I had several goals for Convergence, all of which I met. 

(X) Network with my industry peers.  Did that in a major way.  Had meetings with several Microsoft teammates, CRM Bloggers, Partners, and Key CRM ISV's.

(X) Deliver a session on Back Office Integration. Delivered 2 well-attended sessions for the CRMUG regarding does your ERP need CRM. The sessions were a bit challenging as the room set up was not good for interactive discussions.  Additionally, I think some people were expecting more of a presentation than a discussion. So it was a bit difficult to get participation. 

(X) Attend to the duties of the trade show booth: We had a great deal of excitement about Infuse this year.  Lots of discussions with partners, and potential customers.  I also helped with several hours at the CRM User Group booth. Overall very tired, my feet are still sore from all the standing and walking.

(X) Learn a bunch of new stuff.   Done....   Check out:

• ExactTarget: WOW!!! CRM e-mail marketing solution.  If you want to send out 10,000 e-mails a month these guys have a killer app. I also heard an IPO is in the works. A fun fact about ExactTarget:  2nd biggest SQL database on the planet, they send 1 billion e-mails a month.   www.exacttarget.com
  
• SalesCentric Relationship Charts:  Very Cool UI for a complex process. If you like "Solution Selling, "Managing a Complex Sale," or know about "Blue Cards" or the Miller-Heiman sales methodologies, this is going to knock your socks off - very innovative.   www.salescentric.com
  
• LogoTec Group CRM Mobile Connector:  Innovative CRM mobile connector that requires a zero software installation. They are using a Proxy system to login to CRM from their site and redirect the data to your phone. Very cool idea. I am curious to try it.  www.mobileConnector.com/MSCRM
  
• CWR CRM Mobility: Emerging as the clear leader in Microsoft CRM mobility, Erik and the other Hollanders released their support for Microsoft CRM 4.0.  http://www.cwrmobility.com/ 
  They have done a great job with a fantastic product.  It is my #1 recommendation for Windows Mobile platform.   As we say here in West Michigan, utch2000.png" target=_blank>home of the biggest dutch community in the USA -  "You ain't much if you ain't Dutch!" 
  
• CRM Ontarget: Hosted CRM organization, they are leading the pack right now with a great offering. It also seems like they want to play nice with the channel by working out a partner program. (This is also available from Agile Wave.)

(X) Have fun with Customers and My Team:   We spent Tuesday night at Universal City Walk with our customers.  On Wednesday night we were also with them at the Howling at the Moon Dueling Piano Bar, and on Thursday we took them, several Microsoft and Plumbline executives to see Blue Man Group at Universal Studio.  Pictures of that event are on the way. 

Pierre is currently rockin' to " Ramblings of a Beggar" By: Shawn McDonald - on the  Scattered Pieces: Live album.