SEPG Europe 2012: Coming to Madrid, Spain

SEPG Europe 2012 will be coming to Madrid, Spain in June 2012. Join us and share your Passion for Process.

Isabel Lopes Margarido Talks About Her SEPG Europe Experiences

Isabel Lopes Margarido of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto has the unique experience of having served as a student poster presenter at SEPG Europe 2010 in Porto, Portugal, and now appearing on the Wednesday session line-up at this year’s conference. Margarido is presenting CMMI Practices: Evaluating the Quality of the Implementation at 16.00 on Wednesday, 8 June.

Video Welcome from Pat Kirwan, SEPG Europe 2011 Technical Program Co-Chair

SEPG Europe 2011 technical program co-chair Pat Kirwan welcomes delegates and shares his thoughts on how software architecture, security, and process improvement can help improve performance in your organization and address challenges in today’s challenging business environment.

Tuesday at SEPG North America 2011: Brought to You by Voodoo Doughnuts

SEPG North America 2011 isn’t always serious. We try to have some fun, too!

During Tuesday’s afternoon break, the technical co-chair Palma Buttles and the SEI’s Mike Phillips talk about Portland’s famous Voodoo doughnuts–Tuesday’s featured afternoon snack. Keep your eyes peeled for a sneak appearance by an attendee, too!

Did you try a Voodoo doughnut? What was your favorite kind?

SEPG North America 2011: Winning at Casino Night

I have wanted to write this next line since we decided to hold Casino Night as part of SEPG North America 2011…“So, did you get lucky last night?”

Seriously, thanks to all of you who attended last night’s Gala Reception. Not only was the food fun to eat, the beverages flowing, the conversations fascinating, but your generosity was in full force. Our partners at the TechStart Education Foundation of Portland reported that your purchase of additional scrip resulted in more than $610 being raised to assist students use technology in a hands-on environment in their schools. On their behalf, I thank you for your contributions. If you weren’t in the room at the conclusion of the event, watch this video to see the announcement of the top three winners.

I have enjoyed walking throughout the Oregon Convention Center these past two days and have appreciated all the feedback I have received from you.  On page 9 of your Program and Directory, take a moment to review the listing of the best and hardest-working SEI employees who dedicate a tremendous amount of time and energy to bring you this annual conference.

It is my hope that each of you MAXimizes your last full evening of SEPG North America 2011 by taking the complimentary light rail system to explore the many dining options throughout Portland’s neighborhoods.



Bob Rosenstein
Manager of Events, Conferences, and Trade Shows
Software Engineering Institute

Flying High at the SEPG North America 2011 Exhibits Grand Opening

SEI Director and CEO Paul Nielsen, SEPM Director Anita Carleton, and SEPG North America 2011 technical co-chairs Palma Buttles and Gian Wemyss marked the official opening of the Exhibit Hall with a ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.

After the Exhibits Grand Opening ribbon was cut, Guild Works Art of Air provided a powerful performance that soared high above our heads. Attendees also enjoyed the famous tastes of Portland with foods from four different food carts.

Then and Now Arcade: Monday Winners

In a unique, light-hearted battle of old versus new, the Then and Now Arcade officially opened, offering attendees the chance to play nostalgic Atari and brand-new Wii games. Stop by the exhibit hall to join in on the action. Winners will be announced each day and prizes will be awarded to the top Atari scorer and top Wii scorer.

Here are the “Then” and “Now” champions for Monday, March 21. Be sure to stop by the Then and Now Arcade at the Oregon Convention Center in Exhibit Hall E, Level 1 for a chance to win some great prizes each day of the conference.

Watts Humphrey Memorial Fun Run/Walk: Day One

SEPG North America attendees Norm Hammock and Pat O’Toole are continuing a 15-year tradition of hosting a run each morning of SEPG North America. Formerly dubbed the “Level 5K,” this daily run has been renamed the “Watts Memorial Level 5K Run/Walk” in honor of the late Watts Humphrey, who was instrumental in the creation of the SEPG Conference Series.

While not an official SEPG North America 2011 event, the run/walk organizers invite any interested individuals to join them each morning–rain or shine! Runners and walkers should meet at 6 a.m.in the Doubletree Hotel Portland Lobby and depart for the run from there.

For more info, contact Norm Hammock (phone: 205.585.8750, email: nhammock@aol.com), or Pat O’Toole (email: PACT.otoole@att.net).

Check out this video from the Monday morning run/walk:

SEPG North America 2011 Officially Opens

It’s the first official day of SEPG North America 2011. The first day of the four-day conference offers a full day of tutorials on some of the leading topics in process improvement. Today also features the Exhibits Grand Opening with a performance you won’t want to miss.

Technical program co-chair Gian Wemyss shares his thoughts on the opening morning of the conference.

SEI Offers a Pre-Portland Welcome to SEPG North America 2011

Almost 50 and just now posting my first blog – who says people can’t change? I’m thrilled to be able to share some commentary, describe some of the events that will be happening at SEPG North America 2011, and share a video that we produced when we were making a pre-conference visit to Portland back in 2010. After more than 25,000 email exchanges, 5,000 cups of coffee, and 1,000 face-to-face meetings, we are now 55 days from the start of SEPG North America 2011!

We are putting the finishing touches on the four-day conference and you’ll start to see more information on our website shortly that will help you plan how to maximize your time in Portland. Make sure to check out information regarding four special course offerings from our Professional Development Center that will be hosted in Portland either before or after SEPG North America 2011 (CMMI-DEV Level 2 for Practitioners, Development Supplement for CMMI for Services, and an Introduction to the CMMI Accelerated Improvement Method (AIM)).

I look forward to sharing more commentary with you in the weeks ahead and having as many of you as possible look for me (in the green polo) and let me know how well we are doing and what we can continue to do to make the SEPG Conference Series the premier conference choice for your networking and professional development needs.

Bob Rosenstein
Manager of Events, Conferences, and Trade Shows at the SEI

Today is the Last Day to Save $300 at SEPG North America 2011

Have you registered yet for SEPG North America 2011? Held March 21-24, 2011 in Portland, Oregon, SEPG North America 2011 is the premier annual learning and networking event for process professionals. From tutorials to technical sessions, from networking to noshing on some of Portland’s local cuisine, there are many reasons to join us at SEPG North America 2011.

The good news is that through tonight, Friday, December 17 at 11:59 p.m. EST, you can save up to $300 off regular registration rates, so secure your spot and register now. Here are five things to know to take advantage of this super early bird discount:

1. Registration provides access to the mini-tutorials, tutorials, presentations, panel sessions, keynote addresses, special events, and meals (morning beverage service, lunches, and breaks) for each day that you are registered.

2. During the registration process, you will be given a short list of personas (fictitious characters that represent different types of process professionals) and asked to choose up to two that most closely match your role and interests. Once the conference program is posted on our website and during the conference, you will be able to choose sessions that are targeted to your specific personas so that you get the most from your conference experience.

3. When completing your registration, you may choose the discount code that provides the most benefit to you (e.g., SEI Partner discount, SEPG North America speaker discount, etc.). Individuals are eligible for one discount only; discount codes may not be combined.

4. Once you complete your conference registration, you will have the option to be automatically directed to the housing reservation website to book your hotel room. We are pleased to offer a special SEPG conference rate of $129 a night at the Doubletree Hotel Portland, which is within walking distance to the Oregon Convention Center. A daily breakfast buffet at the Doubletree Portland Hotel is included only for conference attendees who book in the block. Hear more about the Doubletree Hotel Portland from the general manager.

5. If you need assistance with the registration system, you can contact the Active Network support team at 801-523-6525 (toll, worldwide), 866-902-5794 (toll-free, U.S. and Canada), or support@na2011.sepgevents.com.

We hope to see you in Portland.

SEPG Europe 2010: Interacting with Prospective Customers

SEPG Europe is the one international conference where sponsors can interact with prospective customers. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from Duncan Seidler, Business Development Manager for Method Park Software AG.

SEPG Europe 2010: Meeting with Users from Around the World

SEPG Europe is the one international conference where you can meet with users from around the world. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from Pedro Castro Henriques, Senior Consultant and Co-Founder of Strongstep.

SEPG Europe 2010: Hear from Leading High-Maturity Organizations

SEPG Europe is the one international conference where you can hear from leading high-maturity organizations. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from Jose Goncalo Silvas, Quality Manager at Critical Software.

Jeanie and David Kitson on The Benefits of Attending SEPG

SEI Partners Jeanie and David Kitson from KAMO Consultants sit down with us to discuss the impact SEI technology has on their customers and the benefits of attending the SEPG conferences.

Find out more at:
http://www.sei.cmu.edu/sepg/2010