Unlocking the Full Potential of the Dynamic Communities Summit

In 2014, my journey with the Microsoft Dynamics community began when we met a man during an interview with a Microsoft Dynamics partner. Little did we know that this encounter would lead us to a new relationship with a company that would help us rejuvenate our aging ERP system. Fast forward to June of the same year, and we embarked on a transformative partnership with them to breathe new life into our ERP.

Our newfound partners wasted no time introducing us to the (NAVUG) Dynamics Communities. They encouraged us to engage in the open forum, participate in live and recorded webinars, and, most importantly, attend the annual Summit held every October. We swiftly became members of the (NAVUG) Dynamics Communities and immersed ourselves in the online resources. Soon after, we registered for the 2014 Summit, anticipating it as a vital steppingstone for our reimplementation from NAV 5.0 to NAV 2015.

So, if you're gearing up for the Dynamic Communities Summit, here are some valuable tips to make the most out of your experience:

1. Evaluate Your ERP and Company: Start by assessing your ERP system and your company's needs. Identify pain points, stressors, weaknesses in your ERP, and areas requiring continuous improvement. This knowledge will enable you to build a strategic plan for the Summit.
2. Strategically Plan Your Sessions: Planning is essential with so many tracks and sessions. You can select sessions that provide value to your company and align with your responsibilities. Focus on sessions that offer actionable insights for continuous improvement.
3. Engage Pre-conference: Before the Summit, engage with the community through forums, webinars, and open discussions. Make a list of people you want to meet and contact them. Networking is a cornerstone of the Summit, and building connections can be a game-changer for your career.
4. Pack Smart: Pack efficiently, focusing on comfortable clothing and minimalism. Bring plenty of business cards for networking and remember your laptop with remote ERP access. Chargers are a must.
5. Be Prepared and Open-Minded: Come to the Summit well-rested and ready to engage fully. Maintain a teachable spirit, actively listen in sessions, and look for three key takeaways from each presentation.
6. Expand Your Network: Feel free to connect with fellow attendees during sessions. You never know who might offer valuable insights or solutions. You can add your new contacts from the Summit to your Dynamic Communities network.
7. Additional Tips: Register early to secure your spot. Participate in large group events to maximize networking opportunities. Sit with new people during meals for diverse conversations. Reflect on the day's events to absorb and retain knowledge. Explore the Expo: It's more than just a sales floor. Engage with partners, ISVs, Microsoft, and Dynamic Communities staff to gather information, insights, and solutions.

In closing, the Dynamic Communities Summit is a treasure trove of opportunities waiting for you. It's a chance to connect, learn, and grow within the NAV/BC community. As you prepare for this exciting journey, remember to capture the moments with selfies – it's a part of the experience, too!

See you at the Summit!

(Revised from my post in 2016)