2:30-3:00

Registration

3:00-3:15

Microsoft BI User Group Updates & Announcements

- Hear about how the organization is growing and changing to better serve you!

- Agenda for the day and introduction of speakers

3:15-4:00

Presentation Topic: Leveraging SharePoint as a strategic platform for Planning, Budgeting and Business Performance Management

In an environment of rapid change and economic uncertainty, The Amherst H. Wilder Sr. Leadership needed access to data and analytical tools to quickly and accurately manage and assess business performance, develop strategic and operational alternatives, and track execution against strategies. In addition, they sought to streamline business processes by replacing a legacy budgeting application; improve document and content management; strengthen communications with internal and external stakeholders; and maximize resources available for service delivery. To satisfy this depth and breadth of needs in a cost effective manner, a unified business information architecture was required. Listen to Colleen Mlecoch, IT Director, discuss the process Wilder undertook to meet the immediate needs of improved accuracy and efficiencies in budgeting and planning while planning for the future needs around true Business Performance Management.

About the speaker:

Colleen has nearly 25 years of experience managing and delivering IT services in the public and nonprofit sectors. During 21 years with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, including six as CIO, she led the development of strategic and tactical IT plans; planned and managed the modernization of legacy information systems; established an IT governance and portfolio management structure; and instituted an entrepreneurial funding model for IT operations. Following this, she served two years as Assistant Commissioner in the Minnesota Office of Enterprise Technology, leading strategic, multi-agency initiatives to transform the delivery of electronic government services, including online business and professional licensing. 

Colleen is currently employed as IT Director by the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, a non-profit health and human services organization that combines direct service, research, and community development to address the needs of the most vulnerable people in greater Saint Paul.  During her two years here, she has lead the development of a business information architecture, identified and executed business process improvements, and set the stage for establishing a business insight and performance management platform. 
 

4:00-4:15

Break

4:15– 4:30

Microsoft Update

Update on the new developments with Microsoft BI

4:30 – 5:30

Presentation Topic: In depth look at Microsoft PowerPivot to enable self-service BI

PowerPivot is Microsoft’s exciting entry into the field of “self-service” BI. What does it do precisely? What does it NOT do? What impact does it have on today’s BI and DB professionals, and how can you best prepare for it? What are the tenets of a successful PowerPivot adoption? How does it relate to “traditional” SQL Server Analysis Services, as well as other offerings in the MS BI stack? What can we expect from upcoming iterations of the MS BI stack? Listen to Rob Collie, a program manager on the Microsoft PowerPivot (Gemini) team and one of the founding engineers behind the product. He will answer these questions and more, as well as demonstrate any of PowerPivot’s capabilities in his session.

5:30 - ???

Social and Networking: Meeting will adjourn with a networking opportunity. Enjoy this time to meet your speakers and other members of the community. Refreshments and food will be provided.