IBM Champions

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

I think the question is what is the difference between a good and a great usergroup experience!?

A good usergroup experience for me has two majn parts. First the technical content that has to fit my needs (less the speakers, more the topics) and second the possibility of connecting to peers, experts and friends.

For a great usergroup experience it's all the "small things".
The place, but only in regards of how the venue is spread out, space for networking etc ... doesn't need to be a beach resort or something ;-)
The food ... coffee ... lots of coffee ;-)
The time, if it fits my private and work schedule ... perfect
The entertainment ... you always find a place to entertain yourself together with other usergroup members ... at least the hotel bar .. but if some events are provided that's even better
The swag ... not really needed ... worst if the stuff is already broken before/when getting home ... having something special (best useful) as a souvenir is nice

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

I have only really been involved with one User Group, that being the IIUG (International Informix Users Group). IIUG is a "great user group". Why? 

• We are a family in one sense. Most of us know each other by name even where we have not met in person and know faces.
• As a group of product fanatics (just ask current and former Informix Product Management group folk about that) who are crazy about what is a minority or niche product at most of our organizations, despite Informix usually being mission critical, we have always had to fight for recognition. The IIUG and the support and cohesion among the IIUG membership is one reason we persist and a major reason that our organizations continue to use Informix.
• Yes, when IIUG did in-person conferences, the networking and camaraderie were important as were the useful swag (heck we gave out insect repellent gel and bracelets during the sika virus panic) and access to Informix developers, support folk, and senior IBM Management. But it was the learning in sessions and the opportunities to share with other members that made these conferences work.
• The IIUG newsletter, The Insider, keeps us all "in the know"!

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

I have attended SHARE for many year, my 1st was in 1978 and then regularly until the early 2000's before a break and have now attended the last 4. I also attended G.U.I.D.E. a few times and once GSE (late 1990's).

The things that made them worthwhile for me were:

1. Sessions, both technical and non-technical, that provided value to me personally and to my work
2. Opportunities to meet other like minded attendees. 
   1. before and after sessions
   2. at planned events like the old SHARE SCIDS (of the many explanations for that acronym the one I like is SHARE Committee for Individual Discussion Sessions) where each SHARE project had a table with a mascot or sign and anyone in the ballroom, after getting their drink of course, could come by, sit, ask questions, etc. until the ballroom was closed.
3. Ability to talk to speakers who are SME's after sessions to learn more
4. Project/group dinners where the networking and comradery continued
   1. or just a few like minded individuals heading out to explore and find a good eatery (such as finding a great BBQ restaurant in Kansas City in August)
5. Use take-aways such as quality handouts, used to be paper but now are downloadable PDFs, to help remind me of the sessions I attended (or missed)
6. A trade show with vendors where one can find products that might be applicable back at the shop. The best are those with individuals who know their product technically and are not hard sell
7. SWAG is a bonus, either from the conference or from the vendors. But it isn't critical to the success, or value, of the conference. 

My $0.01 on the topic

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

I have attended SHARE for many year, my 1st was in 1978 and then regularly until the early 2000's before a break and have now attended the last 4. I also attended G.U.I.D.E. a few times and once GSE (late 1990's).

The things that made them worthwhile for me were:

1. Sessions, both technical and non-technical, that provided value to me personally and to my work
2. Opportunities to meet other like minded attendees. 
   1. before and after sessions
   2. at planned events like the old SHARE SCIDS (of the many explanations for that acronym the one I like is SHARE Committee for Individual Discussion Sessions) where each SHARE project had a table with a mascot or sign and anyone in the ballroom, after getting their drink of course, could come by, sit, ask questions, etc. until the ballroom was closed.
3. Ability to talk to speakers who are SME's after sessions to learn more
4. Project/group dinners where the networking and comradery continued
   1. or just a few like minded individuals heading out to explore and find a good eatery (such as finding a great BBQ restaurant in Kansas City in August)
5. Use take-aways such as quality handouts, used to be paper but now are downloadable PDFs, to help remind me of the sessions I attended (or missed)
6. A trade show with vendors where one can find products that might be applicable back at the shop. The best are those with individuals who know their product technically and are not hard sell
7. SWAG is a bonus, either from the conference or from the vendors. But it isn't critical to the success, or value, of the conference. 

My $0.01 on the topic

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

I attended in my career quite solme user groups and for me it is all about the content in combination with the overall experience. The better the content, the bigger the value for you as a professional, hence it stimulates you to attend in the future. On the other hand, the overall experience, which is the combination of the location, food, networking possibilities etc..., that makes it extra worthwhile attending. Of course SWAG is always welcome :-) with some nice goodies that are usefull. 

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Thanks for your comments @Jean-Marie Smets. Yes, the overall experience is key.

You got me thinking how much the venue matters too - easy to travel (flights, parking, etc.), easy to find accommodation nearby (if necessary), and accessible for all.  

Thanks again! 

I attended in my career quite solme user groups and for me it is all about the content in combination with the overall experience. The better the content, the bigger the value for you as a professional, hence it stimulates you to attend in the future. On the other hand, the overall experience, which is the combination of the location, food, networking possibilities etc..., that makes it extra worthwhile attending. Of course SWAG is always welcome :-) with some nice goodies that are usefull. 

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

------------------------------
Kathryn DuPont User Advocacy, IBM TechXchange
Advocacy Engagement Leader
IBM
------------------------------

Active participation, relevant content, and supportive community interaction make a User Group experience great.

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

------------------------------
Kathryn DuPont User Advocacy, IBM TechXchange
Advocacy Engagement Leader
IBM
------------------------------

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

------------------------------
Kathryn DuPont User Advocacy, IBM TechXchange
Advocacy Engagement Leader
IBM
------------------------------

Hello Kathryn, I have been a strong proponent of user groups, both for the business users and technical folks.  I wrote a Linkedin Article about this topic back in 2017... https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-mugs-stephen-hume/?trackingId=TKpyIrcgiBql6uMfs%2FAEkA%3D%3D

As well in 2017 I started a user group for IT professionals that support Maximo called "MaxTECH" it is still going strong and have over 1000 active members.  We hold at least two in person meetings each year, the next one will be running in conjunction with the Maximo Utility Working Group later this month in Chattanooga.

Earlier on in my Maximo career, I had a supervisor who encouraged us to attend as many Maximo conferences/user groups as possible... with the one caveat that we had to do a presentation at the conference.  Great way to improve your public speaking skills and get out there to build a network.

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Being required to give a presentation to be able to attend - what a great idea. In several of the companies that I've worked for a requirement for attending was to write up a trip report detailing what was learned - it couldn't be just a list of sessions or sessions and abstracts - it had to be something meaningful even if from only one session. That had to be shared with management and with the team. One supervisor I had required us to present what we learned at a team meeting.

Hello Kathryn, I have been a strong proponent of user groups, both for the business users and technical folks.  I wrote a Linkedin Article about this topic back in 2017... https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-mugs-stephen-hume/?trackingId=TKpyIrcgiBql6uMfs%2FAEkA%3D%3D

As well in 2017 I started a user group for IT professionals that support Maximo called "MaxTECH" it is still going strong and have over 1000 active members.  We hold at least two in person meetings each year, the next one will be running in conjunction with the Maximo Utility Working Group later this month in Chattanooga.

Earlier on in my Maximo career, I had a supervisor who encouraged us to attend as many Maximo conferences/user groups as possible... with the one caveat that we had to do a presentation at the conference.  Great way to improve your public speaking skills and get out there to build a network.

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Lionel, I had forgotten about the "trip reports".. that same supervisor insisted we do trip reports and present what we learned at the conference to the team.  It was all worth the effort though.

Being required to give a presentation to be able to attend - what a great idea. In several of the companies that I've worked for a requirement for attending was to write up a trip report detailing what was learned - it couldn't be just a list of sessions or sessions and abstracts - it had to be something meaningful even if from only one session. That had to be shared with management and with the team. One supervisor I had required us to present what we learned at a team meeting.

Hello Kathryn, I have been a strong proponent of user groups, both for the business users and technical folks.  I wrote a Linkedin Article about this topic back in 2017... https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-mugs-stephen-hume/?trackingId=TKpyIrcgiBql6uMfs%2FAEkA%3D%3D

As well in 2017 I started a user group for IT professionals that support Maximo called "MaxTECH" it is still going strong and have over 1000 active members.  We hold at least two in person meetings each year, the next one will be running in conjunction with the Maximo Utility Working Group later this month in Chattanooga.

Earlier on in my Maximo career, I had a supervisor who encouraged us to attend as many Maximo conferences/user groups as possible... with the one caveat that we had to do a presentation at the conference.  Great way to improve your public speaking skills and get out there to build a network.

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Back in the day SHARE would have a session on how to write a trip report and how to justify returning to SHARE and becoming a volunteer. 

Lionel, I had forgotten about the "trip reports".. that same supervisor insisted we do trip reports and present what we learned at the conference to the team.  It was all worth the effort though.

Being required to give a presentation to be able to attend - what a great idea. In several of the companies that I've worked for a requirement for attending was to write up a trip report detailing what was learned - it couldn't be just a list of sessions or sessions and abstracts - it had to be something meaningful even if from only one session. That had to be shared with management and with the team. One supervisor I had required us to present what we learned at a team meeting.

Hello Kathryn, I have been a strong proponent of user groups, both for the business users and technical folks.  I wrote a Linkedin Article about this topic back in 2017... https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-mugs-stephen-hume/?trackingId=TKpyIrcgiBql6uMfs%2FAEkA%3D%3D

As well in 2017 I started a user group for IT professionals that support Maximo called "MaxTECH" it is still going strong and have over 1000 active members.  We hold at least two in person meetings each year, the next one will be running in conjunction with the Maximo Utility Working Group later this month in Chattanooga.

Earlier on in my Maximo career, I had a supervisor who encouraged us to attend as many Maximo conferences/user groups as possible... with the one caveat that we had to do a presentation at the conference.  Great way to improve your public speaking skills and get out there to build a network.

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Now that's a brilliant idea! I wonder why they stopped? Any theories? 

Back in the day SHARE would have a session on how to write a trip report and how to justify returning to SHARE and becoming a volunteer. 

Lionel, I had forgotten about the "trip reports".. that same supervisor insisted we do trip reports and present what we learned at the conference to the team.  It was all worth the effort though.

Being required to give a presentation to be able to attend - what a great idea. In several of the companies that I've worked for a requirement for attending was to write up a trip report detailing what was learned - it couldn't be just a list of sessions or sessions and abstracts - it had to be something meaningful even if from only one session. That had to be shared with management and with the team. One supervisor I had required us to present what we learned at a team meeting.

Hello Kathryn, I have been a strong proponent of user groups, both for the business users and technical folks.  I wrote a Linkedin Article about this topic back in 2017... https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-mugs-stephen-hume/?trackingId=TKpyIrcgiBql6uMfs%2FAEkA%3D%3D

As well in 2017 I started a user group for IT professionals that support Maximo called "MaxTECH" it is still going strong and have over 1000 active members.  We hold at least two in person meetings each year, the next one will be running in conjunction with the Maximo Utility Working Group later this month in Chattanooga.

Earlier on in my Maximo career, I had a supervisor who encouraged us to attend as many Maximo conferences/user groups as possible... with the one caveat that we had to do a presentation at the conference.  Great way to improve your public speaking skills and get out there to build a network.

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Networking.  100%.

If you attend conferences with others from your organization, and you sit together, eat together, and only talk to each other, you're missing out tremendously.  Meet and talk to people from other organizations.  Learn how they are doing things differently or the same.

I used to make this mistake in the past when my employer would send a few of us to a conference.  Get out there and make new connections!

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

A good user group must be at least somewhat locally oriented. It is important that you can reach each other relatively quickly so that you can exchange information as often as possible. The exchange on the web is quite good, but many things can be clarified better in person. 

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd

Tell us: What makes a User Group experience great? 

We've been reading where you're speaking and attending!  Thank you very much for your input!!

@Libby Ingrassia and I were discussing some topics about a new article we want to compile about User Groups and we are curious about your opinions. Some of our colleagues recently attended the brand new IBM TechXchange NY/NJ Data and AI User Group, on March 21, 2024 hosted at the IBM Watson Building, Astor Place, New York. The event was well attended by individuals from many larger, well known banks, and comments ranged from those who loved the technical demos, to appreciating the opportunity to learn and network with peers. Of course, a big hit was the YETI tumblers given to those who joined the community.  

I attended my first User Group last year at IDUG 2023 Philadelphia. What I loved most was meeting many of the IBM Champions for the first time. I also met some other great people like @Libby Ingrassia for the first time, even though I had worked with her for a few years. Oh! and I picked up some wonderful, and still very useful swag!! 

Did you recently attend SHARE in Orlando? Are you tee'd up to go to IDUG or Common? How about a recent smaller regional User Group event? Are you thinking of starting your own User Group? Or are you hosting an upcoming User Group event soon? 

Tell us what you think makes a User Group great: 

• Is it about a specific speaker? Or a technical demo?
• Is it all about the food? Or a great happy hour? 
• Does it matter where and time of year? 
• If you're starting your own, what are things you're planning to do to make it unique? 
• Do you go for the entertainment like seeing @Darren Surch and @Dusty Rivers hugging a mainframe at the same time? :) 
  

Tell us what you think! :) 

/kd