About MindSurf 2011


The 4th annual MindSurf Conference was once again very successful. This one-day educational conference for business professionals continues to grow in popularity and depth throughout the Minneapolis and surrounding area. This year MindSurf had new educational content, sponsors and promotions, as we continue our effort to create ROI for attendees, speakers and sponsors. It also featured the unveiling of our new free career tool: www.careergenius.com

Session PhotoFlexible and Fun

On October 18th, MindSurf attendees were greeted and energized by Benchmark Learning event staff, passionate presenters and knowledgeable sponsors. 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 neither expected to register for sessions in advance, nor were they constrained to attend sessions from the same track all day.

What did 2011 attendees say about MindSurf:

"Great seminar! Enjoy going- this is my 3rd year. Always exceeds my expectations."

"Today I noticed especially how various "themes" and terms in a few of the sessions were used in others. What a great sense of collaboration with all of the vendor partners onsite!”

" I can't wait to see what next year has to offer!"

"I wish everyone in my organization would attend!"


Great SessionsKeynote Photo

Offering a total of seven tracks and 28 sessions (new Business Productivity Wave), MindSurf 2011 spread knowledge of innovative technologies and welcomed more than 300 business professionals. Stan Berry's keynote address, “Effective Communication for Corporate Leaders through Writing to Get Things Done (WGTD),” was also highly appreciated and offered individuals an insight into improving productivity with writing.

MindSurf 2011 Waves:
  • Business Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Professional Business Skills
  • Leadership and Management 
  • Microsoft Office
  • Business Productivity
  • SharePoint for Business Professionals 

Vendor Photo : Career GeniusLess 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 event to learn a variety of topics and technologies.

Networking Opportunities

Attendees emphasized that networking with other industry professionals is paramount as they continue to progress in their career. As a result, MindSurf offered a number of networking opportunities with speakers, vendors and other attendees, and the evaluations we received are proof of this valuable experience:

"Appreciated the time presenters spent answering questions after their presentation."

"Had many productive conversations."


Food

Great Food

A day away from the office is great, but a day filled with great food is even better. From breakfast to the snacks between sessions and especially 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 including the following:
  • Xbox 360 + Kinect
  • Dell Tablet
  • iPad
  • Amazon Kindle
  • Wireless Internet Radio
  • Roku streaming media box
  • Best Buy Gift Card
  • Online Writing Class
  • Hotel stay with breakfast for 2
  • Golf equipment
  • And more