I have been doing seminars on arches since about 1987. For many years we called them user group meetings but it then became clear that people didn't come because they thought it was not for them. Most of those attending were return visitors.
We charge for the seminars because we need to cover the cost (typically about £1000 a time) of travel and hotel, the seminar room equipment and catering. The current charge of £100 makes a cheap day of CPD. The format is always the same. Each year I find some new aspects of arches to talk about, though it is necessary to ensure that the talks are pitched at a level that can be understood by newcomers. We gather about 9.30 and start the seminar about 10. We have a coffee break about 11.30, lunch about 1300 and serve tea and prepare to depart about 1530. By that time, everyone is often getting quite tired anyway.
During that time we usually have two lectures about aspects of arches, usually driven by my consulting work. We then talk a bit about what is new in Archie-M and what we are planning. That leads in to a more general question and answer session.
A hidden benefit is that we have a room full of people who all work on arches in some way. Some are begineers but some have been with Archie from the start. The collective knowledge base is huge.
Each year, I run the same seminar in 5 or 6 locations. This year, so far, we have done York, Birmingham, Belfast and Glasgow (just back from there). I will squeeze in a trip to London, probably in January. If anyone wants to propose a location, please let me know. If your company wishes to host a meeting then we do not charge for your staff to attend.
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