Highlights from Convergence 2004

Keynote Speakers

Doug Burgum
Doug Burgum is a senior vice president of Microsoft Corp. He is responsible for the Microsoft Business Solutions business group, one of Microsoft's seven core businesses. Microsoft Business Solutions was created through Microsoft's April 2001 acquisition of Great Plains, Great Plains' merger with Microsoft® bCentral™ in the fall of 2001 and Microsoft's July 2002 acquisition of Navision a/s. [more]

Orlando Ayala
Orlando Ayala serves as senior vice president of the Small and Midmarket Solutions & Partner Group (SMS&P). In this role, he leads a worldwide effort focused on helping Microsoft Corp., its customers and industry partners realize the significant opportunity for growth in the largely untapped small- and midmarket business segments. Ayala and the SMS&P team work with Microsoft's seven business unit leaders to drive sales and marketing efforts to provide comprehensive business solutions for small to midmarket customers. In addition, Ayala and the SMS&P leadership oversee the company's channel efforts, supporting a large worldwide partner network, which creates a range of solutions to help customers meet their unique business needs. [more]

Todd Skinner
Todd Skinner is the most diversely accomplished rock climber of this generation. His achievements have been documented in film and magazines in 12 languages. He has accomplished more than 300 first ascents in 35 countries around the world and has established new climbs at the highest level of difficulty. He relishes the challenge of all aspects of rock climbing, from Bouldering to Himalayan peaks, but most of all dreams about Big Walls that may be free climbed in all corners of the globe. In November 2003 his book, Beyond the Summit, was published. [more]

Convergence Expo

This is the definitive tradeshow experience you can't miss. The Expo is designed to connect you with top experts and leading solution developers as you explore comprehensive business solutions and exhibits from both internal and external partners. Join peers and colleagues to exchange ideas and learn how to utilize your solutions to the fullest. And in response to the many requests we've received, we'll be extending the hours of the Expo so you have more time to explore, more time to network, and more time to learn.

Demo Theaters

Located in the Expo area, the Demo Theaters are a collection of live, concise demonstrations on the latest products and solution enhancements. You'll get the chance to witness leading developers demonstrate comprehensive functionality in current and new Microsoft products.

General Sessions

Attend General Sessions to gain firsthand knowledge on popular issues surrounding today's business and the solutions you use. Featuring our major product lines, these sessions focus on overall strategy, the latest features and product enhancements, and how Microsoft products work together with other solutions and systems. You'll discover valuable information that will help you make more informed, strategic decisions about your software.

Concurrent Sessions

We've added more sessions in response to customer demand. Don't miss out on the Concurrent Sessions, where you can learn detailed tips and tricks on the software and processes you use or plan to use. These interactive sessions are designed to drill down into specific topics by providing best practices on skills, software functionality, processes, and strategies needed for business success. Our product experts will give you an in-depth look at the capabilities and the customizations available within each product. Make sure to add Concurrent Sessions to your agenda, so you can ask questions and get the answers you need to immediately gain the full value of your business solution.

Structured Networking with Rio

Rio is an online networking forum designed specifically to give attendees direct access to each other - before and during Convergence 2004. Searching through user biographies, attendees learn about other Rio participants, including their primary business focus, Microsoft products they use, job responsibilities and company background (your e-mail address and contact information is always kept confidential).

Using Rio, attendees can find people on their own time, at their own convenience. They can arrange meetings with other attendees and personalize the event experience to maximize their time. During the specified networking sessions, attendees can learn more about a product, person or service, share a reporting tip or a shortcut they’ve learned, or just network with new or past colleagues.

Help Desk

Stop by the Help Desk to discuss any technical issues or questions you may have. Work one-on-one with a Microsoft team engineer, and get hands-on training to solve challenges and learn new techniques. You'll also find the Usability Lab, where you can test out and explore solutions and enhancements for yourself.

Pre- and Post-Conference Training

Convergence is an excellent time to receive additional training on your Microsoft Business Solutions application. A full schedule of classes held immediately before and after Convergence can help you get maximum benefits while away from the office. We offer a full range of training opportunities that provide you with the practical skills you need to make the most of your software investment.

Microsoft solutions featured at Convergence:

• Microsoft Business Solutions–Axapta®
• Microsoft Business Solutions CRM
• Microsoft Business Solutions–Great Plains®
• Microsoft Business Solutions–Navision®
• Microsoft Business Solutions–Solomon®
• Microsoft Office System