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.

_________________________

Find the Right ERP Software in Two Easy Steps

Deploying your first ERP system or replacing your existing system is a decision that impacts your entire business. The right ERP software can help your people reach new levels of productivity by streamlining key business processes, helping to reduce costs, and strengthen your company’s competitive edge.

On the other hand, a software system that doesn’t align with your organization’s current needs and future goals can be costly, forcing you to change the way you do business to match the capabilities of the ERP software. How can you decide what ERP system is right for your business, both today and as your company grows and changes?

You need to find a solution that fits—a software system that’s easy to use, meets the needs of all of your people, and integrates seamlessly with your existing systems. You need flexible, extensible business management software supported by a partner who knows your industry and who can help you tailor the solution to the exact needs of your business.

Find the right fit in two easy steps

Get started on the path to finding the right ERP system for your business by following these two simple steps:

Step One: Download the ERP Discovery Guide, which contains questions to get you thinking critically about your ERP software needs with regard to your current technology, your processes, your people, and your industry.

Step Two: Contact Synergy Business Solutions to learn more about creating a Microsoft Dynamics Business Solutions Roadmap. The Roadmap is utilized to assess your current business needs, define your goals for the future, and create a personalized strategic plan to achieve those goals.

When you’re ready to make the big step of implementing your ERP software, it’s better to be overly prepared so that you don’t have to back track and do it all over again. Make sure your ERP solution fits your business, not the other way around.