Microsoft Dynamics SL User Conference Empowers Companies Doing Project Accounting

The Dynamics SL User Group held its annual conference in San Diego, CA on September 22nd – 24th. This is the largest gathering specifically for Dynamics SL Users and the community that supports it.

The group is experiencing amazing growth. In 2008, the conference had 115 attendees. In 2009, it was 147. This year we had 221 attendees with 232 registrations! Users at the event were overheard saying “This is the SL Event to attend.” Attendees loved the waterfront venue, dining outdoors and the accommodation. We are currently negotiating with a similar venue at the Baltimore Inner Harbor for our 2011 event the week of September 12th.

18 Sponsors participated in the conference, up from 8 in 2009. Sponsors were pleased that the Expo area was outside the classrooms so they could meet with customers during breaks and the expo sessions. 99 of the attendees said they found the vendor they needed; 20 said they did not which indicates a need for more vendors next year. One Sponsor said this was their first time at our conference and that they will push their customers to attend in the future because it was so well run, so informative and had such a great energy. Another sponsor said, “The energy level is high. People are discussing opportunities. It’s always great to see people willing to ask and share. Well coordinated.”

Supporters, our new member type for consultants, partners and ISVs that opt not to be sponsors were also very pleased with the event. One partner told me they were scouting the event out. She said she will evangelize this event to their customers. Her personal goal is to have 20% of her 300 customers attend in 2011! Another supporter said, “Over all, the SLUG conferences are without equivocation, THE BEST conferences I’ve attended since I started with Solomon back in 1993! Which is really amazing since so much of the work to put it on is volunteer driven. It is amazing how hard you guys all work to put this on. THANK YOU!!! “

The attendees said the content was event better than last year; here are some excerpts from surveys:

This meeting was on par with the best meetings I have attended. The breakout sessions were very good although there was one that I couldn’t even get in the room. I appreciate all of the effort the board and volunteers put into this group. Thank you.

This was my first Dynamics SL event of any kind. I represent the IT side of the house and found this conference to be a perfect balance between accounting and technical. The participants were ready, willing and able to discuss any topic that was of interest to me. I look forward to future events and becoming more engaged in this group. This was truly a rewarding experience.

I thought the conference was a huge success. I was impressed with the content and for each concurrent session set I had a couple of items I wanted to go to. Thank you to all for a job well done.

This was really an outstanding conference. I enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, and also met many new people. Thank you to each board member for all the work. Professionally done, yet keeping that small intimate group vibe. Well done.

Super content for the breakout sessions. Well worth the price of admission.

The 2010-2011 Board was elected at the conference during our annual meeting. Learn more at Dynamics SL User Group.

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