PUBLISHER’S LETTER

The Benefits of User Conferences

Those of us associated with the magazine are lucky to be offered the opportunity to participate in a variety of meetings hosted by retailers, associations, as well as solutions providers. We don’t always have the availability to attend, but when we can, we like to participate.

Speaking specifically about user conferences hosted by solutions providers, the benefits are many. We get to hear presentations by retailers about how they are implementing the host company’s product. We hear about the latest technology developments and, sometimes even, about what’s in the works that may not be public knowledge…yes, we can keep a secret. We also get to enjoy the networking.

Often, there is robust discussion about issues with technology or customer service, brainstorming of solutions, and pie-in-the-sky wish lists. In my experience, this give-and-take may be the most valuable part, especially for the solutions provider who is willing to take both the positive and negative feedback as constructive criticism that they can turn into positive changes for their users.

During these discussions you may hear one retailer voice an issue they are having, only to have another retailer offer a solution that they have discovered. More than once I’ve heard an attendee tell another retailer, “Talk to me at break, and I’ll tell you how I solved that problem.” At other times, the host will have their development team in the meeting to offer their insights. How valuable is it to have a room full of experts together talking in detail about a technology that is critical to the success of an LP operation?

Most recently I attended one such educational conference sponsored by i3 International (see page 61). They host what they call INNOVISION every two years. I’m not sure if it’s because they are a Canadian company, but this conference is scheduled in February in a warm location. This year it was held in Puerto Rico. (I hear that salt-water fishing may have something to do with the location choice as well.)

I mentioned above that one of the benefits I get from these events is getting to know a company better. Visiting with vendor partners at traditional industry events often doesn’t give you the opportunity to really get to know the company. Having not only the face of the company present, but also other executives as well as staff for several days is typically just not possible except in meetings like this.

Every company is unique, but few have a back story like i3. This is a family-owned company founded and run by Vietnam refugees who fled the end of the war in 1975 by boat. Jack Hoang is president, Bob is VP of international development, and Vy is EVP of sales and marketing. Vy opened the conference with an emotional presentation about the family’s escape from Vietnam to a refugee camp where they waited in desperate circumstances for an invitation to immigrate to North America. Canada provided that opportunity.

I mention this for two reasons. First, it illustrates the importance of getting to know a company. Second, it explains why family is such an integral element to the success of i3.

Many of the attendees brought family with them and the event included spouses and children in many of the activities. It was great fun experiencing that side of people who you often only know in a business context.

However, my message is not to promote i3. The bottom line is that LP executives and, especially, their staff should seriously consider the benefits of attending user conferences. The benefits are many and valuable…whether they are held in San Juan or Saint Paul.

Jack Trlica Editor and Publisher

LossPrevention and LP Magazine are service marks owned by the publishers and their use is restricted. All editorial content is copyrighted. No article may be reproduced by any means without expressed, written permission from the publisher. Reprints or PDF versions of articles are available by contacting the publisher. Statements of fact or opinion are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the publishers. Advertising in the publication does not imply endorsement by the publishers. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any article or advertisement.

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700 matthews mint Hill rd, Ste c matthews, Nc 28105 704-365-5226 office, 704-365-1026 fax EDItor aND PUBLISHEr Jack trlica JackT@LPportal.com EXEcUtIVE EDItor James Lee, LPc JimL@LPportal.com coNtrIBUtING EDItorS robert L. DiLonardo Walter E. Palmer, cFI, cPP, cFE amber Virgillo coNtrIBUtorS William a. alford, LPc, cFE read Hayes, Ph.D., cPP richard c. Hollinger, Ph.D. Gene Smith Shane G. Sturman, cFI, cPP David E. Zulawski, cFI, cFE DIGItaL EDItor John Selevitch JohnS@LPportal.com crEatIVE DIrEctor Larry Preslar ProoFrEaDEr amy trainor DESIGN & ProDUctIoN SParK Publications info@SPARKpublications.com 704-844-6080

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