Published: October 31, 2022  Updated: May 29, 2025

Unlocking the Power of User Group Conferences: More Than Just Presentations

The true value of a user group conference extends far beyond a series of scheduled talks. Such gatherings, like the Mapcon User Group (MUG) conference, build connections, facilitate the exchange of practical knowledge, and significantly contribute to professional growth. These events offer a unique environment where shared experiences and collective insights elevate understanding and application of complex systems. Let's discuss unlocking the power of user group conferences.

The Broader Scope of User Group Events

A maintenance professional familiar with Mapcon Technologies' computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), might wonder about the Mapcon User Group conference. An initial skepticism about the event's worth, particularly a multi-day commitment, highlights a common misconception. Perhaps, the individual’s supervisor had also questioned the benefit of attending.

Let's look at the most recent conference. Contrary to the initial belief of being a series of lengthy seminars, it featured only three days of presentations. The initial day included several hours at a food and games venue, Smashpark. This provided an opportunity for friendly competition and informal introductions among attendees from various companies and industries. Individuals from California, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Louisiana traveled to Iowa, demonstrating the wide reach and appeal of the conference.

Fostering Connections and Collaboration

The primary aim of these initial activities involved individuals conversing, creating contacts, and learning about other people and their respective businesses. The meet-and-greet session in the afternoon, followed by a meal from Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, also emphasized interaction. Conference participants connected with Mapcon employees and clients in person, a departure from typical phone interactions during support calls. This face-to-face engagement provided a valuable way for company representatives to establish relationships with their CMMS vendor and with other system users. Discussions occurred with a maintenance supervisor overseeing capitol complex operations, a purchasing professional, and many others.

Insights from Presentations and User Experiences

The formal presentations, held in a well-equipped meeting room with a large projection screen, proved highly informative. Visibility and readability of the material were not an issue for any attendee. While the seminars focused on MAPCON, their relevance extended to how companies apply the system in their daily operations.

For example, a common use of Mapcon involves preventive maintenance, inventory control, and purchasing. However, the conference revealed variations in system usage across different organizations. This distinction held particular importance.

Consider the scenario where one supervisor manages maintenance using a specific method. Another representative, unfamiliar with that approach, could potentially adapt it for their own operation. The exchange of such practical applications is a key benefit. Topics explored included improved planning and scheduling concepts, lockout/tagout procedures, and customization. Many companies create customizations for their CMMS to suit unique needs. The conference provided a platform for attendees to discover if another company could benefit from a similar customization, a sharing of knowledge that might not occur otherwise.

Discover how streamlined maintenance processes can elevate production. Learn more.

Practical Applications and Mobile Accessibility

Other points of discussion included checklists, barcodes, and multiple site usage. While many companies use checklists, the discussion about their application on mobile devices presented a new perspective for some. The ability to input information directly from a mobile device, eliminating the need to wait until returning to an office, offers significant operational advantages. This focus on sharing ideas and practical implementations helped attendees implement new strategies within their own organizations. The conference balanced informative sessions with light-hearted activities, ensuring engagement.

Building Community and Direct Support

A team-building exercise, a game similar to Scategories, encouraged participants to work together in groups to arrive at answers, generating much laughter. This informal activity underscored the collaborative spirit of the event. Representatives also had opportunities for one-on-one conversations with MAPCON support and IT personnel, both during scheduled times and impromptu moments. These direct interactions allowed for sharing ideas, asking specific questions, and receiving direct assistance. Several such conversations occurred throughout the conference, highlighting the active exchange of information and mutual support among attendees.

An evening dinner featured a local comedian for entertainment, adding to the convivial atmosphere. The final day included presentations on depreciation, conducting a physical inventory count, and further discussions on Mapcon usage and its adaptability to specific situations. This continual exchange of information constituted a core purpose of the conference.

The Collaborative Vision of the Conference

The conference, organized by system users with significant involvement from MAPCON staff, primarily focuses on networking, information sharing, and learning about MAPCON applications. It also cultivates business relationships. Participants reported feeling welcomed and experiencing unexpected benefits. The value of attending such an event, from both a learning and networking perspective, greatly exceeded initial expectations. This experience led to a recognition of the missed opportunity for those who did not attend.

Consider engaging with a supervisor about the benefits of attending such conferences. Regularly checking the Mapcon website information on future events remains advisable. If a company has recently expanded its maintenance team using the system, exploring in-house training sessions offers another avenue for meeting representatives from other companies and discussing their software usage. When the next MUG conference is announced, reminding management of these discussions can pave the way for future attendance.

Ultimately, getting "MUG'd" signifies embracing a valuable experience that extends beyond formal instruction, leading to enriched understanding and professional connections.

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