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iCon or User Group?
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Alexis Bushman Marketing Branch Manager |
That is the question.
Chances are, you’re more familiar with user groups than iCon—perhaps because your state has one. User groups are valuable statewide conferences where thousands of Skyward users gather to learn and share ideas each year.
So how are they different than iCon? And if you already attend a user group, should you attend iCon too? Let’s take a look at what makes iCon different, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
International attendees: At user groups, you get a chance to interact with people from around your state. This is especially helpful when it comes to discussing state-specific requirements and practices. The “i” in “iCon” stands for international. iCon attracts Skyward users from across the country and around the globe (think Colombia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia…). You’ll get to network with all of these users, sharing stories and challenges and learning from one another’s processes and solutions.
High-level sessions: If you’re looking to dive into granular details of the Skyward solution, user groups are the place to be. On the flip side, the session lineup at iCon offers higher-level instruction for both SMS 2.0 and Qmlativ users. This year’s conference features sessions such as:
- Pandemic-Era Attendance Tracking (a roundtable discussion)
- Tips, Tricks, and New Features in Skyward
- Roadmap Overview with Product Management
- Defending Your District Against Ransomware
Plus, some sessions are district-led—and that presenter could be you! If you’d like to learn more about sharing your story with the districts in attendance, learn more in this call for presenters. (Note: Presenters get free iCon registration!)
District leader networking: iCon attendees are typically district administrators and Skyward champions, so there’s no better place to make connections and share ideas. Again, there are leaders from around the world in attendance. You’re sure to find people who face the same problems you do, and you’re sure to discover some innovative solutions!
Executive networking and one-on-one time with staff: Most of the Skyward executive team, higher management, and owners attend iCon. If you’d like to chat with them, iCon is a perfect opportunity. We also hold one-on-one sessions to give you time with the Skyward team. Be sure to sign up for a slot early, as these appointments always fill up!
Three days of learning: User groups are generally two days of learning and networking. iCon lasts for three days. This year’s conference will take place March 2-4, 2022. And we’d be remiss not to mention the location: the beautiful TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida! 🏝
New in 2022 – More peer-to-peer engagement! This year, we are making the breaks between sessions longer. They will feature activities such as super-sized games (think giant renditions of Connect Four and Jenga), professional headshots, and even a bonfire on the beach on Thursday night—s’mores included!
To get an even clearer picture of what attending iCon looks like, check out the recap video of the 2020 event, or watch this behind-the-scenes video of the conference.
Want to learn more about attending a user group? Check out this post highlighting the user group experience.
iCon, User Group, or Both?
Decide for yourself with the help of this infographic! (Download the PDF here.)
If iCon seems like a great fit for you, click here to reserve your spot. We look forward to seeing you in March!
Heading to a user group? Be sure to check out these five tips for a great user group experience.
Thinking about edtech for your district? We'd love to help. Visit skyward.com/get-started to learn more.
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Alexis Bushman Marketing Branch Manager |
When you see Alexis in the byline, you know you're looking at some kind of exciting announcement. As the co-editor of the Advancing K12 magazine, iCon coordinator, and chair of the Leader in Excellence Award program, she is directly responsible for many of Skyward's most popular events and advocacy opportunities.
