NiUG 2016 Chicago Conference Wrap-Up
We’re still coming down from all the excitement of last month’s Chicago Conference. It was an amazing three-day event, packed with everything iMIS and an exemplary lineup of presenters. We’ll be posting recordings of the sessions shortly, but in the meantime, here’s the rundown on from Chicago. Over 245 iMIS users, solution providers, consultants, and vendors gathered at The Westin Chicago River North in downtown Chicago, Illinois to Become iMIS Superheroes at the 2016 NiUG Chicago Conference on April 11-13. This year’s regional conference attracted attendees as far as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and even Australia. In fact, this year’s event saw record breaking attendance for us in Chicago specifically, as well as overall attendance for a regional event.
Record Chicago Attendance
With 29 partners and exhibitors, this year’s conference featured over 35 educational sessions, training classes, demonstrations, exhibitor showcases, and networking events. It all started on Monday with 145 iMIS users participating in either full and half day training classes. The full conference opened on Tuesday with our keynote speaker Mary Byers, CAE, author of Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations. Mary challenged attendees to question their current thinking of association management and suggested changes each organization should be considering.
Fantastic Presenters
We couldn’t be more grateful to our lineup of volunteer speakers who made this conference an exciting one. We’d like to offer a special thanks to each presenter who shared their experience and knowledge in Chicago:
Andy Weaver, Land Trust Alliance
Brandi Barber, Computer System Innovations
Bruce Ryan, Florida Bankers Association
Bruce Wilson, RSM US LLP
Chadd Arthur, RSM US LLP
Christine Smith, Association Technology Solutions
David Riffle, Advanced Solutions International, Inc.
Doug Morris, Computer System Innovations
Elizabeth Livingston, Ascension Technology Solutions, LLC
Elizabeth Wojcik, Computer System Innovations
Eric Tarasewicz, (C) Systems Global
Jake Robida, Association Technology Solutions
James Jones, Sigma Chi Fraternity & Foundation
Jeff Dong, Computer System Innovations
Jeff Spring, Advanced Solutions International, Inc.
Jodi O’Toole, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity
Keith Hunter, Armstrong Enterprise Communications
Keith Williams, Irrigation Association
Kimberly Engle, The Kellen Company
Mark Jones, CAE, enSYNC Corporation
Melissa Mack, Intuitive Business Concepts, LLC.
Michael Patti, The Kellen Company
Michelle Wroblewski, RSM US LLP
Mike Barylski, Computer System Innovations
Robert Lane, Ph.D, Lane Services, LLC
Steve Wooten, (C) Systems Global
Susan Du, RSM US LLP
Trisha Haas, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity
NiUG App a Success!
It was evident throughout the conference and from the conference evaluations that a major highlight of the event was our Mosaic 365 Mobile App. It was great to see so many people embrace technology and connect digitally. Over 70% used the app to add sessions and events to their schedule, update their profiles, swap digital business cards, scan QR codes to earn points, even connect with NiUG on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. As a part of the Exhibitor Game available thru the mobile app, attendees also earned different amounts of points for a variety of conference activities including visiting an exhibitor, submitting session evaluations, uploading photos to the gallery, and testing their Chicago knowledge.
Winners were announced during the Closing Session and included:
1st Place ($200 Amazon gift card)
Gabrial Fornaresio, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
2nd Place ($100 Visa gift card)
Eric Tarasewicz, (C) Systems Global
3rd Place ($15 gift card – various)
Bruce Ryan, Florida Bankers Association
Connie Ferraro, Pennsylvania Bankers Association
Michelle Jackson, Texas PTA
Mark Granquist, Association Technologies, Inc.
Matt Blubaugh, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
Michelle Madison, Kentucky Bankers Association
Nancy Anderson, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
Nathan Block, Missouri Bankers Association
Robin Johnson, Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc.
Tim Johnston, Illinois State Bar Association
Events Galore in Chicago
There were so many ways to network in Chicago and attendees took full advantage of the opportunities. The conference kicked off with a Welcome Reception hosted by NiUG partners and exhibitors at Chicago’s Public House on Monday evening. 10Pin Bowling Lounge, a short walk from the hotel was the destination for Tuesday night’s networking event. Attendees were able to kick back, relax, and enjoy a night of networking and bowling. In addition to dinner and drinks, the event enabled attendees to build their professional network in a more laid back, fun atmosphere. By popular demand, speed Networking returned to the agenda and again was a great success. This event was developed as a way to connect iMIS users with each other. According to John Lally, ICT Support Officer for the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council of Ireland, the events were fun and a nice way to meet new people.
NiUG Invades Twitter
Social media played a heightened role at this year’s conference. Along with the NiUG App, Twitter was a popular way to instantly share conference thoughts, images, and information. Below are some Twitter highlights from the 2016 NiUG Chicago Conference. Follow @NiUG_iMISUsers and #NiUG16 for more conversations!
@jkabir511: The art of leadership is saying no, not yes. It’s very easy to say yes. #NiUG16
@CommPart: Connecting with friends and colleagues at #NiUG16
@JaxA0916: #niug #chicago #keynote - 5 Strategies for Success: 5. Purposeful Abandonment. 80% of revenue is coming from only 20% of your services.
@GreyMaye: Fun and informative session on iMIS RiSE Quick Start Sites at #NiUG16
@135746: Many thanks to Michelle Wroblewski who just solved an iMIS challenge which has been bugging me for a long time. #NiUG16
@CP_ChrisU: Hanging with my good friends, @marybyers & @CP_Meghan at #NiUG16 #Chicago #asae
@jakebound: I wonder why superheroes wearing tights need a belt #NiUG16
@jodio2l: Hanging out with the iMIS goddess @ibconcepts #niug16
@russellfranks: Everyone in #Chicago is hyped up on #iMIS 20.2 Q4 with new responsive @WebFormZ + @NiUG_iMISUsers @advsol #niug16
@mlelempsis: Have a great Chicago Conference @NiUG_iMISUsers #iMIS #NiUG16. Keep an eye out for @marnib76 and @dougcsi our reps from @NiUGAP
Save the Date!
Seeking more inspiration? Save the date - 2016 NiUG Discovery Conference, September 26-28, at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore - Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD. Visit our
for a full listing of NiUG Events.