What’s New

REGISTER NOW: The price for the Third Annual Carlson Software "Partnering You With the World" User Conference is set at $695 for an individual to register for two full days of intensive classes -- this is less than half regular training costs. Whole new class tracks have been added, such as 3D Model Buidling & BIM and Machine Control -- learn more. Here's also a whole page devoted to the CSI Mobile/Office free workshop to be held the morning of Nov. 10.

Also note: There is a $50 discount per registrant for groups of three or more (just sign up in one registration form and the discount will be taken when you check out).

New Featured Speaker Announced (Oct. 25): Don Kuehne, Esri CAD Products Manager, will be a featured speaker at the Monday evening banquet. With 22 years of CAD/GIS/Civil Engineering software experience, Kuehne is a frequent presenter on the topics of CAD, BIM and GIS interoperability. Considering the new interoperability between Carlson SurvCE and Carlson Survey and Esri ArcView 10, this is especially timely.

Here's a brief overview from Kuehne of what he will be addressing in his talk: "Like the GPS in my car, the promise of integrated GIS and Design, 'GeoDesign,' can provide the system to help direct me where to go from here. Engineers, Surveyors and Designers will make that possible by using the power of information to make better, more informed decisions, more integrated designs. You will use Information with the power to instruct us, persuade us and move us to make changes. There may be an optimal solution, but more useful to us all is when things have not developed optimally over time; where is the best place to go from here?… is that a u-turn or the second right? This partnership can provide a means with the power and freedom to live the way we are sensing we ought to live. That is to live more of life, more connected to living things, and each other. I am excited about this opportunity we have to meaningfully Partner with the World."

Keynote Speaker Announced (Oct. 12): Francois Erceau, General Manager of Ashtech, will be the keynote speaker at the Monday night banquet. Carlson Software and Ashtech (formerly Magellan), producer of the world's leading precision GPS and GPS+GLONASS products for positioning, guidance, navigation, and timing, have worked closely together for many years. Mr. Erceau, who has been in the GPS industry for 20 years, leads all product and customer-oriented activities including sales, technical support, marketing and engineering. In addition, he also manages the other Ashtech support functions such as Finance and HR.

Registration also includes, for those who wish to stay on an extra day, a demonstration of the Carlson Surveyor+ GPS* on Wednesday, November 10, at the same location. This demonstration of Carlson's fully scalable, dual frequency RTK GNSS receiver and field controller, is free of charge.

*This represents a change of schedule for Wednesday -- there will be no demonstration of different manufacturers of scanners.

Course descriptions are posted (April 30)

Check out the most up-to-date class descriptions for the eight "tracks" including Survey, SurvCE/Field, Construction, Civil, Mining, 3D Model Building & BIM , Machine Control, and an Electives track. Click on the name of the track to be able to scan the classes scheduled under that subject for each of the two days. Or look at the class schedule via this GRID for the class subjects and then click on any one of them for a class description. Note that more emphasis has been given to the rising disciplines of model building and machine control in this year's class schedule. Carlson Software is renowned for providing software options for the total project and the track subjects in the 3rd annual User Conference reflect that. If you have any questions or suggestions about the User Conference, please email conference@carlsonsw.com. Please stay tuned for updates!

New this year:

A. In addition to scheduling the event for a new time of year, fall, Nov. 7-10, 2010, Carlson Software also selected a new location -- Louisville, Kentucky -- to hold this year's 3rd annual User Conference.

--Due to many requests that Carlson not just talk about upcoming features in new releases, but actually show them, Carlson Software has opted to move the User Conference to a fall time period so that those attending will have the chance to work with the company's 2011 release and come armed with specific questions and requests to further their understanding and use of the upgraded product.

--The venue change to Louisville was made to 1) just offer a change for those coming to the area, yet continue to keep the event in a region that is still accessible by car for many Carlson Software users; 2) help to make travel easier and more affordable for those coming to the event from a further distance -- Louisville is a hub for Southwest Airlines so will find more direct flights to the local airport; and 3) provide more conveniences to attendees, such as free Wifi throughout the Brown Hotel and a free shuttle from the airport.

B. The 3rd Annual Carlson "Partnering You With the World" User Conference will be extended to a third day this year to allow for two special events.

--The first of these is the demonstration of the Carlson Surveyor+ GPS throughout the day. Those opting to stay the extra day, at no extra conference cost, will get the opportunity to check out and use the Surveyor+ GPS and other Carlson-branded hardware including the Carlson Commander.

--The second activity on Wednesday, Nov. 10, is a whole day devoted to demonstrating Carlson CSI Mobile and Carlson CSI Office, two products made exclusively for law enforcement personnel for accident and crime investigation purposes -- learn more. This is a free training and informational event and includes breakfast and lunch.

Activities in Louisville: Louisville's claim to fame is obviously the Kentucky Derby, held annually the first Saturday in May. The race at Churchill Downs has been a national event for more than 120 years. Consider taking a walking tour of Churchill Downs to learn about past Derby winners as you learn more of the history of the site and event.

Louisville is also famous for the Louisville Slugger baseball bat. Plan a visit to the rebuilt Louisville Slugger Factory to see the special place where the official bat of Major League Baseball is made.

The city has a bustling riverfront district that features the inviting Riverfront Plaza. Take the opportunity to go on a scenic river cruise aboard The Belle or The Star. You'll also find the Kentucky Center for the Arts, as well as several fine museums and annual festivals. For dining, the city offers about 2,500 restaurants, highlighted by the festive "Restaurant Row" on the Bardstown Road corridor. Here are some interesting facts about Louisville to give you more ideas of what to go and see in the city.

Dress Code: If anyone is wondering about the dress code for the receptions and dinners, the answer is, there is none. The idea is for those attending to be comfortable -- casual and/or business casual attire will be appropriate for all meals, including the banquet.

Spouses will be included for all meals and receptions for a fee of $100. This includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 reception and 1 banquet dinner. Just make a separate registration for your spouse, clicking on the spouse option, and the $100 will be added at the end of the registration. He or she will be given a name tag and will be included in all meals and receptions. Check back for daytime activities recommended for spouses.