Now that the nominations for the GPUG All-Star Award have all been gathered, thank you to those that took the time to submit your entries, the time has come to place your vote!

The GPUG All-Star Award program recognizes up to three GPUG Members who have a passion for Microsoft Dynamics® GP and have made significant contributions of their time and expertise to educate and connect the greater GPUG community. All-Stars will be awarded onstage this October at GPUG Summit in Nashville, TN.

This is a great way to let the nominees know how much you appreciate all their efforts, no matter what form it may take, such as blogging, serving on committees, presenting, answering questions on the Open Forum and more. I am very excited to be witnessing three new All-Stars joining the ranks of our current All-Stars, including last year’s winners Frank Heslin (ExamWorks, Inc), Brian Lambertz (Connexus Energy) and Amber Bell (Training Dynamo LLC).

Please take a moment of your time to vote for the GPUG members nominated for the 2017 GPUG All-Star Award. Click here to access the survey, the voting deadline is Friday, August 25th.

Originally posted on gpug.com.

Step outside of your office confines and boost your career with fellow Microsoft Dynamics® GP users. 

Did you know that one of the top reasons users attend GPUG Summit Nashville is for the networking? Many of the most dedicated and highly seasoned Dynamics users will be in Nashville October 10–13, and we created opportunities galore for you to network like crazy. Killer content and superb solutions are also among the top three reasons people keep comin’ back. 

Not registered? Skedaddle to the site and save!
If you're a member of the Dynamics GP User Group (GPUG®), save $200 when you register now, or before September 7. Then check out over 175 breakout sessions to determine which ones are most likely to provide you with the knowledge you’ve been craving. Not yet a member? Explore membership benefits, including discounted conference registrations.

That old Rolodex doesn’t stand a chance.
With the perfect venue for mixin’ ’n’ meetin’, we’re setting you up for networking success. Prepare to make lifelong connections with like-minded peers. Register today to sharpen your skills, share your knowledge, and soak it all up.

Till the cows come home.
You didn’t think we’d stop at sessions, did you? Not a chance. We created some serious on-site fun. Even if social isn’t so simple for you, there’s an event you’re sure to enjoy. Click here to stay up to date on all the networking opportunities available. Here’s a partial rundown:

• First Timers Round-Up: Nothin’ says “Nice to meetcha” like a mingler designed for first-time attendees of GPUG Summit. Like everything else we do, we’re bringing our community together. And this first-timers extravaganza will be a bucket full of introductions. So pack up your business cards and practice your handshake.
• Downtown Nashville Experience: Pull on your boots and grab that fancy belt buckle, because this experience is a surefire way to get you out of your shell and kickin’ up your heels. We’re creating our very own Music Row right on-site so that you can experience a little bit of Nashville, without the taxi lines.
• Dinner with Peers: This is a unique chance to dine with individuals working in the same profession as you. Share, learn, and grow with people who understand your role, because they’re walkin’ in your shoes.

Artwork sneak peek No. 3: “Don’t I know you?” 
In this third sneak peek of our custom dynamic artwork, we meet The Cowgirl. With bouffant hair that would make Dolly Parton proud, this gal knows what real facetime is all about. With her star-studded denim and her favorite bandana, she’s geared up for especially good conversation and some real-time novelty networking.

So whether you’re the quiet observer, or the free-moving mingler, join us in Nashville, connect with peers, and get those burning questions answered at GPUG Summit.

Don’t wait! Lasso your spot.
Ready to learn, share, grow, and network? If you're a subscriber, bundle a new membership with registration to start reaping the benefits and save. If you're a GPUG member, register now and save $200. 

Originally posted on gpug.com.

This year Dynamic Communities commissioned vibrant artwork for GPUG Summit Nashville from digital artist Punchgut. This artwork is inspired not by Dynamics (the software), but by YOU - the dynamic community of users and partners who bring the intention of this tool to life. We are releasing a new element from this one-of-a-kind, energetic piece every month. Did you miss last month's boot feature? 

We are excited to introduce the August GPUG Summit custom artwork element: The Cowgirl! 

In this third sneak peek of Matt’s colorful creation, we meet The Cowgirl. With bouffant hair that makes Dolly Parton proud, this gal knows what real facetime is all about. With her star-studded denim and her favorite bandana, she’s geared up for especially good conversation and some real-time novelty networking. So whether you’re the quiet observer, or the free-moving mingler, join us in Nashville, connect with peers both new and old, and get those burning questions answered at GPUG Summit.

This artwork is:

• Bold: Like you and the work you contribute to across the board, our custom art doesn't pull any punches. It's bold and confident, like you are when rocking your skill-set in Dynamics.
• Current: Our artist, Matt Mastrud, also known as Punchgut, is a preeminent, provocative artist who's shaking up the art scene in America. And Dynamics' just-now reporting ensures that you're showing your bosses and colleagues you know what's happening today-and what's next.
• Fresh: Once you have a chance to meet your peers and pals who have their hands-on Dynamics, you'll find new ways to get things done in your organization. After all, who could have imagined that an artist would be so inspired by a tool made by Microsoft? This conference gives you new ways to sells your skills and prove your value across your org. We promise.

In summary, we wanted to create a piece of art work that embodies who our members are, attendees and Dynamic Communities are and what the GPUG Summit conference represents. When you boil it down, it's all about you! Our attendees. Our attendees who attend GPUG Summit to learn, network and to engage on all things Microsoft Dynamics. Our attendees who represent a truly vibrant community of subject matter experts who have this plethora of knowledge that is bubbling out of them which they want to share and learn more about.

Tie on your bandana, polish your boots, and Register now for the rowdiest Dynamics conference around.

At Dynamic Communities, we love and thrive off bringing this community together. Our goal is to make your conference experience one to remember and, like we said, we wanted to try to create a piece of art work that would embody all of this, and by golly, we think we nailed it! Find out more about the artist here: https://www.gpugsummit.com/involve/artist​​

INTRODUCING EXECUTIVE PROGRAM IN NASHVILLE

For one week each year, Microsoft users leave behind the world of net-centered chat to power real-life growth between peers and experts in a lively, engaged environment. GPUG Summit, a conference now in its 11th year, is the can’t-miss conference where thousands of Microsoft users gather to network with other like-minded users, establish relationships and solve their business problems.

This year, in addition to GPUG Summit, which will be held from October 10th through the 13th at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Conference Center in Nashville, the conference will offer an exclusive, new Executive Program on Wednesday, October 11th. Though the format is new to GPUG Summit, the Executive Program has been running for years, originating in Europe.

Hear what a past attendee had to say about the Executive Program:

"I always try to carve out time for the Executive Program as the content and level of conversations are difficult to find and are crucial to help shape the digital strategy for my firm. There are limited networking opportunities like this which allow me to connect with peers of mine, driving learning, problem solving, and relationship building throughout the community of other business leaders." – Joe Wiley, Director of Information Systems at Masonite

Learn more about the topics covered and who should attend: www.gpugsummit.com/executive 

Interested in attending the Executive Program?
If you are already registered for GPUG Summit you are eligible to attend the Executive Program, alongside your regular GPUG Summit sessions. No further action is needed on your part.

• If you haven't yet registered for the conference:
  • Join us for the Executive Program only by purchasing a One Day Conference Pass. 
  • Join us for the full conference, including the Executive Program by purchasing a Full Conference Pass.
  • Note, for both passes you are invited to join the Expo Hall Welcome Reception, Tuesday, October 10th from 5:00-8:00PM for appetizers & refreshments. 

If you’re not the correct point of contact for the executive program, please share this with your executive team. We look forward to seeing you and your executive team at GPUG Summit!

More opportunities to network in Nashville than ever before.

At GPUG Summit Nashville content is king and networking is queen.

Authentic networking opportunities abound at GPUG Summit for meeting your Microsoft Dynamics® GP peers, creating lasting connections with people who will help you find answers to your burning questions both in Nashville and at home.

Attend GPUG Summit, October 10-13, to follow in the “bootsteps” of The Cowgirl, queen of networking in Nashville. By connecting with companies in like-industries and individuals in like-job roles, you’ll grow your support network and overcome system challenges without risking down time for your organization. Register now and click the left-hand icon to find out the top 10 ways to make professional connections at GPUG Summit.

Past attendees can attest to the novelty networking:
“Seasoned users are very much willing to share their knowledge and experiences of the system functionalities with other users, especially with the rookies.” 
-Karen Kwong, Corporate Controller, Union Supply Company

For the socially inclined
Want to stay up-to-date on all of the networking opportunities? Click here for the full rundown. Hear from GPUG General Manager Bob McAdam about additional benefits available onsite: Watch video.

Announcing brand new executive program
Let your executive team know they are invited to attend the Executive Program on Wednesday, October 11 in Nashville. During this 1-day track, executives will roll up their sleeves and think strategically about digital transformation and how it is changing the way they do business now and in the future. Learn more about the Executive Program.

As a paid member, keep more coins in your saddlebag
Nowhere else will you find the collective Dynamics GP brainpower than at GPUG Summit. If you are a GPUG member, get more bang for your buck when you register through September 7 and save $200. Not yet a member? Bundle your conference registration with a user membership to also enjoy year-round membership benefits like exclusive training, job-specific content aimed at increasing your Dynamics GP knowledge, and access to the on-demand content library, to name a few. Just one membership gives your entire organization access to start enjoying the benefits of peer-to-peer connections, all year long. 

GPUG Summit Nashville attendees will have a unique experience to give back to those less fortunate. Dynamic Communities is joining Rise Against Hunger in the fight against hunger, and all Summit Nashville attendees are encouraged to contribute to the goal of packaging 50,000 meals in 3 days.

Did you know...

• 792.5 million people across the world don't receive enough nutrition to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
• 66 million primary school-aged children attend classes hungry across the developing world.
• 150 million less people would be hungry if women farmers had equal access to resources as men.

Rise Against Hunger will have a booth with an assembly line during Expo hours at GPUG Summit. In addition to visiting with the sponsors of GPUG Summit and finding solutions to your business challenges, take a few minutes to help bring solutions to the hunger problems around the world. We are excited to work alongside thousands of GPUG Summit volunteers and package boxes of food to join the fight against hunger.

Learn more about giving back through Rise Against Hunger at GPUG Summit by visiting the website today.

Not yet registered for GPUG Summit? Register through September 7 to save $200 with Advanced Pricing. Once you're registered, please make a plan to join us in the fight against hunger.

Andy's Story:

Dynamic Communities Founder, Andy Hafer, recently volunteered with Rise Against Hunger and witnessed the impact it made on an orphanage in Haiti. Read about his incredible experience.

About Rise Against Hunger:

Driven by the vision of a world without hunger, the mission of Rise Against Hunger is to end hunger by 2030 by providing food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable and creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources. Check out the incredible impact this organization is making in our world:

• Aid distributed to 37 countries.*
• 376,000 volunteers around the globe put their hands-on hunger in 2016.
• 1 million live nourished by Rise Against Hunger meals and other aid in 2016.

Learn more about the impact of Rise Against Hunger. 

GPUG Summit Nashville is an unbeatable opportunity to get answers to the big questions that will help you apply your new knowledge the second you walk back into the office. At GPUG Summit, you'll dive in to share your knowledge and tap into others' expertise. It's a win-win for everyone.

GPUG Summit isn’t complete without Pre-Conference Academy

Did you know there are two days’ worth of intensive learning available before the conference even officially begins? That's right ya’ll - Pre-Conference Academy training is available Monday, Oct. 9 through Tuesday, Oct. 10 at the Gaylord Opryland. We also have Dexterity Fundamentals 5-day Bootcamp the week before Summit starting on Oct. 2nd! 

Been there, solved that
Learn from professionals across the Microsoft Dynamics® GP ecosystem who know the ins and outs of Dynamics GP product capabilities, including Amber Bell, David Musgrave and Rod O'Connor.

Go-to training for the greatest ROI

There is no question that GPUG Summit and Pre-Conference Academy provide the greatest ROI to your organization. The cost comparison to other high-quality training experiences is unmatched.

With 40+ courses ranging in focus from Power BI to Management Reporter, there is a course for everyone at Pre-Conference Academy.

Space is filling quickly! View all Pre-Conference Academy course details here.

We look forward to seeing you at Pre-Conference Academy training in Nashville.

Separate registration is required for Pre-Conference Academy. Interested in attending Pre-Conference Academy only? Email Daisey@dynamiccommunities.com or Shane@dynamiccommunities.com.

Organizations all across the world are leveraging Power BI to transform their data and find answers to their most important questions. 

This year at GPUG Summit, held October 10-13 in Nashville, TN, take advantage of brand new Power BI education, provided by the Power BI User Group (PUG). Learn more about PUG. The Power BI track at GPUG Summit, offered Thursday, October 12, will feature approximately 20 sessions that allow you to dive into Power BI and come home with an action plan. 

Who should attend
Business Analyst, Developer/DBA, Data Scientist, IT Professional, Security Administrator, System Administrator, Accountant, Operations Manager, HR Manager, Marketing Director, Sales Manager… All business users - anyone can use Power BI! The Power BI track will offer everything from basic content for the new Power BI user to advanced content covering R and Machine Learning.


Apply your new knowledge back at the office
The Dynamics Power BI SIG Leaders worked hard to develop sessions that provide the knowledge and tools you need as a business user, but also to help you leave GPUG Summit with actionable steps to implement what you learn when you return home. All sessions are led by industry experts, including MVPs Belinda Allen and Ted Pattison, and user presenter and PUG SIG Leader Mark Corr. Click here to have a look-see at the full Power BI session line-up and here’s a preview of some actionable learning sessions:

• How to Create Actionable Power BI Dashboards
• Build Your First Dashboard in an Hour
• Package That Up: Using What You Learned
• Ask the Experts

Product insight
Between hearing the new and exciting additions for Microsoft Power BI directly from Microsoft, and thousands of fellow users who all have their own approach to putting Power BI to work for them, it’s an electric experience that will power your user group conversations throughout years to come.

Additional Power BI training*
Besides access to Power BI breakout sessions did you know if you attend GPUG Summit you'll also have the opportunity to participate in instructor-led classroom training in Nashville before the conference even begins? That's right, ya'll! Pre-Conference Academy training courses will be held October 9-10. View all Academy courses and here's a preview of those that cover Power BI topics:

• Deep Dive into Power BI 2-Day Workshop
• Getting Started with Power BI 
• Power BI and Excel for GP Distribution

Register
Ready to produce amazing reports and dashboards that your company can safely consume from anywhere? If you are registered for GPUG Summit, you are already eligible to attend sessions in the Power BI track. If you haven’t yet registered, what are you waiting for? Advanced Pricing ends September 7 - skedaddle on over to the site and save!




*Separate registration is required for Pre-Conference Academy. Interested in attending Pre-Conference Academy only? Email Daisey@gpug.com.

There’s still time to register for GPUG Summit Nashville at a discounted price.

Advanced Pricing is available through this Thursday, September 7! Take advantage of this boot kickin’ deal and save $200 instantly.

GPUG Summit is a one-stop-shop for all of your Microsoft Dynamics® GP needs. Here’s a recap of the many benefits shared over the past few months:

• Education galore. Consistently rated the number one reason to attend, 200+ breakout sessions will provide in-depth, hands-on educational opportunities. There is something for everyone on your team: View schedule.
• Additional training. Earn CPE credits and learn from the experts in a class-room style setting with Pre-Conference Academy. Seating is limited so browse the 40+ courses available and register.
• Curated networking. Cultivate relationships by collaborating with like-minded attendees and those with similar experiences to share best practices and gain unique perspectives. Discover opportunities to establish invaluable relationships.
• Add-on solutions. Explore the GPUG Summit Expo and connect with Dynamics GP partners and ISVs to discover solutions for your Dynamics implementation. View Expo Hall map.

NEW! Executive Program and Power BI track. The Executive Program, held Wednesday, October 11, will offer sessions challenging executives to think strategically about how digital transformation is changing the way they do business. Learn more about the Executive Program. The Power BI track, hosted by the Power BI User Group (PUG) on Thursday, October 12, will offer actionable training for every level of Power BI user. Learn more about the Power BI track.

Time is running out. Tie on a bandana, polish your belt buckles, and get registered!

Not yet a GPUG Member? 

Bundle your conference registration with a user membership so you and your company can enjoy year-round membership benefits like job-specific content to increase your Dynamics GP knowledge. Join your community today!

This year Dynamic Communities commissioned vibrant artwork for GPUG Summit Nashville from digital artist Punchgut. This artwork is inspired not by Dynamics (the software), but by YOU - the dynamic community of users and partners who bring the intention of this tool to life. We are releasing a new element from this one-of-a-kind, energetic piece every month. Did you miss last month's cowgirl feature? 

We are excited to introduce the September GPUG Summit custom artwork element: The Microphone! 

In this fourth and final sneak peek of our custom artwork we unveil the Microphone. Why? Because this is your chance to use your voice. We’re going to be in Music City, so it makes sense to hand you the mic, right? It’s more figurative than literal, but it represents the unique opportunity we all have to provide solutions that shape the future, while skyrocketing our learning curve with our community.

This artwork is:

• Bold: Like you and the work you contribute to across the board, our custom art doesn't pull any punches. It's bold and confident, like you are when rocking your skill-set in Dynamics.
• Current: Our artist, Matt Mastrud, also known as Punchgut, is a preeminent, provocative artist who's shaking up the art scene in America. And Dynamics' just-now reporting ensures that you're showing your bosses and colleagues you know what's happening today-and what's next.
• Fresh: Once you have a chance to meet your peers and pals who have their hands-on Dynamics, you'll find new ways to get things done in your organization. After all, who could have imagined that an artist would be so inspired by a tool made by Microsoft? This conference gives you new ways to sells your skills and prove your value across your org. We promise.

In summary, we wanted to create a piece of art work that embodies who our members are, attendees and Dynamic Communities are and what the GPUG Summit conference represents. When you boil it down, it's all about you! Our attendees. Our attendees who attend GPUG Summit to learn, network and to engage on all things Microsoft Dynamics. Our attendees who represent a truly vibrant community of subject matter experts who have this plethora of knowledge that is bubbling out of them which they want to share and learn more about.

Bring your questions and karaoke voice, and Register now for the rowdiest Dynamics conference around. 

At Dynamic Communities, we love and thrive off bringing this community together. Our goal is to make your conference experience one to remember and, like we said, we wanted to try to create a piece of art work that would embody all of this, and by golly, we think we nailed it! Find out more about the artist here: https://www.gpugsummit.com/involve/artist​​. 
​

GPUG Summit Nashville, October 10-13, is the one place this year where you’ll take part in electrifying general sessions, essential peer-to-peer knowledge exchanges, product insight forums, and authentic networking opportunities.

One of such exciting general sessions is the Opening General Session on Wednesday, October 11, with newly announced speaker PamMisialek, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft.





Pam currently drives the product strategy, direction, and vision of the Microsoft Dynamics® GP product line. She has over 20 years of experience with Microsoft Dynamics. Pam started her Microsoft Dynamics career in the development team and quickly moved into a customer facing role with support and consulting where she learned the depth of Dynamics GP and helped existing customers get more out of their solution.

Pam truly understands the importance of improving the lives and business success of customers.

Learn more about Pam.

In her presentation, Pam will reveal what you can expect from Dynamics GP 2018. Click the Star icon to add this session to your GPUG Summit schedule: Add now.

Not yet registered for GPUG Summit? Click below to join Pam and thousands of your Dynamics peers in Nashville, TN this October: