is to look for sessions that will provide continuous improvement actions in my sphere of influence and responsibilities at the company.

The last pre-conference tip I have for you is what I call pre-ductions, get on the community web site, interact on the open forum, webinars, both live and recorded ones and find people, people that you want to meet and make a list. If you are quiet and shy this is a great exercise for you. Message the people on your list, introduce yourself and let them know you are going to summit (and if this is your first trip) and after reading their posts, or sitting in their webinar you look forward to meeting them as summit and are hoping they will be attending. Networking is a key component at summit, some of the most important and valuable people in my business life are people I met at summit. Those people come from partners (VARS), software companies (ISV's), MVP's, other users, and our NAVUG staff, these people are part of my everyday work life, not just at a once a year conference. This is a group that oozes friendly so there is no excuse not to smile, stick out your hand and say hello, my name is ….. If you are reading this article, look for me, I will be smiling and waiting for you to introduce yourself and say Hello!

So now you are prepared, and it is time to pack, the next tip is what to take to Summit? I won't bore you with the obvious except to say when it comes to clothes pack smart, shoes think comfort, and when it comes to packing learn to be a minimalist, I went to focus for 3 days this year and only took my briefcase. 

Bring your business cards, give them out and ask others for theirs, not like it is trick or treat, but when you make a good contact offer your card and request theirs. 

Your laptop is not mandatory but a great asset. If you do not have remote access to your companies ERP, request access for the Summit. It is likely you will sit down next to someone who can help you resolve a problem or learn something you are interested in. Bonus tip: don't forget your chargers!

Come rested and ready to go strong for the four days, we go from sun up to sun down and you won't want to miss the activity. Eat your Wheaties and take your vities. Above all things bring a teachable spirit.

Now for each session you attend, listen for three takeaways or key action items from the presentation. I use these action items in my post Summit report for our COO. You should always reach out to the people sitting around you. You have no idea what kind of knowledge might be there, and you never know how that person could help you or vice versa. Remember to go to the NAVUG website and add your new contacts from the summit to your contacts in the NAVUG community.

Now that you are prepared and have a plan here are a few additional tips that will help you make the most of your time.

• Register early
• Participate in the large group events
• Sit with new people at meals
• Take time at night to reflect on the day's events
• Spend time at the Expo

Ok I have to talk about the Expo, it is not just a giant sales floor, or a place to pick up those much needed gadgets. The expo done right will bring as much education, networking, and information as the rest of the Summit. The partners, yours or not, looking or not are there to talk with you, answer questions and serve the NAVUG community, the ISV's are there for the same reason, yes, they believe we need their add on to NAV, and would love nothing more than to help you implement their product, but again they are there at the NAVUG expo because they care about you and our community and also are active participants in our community. Spend time at the Microsoft booth, sit in the mini sessions, stop by the members showcases, and visit with the NAVUG staff, advisory board, and chapter leaders that will all be milling around the expo each night also.

I hope the article has jump started your preparation and excited you about the opportunities that await you by attending Summit, I know writing it got me excited and I can't wait to meet you!

PS Don't forget your selfies!

REGISTER TODAY - EARLY BIRD ENDS JUNE 28th!