Written by Heather L. Cole, February 8th, 2022
For years I thought I could just watch a video, read a Cognos Red Book, or just play with the IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics software to advance my skills. And you know it worked. But what I discovered is that when I surrounded myself with people that were better than I was, that knew more than me and had different experiences, well my game leveled up significantly. I could learn tricks in hours not days or weeks. I could return to my clients looking like a superstar. And that’s why I am a huge believer in the benefits of attending Cognos Analytics User Groups.
Live Virtual User Group
So, on February 17, 2022, at 9 am – noon central Lodestar Solutions will be hosting the North Texas Cognos User Group with IBM. But the great news is you don’t have to be in Texas to join! The event will be virtual so if you are in Chicago, Tampa, DC or even London you can join.
Benefits of Cognos Analytics User Groups
There are many benefits to attending a Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics User Group!
Networking -
Back when we could meet in person, I always loved attending Cognos Analytics user groups to meet new friends. I miss the personal interaction of the virtual world, but then after attending a Tony Robbins conference virtually I discovered you can still connect at a conference. You just need breakout rooms! So, Lodestar Solutions is adding its unique spin to the North Texas Cognos User Group, with a virtual networking breakout session. I know it’s not as good as in person, but if everyone agrees to turn on their cameras and be present it can be a lot of fun! During the networking session you will be put into a virtual room of your peers to chat. Don’t worry we will provide discussion topics.
Building your Rapid Response Team -
In life I have learned I don’t have to be the smartest person to add a lot of value. I just need to know the smart people. Your network can help increase your worth! So, let’s meet people and build our network so when we have the strange situations, we have a lifeline to reach out to.
Learning What’s Possible -
As technology continues to advance, it’s almost impossible to keep up with all the changes, new features and integration tools. Heck there are amazing 3rd party tools for IBM Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics that you probably don’t even know exist. Products like Motio and Qubedocs. Guess what, IBM sales is not really motivated to educate you on tools they can’t sell. However, Cognos Analytics User Groups often share new tools, and administrative hacks.
North Texas Cognos User Group
Now we know it’s important to attend IBM Cognos Analytics user groups, I want to share with you what Lodestar Solutions and IBM will be covering on Thursday, February 17th, 2022, at the North Texas Cognos User Group.
Agenda for User Group Meeting (subject to change):
9:00 - 9:15am: Introductions
9:15 - 10:00am: The Great Resignation: Analytics Professionals are on the move and how you can respond, by Lodestar
10:00 - 10:30am: Virtual Networking - small group discussion
10:30 - 11:00am: Update on Cognos Analytics on Cloud, by IBM
11:00 - 11:10am: Break
11:10 - 11:30am: Vulnerability with Log4, by Lodestar
11:30 - 12:00pm: Python Integration with Cognos/Planning Analytics, by Lodestar
To register, go to Lodestar’s Training Portal (link below). Don’t worry, it’s free. You will have to create a username and password. By doing so you will be granted access to the recordings of the user group after the event. Lodestar Solutions will also periodically post updated videos and information to this training environment. So, if something major happens you will get notified.
This does not mean you should skip the meeting because you don't want to create an account! You want to attend because we are also having virtual networking where we put you in breakout rooms to meet your peers and discuss various topics of interest.
If you have any questions or issues with registering, please email services@lodestarsolutions.com.
I also recommend you check out the new global Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics User Group (AIDAUG). AIDAUG will be very beneficial to all IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics customers. Okay true confession, I am one of the organizers, along with Jean-Georges Perrin, Ryan Dolley, Jens Baumler, Mark Lack, Martin Otto, Paul Cortellesi, Paul Mendelson, Ralf Roeber, Riekke Jacobsen and Stuart Litel. I am forever amazed at the wisdom of this group and still wondering how I got invited to join them.
Check out https://aidaug.org and https://www.linkedin.com/company/aidaug/.