USER GROUP 2008

Come and Join us in Beautiful
LAKE LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
June 22-25, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton

The Ritz Carlton - Lake Las Vegas

Here are some quick links to help you find what you are looking for on this page:

::: ABOUT THE USER GROUP 2008

The User Group Conference is an annual meeting hosted by The Media Services Group for the benefit of our customers. The conference starts with a reception on Sunday night, followed by 2 ½ days of sessions on a broad range of topics. The meeting draws a diverse group of publishing experts from operational, technical and management backgrounds. It is well attended, averaging between 200-250 customer attendees each year, accompanied by 20-30 MSGL employees - from ownership through product managers, programming and training staff.

The User Group conference is a great opportunity to keep up-to-date with the latest software developments, review best-practises, participate in product development focus groups, meet with MSGL staff and management teams, and network with other publishing professionals.

  • Over 50 Conference Sessions
    We are planning more than 50 conference sessions and workshops addressing a broad range of strategic, operational and technical topics. Among the important topics this year our latest software release: Élan 7.1.

  • Industry Specialist Guest Speakers
    We will be inviting a number of industry expert guest speakers to discuss current and emerging industry trends.

  • Panel Discussions
    A number of Panel Discussions will include participants from our user community along with industry specialists offering dynamic discussion on a number of timely publishing topics. Special focus will be given to practical experience and industry best practices.

  • Problem-Solver Sessions
    A popular mainstay of the User Group - Problem-Solver sessions provide attendees the opportunity to openly discuss issues and challenges with the larger user community. Learn more about your software investment and how to make the most of it.

  • Product Development Focus Groups
    Our development focus groups provide you with the opportunity to become part of our collaborative software development process.

  • Discover the Other Modules
    Based on your feedback - This year we will be hosting two software discovery sessions to review, demonstrate and discuss all aspects of the Élan Framework, including modules you may not currently use.

  • Technical Workshops
    For those on the technical side - we will be offering a unique Technical track that will run the entire length of the conference with sessions on topics like deployment, back-up and redundancy, security, etc.

  • Operational Workshops
    For those staying through Wednesday, we will be offering special training workshops - providing in-depth training and review of various software modules and functions.

::: WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The User Group Conference draws a diverse group of publishing experts from operational, technical and management backgrounds. With over 50 sessions across 7 tracks, there is truly something for everyone - providing a dynamic forum for Executives looking to discuss strategic goals and initiatives, Managers interested in increasing operational effeciencies and Users interested in honing their skills and reviewing best practises.

::: SPECIAL SESSIONS FOR CAT'S PAJAMAS CUSTOMERS

In addition to the standard User Group tracks and sessions, we are planning additional break-out sessions specifically organized for customers using The Cat's Pajamas book publishing system - covering topics unique to Cat's users. - including new and current development, updates and focus groups. Cat's customers will also enjoy a number of general sessions discussing book publishing, best practices and integration with The Media Services Group's Élan product Framework.

Here is what one Cat's customer said about the User Group 2007:

" This was definitely the best conference I've had the opportunity to actually attend. I found it very informative and well organized. Because it was a user conference, there was more relevant information specifically addressing areas of interest from a fulfillment perspective.

I hope I have an opportunity to attend next year.


Zina Jones, Customer Service/Order Processing Manager
National Academies Press

::: SPECIAL SESSIONS FOR CISPUB CUSTOMERS

In addition to the standard User Group tracks and sessions, we are planning additional break-out sessions specifically organized for customers on all versions of CISPUB. CISPUB customers will also enjoy a number of general sessions discussing book publishing, best practices and integration with The Media Services Group's Élan product Framework.

Over the past year, a number of CISPUB customers have signed on for SQL Server, the new Advanced Reporting and RPM.NET applications and Élan Rights and Royalties - and we plan on exploring case studies and discussing how CISPUB customers are benefiting from these new options.

::: CONFERENCE INFO & REGISTRATION

Early-bird registration is open through the end of February 2008 - and now is a great time to get signed up.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

Below are the current Early-bird Rates:

Registration Type Early-bird Rate Regular Rate
Standard Registration - 1st Attendee $625.00 $875.00
Standard Registration - Additional Attendees $550.00 $800.00
Standard Registration + Technical Workshop $1,095.00 $1,350.00
Guest/Spouse Dinner $95.00 $95.00
Half-Day Training Workshops $250.00 $250.00

Please remember - Early Bird rates expire Friday, Feb 29th, 2008.

::: TRACK/SESSION DETAILS

Download the User Group Session Matrix

USER GROUP SESSION MATRIX
Click here to download the latest Session Matrix. This is an Excel-formatted schedule, providing summary information on all sessions and track.

Download the User Group Session Descriptions

USER GROUP SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Click here to download the latest Session Descriptions. This is an Word-formatted text document, providing more detailed information about each track and session.

::: HOTEL INFO & RESERVATIONS

We have secured a great rate - $169/night - for hotel accommodations. The cut-off for this special rate is May 21, 2008 and the total number of room/nights available is limited and will sell out. Reservations at this rate will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The best way to guarantee that you have a comfortable room at a great rate is to call and make your reservations today.

The Ritz Carlton, Lake Las Vegas
+1 (702) 567-4700
or toll free from the USA: (800) 241-3333
Mention The Media Services Group to insure you are booked at the best rate
Click here to visit the Ritz Carlton website