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ReportThe annual GPUG Summit event for Dynamics GP users is coming up at the end of October. Many of our clients attend Microsoft Convergence, the annual Dynamics user event, and wonder about the difference between these two events.
Dynamics GP customers have been attending Microsoft Convergence since 1997. (A Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Timeline Event Statistics 1997 to 2013) but since it started in 2009 GPUG Summit is becoming increasingly popular.
Here is a good comparison of the events:
“Convergence is the Night Club. It is big and bold, flashy, fast-paced and packed with powerful keynotes about new products and trends coming down the pipe in the big, wonderful world of Microsoft Dynamics. You’ll get some tips and tricks and learnings that you can use now and in the future. You’ll love it and walk away inspired and excited for the future and ‘what’s next’ for Dynamics.
Summit is the Coffee Shop. It is a more intimate, focused setting. Its sole purpose is to provide unique experiences for Dynamics Users to have real, honest conversations with other Users about what technologies they’re using, what’s working, what’s not, how they’ve solved specific issues, or how someone else in the same role uses Dynamics. The interactions with Dynamics senior leaders come in the form of intimate Conduit meetings and the quick-fire Town Hall meeting. You’ll love it just the same and walk away with actionable solutions, new connections, and answers to your most urgent Dynamics questions.”
Here are a few more vital comparison points:
| Conference Name: | GPUG Summit | Convergence |
| Host: | Dynamics GP User Group (GPUG) | Microsoft |
| Frequency: | Annually – Fall timeframe | Annually – Spring timeframe |
| Next Date: | October 22 – 25, 2013 | March 4-7, 2014 |
| Next Location: | Tampa, FL | Atlanta, GA |
| Full Registration Fee: | $1,299 + travel | $1,795 + travel |
| Content Focus: | Microsoft Dynamics GP | Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP, NAV, SL, CRM & Platform Technology |
| Attendance: | 600+ | 10,000+ |
| Exhibitors: | 55+ GP ISV Partners (175 total) | 250+ |
| Purpose: | Designed by and for Dynamics GP users to provide an intimate setting for users to share experiences, ask questions, troubleshoot issues, and learn from others who have walked in your shoes. | The premier event for the Microsoft Dynamics Community where opportunity and innovation meet to deliver real business value. A chance to make key business connections and discover the full potential of Microsoft Dynamics solutions. |
| Training Formats: | 165 Educational Breakout sessions that dive deep into specific Microsoft Dynamics GP issues and invoke meaningful discussions amongst attendees in a variety of formats: Roundtables, How2 Workshops, Ask The Experts, Partner Showcases. Also 26 pre-conference training courses (4 and 8 hr hands-on classes) | 2 Stimulating and thought-provoking Keynotes, Product General Sessions, and spanning 7 tracks there are hundreds of Concurrent Sessions, Interactive Discussions, Deep Dive Sessions, Industry Forums, Roundtable Discussions and Sponsor Sessions |
| Other: | Fraternal feeling / atmosphere | Global event; Worldwide, Well-Known Keynote speaker; Concert featuring chart topping, Grammy nominee band |
| 20 year roots = 20 years of experience to draw on | The people who built the products are there – access to 100+ R&D team members | |
| Participants feel like they are among friends so sessions take on a “throw it on the table” attitude | Showcase around how business applications and solutions from Microsoft can really add value | |
| Mistakes are shared so others do not do the same | Can’t get access to the ecosystem anywhere else like you can at Convergence. |
Thanks to Encore for this great comparison chart! Read more great info like this on their new Encore Solutions Blog.
So what type of event is better for you? It really depends on your goals and your personal style. Do you like the night club or the coffee shop? Are you interested in only Microsoft Dynamics GP or additional products in the Dynamics and Microsoft family? Do you want to hear information from Microsoft developers or from actual users?
I suggest you check out GPUG Summit October 22 – 25, 2013 in Tampa – there is still time to register.
by Anya Ciecierski, CAL Business Solutions, Connecticut Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner, www.calszone.com
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