The #6 Reason to Attend SEPGNA: There’s gold in them thar hills
Howdy, Partners – hope you got your spurs on, because I’ve got another one of my Top 10 Reasons for giddy-uppin’ down to the SEPG North America rodeo on March 12-15 in Albuquerque. I know some of y’all had your fill with Reason #10, Reason #9, Reason #8 and Reason #7. But if you’re looking for even more reasons to come … as John Wayne used to say, “Young fella, I’ll accommodate ya” … just as soon as I drop my phony cowpoke accent.
Let’s get on with my list of Top 10 Reasons to attend SEPG North America 2012.
Drum roll, please! Reason #6 is …
There’s gold in them thar hills.
Yes, my friends, gold, as in golden opportunities. Every year, the SEPG North America conference attracts engineering and software professionals from some of the finest organizations in our country, and beyond. It also attracts a slew of CMMI Consultants, Lead Appraisers, and CMMI Instructors. That makes the conference an outstanding to network and develop new business relationships.
As you may know, the conference draws everyone from CMMI Lead Appraisers to CMMI program sponsors to folks who are just learning how to spell “CMMI.” They all come together out of a common interest in process, performance, and organizational improvement. Some are actively looking for a potential SEI Partner. And some have already gotten attached to one. But I’ve found that there is plenty of opportunity for sponsors to meet Partners, and Partners to meet sponsors during the many technical presentation and networking events.
True story: Last year, in Portland, I gave a presentation called “The Agile SCAMPI: Taming the Savage Beast.” There was a decent crowd (ok, some came just for the hats I was tossing out for free) and I hope they received some good information about making Appraisals simpler and more Agile.
One company in the audience was in the process of tackling a large-scale, multi-location process improvement initiative. They needed help with planning, training, and conducting a multi-site SCAMPI Appraisal. They had already zeroed in on a small set of Partners to choose from but after my speech they added me to the list. Just like that! I ultimately started working with them and it was a win for everyone involved.
What lesson did I learn from this? Come for the great technical sessions, but stay for the networking. You never know when you’re shaking hands with your next big client – or finding your next Partner.
One last thing. Don’t forget to register by February 10, 2012. You’ll save up to $300 off regular, full-conference registration rates.
Need more reasons to go? Check back soon for Reason #5.
Jeff Dalton is President of Broadsword Solutions Corporation and the incoming Chairman of the SEI’s Partner Advisory Board. He is a certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser and CMMI Instructor. While teaching thousands of students in CMMI trainings, he has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students. Jeff can be reached at appraiser@broadswordsolutions.com.
Visit www.broadswordsolutions.com for more information about running a successful CMMI program.
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