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Y D K M . E V E N T . D A Y . Oregon MacPioneers User Group (Omug)
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History and purpose
In 2002 at the YDKM Event Day in Bend, co-hosted by COMUG and BBMUG, Omug introduced an important component to its Event Day -- The User Group Summit, a face-to-face, solutions-oriented, brainstorming workshop for Oregon Apple User Group (MUG) leaders.
It was the first time we collected leaders from around our state into one room to formally and specifically discuss common group challenges and share successes. It was a resounding success in that, in our very first UG Summit, we had 10 of our 12 groups represented.
Why this is so important
User groups, especially community-based ones, face virtually the same fundamental hurdles -- membership growth fluctuations, meeting quality and variety, funding/budgets, communication to and among members, community exposure, involvement, partnering with local vendors or organizations, and more. Each MUG has its own personality and resourcefullness based on its membership and community, but we share a common purpose and commitment. We can, and should, help each other.
Why re-invent the wheel?
Oregon MUG leaders understand that no matter how much technology is involved, we still need to meet face-to-face for a richer, more deeply involved interaction and to support each other. We feel that Oregon is one of those special states that has made great progress in sharing among our state's community of MUGs (visit our "Oregon-made" page for examples). Rather than spin individual brainstorming wheels, we feel we can support each other together. What's the old saying? Oh, yeah: "Two heads are better than one."
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A summary of what our UG Summit brings to the table
Summit composition
Each Oregon MUG may be represented with up to 2 officers or leaders from its group. We have found this size-limit makes for a more manageable and productive workshop. Each group determines the 2 best representives to attend the UG Summit. For best representation and brainstorming, we highly recommend 2 leaders from each group.
Format, structure, agenda
Because the UG Summit is held during YDKM Event Day, we limit the length of the workshop to 2-3 hours, and we usually schedule it ahead of the rest of the open-to-the-public Event Day happenings. The workshop is usually in a round (or square) table layout to better facilitate open discussions.
The UG Summit agenda is shaped ahead of time each year by inviting in advance all groups to send in their "Top 3" current, most urgent challenges facing each group that year. We structure the UG Summit to address these topics and other agenda items in a mixed format, dividing the 2-3 hours into presentations to the whole group, open discussion Q&A or brainstorm sessions, and, if possible, an appropriate special guest speaker. Accordingly, we encourage every group represented to bring success stories, techniques, and solutions to share.
Since our workshop lasts 2-3 hours and we work the whole time like beavers (or ducks), we usually, when we are able, schedule an in-house lunch during the midway break. A sample lunch menu from a past UG Summit is here.
A UG Summit agenda example is listed below:
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UG Summit Agenda
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Event Day
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Time
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Topic
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Goals
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10:00
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Intro of
leaders,
Special Guest,
agenda
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Welcome, identify guest and UG leaders, agenda
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10:10
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Session 1 (leader):
Apple news, UG program, RL update, UG problems/solutions
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Meeting Apple's UG requirements; MobileMe uses; region updates; Solving specific challenges
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11:30
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Lunch Break (see menu):
Meal, restrooms, stretching
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Tummies, bladders
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NOON
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Session 2 (leader):
Vendor relations, YDKM & Summit progress, fee structures, PR for groups, recruiting new members
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Improving vendor relations; gather feedback on YDKM & Summit quality and improvements; determine best membership fee for your group; new PR solutions introduced; share reaching out tips
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12:45
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Closure:
Task confirmations, MUG gift package distributed to each attending MUG
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Assign responsibilites, tasks generated from this workshop; MUG gift package, CD/DVD resources, etc. distributed to each attending MUG
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A summary of each year's UG Summit workshop, including goals set and reached, solutions offered and tasks assigned, will be posted on the Omug website soon after each YDKM Event Day.
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Register now for your seat at this year's Summit!
THE UG SUMMIT • 10 am - 1 pm, SATURDAY
Workshop time may change year to year.
Omug contact: ydkm at mac dot com
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Welcome back, leaders!
We have found this size-limit makes for a more manageable and productive workshop. Each group determines the 2 best representives to attend the UG Summit. For best representation and brainstorming, we highly recommend 2 leaders from each group.
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All rights and content of this site are reserved by the statewide Oregon MacPioneers User Group (Omug), formerly the Oregon YDKM Statewide UG; Omug News Releases should be used/reprinted in their entirety when possible. Any photographs or images accompanying an Omug News Release are copyright each photographer credited. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without expressed written permission of the author or photographer and Omug is prohibited.
Omug does not represent any individual Oregon MUG. This and all Oregon MUGs are non-profit organizations unless otherwise stated. All images or logos of Apple, Macintosh are either copyright or trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., and all other logos or trademarks above by our event contributers are used here in the spirit and support of this organization as a Mac Users Group.
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Gear wheels artwork courtesy of 
Gear wheels artwork courtesy of