MidWest User Group Conference Update

I just returned home from the SolidWorks MidWest Regional Conference.  This was a great 2-day tricks packed educational event that had everything from.  This event started with a keynote address from Jon Hirschstick who talked about evolving technologies (such as web based applications, gaming, vide technology, etc…) and trends, outside of CAD, that is monitored by SolidWorks.  This does not mean that SolidWorks will be investing in these technologies, but they are watching these trends to see if there is anything they can use to provide additional services for their customers.

During this event, I gave presentations on the SolidWorks API and Design Tables. I received good feedback from the users who attended these presentations, which helps me prepare for doing these presentations at SolidWorks World 2008 on San Diego. 

Other presentations included Curvy Stuff by Ed Eaton, Weldments by Richard Doyle, Automating Assemblies by Matt Cummins, Drawing Productivity and Design Intent by Greg Jankowski, and many more.  There were 4 sessions for each of 3 time slots on each day.  With only a couple of empty slots, there were 21 presentations given at this event.

This was the 5th year of an event that started in 2003 with the combined efforts of the Milwaukee, Chicago and Rockford user groups. The meeting in 2003 lasted just 1 day.  SolidWorks recognized the advantage of this event and sent Jon McEleney to be our keynote speaker in 2004-2006.

Unfortunately, it looks like this year’s event may be the last 2 day event of its kind on SolidWorks’ schedule.  This is due to the expense and efforts to set up this event.  Much of the expense (cost of location, food, etc…) of this event has been shared by vendors, resellers and SolidWorks.  There is also a large effort involved in setting this big of an event.  Those efforts include finding a suitable location, negotiating reduced hotel room rates, arranging technical presenters, food service, etc… 

The bulk of this effort (for the last 4 years) has been taken on by Mark Peters, President, Impact Engineering, and Committee Member and one of the founders of the SolidWorks User Group Network (SWUGN).  Mark has been involved with SWUGN and setting up SolidWorks user groups in the MidWest, but after 10 years, he will be resigning his position on the SWUGN Committee. 

Mark, Thanks for your efforts and contributions to the SolidWorks user community for the last 10 years, and good luck on your other ventures.