SchoolDude University 2009 Blog

Looking Forward!

We are in the throws of planning SchoolDude University 2009! We are facing tough financial times and this may be a hinderance for many of our prospective attendees! But we know how valuable this learning experience can be to their success in saving time and money at their educational institution, so we are doing everything we can to get the word out and generate excitement.

Look for SDU '09 promotional materials in your mailbox and e-mail box! A new feature in our pre-conference material was designed specifically for your approving boss or supervisor to help you make the case of why you must attend. And we've supercharged the SchoolDude University website with tons of information about the event -- all in one easy spot: www.schooldude.com/university.

So, we hope you've checked it all out, and that you register soon for next year's event. It is sure to be an incredible experience! And if you have registered, be sure to set up your own account in TypePad so you can contribute here to the 2009 Blog, and let's keep the conversation going until March 2009 and beyond!

Can't wait to see you all there!

-- The Dude

Newbie 2008

This is my first DUDE U and having a wonderful time with the client's and meeting new a fun people.  I went to the mystery theater Saturday night which all the client's and myself enjoyed.  The welcome reception was very interesting, I sat with severals client from NY,Ct,NM and many others which were very nice people.  The client's loved the dancing DUDE and I just told the client's, ya and I have to work with them all daily.  Well I'm very tired but a good tired, and hope to see many more DUDE U to come!

Only 3 Days til SchoolDude University 2008

Wow! It's hard to believe it's almost that time again.  More than 900 people will be in attendance this year!!!  Planning for SchoolDude University 2008 began March 14, 2007....the last day of the 2007 University.  Sonya and team have done an outstanding job in coordinating everything for this year's University.  I hope that everyone has a safe trip to Myrtle Beach and we look forward to seeing you very soon!   

Looking Forward to the "Dude Cafe"

I have always enjoyed talking with and helping our "Dudes" and "Dudettes" who fight the good fight in making our educational institutions better learning and working environments. This year's University will be extra special for me as I get to do this as my new role as SchoolDude's "Mayor" in the Dude Cafe.  The Dude Cafe will be set up in the Lab area where I will be meeting with our clients, answering questions, and showing the soon-to-be-released "MySchoolDude", a rebuilt and expanded version of SchoolDude's first application, CommunityDirect.

   

I'll also be the author of our newsletter that will be resurfacing this summer, so feel free to stop by and provide input on what you'd like to see.

I've been getting emails over the last month with many people telling me they're looking forward to getting together, seeing known and new faces at the U, plus re-experiencing the vibe that many say only SchoolDude University provides for a conference.  It's felt like a long countdown, and now the wait is nearly over!  Every year gets better, and I expect this year will be amazing yet again.

Crunching Numbers for SDU 2008

SchoolDude University is the topic of many conversations around the office these days. All this talk of SDU has me ready for some fun in the sun!

This year, the conference is in April – so I’m expecting it to be warmer than the past couple of years. The temperature isn’t the only thing on the rise, though. As April draws closer, many SDU 2008 numbers are continuing to skyrocket.

Just to throw out a few…

# of countries clients will be representing: 4
# of guest speakers: 44
# of computers available in the Learning Lab: 60
# of SchoolDude employees eager to share with you: 111
# of courses to choose from: 201
# of clients scheduled to attend (rising daily): 750

We’re excited about what’s looking to be a record-breaking conference! Here’s one number we like to see dropping. Counting down until SchoolDude University 2008…

Let the fun begin!

We’ve arrived! The SchoolDude team has made its way to beautiful Myrtle Beach and is just about ready to kick off SchoolDude University 2007. We’re putting the finishing touches on classrooms and the learning lab. For your learning pleasure, a sea of computers awaits you in the lab. These will be available for hands-on product training with the friendly and always-informative client services team. We’re dedicated to helping you learn more about the products that interest you. But, we know you might need to check in with the folks from home, so feel free to use designated laptops for keeping up with those outside the Kingston walls.

Speaking of the hotel, what a great spot! The Kingston Plantation offers a variety of spacious accommodations, and the Atlantic Ocean is only a short walk away. Sit in the dining area for any length of time and you’ll almost definitely be captivated by the view.  Talk about ocean front!  Breakfast this morning hit the spot. So much to choose from—and we get to enjoy it another four days. (Yum!) There’s even a Starbucks in the hotel lobby! So, if that’s your beverage of choice, you’ll definitely get the day started off with a bang.

Hope you’re ready—we are! Fun times ahead!!

Anticipating the U

Getting excited to get to Myrtle Beach!  The Tech Team will leave at 5pm today.  Soooo ready to see our international SchoolDude.com Family!!  Can't believe this will be my third Dude U.  The lab is the LARGEST ever.  I packed too much, but gotta be prepared for anything.  Support as usual until 5pm and then it is Dude U here we come in Van 15!!

Happy Travels everyone!