1. Building a Network of MS Dynamics Resources
Convergence is truly a networking event. With over 11,500 attendees in the Microsoft Dynamics community, if you didnt attend Convergence 2013 you missed a valuable opportunity to learn first-hand from their real world experience. Exhibitors generated business at this show not by collecting leads, but by establishing relationships. The message from Convergence 2013 is that it isnt about quantity of leads its all about the quality of leads. Convergence is the place to plant seeds for long-term business relationships.
If you have a question about MS Dynamics, Convergence 2013 was the event to get face-to-face time with Microsoft experts to solve those issues causing problems back home. In addition, attendees were able to select from over 100 instructor-led classes and roundtable sessions that help them get educated and get answers.
The event setup for Convergence 2013 integrated meeting space and tables right into the expo show floor. This made it much easier for groups of attendees to gather for impromptu but valuable meetings. Forget having to schedule a space. Attendees took advantage of the easy conversation spaces to continue discussions started in sessions or have extended chats with exhibitors.
2. Learning about MS Dynamics Trends
Convergence is the place to talk with customers, partners and ISVs to learn MS Dynamics trends. For example if you didnt go to Convergence 2013 you dont know about the growing market for MS Dynamics AX. While Convergence used to be focused on MS Dynamics GP, this year AX was on most attendees minds. These customers are a bit more complex, have larger it budgets, and came armed and ready to look at solutions to fit their needs. No matter your focus, Convergence was the place to get a sneak peek at next versions of MS Dynamics.
3. Experiencing the power of real-time Social Media
Several factors contributed to the success of social media at Convergence. First, attendees were connected with a variety of wireless devices such as iPhones, smart phones, and tablets. Attendees scheduled meetings, looked at exhibitors web sites, posted their comments about Event Sessions and immediately shared new insights with coworkers back in their office. No more worries about remembering what you did by the time you traveled home, attendees shared what they learned while at Convergence, not after. Second, Microsoft Convergence promoted this event with a Live Wall that linked together Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Blogs enabling exhibitors to focus attention on their messages and Convergence promotions.
4. Saving Money
This year Convergence attendees received a 20% discount on additional GP, NAV and SL users and/or modules meeting a minimum System Price List value of USD $2,400 (EUR 1800 for EU/EFTA countries). The discount may be applied across a certain product line or for edition transition fees. Taking advantage of this discount alone could justify the cost of attending Convergence.
I hope seeing what you missed at Convergence 2013 will make you think about going next year. nChannel had a busy time as we introduced six integration connectors at Microsoft Dynamics Convergence 2013 including Microsoft Dynamics NAV/SL, eBay, Amazon, Shopify, and ZoopShop. I cant wait to see what will happen next year. Hope to see you there!
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