[Jo Ward]

As previously mentioned in emails, and such, the RE Users Forum had a meeting with Blackbaud representatives in Charleston before the conference. See this thread for comments and reviews on how it went.

[Peter Gulka]

Sesson review:

In a word - awesome.

It was great to have that many people together who truly want to change the way the users of Blackbaud products interact with the process. The BB folks that attended were just as engaged and excited as the rest of us!

We presented the top items from "The List", and had some great discussion. The biggest take-aways were a clear message from us as users that communication from Blackbaud on the resons behind certain decisions or prioritization of improvements is as important as the fixes themselves. If they tell us the "why" behind their decision making process and get a little more transparent, then it is easier for us as users to know how to present our issues.

There was a definate sense that the steps taken to organize and run this session identified some great opportunities for us as users to get more involved in how products are developed and maintained within Blackbaud. Some of those include:

- users are encouraged to participate in one-on-one usability meetings with Blackbaud. For more information, please contact Trit Mulligan.
- When we submit suggestions, or ideas, BB really wants the stories behind the suggestions. "The X report doesn't give me enough options" doesn't really give them anything to work with.
- We will try to organize some online meetings with forum members similar to the one held at the conference. These will not be free-for-all compaint sessions, but rather discussion around sepcific isses and area of improvement for the current software, as well as improvements for future products.

More news as it happens! Thanks to everyone who attended today.

[Elaine Tucker]

Excellent summary - Kudo's to you Pete, and the forum members for giving us such good information to take to blackbaud.

[Witch]

I enjoyed meeting everyone and was truly impressed with the participation by both, forumites and the BB employees.

Now if only BB really would address some of the issues . . . that would be impressive.

My thanks to everyone who had a hand in organizing the meeting.

I must say that so far, the conference is a blast . . . especially the opening day receptions . . . all you can eat & drink!!!!!

[Anne Marie]

Great to hear back from the conference re: the meeting etc.

Keep up the good work (and have fun too).

Cheers

[Bonnie Alkire]

and, thanks to all of you who worked to bring this all together! I know some of you put a lot into the meeting and I'm sure your involvement meant much to BB. I was totally impressed by the preparation and forum prior to the conference. Thanks again!