For the first time in the U.S., DocuWare is bringing together customers, solutions experts from its partner companies, and the DocuWare team in Orlando, May 21-24 for DocuWorld 2012. Focused on the theme, “From Documents to Value,” attendees will learn about the latest product developments and solutions from DocuWare and have an opportunity to exchange best practices and ideas with their peers in the DocuWare community. As a DocuWare news release points out, “this is an opportunity for customers and resellers to:
- Gain first-hand product knowledge they can use right away.
- Get exclusive insight into new product developments.
- Explore expansion ideas, use cases for critical business processes.
- Network within the DocuWare community – discover ideas and experiences they can build on.
- Have direct contact with DocuWare’s executive team.”
Although this is the first time the company is bringing customers and resellers together for an event in the U.S., a similar event was presented last year in Germany. Previous U.S. conferences focused exclusively on resellers.
One of the goals of the conference is to expand DocuWare’s customers’ and resellers’ knowledge of DocuWare products, enabling them to leverage more of the capabilities of those products within their organizations.
“A lot of times they install our software to solve problems in one specific area but have no clue it can do so much more,” says Mary Williams, Marketing Communications Manager for DocuWare. “We want them to realize this is a viable tool for their everyday business. They’ve already made the investment; we feel they should get the most out of it.”
The DocuWare conference always coincides with the release of new products so attendees can expect a strong focus on new products along with the requisite educational and networking opportunities one finds at these events. These events turn out to be a valuable educational experience for DocuWare as well.
“We will be conducting market research interviews and have plans to speak one on one about product usage with some of the attendees,” says Williams. “We want to get a really good understanding of their needs. And in an effort to build community, we want them to share their experiences with each other too.”
In attendance will be resellers and users from various levels within their organizations. Partner companies attending the conference encompass copier resellers whether they are independent dealers or OEM direct branches.
“Our resellers include everything from the MFP channel to service providers to IT and Imaging VARs to consultants, etc.,” reports Williams.
There will also be a Technology Pavilion of a select group of hardware and software providers.
Parallel workshops on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday offer an extensive agenda, including an Ask an Expert Workshop where attendees can learn the latest tips and tricks, hear case studies, and delve more deeply into DocuWare’s newest products. Some breakouts may have the same titles however the contents will differ based on the target audience: management, user or technical administration. Attendees can select which sessions are important to them and their interests. Cross session attendance is welcomed.
This is also the first time the conference offers breakout sessions. Previously, it was a full-day General Session focusing on the state of the company, a product roadmap, and customer programs as well as a keynote speaker and guest panelists.
Conference attendance has grown by a third every year for the past several years and that’s just the reseller-only conferences. That’s an indicator that people feel it’s a good value. Now with end users involved, there’s a sense of optimism that this may be one of the best attended conferences ever. Williams is also optimistic about what attendees will take home with them after the event.
“This will be totally different since there are end users involved. If they feel the buzz is good for expanded usage of the product, that’s an indicator they’re going to be using it more widely as a solution to fill a need every day.”
The DocuWorld 2012 Conference takes place at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, FL from May 21-24. Customer dates are May 22-23 while dates for authorized DocuWare partners are May 21-24. For general event questions, contact DocuWare at (888) 565-5907 or (845) 563-9045 or visit http://docuworld.docuware.com/americas.
