How many Microsoft Dynamics Convergence events have you been to? If you in are the ERP or CRM software selection process and have shortlisted Dynamics, then perhaps you are looking forward to your first event. (Yes, the event is for prospective buyers too, even though it is the largest annual Microsoft Dynamics user event worldwide.) But I bet there are many event veterans who have been attending since the first Convergence in 1997.
A Convergence History
At Convergence 2012 there were 10,221 attendees. This included 3,186 existing customers, 1,189 prospective customers and 1,577 Dynamics Partners.
Here is a look at Convergence stats from previous years showing a 6,232% increase in attendance, pretty impressive!
Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Timeline
2015 - Atlanta
2014 - Atlanta - 12,200 attendees
2013 ā New Orleans - 11,138 attendees
2012 ā Houston ā 10,221 attendees (first worldwide conference)
2011 ā Atlanta ā 9,102 attendees
2010 ā Atlanta ā 8,493 attendees
2009 ā New Orleans ā 6,693 attendees
2008 ā Orlando ā 9,527 attendees
2007 ā San Diego ā 8,903 attendees
2006 ā Dallas ā 7,404 attendees
2005 ā San Diego ā 5,892 attendees (first year outside Orlando)
2004 ā Orlando ā 4,329 attendees
2003 ā Orlando ā 4,175 attendees
2002 ā Orlando ā 3,355 attendees (first year after Microsoft acquisition)
2001 ā Orlando ā 2,927 attendees
2000 ā Orlando ā 1,946 attendees
1999 ā Orlando ā 1,216 attendees
1998 ā Orlando ā 549 attendees
1997 ā Orlando ā 164 attendees
What happened in 2009?
After 11 years of steady increase in attendance there was a 37% decrease in the attendance in 2009 that has taken several years to regain. Was it only due to the downturn in the economy or was there more to it? I would love to hear from some event alumni on this one.
Stats from original post published in 2013:
Attendees:
Convergence 2013 goals are 11,500 attendees, a 12.5% increase over Convergence 2012. Of that 11,500 they anticipate a mix of 32% existing customers, 11% prospective customers and 15% Dynamics Partners. (The rest is a mix of sponsors, press, Microsoft team members, crew etcā¦).
ISV EXPO:
The last 3 years in a row the ISV expo has been at sold out capacity but this year there is more space at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Convergence 2012 had 250 sponsors and Microsoft hopes Convergence 2013 will have over 300. With less than 9 weeks to go there are already 248 confirmed sponsors and exhibitors. (2 Platinum, 20 Gold, 12 Silver, 82 Bronze Sponsors and 132 Exhibitors)
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