The Value of Attending a SNUG National Users’ Group Conference

SNUG Conference Value

Take advantage of the training and focus on the efficient use of the software throughout the sessions.

• Select from over 100 training sessions held over a three day period where you can learn directly from product experts and experienced users.
• Consult with PowerSchool trainers, product developers, and executives in attendance, all available and willing to talk with you one-on-one.
• Network with hundreds of other software users to discuss common issues, hear how they have resolved issues, and learn new and innovative ways others are using the system(s).
• Learn firsthand about PowerSchool future technological trends and directions.
• Discover and learn about new features available.
• Provide input into future software application enhancements directly to product executives.
• Maximize your software and hardware investments through sessions with that goal in mind
• Participate in professional networking sessions.
• Consult individually with PowerSchool staff via pre-arranged meetings.
• Interact directly with exhibitors who participate in the conference.
• Attend exhibitor sessions built into the conference schedule.
• Learn what to do and not to do while using your system(s) straight from other users.  This learning can be invaluable!

Cost vs. Value

Let’s put the return on investment (ROI) into this equation and – evaluate the value provided and versus the dollars spent.

Your registration fee gives you access to $3,125 in training and additional values;

• Three breakfasts included in registration fee (Tues., Wed., and Thur.)
• Two lunches included in registration fee (Tues. and Wed.)
• Refreshment breaks included in registration fee (Tues, Wed) 
• Early registration discount, $125 value.
• Volunteers who present a session receive discounted registration, $375 value.
• Two evening networking receptions which include food and beverages. $160 value.
• A combined hotel/meeting facility within UBER distance of convenient public transportation, eliminating the need for car rental and parking fees, $225 value.

How to Develop Your Request to Attend the Conference

In addition to the values shown above, feedback from previous attendees have identified a number of items that can help provide additional benefit to your organization. 

1.  Print the conference schedule and highlight all the sessions that are of benefit to your district, noting how the district will benefit from those sessions.

2.  Document the intangible benefits to your organization of being able to have such a wide variety of training for one low cost as opposed to having to pay for each type of training separately.

3.  List specific items you intend to accomplish while in attendance.  For example:

• Resolution of current issues your organization may be experiencing.
• Getting a jump start on planning the implementation of an upgrade or new feature of the software.
• Finding out how other users have implemented a portion of the system your district is considering using or getting ready to use.
• Developing relationships with other P-12 educational sites to collaborate with in the future.
• Clearly state your training goals in active terms. Identify training topics that will help to maximize ROI for systems used to run critical areas of your organization. Describe the synergy gained between you and your organization's employees, and the software you use on a daily basis.
• Reinforce your willingness to bring your new found information back to your organization and share it with your supervisor and co-workers.
  
  The Three Perks of Attending a SNUG Conference
  
  Professional – Attending a SNUG Conference may lead to new alternatives that you didn’t know were possible or haven’t yet explored. The practical skills you learn will increase effectiveness and efficiency within your organization. You can avoid implementation, process and/or project management pitfalls experienced by other users, potentially saving your organization time, money and stress, which is especially important during these times of fixed budgets and waning resources.
  
  Personal – Attending a SNUG Conference can help you grow in your career. It will augment your professional training. It may provide a stage for you to showcase your skills. It may even allow you to overcome a fear of public speaking and reveal gifts you didn’t even know you had. You may receive continuing education credits for your particular area such as CPA, APA, etc.
  
  Productive – Attending a SNUG Conference allows you to network professionally among your peers, and develop valuable long time helpful career contacts.

With the continued emphasis on doing more with less in our districts, travel and training are often among the first items to be cut from budgets. However, even during these difficult financial times, training, networking, and professional development are among the most important aspects of maintaining a balanced and efficient workforce. This belief drives SNUG board members, volunteers, and PowerSchool subject matter experts to work throughout the year to develop a quality training and learning experience for SNUG members.