As the name implies, Software User Groups are formed, and User Conferences held, with the intention of serving the User. These gatherings provide a venue for the free exchange of information, ideas, and solutions among a group of individuals that share a common interest and are faced with similar challenges. Especially when planned and managed “by the Users” “for the Users”, it would seem that Corporate Sponsorships, while appreciated as a gesture of good will, should not censure and dictate what supportive information can be made available to the user community.
Recently, I was asked to not attend a Software User Conference because a sponsoring Company (who shall remain nameless) objected. With just three weeks before the event, the User Group’s leadership understandably buckled to the sponsor’s pressure (this time) but assured me that they would take a stand against this type of sponsor imposed sanction/censorship in the future. I was looking forward to seeing many friends and long-time acquaintances at this event, but it will just have to wait until next time…
If they’re worried about the competition, perhaps the Sponsor should hold a “Software Conference” (where they plan and pay for everything) and make it invitation only. And leave the User Group to the Users.
Radley's User Productivity Conference was last held in Nashville, TN - October 2008. This event was one way that we used to say thank you to all of our customers. We did most of the work, (although a couple of our customers presented some very valuable information about how they were using our products)and with a little financial assistance from our technology partners, we were able to provide our users with an opportunity to network with each other, have access to our technical service staff, and have some fun for a very low cost. We did a survey after the event, you can see the results here: http://www.radley.com/08RUPC/RUPC.html
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