First Person Perspective

By: Andy Palatka
Executive Director

BFMA’s annual Symposium is the crown jewel of our educational offerings. This is the one time a year that you can gather with hundreds of your colleagues to discuss in depth the problems you have faced and the solutions you have found. You can talk about forms with someone who actually knows what you are talking about and is excited about the possibilities! This year in Las Vegas, BFMA members can celebrate our 50th year as the only association dedicated to supporting the form systems profession. When you think about it, it’s a remarkable achievement. You don’t want to miss this opportunity, but don’t take my word for it.  Here’s what your peers have to say about Symposium.



The networking at Symposium has provided me with contacts and resources that have proven invaluable to me as my job has developed and evolved.  The willingness of attendees to share their experiences and knowledge has gotten me through many problems and issues I felt unprepared to face.
-- Melanie Luft
Record and Form Manager
State of Wisconsin, Dept of Financial Institutions

I made my way to Symposium expecting the same thing I had experienced at every other industry conference attended: I would learn a little and maybe meet one or two people to network with.  The general atmosphere would be impersonal and cold; the networking events would leave something to be desired; and I would be extremely happy when it was time to leave.

From the moment I arrived at Symposium, my expectations were exceeded.  The educational sessions were not only informative, they were applicable; the networking events were productive and fun; the general atmosphere was warm and encouraging; and the quality of the attendees was unforgettable.  I left the Symposium with new knowledge, friends, an enlightened attitude, and recharged enthusiasm.
-- Nicole Perry
Office Services Specialist
Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU)

I’ve attended conferences and meetings in the past which were a total waste of time. Symposium, however, gets an A++. I was pleasantly surprised to find great people, a real sense of camaraderie and a Symposium full of valuable information. The course content and variety was outstanding. I learned a great deal, met some really nice people and look forward to attending in the future.
-- Campbell King

Each day it was a major decision to decide which course to take, which private Vendor Suite Demo to sign up for, should I take in a lecture or reserve a time with a vendor for a one-on-one; and then asking myself, How will I ever fit everything I desire into my schedule?
-- Cyndie Rindfliesch
Graphics Arts Specialist
Alliant Energy

Everyone there was great and went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I really felt my opinions were valued.
-- Mary Hadd
Electronic Documents Manager
Iowa Dept of Information Technology

As a newcomer to the BFMA Symposium, I found it very informative and also a great deal of FUN. I never knew how many people existed in the Forms World. Thank you to everyone for making me feel part of the group. Hoping to see all of you at the next Symposium!!
-- Sylvie Whitehead

This symposium continues to grow in order to meet the systems needs of Corporate America.  What I get out of Symposium year after year is not just the information collected at all the professionally administered courses but from meeting and interacting with individuals who (in many cases) are on the leading edge of systems and technology.
-- Andy Browne
Vice President, Electronic Forms Systems
Wachovia Corporation

I heard many comments from new and old alike regarding the high quality of classes offered. My co-worker learned a great deal and had a blast doing it. She is hooked on Symposium just like I was after my first one, not only for the education but for the terrific people you meet and the friends you make.
-- Kevin Shaw
Document Control Administrator
Administaff

Those who attend BFMA's Symposium and comparable events of other groups claim we are tops in education and personal communication between all attendees.
-- Bruce Reichow