Business has its challenges. Your software doesn't have to be one of them.
USER GROUP 2009
Come and Join us in Sunny
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
July 26-29, 2009
at the Westin Kierland
Here are some quick links to help you find what you are looking for on this page:
- About User Group 2009
- Who Should Attend?
- NEW One-Day Track for Cat's Pajamas Customers
- NEW Internet Track
- Conference Info & REGISTRATION
- Track/Session Details
- Hotel Info & Reservations
::: ABOUT THE USER GROUP 2009
The User Group Conference is an annual meeting hosted by The Media Services Group for the benefit of our customers.
The conference starts with a reception on Sunday night, followed by 2 ½ days of sessions on a broad range of topics.
The meeting draws a diverse group of publishing experts from operational, technical and management backgrounds.
It is well attended, averaging between 200-250 customer attendees each year, accompanied by 20-30 MSGL employees - from ownership through product managers, programming and training staff.
The User Group conference is a great opportunity to keep up-to-date with the latest software developments, review best-practices, participate in product development focus groups, meet with MSGL staff and management teams, and network with other publishing professionals.
-
NEW Internet Track
This year we are organizing an entire track on the topic of the internet, digital publishing and web integration strategies. We have been working with a number of customers on innovative online projects and will be reviewing some of these as case studies. -
FREE Operational Workshops
This year we are offering our in-depth Operational Workshops (a 4 hour Wednesday session) FREE of charge to all full conference registrations. -
Over 50 Conference Sessions
We are planning more than 50 conference sessions and workshops addressing a broad range of strategic, operational and technical topics. Among the important topics this year is our latest software release: Élan 7.3. -
Problem-Solver Sessions
A popular mainstay of the User Group - Problem-Solver sessions provide attendees the opportunity to openly discuss issues and challenges with the larger user community. Learn more about your software investment and how to make the most of it. -
Product Development Focus Groups
Our development focus groups provide you with the opportunity to become part of our collaborative software development process. -
Industry Specialist Guest Speakers
We will be inviting a number of industry expert guest speakers to discuss current and emerging industry trends. -
Panel Discussions
A number of Panel Discussions will include participants from our user community along with industry specialists offering dynamic discussion on a number of timely publishing topics. Special focus will be given to practical experience and industry best practices. -
Discover the Other Modules
Based on your feedback - This year we will be hosting two software discovery sessions to review, demonstrate and discuss all aspects of the Élan Framework, including modules you may not currently use. -
Technical Workshops
For those on the technical side - we will be offering a unique Technical track that will run the entire length of the conference with sessions on topics like deployment, back-up and redundancy, security, etc.
::: WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The User Group Conference draws a diverse group of publishing experts from operational, technical and management backgrounds. With over 50 sessions across 7 tracks, there is truly something for everyone - providing a dynamic forum for Executives looking to discuss strategic goals and initiatives, Managers interested in increasing operational efficiencies and Users interested in honing their skills and reviewing best practices.
::: NEW ONE-DAY TRACK FOR CPJ CUSTOMERS
This year we have put together an optional, reduced schedule option for budget-sensitive Cat's Pajamas customers.
This special registration will focus uniquely on the CPJ software, development, and best practices, for one full day (Monday).
Additional sessions regarding .NET and SQL development (including the new Acquisitions, Editorial, Production, Rights and Royalties) will be held on Tuesday and require a full registration.
We have packaged this into an economical registration that will include access to the Cat's Pajamas specific sessions on Monday, as well as an invitation to the Sunday-night reception (drinks and hors d'oeuvres), and breakfast/lunch on Monday.
To sweeten the deal, we will also include one-night hotel accommodations (Sunday night).
Here is what one Cat's customer said about the User Group Conference:
| " |
This was definitely the best conference I've had the opportunity to actually attend. I found it very informative and well organized. Because it was a user conference, there was more relevant information specifically addressing areas of interest from a fulfillment perspective.
I hope I have an opportunity to attend next year. Zina Jones, Customer Service/Order Processing Manager National Academies Press |
::: NEW INTERNET TRACK
This year we are planning an entire track on internet related technologies and integration. We will be exploring specific case studies, where Élan and CISPUB customers have leveraged the Élan Web Services integration to streamline and automate their online presence. We will also take a closer look at online advertising portals and other customer self-service initiatives and how publishers are using these technologies to reduce overhead and increase customer satisfaction.
::: CONFERENCE INFO & REGISTRATION
Early-bird registration is open through the end of April 2009 - and now is a great time to get signed up.
Below are the NEW 2009 Early-bird Specials:
| Registration Type | Early-bird Rate | Regular Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2-for-1 Registration - Unlimited Doubles! | $625.00 | N/A |
| Standard Registration - 1st Attendee | $625.00 | $875.00 |
| Standard Registration - Additional Attendees | $550.00 | $800.00 |
| 2-for-1 Registration + Technical Workshop | $1,095.00 | N/A |
| Standard Registration + Technical Workshop | $1,095.00 | $1,350.00 |
| Special Cat's One-Day Registration | $295.00 | $450.00 |
| Half-Day Training Workshops | FREE | FREE |
| Guest/Spouse Dinner | $95.00 | $95.00 |
Please remember - Early Bird rates expire April 30th, 2009.
Here are more details on the different registration types:
-
2-for-1 Registration *Early-bird Only
This is a special 2009 rate available for Early-bird registrations only and can be used in place of the Standard and Associate rates. In order to qualify for this rate, you must register by two's. If an odd number of registrations are required, the final registration must be at the Associate rate.
This registration includes access to all of the main conference tracks (except the Technical Track), an invitation to the Sunday-night reception (drinks and hors d'oeuvres), the Monday-night dinner, plus breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and breakfast on Wednesday. Travel, Hotel and other accommodations are not included - but be sure to mention The Media Services Group conference for special room rates. -
Standard Single Registration
This is the standard registration for the first attendee from a company. Additional attendees from the same company qualify for the Associate Registration and rate reduction.
This registration includes access to all of the main conference tracks (except the Technical Track), an invitation to the Sunday-night reception (drinks and hors d'oeuvres), the Monday-night dinner, plus breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and breakfast on Wednesday. Travel, Hotel and other accommodations are not included - but be sure to mention The Media Services Group conference for special room rates. -
Associate Registration
This is the registration is for all additional attendees, after the first, from the same company.
This registration includes access to all of the main conference tracks (except the Technical Track), an invitation to the Sunday-night reception (drinks and hors d'oeuvres), the Monday-night dinner, plus breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and breakfast on Wednesday. Travel, Hotel and other accommodations are not included - but be sure to mention The Media Services Group conference for special room rates. -
Technical Track 2-for-1 - Special Registration
This is a special 2009 rate available for Early-bird registrations only and can be used in place of the Technical Track rate. In order to qualify for this rate, you must register by two's. If an odd number of registrations are required, the final registration must us the normal Technical Track registration. This registration is for IT-focused attendees that would like to participate in the some or all sessions of the Technical Track.
This registration includes access to all of the main conference tracks (including the Technical Track), an invitation to the Sunday-night reception (drinks and hors d'oeuvres), the Monday-night dinner, plus breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and breakfast on Wednesday. Travel, Hotel and other accommodations are not included - but be sure to mention The Media Services Group conference for special room rates. -
Technical Track - Special Registration
This is a special registration for IT-focused attendees that would like to participate in the some or all sessions of the Technical Track.
This registration includes access to all of the main conference tracks (including the Technical Track), an invitation to the Sunday-night reception (drinks and hors d'oeuvres), the Monday-night dinner, plus breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and breakfast on Wednesday. Travel, Hotel and other accommodations are not included - but be sure to mention The Media Services Group conference for special room rates. -
Cat's Pajamas One Day Registration
This is a special registration for Cat's Pajamas customers that includes a reduced, Monday-only conference schedule. Sessions will focus uniquely on the CPJ software, development, and best practices. Additional sessions regarding new .NET and SQL development (including the new Acquisitions, Editorial, Production, Rights and Royalties) will be held on Tuesday and require a full registration. This registration can be upgraded to a full registration at the conference.
This registration includes access to the Cat's Pajamas specific sessions on Monday only, as well as an invitation to the Sunday-night reception (drinks and hors d'oeuvres), and breakfast/lunch on Monday. This rate also includes one-night hotel accommodations (Sunday night). Travel and other accommodations are not included. -
Guest Registration
This registration is intended for spouses and other guests that will not be attending the main conference, providing an invitation to the Sunday-night reception (drinks and hors d'oeuvres), the Monday-night dinner, plus breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and breakfast on Wednesday.
::: TRACK/SESSION DETAILS
 |
::: HOTEL INFO & RESERVATIONS
Hotel Address:
THE WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT & SPA
6902 E. Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Resort: www.kierlandresort.com
Reservations Website ($115/night): http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/res?id=0902128492&key=73507
Reservations Website ($99/night - minimum 4 night stay): http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/earlymsg
Please check each reservation website for cut off dates, deposit, cancellation and early departure penalities.
Hotel Front Desk: 480-624-1000
Spa Information: 480-624-1500
Golf Information: 480-624-1600 www.kierlandgolf.com
Shoping & Dinining at the Kierland Commons: www.kierlandcommons.com
- Complimentary 24 hour access to Fitness Center and Adult Relaxation pool / jacuzzi
- Complimentary nightly turn down service
- Complementary Starbucks Coffee in every room
- Complimentary daily newspaper in every room
- Bellman service charges are $12.00 roundtrip per room and will be at the discretion of each guest.
- Daily housekeeper service charges are $4.00 per night and will be at the discretion of each guest.
- The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a smoke free hotel. The hotel is smoke free in all areas of the Hotel: lobby, guest rooms, restaurant, lounge, meeting and banquet facilities. Restaurants on property that are not operated by Westin may not participate in the smoke free policy. To protect the smoke free environment, the Hotel will post a $200 cleaning fee to the account of any guests who smokes in their hotel room.
Directions & Transportation
Transportation To/From Airport:
AAA Sedan provides airport shuttle service to/from The Westin Kierland. The cost is $50 each way (up to 3 people) and they will meet you curbside by the blue diamonds outside of all terminals at Sky Harbor Airport or they can meet & greet you at baggage claim for an additional $20 each way. To make arrangements, email info@kierlandresort.com or call AAA Sedan at 602-454-7433. Current prices are subject to change without notice.
When emailing info@kierlandresort.com, please include the following:
- Flight information – Departure City, Flight #, arrival time, airline
- # of Passengers
- Cell phone number on day of arrival
- Preference of Curbside or Meet and Greet
Taxi service is also available outside of all terminals.
Hertz is conveniently located on property.
Phone Number: 480-624-1239
Hours: Monday - Friday - 7:30am – 6:30pm
Hours: Saturday - Sunday: 8am – 3pm
Directions From Sky Harbor International Airport (20 miles away):
- Follow exit signs at Sky Harbor International Airport toward the "24th St/west exit."
- Upon exiting the terminal area, continue to follow the signage for the I-10 (west).
- Merge onto the I-10 (west) freeway and immediately follow the signs to merge on to the AZ-51 north.
- Continue on AZ-51 north for 12 miles, and exit on Greenway (Exit #12).
- Turn right (east) onto Greenway.
- Continue on Greenway (east) for 4.5 miles.
- Resort will be on the left, approximately 1/4 of a mile past the "66th St/Clubgate Dr." stoplight.
From Highway 202:
- Follow Highway 202/Red Mountain Freeway East to Loop 101 North.
- Follow Highway 101 North to the Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard exit.
- Exit and turn left (West) onto Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard.
- Follow Frank Lloyd Wright (West) for 2 miles to Scottsdale Road.
- Turn left on Scottsdale Road (South).
- Turn right onto Greenway Parkway.
- Resort is on right.