Somebody from a company that is on the exhibitor list commented "They may put up a Mission Accomplished banner after the show tanks." I agree Convergence needed to be changed—it was tired out and Microsoft had pumped it so full of stuff that seemed primarily designed to stroke executive egos—building up attendance too much and littering the place with keynotes. But to make the switch, there needed to be more lead time to build up the new audience. I have attended every Convergence since No. 3, which was the first time the press was allowed in. I hate to miss going to New Orleans and gobbling beignets, oysters and jambalaya. But I see no value in spending my company's money on this show. I have a friend, a CEO of a nonprofit and a Dynamics GP user, and I've been telling him "If there are no Dynamics sessions, why go? Book yourself a room for the GPUG Summit in Tampa in October." Believe me, I'd rather visit New Orleans.
ENVISION—DUD ON ARRIVAL? Featured
First the good news: the parties are on at Microsoft's new Envision conference in early April in New Orleans. If you can't party in the Big Easy, why attend? Two major regular events of Microsoft's Convergence and Worldwide Partner Conference are planned—Rock N' Rave and the Randy and Andy Party. Envision will be held April 4-6 and that's nine weeks away and hmm, no speakers have been announced other than executives from Microsoft. Reports are there are no Dynamics break-out sessions planned and the agenda so far simply shows there will be breakouts in three categories: Business trends and themes; Industry trends; and Leadership in key business roles.
