Mark Rhodes Share the Inside Scoop on NAVUG Summit 2014

I caught up with NAVUG’s Program Director Mark Rhodes to get his take on NAVUG Summit (formerly NAVUG Forum), slated for this October 14-17 in St. Louis, MO.  This year will mark the 7th annual conference for the Dynamics NAV User Group.

Michelle Spitzer (MS): The theme for this year’s NAVUG Summit is ‘Experience It’ – talk to me a bit about what makes the NAVUG Summit experience so unique and valuable.

Mark Rhodes (MR): It’s everything – from the session topics and formats to the structured networking to the candid hallway chatter that happens throughout the week.  NAVUG Summit is all about Dynamics NAV users learning from other users and subject matter experts, and we put an emphasis on helping attendees connect with others who can really add value – folks with similar Dynamics NAV deployments, those in similar roles or perhaps the same industry.  We help facilitate these connections early in the week so you can discuss relevant ideas while you’re onsite in St. Louis…and, of course, beyond. 

First-time attendees will find things like our ‘Buddy Night’ useful, where we’ll pair them up with a veteran attendee to help them get acquainted and learn how to make the most of the conference.  The ‘I Love NAV’ booth will be staffed with Dynamics NAV support pros and subject matter experts who will provide essentially “free consulting” hours during the Expo.  There will be ‘Ask the Expert’ sessions where you can get your own specific questions or Dynamics NAV hurdles addressed.   So the experienceis unique to each individual – we want you to come with your list of questions and take advantage of a wide range of opportunities to have them addressed and go home with answers.   

MS: You mentioned the session topics and formats.  What are some of the key things that attendees can expect from the sessions in St. Louis?

MR: I’m excited about some of the enhancements we’ve made to the sessions overall this year….changes that are based on feedback we’ve heard from past NAVUG Summit attendees and participants in our webinars throughout the year.  We’ve put a focused effort on developing content for all levels of skill and experience with Dynamics NAV.  Folks that are new to Dynamics NAV, for example, will find a nice amount of beginner sessions toward the start of the week and they’ll be able to progress to intermediate and advanced courses as they build their skillset.   There’s also a good blend of content around all versions of Dynamics NAV – so whether you’re using a version earlier than 2009, 2009 Classic, 2009 RTC, or 2013/R2, there will be a wealth of sessions and networking opportunities waiting for you in St. Louis. 

MS: Sounds like there’s something for the entire spectrum of Dynamics NAV users.  What are some of the hot topics in the Dynamics NAV world that people will be discussing at NAVUG Summit?

MR: Dynamics NAV 2015 is just around the corner so, naturally, there’s a lot of interest in what’s coming in the new release.  The Dynamics NAV team from Microsoft will be on hand to host a number of sessions around NAV 2015 to show off a first look at the new version, including small-group conduit sessions and a town hall meeting.  With a new release looming, there’s also a lot of chatter around upgrading and we’ve got a whole track dedicated to it to help you understand the process, learn what questions to ask your Partner, and how to take a smart approach to the decision to upgrade.  Dynamics NAV users have more options than ever before for reporting and business intelligence and you’ll find some great sessions on these topics as well. 

But the great thing about NAVUG Summit is that it’s not just focused on the latest and greatest.   There will be a nice blend of attendees and content across version, skill level, and job function – opportunities to roll up your sleeves and make better use of the technology you own today.   Our 22 track leaders – who are, themselves, Dynamics NAV users and subject matter experts - have assembled a stellar lineup of about 150 sessions in 13 different focus areas, including BI & Reporting, Business Leadership, Community Resources, Finance, International Installations, IT Development, Manufacturing, NAV 2015, New 2 NAV, Service Management, Supply Chain, Tips & Tricks, and Upgrading.

MS: 150 sessions is a lot of content to assemble.  How do you come up with the topics and sessions that get presented at NAVUG Summit?

MR: In short, from our members.  We are interacting with the Dynamics NAV community all year – whether it’s through the interactive webinars we host, the sessions we lead and conversations we have with Dynamics NAV users at Convergence, or virtual discussions happening every day through our online community, NAVUG Collaborate – so we are dialed into what topics are top-of-mind for Dynamics NAV users.  We’ve got some awesome MVPs, Partners, and Microsoft staff who are great contributors to NAVUG and provide valuable insight, along with an outstanding programming committee.  We conduct programming surveys throughout the year to get direct feedback from members and also had a call for proposals to collect session ideas specifically for NAVUG Summit.  Our track leaders have done an incredible job of using all of these avenues to put together the session and speaker roster.  

You can learn more about and register for NAVUG Summit 2014 at www.navugsummit.com.  Experience It!