QAI Hosts 3rd Annual User Conference in Annapolis, Maryland

Quality Associates and its new subsidiary, DocPoint Solutions, welcomed more than 80 clients, technology users, and professional partners to its annual User Conference on May 30, 2008.

Held at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in scenic downtown Annapolis, the one-day event provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest advancements in ECM (electronic content management) and network in a relaxed professional, scenic setting on the Chesapeake Bay.

Presenting the keynote was Peggy Winton, the vice president of Market Access at AIIM, the Association of Information Management. The Silver Spring, Maryland-based AIIM is the leading non-profit organizations focused on helping users understand the challenges associated with managing documents, content, records, and business processes.

Pam Doyle (left), Peggy Winton (right)

In the presentation, “Control Meets Collaboration: Seven Key Tensions Changing the ECM Landscape,” Winton provided an overview of key findings from a recent AIIM survey to give attendees insight into some of the major trends taking place in document management. Namely, there exists a strong need to increase collaboration across departments and organizations, while employees have a strong need to gain more control of their information. In fact, although much of today’s information is digital, AIIM predicts that paper-based information will only continue to increase.

Next, Pam Doyle, Director, Imaging Products, Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc., spoke of the nearly infinite possibilities and the promise of electronic content management (ECM). However, as Doyle explained, users must tackle challenges such as accessibility, privacy, control, and need for an audit trail, among others. Doyle also provided numerous examples of successful ECM implementations across various industries.

An exhibitor fair, featuring key partners of QAI and DocPoint Solutions, gave attendees the opportunity to see the latest product innovations. Representatives from Platinum partner sponsor Fujitsu and Gold partner sponsor Canon were on hand to answer questions. Other vendor included partners BOWË BELL + HOWE, Kodak, Kofax, Visioneer, Perceptive Software, and KnowledgeLake.

To thank attendees for participating in the User Conference, these partners generously contributed prizes that were later awarded to several attendees. Prizes awarded during the raffle included an iPod, a Kodak EasyShare camera, and gift certificates.

Attendees then enjoyed lunch, which was served outdoors on the hotel’s large terrace. The menu included a variety of gourmet pasta, salad, and desserts sponsored by Canon.

Following lunch, Bob Dickerson, vice president of DocPoint Solutions, gave a presentation entitled “Utilizing SharePoint within Document Management.” In the presentation, Dickerson outlined the growing need for employee collaboration, and how Microsoft SharePoint can play a key role in facilitating an efficient, effective workflow.

David VanDerEems, a director of Imaging Operations at the storage and archiving company Iron Mountain, gave the next presentation. Entitled “Document Management Solutions," VanDerEems explained how new approaches to information management can minimize storage costs, ensure regulatory compliance and serve as a contingency plan when disaster strikes.

With the business sessions complete, attendees were treated to a session of an entirely different sort. “Fundamentals of Sailing,” given by professional sailing commentator Tucker Thompson, owner of t2p.tv, Essentially, the class served as a “Sailing 101” course that provided attendees with an overview of how a sailboat navigates swiftly and easily through the water using only sails and no engine.

Afterwards, attendees boarded two 125-foot schooners, the Woodwind I and the Woodwind II. The two-hour cruise took passengers sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, and even gave a few volunteers the opportunity to take the helm and actually steer the ship. The clear, sunny weather in Annapolis provided excellent views of the nearby Naval Academy and State House.

Following the trip, all were welcome to attend a reception in the Marriott’s Harbor View Room to network, relax, and enjoy cocktails and seafood hors d’oeuvres sponsored by Fujitsu.

Commenting on the event, Scott Swidersky said, “Our goal was to provide information and education in a more relaxed atmosphere. We also wanted to provide our clients and guests with the opportunity to network and truly have a good time, which is why we selected Annapolis this year.” According to several attendees, that goal was met.

Interested in attending future QAI events? Please contact Lora Martin.