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 time(s):

10:45am - 12:00pm

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 time(s):

3:00pm - 4:15pm

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 time(s):

9:00am - 10:15am

1:15pm - 2:30pm

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 time(s):

9:00am - 10:15am

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 time(s):

3:00pm - 4:15pm

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 time(s):

1:15pm - 2:30pm

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 time(s):

9:00am - 10:15am

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 time(s):

10:45am - 12:00pm

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 time(s):

10:45am - 12:00pm

1:15pm - 2:30pm

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 time(s):

3:00pm - 4:15pm

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 time(s):

9:00am - 10:15am

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 time(s):

9:00am - 10:15am

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 time(s):

9:00am - 10:15am