5 Things You Missed at ZIW Americas

With ZIW in the rearview mirror, now is a good time to have a look at what you may have missed this year if you didn’t attend. Or you could turn it around and look at it as a preview for next year. Either way, it was a memorable event. Here’s a quick look at 5 things you missed if you weren’t able to attend…

1. 44 Technical Classes

Content, content, content, that’s what the 2017 agenda was all about. With 4 tracks, 44 technical classes – which included Zuken University classes, Zuken What’s New sessions and an exciting keynote from Kevin Wrenn of PTC, this was the most content-packed conference to date. Classes were delivered by Zuken experts, users and partners and all offered valuable information, tips and takeaways. All of these class materials are made available exclusively to ZIW attendees.

2. Expert Bar

More than 80% of attendees made one or more trips to the Expert Bar this year. Some were seeking add-on information from a class, while others came prepared with their toughest design issues. The Zuken experts did not disappoint, earning an overall satisfaction rating of 4.2 out of 5. And get this, the expert bar was so popular that we even have customers signing up to staff it next year!

“Having the ability to work one-on-one at the expert bar to learn advanced techniques alone made the trip worthwhile.”

3. Technology Showcase

The showcase was where attendees were able to explore and learn even more. Between the Expert Bar – which was in constant demand – and our industry and technology partners, there was no shortage of options for learning and networking. Attendees were able to meet with first-time exhibitors like No Magic, TriMech, Sierra Circuits and Intel, as well as veterans including DownStream Technologies, PCD&F, PTC, SiliconExpert, Solid Edge and Ultra Librarian.

4. Networking

Whether you’re a ZIW regular or a first-timer, there were plenty of ways to get to know the other attendees. Some would say it’s like a family reunion and for others it’s the most relaxed, no-pressure way to meet Zuken staff and other users. From receptions to long coffee breaks to discussion groups at lunch, there was no shortage of time and opportunities to make new contacts. This year we held our first golf outing on the Monday before the conference started. The golf courses in Palmatto Dunes can’t be beat! We’ll do it again next year without a doubt, so get in your practice round ahead of time. Oh, and did I mention the ladies’ dinner…enough said!

5. Incredible Music

The setting was the expansive deck of the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa and the theme was Low Country, complete with all the delicious Southern foods you’d expect, local brews and even a moonshine bar – yes, moonshine. There was a pretty competitive game of corn hole too, along with some relaxed conversation by the fire pits, and even a few hammocks to really kick back.  But what brought it all together were the perfectly tuned harmonies of 8 Mile Bend. To say these guys were great, is an understatement. So great in fact, would you believe it if I said there was dancing? At ZIW? We received so much positive feedback that we’ve already booked them for 2019!

Speaking of 2019, we’re planning ahead and you should be too. Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar for upcoming ZIW global events. While you’re not likely to find shrimp and grits or moonshine outside of America, you will find plenty of technical sessions, exhibitors and networking opportunities.

North America

• San Diego, CA – April 23-25, 2018
• Hilton Head Island, SC – April 22-24, 2019

Europe

• Seeheim-Jugenheim near Frankfurt, Germany – May 16-17, 2017
• Disney (Marne La Vallée), France – June 8, 2017
• Bologna, Italy – June 13, 2017
• Feusisberg/Zurich, Switzerland – June 26, 2017
• Coventry, United Kingdom – September 27, 2017

Asia

• Yokohama, Japan – October 19-20, 2017

I hope this piques your interest and you decide to attend one of the remaining events in 2017, or certainly the Americas event in 2018. Attend one or two, or attend them all – we can’t wait to see you! To see all of the pics and see more of what you may have missed, visit our Facebook page.

Until the next ZIW…