Speakers

 

To name a few...

Cindy Alexander

Cindy Alexander is the Microsoft Partner Technology Specialist for Microsoft Dynamics GP in the Southeast. Her primary focus is partner readiness, driving partner technical development to help secure wins with their new and existing customers. Since the early 1980’s, Cindy has been engaged in all aspects of midmarket business management solutions as Controller, Systems Analyst and Programmer, Implementation Consultant, Sales Executive, and Solution Consultant. Prior to joining Microsoft, Cindy had over 20 years experience working with the partner channel.

Microsoft Corporation
Cindy.alexander@microsoft.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Consultative Selling Best Practices: Moving from Discovery into a Solution Presentation
    A prospect's comfort level starts with a solid discovery. Are you making the most of this important piece of the sales process? Uncover the basics of gathering information and pushing this new knowledge into a solution proposal. Incorporating Solution Selling best practices will provide your prospects with a presentation geared towards them and their business. This session also highlights topics from Demo to Win and Discovery to Win offered by Microsoft.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 9:00am - 10:15am
  • Maximizing the Use of VPC Images in Your Sales Demonstrations
    Are you aware of all of the demonstration tools available today? Using the Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Information Worker images as examples, this session will dive into the VPC images and their related content. Data, dashboards, scripts and workflow are at your fingertips. Learn how to use these elements in a tailored demonstration. Take advantage of the options available to prepare and deliver the best solution presentation.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 1:15pm - 2:30pm

Bob Aronson

Since the early 1980’s Bob Aronson has been building and managing successful selling organizations. With vast experiences in executive management positions selling Manufacturing, Supply Chain and CRM Software, Bob has served on the Board of Advisors for the Microsoft Dynamics Certified Account Executive program and was named the 2007 Microsoft Dynamics Sales Manager of the Year and the 1999 Microsoft Certified Sales Executive of the year. Currently, he is driving the vertical expansion of the US sales team and partner community for the Microsoft Dynamics Manufacturing Industry.

Microsoft Corporation
baronson@microsoft.com

Assigned Workshops

Jack Boyer

Jack Boyer founded Boyer & Associates in 1994 after working for Solomon Software’s largest Chicago-based VAR for a year and working for Solomon Software (Developer of Microsoft Dynamics SL) for nine years. With 16 employees in two cities (Minneapolis and Chicago), Boyer & Associates is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club member. Boyer & Associates’ goal is to be the absolute best Microsoft Dynamics SL and Microsoft Dynamics GP implementer nationwide.

Boyer & Associates
jboyer@boyerassoc.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Partner + Partner = $$$: Learn How Dynamics Partners Team Up to Build a Stronger Business
    Join us for an in-depth look at two Dynamics partners with different core focuses (PowerObjects and Microsoft Dynamics CRM; Boyer & Associates and Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics SL) and learn how they have teamed up to win bigger deals and increase their revenue. Find out what has worked and get a chance to hear first-hand from both partners about the benefits of partnering.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 3:00pm - 4:15pm

Michael Brown

Michael A. Brown is internationally-known as the Business To Business By Phone® expert. He also is founder and president of The Business Marketing Consultancy and Redwood Training Associates in Austin, Texas. Since 1986, the mission of all Michael’s enterprises is to help business marketers find, land, keep, and grow customers via consulting, training, and seminars. He has been a featured speaker at the Direct Marketing to Business conference, the Lead Generation Summits and What’s Working in BtoB Marketing.

Business To Business By Phone®
www.michaelabrown.com

Assigned Workshops

  • B2B Lead Generation and Development by Phone: What’s Flopping, What’s Working, Where the Money Is
    The good news… there are more phones now than ever. The challenge…you’re not the only one calling! That’s why your company’s calls have to be distinctive and better than others to be accepted and considered. Indeed, live human communication, usually by phone, remains vital to Partners’ stability and growth. You’ll find out how to use the phone well and profitably for lead generation and qualification at this no-nonsense, provocative, and fun session.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 16th, 9:00am - 10:15am

Dave Carleton

Beyond Marketing Group

Assigned Workshops

Jason Carter

Jason Carter has been providing market and competitive intelligence to Partners for over a decade. He was a member of Microsoft’s internal Microsoft Business Solutions Compete team, and now serves as the founder of PartnerCompete LLC. As administrator and frequent content contributor on PartnerCompete.com, Jason manages this secure, invitation-only community in which select Microsoft Dynamics-focused Partners share competitive and industry information and collaborate on tough sales. Jason has a passion for beating the competition.

PartnerCompete LLC
Jason@partnercompete.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Tips and Tricks for Beating the Competition with Your Sales Tactics
    The competition is out there and the landscape seems a moving target. Are you practicing the best competitive sales tactics today? How do we show our competitive strengths regardless of the competitor? This session will review tools available for you today that will bring you to the competitive edge in your sales strategy. Learn from a competitive industry expert as well as your fellow partners, ways you can remain competitively savvy from deal to deal.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 9:00am - 10:15am
    September 16th, 9:00am - 10:15am

Chris Conner

Microsoft Corporation

Assigned Workshops

Jennifer Culbertson

Jennifer Culbertson has more than 15 years of marketing experience working in the technology and professional services industries. Her proven ability in creating and executing integrated marketing campaigns for Microsoft VAR and ISV organizations has lead to specific expertise in marketing planning and budget management, marketing research and segmentation, program development, lead generation and nurture marketing programs. Jennifer has worked with numerous partners over the past two years for the Microsoft Dynamics Ramp and Ready program.

The Partner Marketing Group
jennifer@thepartnermarketinggroup.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Strategies for Marketing During Tough Economic Times
    During slow economic times many companies cut expenditures, and marketing is often at the top of the list. When other companies cut back they surrender potential market share. That said, there is no better time than NOW to pick up new customers and increase your company's profile in the marketplace. This session will explore creative ways you can build awareness and new business through effective low to no-cost marketing strategies that can stretch your budget and get the most out of every marketing dollar.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 10:45am - 12:00pm
    September 16th, 9:00am - 10:15am

John Dong

John Dong began his career with Microsoft in 1999 as an Application Development Consultant within Microsoft Premier Services. John then joined the Global Partner Support Delivery group to manage the partner presales technical support business globally with the mission of driving CPE, improving Partner reach, and building a strong ROI business. As the current Senior Product Manager of Dynamics Partner Services in the Microsoft Dynamics Business Group, John is leading global support strategy for Microsoft Dynamics Partners.

Microsoft Corporation
johndong@microsoft.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Leveraging Microsoft Partner Program Benefits and Partner Services for Increased Wins!
    Are you using your Microsoft Technical support benefits and services to your advantage? These tools are just a "click" or "dial" away and can help you win business and keep your existing customers loyal as you expand your own skills and services. Learn how these Partner services can help you to solve issues efficiently as well as sell and deliver Microsoft Dynamics solutions.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 3:00pm - 4:15pm

Mo Edjlali

Mo Edjlali is the CEO and founder of TalentFamily, a Microsoft niche recruiting and staffing firm and the president of the DC International Association of Microsoft Partners. He has a diverse background leading CRM and one-to-one marketing initiatives at a variety of organizations, including Accenture, Fair Isaac, Home Shopping Network, USPS, Commerce Bank, UNC Charlotte, and a number of start-ups. He is a frequent speaker and contributor in recruiting and technology publications.

TalentFamily, Inc.
mo.edjlali@talentfamily.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Finding and Recruiting the Right Talent
    The success of your business is determined directly by your ability to find and retain talent. This session will help you create the foundation of a talent rich company. You’ll learn to plan, find, attract and hire top talent, as well as get the most from your talent while keeping them from joining your competition.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 9:00am - 10:15am

Michelle Glennie

With over eight years of experience in the Microsoft Dynamics GP channel, Michelle Glennie gained experience in business development, operations, marketing and human resource management. Having developed a broad knowledge of partners, ISV’s and Microsoft, Michelle’s expertise includes program and project management of marketing campaigns, marketing planning and execution, customer relations and trade show management. Michelle earned the 2007 Microsoft Distinction in Marketing Award while at Maximum Data, the first ISV organization to win this award.

The Partner Marketing Group
michelle@thepartnermarketinggroup.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Vertical Marketing: Success Stories from the Bench
    Have you questioned the value of a vertical marketing strategy? Wondered if it was the right move for your organization and how to support it for the long-term? Marketing into an industry vertical takes some commitment, planning, and resources. Join us for a discussion with an exemplary partner panel that has found success by doing vertical marketing and learn how to bring vertical success to your company! Also included will be a list of vertical marketing resources provided by Microsoft to enable you to quickly ramp up your efforts without “recreating the wheel”.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 3:00pm - 4:15pm

Lisa Keller

Omnivue

Assigned Workshops

Adrianne Machina

Adrianne Machina is the Chief Velocity Officer of Tornado Marketing, Inc. and an Authorized Duct Tape Marketing Coach. Adrianne has spent over 15 years helping small businesses systematically grow their businesses through effective marketing programs and persuasive messaging. Having worked in both the EMC and Microsoft Dynamics channels, Adrianne provides valuable insight into how to market complex solutions. Audiences appreciate her practical advice and business value-driven approach. Armed with Adrianne’s advice, you’ll differentiate from your competitors; consistently draw in your best prospects and close more deals.

Tornado Marketing, Inc.
amachina@tornadomktg.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Put Duct Tape Marketing to Work for Your Business: Learn the Seven Steps to Marketing Success
    Would you like to attract all the clients your business can handle, work only with clients who value what you have to offer, and convert more leads to sales? Simply follow these simple small business marketing systems, strategies, and ideas. Duct Tape Marketing® is the first small business marketing program that treats marketing as an integrated system. At the core of the system is a series of steps and strategies, in various stages, that any business can use to finally produce stunning returns from a consistent marketing effort.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
    September 16th, 9:00am - 10:15am

Richard Mattson

With more than 25 years in technology marketing, and experience in nearly every marketing sub-discipline, Richard Mattson is broadly equipped to define and drive a range of marketing campaign initiatives, or dive deeply into key problem areas that need special troubleshooting. A Microsoft alumnus who joined The Partner Marketing Group in early 2008, he spent much of the last decade creating programs targeting small and midsize companies supporting Microsoft business solutions.

The Partner Marketing Group
richard@thepartnermarketinggroup.com

Assigned Workshops

  • How To Gain Enthusiastic Support for Your Marketing Initiatives from Your Corporate Management
    Would you like to make a lasting positive impact on your company while attaining new-found credibility, enjoying rising professional reward, and ultimately earning a permanent seat at the boardroom table? Then you absolutely must learn and apply the six vital rules for internal marketing success that will ensure that your best business-building initiatives are enthusiastically championed at the highest levels of your company.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
  • Relationship Marketing: Let's Make a Real Plan That Works!
    In this session, we’ll demystify once and for all the “impossible dream” about relationship marketing, and outline a cost-effective, executable strategy for building and sustaining strong customer relationships that pay back like perpetual annuities. Using the principles of Human Factor Marketing, we’ll reveal the three most potent relationship/nurture tools you can use to bring your relationship marketing plan to life.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 1:15pm - 2:30pm

Sharon Miller

In June of 1998, Sharon Miller first began her dream job as channel recruiter for Great Plains Software. She helped to attract high quality talent for Great Plains and ultimately Microsoft Corporation in the areas of sales, marketing, technical support, finance, technical writing and operations. Sharon then served as recruiting consultant with The Partner Channel, adding value to Microsoft reseller organizations, and is now is working on talent acquisition initiatives with the NDSU Research & Technology Park in Fargo, ND.

NDSU Research & Technology Park
sharon@ndsuresearchpark.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Finding and Recruiting the Right Talent
    The success of your business is determined directly by your ability to find and retain talent. This session will help you create the foundation of a talent rich company. You’ll learn to plan, find, attract and hire top talent, as well as get the most from your talent while keeping them from joining your competition.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 9:00am - 10:15am

Michael Olsen

Michael J. Olsen is a communications professional with more than 25 years of experience spanning the corporate, public and non-profit sectors. His areas of expertise include communications planning, messaging and execution, video production, corporate events, crisis management, public and media relations, government relations, speech writing, and executive and spokesperson media and performance coaching. Olsen's career includes leadership roles at Great Plains and Microsoft, National Car Rental, the United States Department of Transportation, and Prairie Public Broadcasting.

Michael J. Olsen Communications
Michael@michaeljolsen.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Public Relations Basics: Getting Your Story Out There
    Just what is public relations and how can it be used to communicate effectively with the media? Learn the key elements of a PR toolkit, and how to communicate your key messages to your targeted audiences. Former Great Plains Software and Microsoft Business Solutions senior communications professional Michael J. Olsen will teach you the PR basics you need to take a practical approach to the media and other public communications vehicles.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 9:00am - 10:15am

Matthew Panzano

After serving as the Director of Information Systems for the largest nonprofit vocational rehabilitation center in New Jersey, Matthew Panzano relocated to Florida and worked for Tech Data as the Lead in their Microsoft technical support department. He later joined Microsoft in 1996, where he worked for ten years. With over 25 years experience in the information systems field, Matt has been an MCSE since 1992 and holds certifications in Windows NT and Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Tribridge
Matthew.Panzano@tribridge.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Entering the Comfort Zone With the Microsoft Stack
    You've heard about selling the Microsoft stack, but how do you begin to approach it? Your Microsoft Dynamics solutions sits on some obvious stack pieces and integrates with others. Can you communicate a value proposition that will bring more business in the door? Are you ready to own the strategy or collaborate with other Partners? This session will help you to understand which parts of the stack you need to know to deliver value-added solutions and develop your personal plan for learning, presenting and implementing stack components.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 10:45am - 12:00pm

Bonnie Robertson

Bonnie Robertson has more than 18 years of experience in management and business consulting, working with organizations of various sizes and industry focus to assist with management, leadership and organizational strategy and development, change management and integrations. Bonnie founded The Robertson Company in 2004 for research and further development of entrepreneurs and their business success. Prior to that, she was the director of Strategic Partner Relations for Microsoft Business Solutions, and strategic business consultant to channel Partners at Great Plains Software, Inc.

The Robertson Company
bonnie@bonnierobertson.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Closing Session: Bonnie Robertson
    Bonnie Robertson of The Robertson Company has the ability to both captivate and inspire with her unique blend of storytelling and knowledge sharing. You're sure to leave this session with a smile on your face and a running list of "to do's" for your trip home.

    This session is specifically scheduled so our long distance travelers have the opportunity to fly out of Fargo and make it home in the late afternoon or early evening. Please schedule your travel itinerary as such so you don't miss this terrific Closing Session!
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 16th, 10:45am - 12:15pm

Norm Robinson

With 20+ years experience, Norm Robinson is a “big picture” guy. He runs his own agency and works for clients all over the country. He’s a marketing and sales consultant, a strategic planner, a PR guy, business consultant, and a direct marketing specialist. Besides operating the agency business, Norm's major responsibility is to work closely with clients in developing their marketing strategies and assisting in the execution. When you need a problem solver, Norm fills the bill.

Advertising Marketing
norm@advertisingmarketing.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Choosing Your Best Closing Strategy
    As a sales professional, you want the “silver bullet” closing strategy – the one that works every time. This session will cover the key challenges of closing sales; including negotiation, recognizing and addressing prospect pain points and considerations for crafting your closing approach.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
    September 16th, 9:00am - 10:15am
  • Sales Proposals: Dollars or Sense?
    Prospects want simple, written proposals that address costs and timelines. No muss – no fuss. You, on the other hand, want to deliver a complete presentation. This session will share strategies and ideas that will satisfy everyone’s needs… and get you closer to the sale!
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 1:15pm - 2:30pm

Joe Rotella

Joe Rotella, SPHR, is “relentless in cultivating a good experience for clients and prospects...” (Accounting Technology, Jan. 30, 2006). With over 20 years of web/application design and development experience, Joe is the CTO of Delphia Consulting and leads their Usability Practice. His team is responsible for the design of several city sites including Las Vegas, Nevada and Bellevue, Washington, and many private sector sites. He’s in demand as a speaker, presenting on marketing and web design.

Delphia Consulting
jrotella@delphiaconsulting.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Start Your Engines: Ten Ways to Generate Leads from Your Web Site
    Learn how to transform your Web site into an effective lead generation tool. Discover how to drive traffic to your site and direct visitors to the information they want once they get there. Search engine optimization (SEO) techniques partnered with effective site design create successful web marketing programs. Joe Rotella, SPHR, Creative Director for the 2008 Explore Chicago tourism site, will share ten strategic elements to enhance your ability to generate leads from your Web site.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 9:00am - 10:15am
  • The Buzz About Web 2.0 – What You Should Know and How It Can Help Your Business
    Are you LinkedIn? Do you have a place on MySpace? Have you broadcast yourself on YouTube? Learn to leverage the new social networks to generate leads and attract talent. Discover how SNSs (social network sites) can be important to B2B marketers.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 10:45am - 12:00pm
    September 15th, 1:15pm - 2:30pm

Jim Sheehan

Jim Sheehan is a partner and executive of PowerObjects based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jim has been with PowerObjects since July 2001 and has over 18 years of management experience in the financial and IT industries. He has directed PowerObjects down the path to becoming a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner with a sole core focus of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Jim is currently driving the growth of the hosted CRM practice and managing partnering opportunities.

PowerObjects
jim.sheehan@powerobjects.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Partner + Partner = $$$: Learn How Dynamics Partners Team Up to Build a Stronger Business
    Join us for an in-depth look at two Dynamics partners with different core focuses (PowerObjects and Microsoft Dynamics CRM; Boyer & Associates and Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics SL) and learn how they have teamed up to win bigger deals and increase their revenue. Find out what has worked and get a chance to hear first-hand from both partners about the benefits of partnering.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 3:00pm - 4:15pm

Cheryl Strege

Sixteen years of experience with Great Plains and Microsoft in Partner-facing marketing roles lends itself perfectly to strategizing with Partners on their marketing challenges. Cheryl Strege has worked closely with Microsoft Dynamics and Partners to deliver lead generation programs for new customer adds, incentive programs for sales teams, programs to build channel distribution and more.

As one of only 12 vendors named as Partner Marketing Advisors for Microsoft worldwide, she understands the challenges partners face and can deliver marketing programs and campaigns to maximize effectiveness.

The Partner Marketing Group
cheryl@thepartnermarketinggroup.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Best Practices from the Distinction in Marketing Award Winning Partners
    Join this distinguished panel of Partners, recipients of the 2008 Microsoft Distinction in Marketing award winners. Learn about their winning entries and take away new ideas for your own marketing campaigns. Ask lots of questions, take good notes, and maybe you’ll be a winner next year and take home the cash and prizes! Panelists include Kimberlie McKendrick, Client Profiles; Judy Van der Linden, Interdyn-Artis; and Lisa Steinhart, vSync
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 10:45am - 12:00pm
  • Pick Up the Pace by Leveraging the Microsoft Marketing Resources
    You already know that Microsoft provides a wealth of marketing resources for Partners and ISVs. But you might find yourself short on time when it comes to sorting through the programs, finding the ones most applicable to you, and trying to incorporate them into your marketing initiatives. Attend this session to learn more about the “Top Ten” marketing programs for Microsoft Dynamics marketers in FY09 and how to best apply them to your current strategy.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 9:00am - 10:15am
    September 15th, 1:15pm - 2:30pm

Lori Thalmann Pytlik

Lori Thalmann Pytlik has worked in the business application field since 1989 when she joined Great Plains Software. Her journey across technical support, training and development led her into a technical sales role where she worked directly with partners, managed the U.S. team of technical sales consultants, and worked with other sales leaders to develop global strategies. Today, Lori offers her skills as an adviser, coach and presenter to build skills of those in technical sales roles, build sales tools, and assist partners needing sales presentation assistance.

Upper Loft, LLC
loriktp@hotmail.com

Assigned Workshops

Nathan Warner

Nathan Warner is a senior marketing manager for Microsoft Dynamics Global Services and has been with Microsoft for more than four years. He played an integral product management and marketing role in the release of Sure Step. He also has played a lead role driving the partner and customer services business for Microsoft Dynamics. Before joining Microsoft, he built advertising and public relations campaigns for clients in the construction equipment manufacturing industry.

Microsoft Corporation
nwarner@microsoft.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Accelerating the Sales Process with Microsoft Sure Step
    Creating that vision of how potential customers will get from where they are now to where they could be helps to establish trust. Executing a high-quality implementation on-time, on-budget, and on spec helps you become a trusted advisor and develop a customer for life! Join us for this session and learn how using Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step during the sales process can enable you to plan and execute a roadmap for success for your prospects and customers—from basic needs assessment through implementation.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 10:45am - 12:00pm

Brian Werk

Brian Werk is a Senior Marketing Manager on the Microsoft Dynamics U.S. Partner Training Team where he drives training strategy and execution. His primary focus is to provide partner training which enables organizations and individuals to increase skills across sales, marketing, pre-sales and consulting roles for the Microsoft Dynamics products. Brian has been with Microsoft (and formerly Great Plains Software) since 1993 and has served in roles across technical support, field sales and related partner development positions.

Microsoft Corporation
bwerk@microsoft.com

Assigned Workshops

  • Accelerating the Sales Process with Microsoft Sure Step
    Creating that vision of how potential customers will get from where they are now to where they could be helps to establish trust. Executing a high-quality implementation on-time, on-budget, and on spec helps you become a trusted advisor and develop a customer for life! Join us for this session and learn how using Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step during the sales process can enable you to plan and execute a roadmap for success for your prospects and customers—from basic needs assessment through implementation.
    Scheduled date(s):
    September 15th, 10:45am - 12:00pm