Benefits of Attending Cognos Analytics User Groups

Benefits of Attending Cognos Analytics User Groups
Benefits of Attending Cognos Analytics User Groups
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/

November Lodestar Virtual Cognos User Group

November Lodestar Virtual Cognos User Group
November Lodestar Virtual Cognos User Group
Written by Mike Bernaiche, October 28th, 2021

It is almost that time again!!  Time for the Virtual Cognos User Group for Lodestar clients only!  Lodestar hosts a Virtual Cognos User Group every quarter, that’s 4 times a year of great information FREE for our clients.  We started these last year as the world was going virtual and they have been a great success.  Below you will find all the information to attend.  We break the Cognos User Group into 2 sessions on different days.  Day 1 is for Cognos Analytics and Day 2 is for Planning Analytics.  Join us for either one or both!  Here is the best part, all sessions are recorded and as a Lodestar customer you have access to our library of videos from all user groups that you can watch anytime. 

Cognos Analytics User Group

When: November 9, 2021, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Agenda: Virtual Cognos User Group - CA

Containers are Coming – Cognos Analytics and Cloud Pak for Data
Join Heather as she provides a high-level presentation on what Cloud Paks are and if they are right for you.
Cognos Analytics What’s New

Mike will provide an update with demo of new features in Cognos Analytics 11.2 and 11.2.1.

Cognos Analytics Tech Talk

Ted will give an update on all things technical related to Cognos Analytics 11.2.

Networking Break Out

Talk to other clients and build your professional network with more Cognos Analytics knowledge.

Dashboarding Secrets

Join Mike as he demonstrates dashboarding secrets he has learned in Cognos Analytics 11.2 / 11.2.1.

Predictive Analytics with Cognos Analytics

Heather will be joined by a predictive analytics expert to discuss how you can use Predictive with Cognos Analytics.

Planning Analytics User Group

When: November 16, 2021, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Agenda: Virtual Cognos User Group - PA

Containers are Coming – Planning Analytics and Cloud Pak for Data

Join Heather as she provides a high-level presentation on what Cloud Paks are and if they are right for you.

Workbench and Admin

Mike will demonstrate the new workbench in Planning Analytics Workspace.

AI Forecasting Capabilities in Planning Analytics

Did you know that Planning Analytics Workspace has AI forecasting capability?  See how to use it in this session.

Planning Analytics Tech Talk

Ted will give an update on all things technical related to Planning Analytics.

Networking Break Out

Talk to other clients and build your professional network with more Planning Analytics knowledge.

Predictive Analytics with Planning Analytics

Heather will be joined by a predictive analytics expert to discuss how you can use Predictive with Planning Analytics.

Creative Uses of Planning Analytics

Heather has some great ideas on how you can use Planning Analytics other than the normal budgeting and forecasting options.

How to Join

Be on the lookout for an email from Lodestar with all the details to join each session.  If you have never joined us before and do not have a special log in to our video library, please reach out to Heather Cole at hcole@lodestarsolutions.  She will get you set up in our library to take part in this user group and watch any of our previous videos from other virtual Cognos user groups.

For a list of topics covered in previous user groups check out this extensive blog listing.

IBM Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics Virtual User Group - Lodestar Solutions

Handy Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics Links

What’s new in Planning Analytics

What’s new in Cognos Analytics?

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