Richard Doyle's Community Blog

3D Connexion Has Some New Stuff

3D Connexion, SWUGN's 2006 Participating Partner of the Year, has anounced new products, new pricing, and new positioning of their products.  Read about it here.

3D Connexion has long been a huge supporter of SolidWorks User Groups, offering special pricing, and very often a freebie for special meetings or events.  Rick Lando, Director of N.A. Sales, tells me that a new program for SolidWorks User Groups will be announced in a couple of weeks.

Countdown to SolidWorks World - The Podcasts

Check out the new podcast series on SolidWorks World 2007.  Episode 5 features SWUGN's own Phil Sluder (Mr. Tips and Tricks) talking about his SWW session.  He also adds a nice plug for user groups.

Ending the Year on a High Note

This time of the year typically signals a slowdown in user group meetings.  There are currently nine meetings scheduled for December, all in the first two weeks.  I guess even user group leaders take some time during the holidays.

A couple of high-profile meetings get December rolling.  Jon Hirschtick will be making an appearance at the 12/05 SMART meeting.  Jon is a very popular guest speaker, and his History of CAD presentation has thrilled several user groups this year.  SMART group leader Ken Maren is pulling out all the stops for this one.

Stepping out December 12th to his first ever SolidWorks User Group meeting is none other than SolidWorks COO Jeff Ray.  Jeff told me a few months ago that he was feeling a little left out, so we hooked him up with a brand new group in Charleston, SC - The Low Country SolidWorks User Group will be run initially by uber-group leader Matt Lombard.  Jeff's appearance is sure to get the group moving quickly in the right direction.

For a complete listing of December meetings, check the SWUGN calendar.

SolidWorks User Group - Pune

I finished up my trip to India with a visit to the SolidWorks User Group of Pune on Thursday.  The Pune group is the longest running group in India, having formed in 2005.  This was their third meeting and it was a good one.  35 users and a host of reseller reps were treated to four presentations during the four hour meeting.  This group really knows how to engage the speakers too, with questions flying and even a suggestion or two from the crowd during my Tips and Tricks session.  At the end of the meeting, group leader Kiran Bellary announced the formation of a committee to help the group grow and ease some of the pressure of running the group.  Seven (yep, SEVEN) members volunteered to become part of the user group board.  I was introduced to each one of them and could see how enthusiastic they were about going forward.

One presentation that stood out for me was a short case study from a user at Dran Engineers.  When I first arrived in India, I was impressed by the most used form of transportation - the Auto Rickshaw.  Wouldn't you know it, the case study was a look at a SolidWorks design of a weld fixture for Auto Rickshaws.

I've had a fabulous trip to our user groups in India.  I'm running off to the airport to catch a 3:05am flight for the 28 hour trip home.  I'll be back in Texas Sunday, then off to Tampa for the SWUGN Summit early next week.

SolidWorks User Group - Chennai

On Wednesday morning, I took a quick 35 minute flight to Chennai with Ravi Varadarajan, our TTM for India.  We were met at the airport by Mr. Mohan Santhanam of Barry-Wehmiller who would be our host for the day.  The traffic was very similar to Bangalore and I was once again amazed at the way our driver skillfully maneuvered his way the the BWIR offices.  We were treated to a fine lunch, and a quick trip to the Cane 'n Bamboo, a small shop that offers beautifully handcrafted items at prices you wouldn't believe.

After that we headed out to the very first Chennai user group meeting held at The League Club, a perfect venue for a user group meeting.  Nearly 40 users braved rain and some minor flooding to attend.  I was lucky enough to be able to present once again, and the audience was very polite as I spoke about user groups in the US.  Then it struck me - I could actually have been in the US.  The meeting set-up, the attendees, the presentations, the venue - it was very much like any other user group meeting I've been to this year.  The only difference - I was half way around the world.  We had a great meeting, and I was a just a little embarrassed when one of the attendees stood up at the end and thanked me publicly for coming.  It was me that should be thankful - my favorite part of my job is attending user group meetings, and here I was at a meeting in India.

I also have to thank Mr. Santhanam specifically for his hospitality.  We could not have had a better host, and you won't meet a finer person.  Thank you Mohan, I look forward to seeing you again.

Next stop - Pune

SolidWorks User Group - Bangalore

I attended the first of three India user group meetings Tuesday afternoon in Bangalore.  Attendance was light, but the users that were there were very interested in the group, very attentive during my presentation, and anxious to see the group grow and flourish.  Due to a last minute scheduling problem, the group leader wasn't able to attend, but the users that were there decided to help him out by "electing" (yep - we picked a volunteer, not so different from how we do it in the US) a second representative to help out with future meetings.  We had some lively discussions, and everyone is looking forward to the next meeting.

Before the meeting started, I stepped outside to soak in some of the Bangalore atmosphere, when someone behind me said "Hello Richard".  A little surprised, I turned around to see Ramesh Lakshmipathy, one of our COSMOS reps from Houston.  Ramesh was in Bangalore to do COSMOS training for our resellers.  This wasn't the first time that's happened to me, but it is the first time I've been 9000 miles from home and run in to a fellow community member.  It really is a small world.

My time in Bangalore was fantastic.  The sites, the sounds, the food.  The people here are wonderful, and made my stay very special.

Next up - Chennai, Tamil Nadu

SolidWorks World 2007 - What to Expect on Wednesday

Wednesday morning marks the beginning of the end, but that doesn't mean the final day of SolidWorks World is any less special.  With shortened exhibit hours, and nothing off-site to contend with, Wednesday is all about the technical sessions.

Breakfast
Most attendees were up late the night before at the off-site event.  The buses usually return by 11:00pm, but I've seen my share of post-event "events" too.  That means the breakfast crowd will be thin.  TIP - eat and get to the main ballroom early for today's opening session.  The best seats are up front.

General Session
The Wednesday general session has three things you don't want to miss.  First, the results from the conference long "enhancement request" survey will be announced.  SolidWorks surveys attendees each year to find out the top 10 enhancement requests as voted on by attendees, and over the years nearly all of them have made it into SolidWorks software.  Next up comes the "Sneak Peek" into the next version of SolidWorks, presented annually by CEO and CSWP John McEleney.  John does a great job with the presentation, and you can feel his passion for SolidWorks as he demonstrates new features and functionality.  Finally, the general session wraps ups with an announcement on the location of the following years conference.  TIP - I don't really have one - just enjoy the session and get ready to finish out the day.

Breakouts
In addition to the regular agenda, day three features repeats of some of the most popular sessions from earlier in the week.  Some of the more popular sessions may also be added "on-the-fly".  TIP - Check the message board near the registration desk for additional breakouts not on the original agenda.

Partner Pavilion
The exhibits close early in Wednesday, so its your last chance to visit partner companies.  Use Wednesday to get any last minute questions answered about products you are interested in.  TIP - Looking for an extra t-shirt or bouncy-rubber-light-up ball to take home.  Cruise through the exhibit area during tear-down and see what you can pick up.

Wrapping Up
If you still want to visit with some of the SolidWorks representatives, do it early.  Tear down starts around lunch time, and everyone will be quite busy packing up.  The conference officially ends at 5:30pm, but lots of your fellow users will be heading out early to catch flights home.  Make sure you use the morning and early afternoon to catch up with everyone before they go.  If you're hanging around until its over, stop by the registration area and look me up.  I'll be easy to spot - a couple of people will be dragging me kicking and screaming out of the conference center.

See ya in 'Nawlins.

Safe and Sound in Bangalore, India

I'm blogging from the SolidWorks office in Bangalore, looking out over the city from the Raheja Towers.  It took nearly 26 hours to get here from Austin via Chicago and London.  My return trip takes me through Frankfurt, Germany so I'll get the chance to check out another airport.

The people here are fantastic and everyone has been very gracious.  The most amazing thing so far (besides the food!) was the ride to the hotel from the airport.  If you've ever been in a cab through downtown Manhattan, you'll know what I mean.  Wall-to-wall cars, motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, and pedestrians all looking for an opening.  The driver was very skilled, and amazingly calm. It was 30 minutes of sheer delight watching from the back seat.

I'll be presenting "Tips and Tricks" for the Bangalore SolidWorks User Group today.  I'm looking forward to seeing how user groups are structured here, and sharing some information on our North American groups.  I'll let you know what I learn.

Passport..check, Visa..check, Universal Power Adapter..

check.

I'm off tomorrow to visit with three of our user groups in India, traveling to Bangalore, Pune, and Chennai over the next week.  Since my international travel experience to date is limited to Canada, you can imagine I'm a little excited.  I'll try to share some of my experiences while I'm gone.

SolidWorks World 2007 - What to Expect on Tuesday

Everyone should be well rested and ready to start day 2.  Well..that is except the CSWP's - they're dragging in from Monday's off-site event.

General Session
The keynote speaker for SolidWorks World 2007 has been announced, and the buzz surrounding Steve Wozniak's appearance has been widespread.  I wouldn't miss it.  There are always a few surprises at Tuesday's general session too!!  TIP - I don't know about you, but good music always helps get me going in the morning.  The opening session music is always upbeat and loud.  Soak it in to get the blood flowing.

Breakouts
Continuing throughout the conference, day two offers up more of the outstanding breakout sessions that SolidWorks World is famous for.  Try Adam Smith's 90 Tips and Tricks in 90 Minutes, or Ed Eaton's Curvy Stuff 6 if you want to hear from two of the best presenters in the world.  Unfortunately, both sessions are scheduled for the same time on Tuesday.  TIP - sometimes you'll have to make a tough choice on sessions, but not always.  Some of the most popular speakers and sessions are scheduled twice (as is the case with Adam and Ed).  Check the entire agenda carefully, and you'll be able to maximize your time and see (almost) everything you want to see.

Lunch
The Birds-of-a-Feather set-up is back.  Use day 2 to further discussions, or try sitting in a different section to learn more about how other users are overcoming design challenges in areas you might not be familiar with.  TIP - go easy on the food, the off-site event is coming up and there will be tons of goodies later this evening.

Partner Pavilion
The exhibits are open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Tuesday, and it's a good day to follow up with some of the Partner companies you may have missed earlier in the week.  The Partner Theater will also be in full swing and you can sit down and see some great product demos from some of the very best. TIP - If you have questions about SolidWorks functionality, or are interested in seeing some of the other tools available in SolidWorks or COSMOS, stop by the SolidWorks booth and visit with the technical staff.  You might run in to Mark Biasotti, Ian Baxter, or any number of other SolidWorks employees that are there to help.

The Off-Site Event
What do drag strips, jazz clubs, rock-and-roll bands, sushi, and Universal Studios have in common?  They have all been part of the infamous SolidWorks World Off-Site event.  I know, we're all here for the technical session, but you will never forget the experience of the off-site event.  I don't know what's in store this year (they don't tell me - probably a good policy), but you do have to be 21 years or older (whew, just made it) to attend.  Getting 3500 people on buses and to the event is a daunting task - you'll be amazed at the efficiency of the whole process.  The SolidWorks World staff does a great job of getting everyone there safely and on time.  TIP - Forget for one night the fact that this is a working conference.  Let your hair down, eat, drink, and be merry.  We all deserve a night like this - have a blast!!!

One more day to go!!  Or, if you're like me...ohh - only one more day left.

Only 129 more days until SolidWorks World 2007!