About MindSurf 2008
Benchmark Learning has long been recognized as a leader in the training industry for IT and Developer technologies but has lacked exposure in their recently expanded course offerings. In order to reach out to new audiences and showcase their new offerings in the areas of Business Analysis, Project Management, Professional Business Skills and Design and Media, Benchmark Learning developed MindSurf, a one-day educational conference for business professionals in the Minneapolis area.
Flexible and Fun
On October 28, MindSurf attendees were greeted and energized by Benchmark Learning event staff in Hawaiian shirts and colorful leis. Benchmark Learning received positive feedback from attendees for planning a flexible conference schedule that allowed them to explore a variety of session topics—both technical and non-technical. Attendees were not expected to register for sessions in advance nor were they constrained to attend sessions from the same track all day.
“The variety of topics was fantastic. I loved having so many different options from computer ‘hard skills’, to the business professional ‘soft skills’,” said MindSurf attendee Kris Wiklund.
Great Sessions
Through seven tracks and 26 sessions, MindSurf spread awareness of new technologies and brought together more than 250 business professionals to develop essential skills. Scott Schwefel’s keynote address, “Insights Discovery Experience”, was given high reviews by attendees. The session explored personal communication strengths and weaknesses and provided tools for improving communication with team members.
MindSurf 2008 Waves: - Business Analysis
- Project Management
- Professional Business Skills
- Business Intelligence Tools
- Microsoft Office Tips & Tricks
- Design & Media
Less time, low cost, and lots to walk away with!
We know it is hard to get away from the office. We also know that now, more than ever, businesses are trying to stretch their budgets further. That is why we created this conference as a one-day affordable place to learn about so many topics.
Networking Opportunities
You never know where the next career opportunity will appear. The Business professional sitting next to you may just be the ticket to advancing your career. MindSurf offered a number of networking opportunities with speakers, vendors and other attendees, including a Happy Hour filled with good food, good drinks and good conversation.
More Effective Communication
Every participant received an Insights personal communication profile for free (a $195 value). Insights gives participants a language and framework for understanding themselves and others better.
Great Food
A day away from the office is great, but a day filled with great food is even better. From the breakfast to the snacks between sessions and especially the lunch, MindSurf did not send attendees away hungry!
Prize Drawing
Benchmark Learning and all of the MindSurf sponsors gave away a number of great prizes last year including:
- Acrobat 9
- Office 2007 Professional
- 8 GB Zune
- Halo 3 for Xbox
- Windows Vista
- Mass Effect for Xbox
- 2 LEEDs Leather Notebooks