The 2007 Convention:  An event full of firsts
At this year's Convention, we chalked up a number of a la mode, and industry firsts and announced some major new product releases.  Our new and advanced training courses, several taught by practicing appraisers and our VIP vendors, added more opportunities to learn about our products and how they’re used in the real world.  But this event was much more than formfilling training.  It's about being a true technology partner, and helping appraisers become more efficient and profitable.  And from the attendee feedback we’ve already received, it’s clear that now is the best time ever to be an a la mode customer.

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The first of two BIG announcements  
We promised you last year that we’d continue to be the innovative thought leaders in the industry while we continue to refine our current products in parallel.  The unveiling of the beginnings of the sixth generation of WinTOTAL, codenamed Armstrong, is the proof.

The most exciting thing about this new version is that it’s a complete, ground-up rewrite using a cutting edge programming language called C# (pronounced C Sharp).  We’ve completely rewritten the forms engine, starting over at the basic field level, where your data input begins.  From top to bottom, not one line of old code is being reused, making this a real breath of fresh air.  So where did we get the temporary name of Armstrong?  Louis Armstrong played C#, and was both groundbreaking and “cool,” so we think the name Armstrong is fitting.

Attendees were told we’ll create a Standard version first.   This will be a very lightweight, “no bells or whistles” version aimed at trainees, and others who want a simple, basic formfiller.  Standard will be released this fall, while the full blown Enterprise version will be sometime after next summer.  We’ll have an initial a la mode labs release of the Standard version available in August.  More info to follow in the coming weeks.

An improved data gathering and sketching tool — meet DaVinci  
Jaws dropped at the Opening Session where we previewed our new field data gatherer, DaVinci. Developed as a prototype by the appraisers in the a la mode labs, this all-in-one field data gathering application with a sketcher conforms to the way you do inspections. Better yet, it’s available free (yes, FREE) for use on Tablet PC and Ultra Mobile PC devices.  Or, load it on your desktop PC or laptop to give it a test drive.  Each attendee received an exclusive CD copy at the Convention and got the chance to try it out in the labs booth before it hit the streets.  To learn more, or to install DaVinci, click here. 

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FREE DaVinci webinar — take a peek into the lab
Convention attendees caught a special DaVinci training session during the show.  But you can see what all of the fuss is about when you join us for a special 60 minute webinar.  You'll get an walk through of this industry-changing application, and have the chance to provide your feedback on features you’d like to see included.  Reserve your spot at this free webinar to see DaVinci in action.

Friday, July 13: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Central

• The Opening Session kicked off the Convention with a bang
  After the unveiling of DaVinci on Monday morning, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and Newsweek essayest, George F. Will, took the stage and provided a most memorable keynote.  His conservative views, political scholarship and insight addressing the economy, and how it's affected different industries from all over the world for decades, had everyone's undivided attention as he shared some shocking realities about different economic trends.
  
  
• The a la mode labs booth: 
  Focal point of the largest, most exciting exhibit hall yet  
  From new sketching options to marketing companies and hardware providers, our sold-out exhibit hall was a big hit.  And the illuminated labs booth clearly stood out as a must-see exhibit. The lab’s Research Fellows, dressed for the occasion in white lab coats, walked hundreds of excited appraisers through an exclusive first glimpse of DaVinci, to rave reviews.  If you didn't get a chance to meet the men responsible for the creation of DaVinci, you won't want to miss next year's Convention.  Who knows what brilliant new ideas these real appraisers will bring to life by then! 
  
  
• More well-known industry leaders than ever
  This year, we had more industry-wide, well-known names and hard-hitting thought leaders involved than ever before, covering the hottest topics in the appraisal industry, and how they affect you.  For the first time ever, we hosted a different panel lunch discussion with featured panelists representing different views on each day's topic.  Check out this year's hottest topics, below.

• We work hard, and play hard too...  After all, it's Vegas  
  After the classroom doors shut each night, hundreds of appraisers let loose at Monday's cocktail reception and Tuesday's dinner, mingling with all of the vendors, networking with peers, and a la mode staff.  
  

• Did you miss any classes? 
  Don't worry, we offer many quick and targeted online webinars that cover the same features.  We've also got some upcoming Regional Seminars and Hands On Training courses to check out. Click here to visit our training page to learn more and sign up.
  

Tell us what you think
Did you attend this year's event?  We'd love to hear from you.  Send us your feedback, stories, brag about the new tips and tricks you picked up to boost your business, who was your favorite a la mode employee that you met?  Click here to send us ideas for future events, or whatever's on your mind.


Who knows what will be unveiled at the 2008 Convention?  Hope to see you there!