SolidWorks Community

Under New Management

2008-10-09T13:28:47-04:00

One new SolidWorks User Group, and a couple of new user group leaders make their debuts over the next week.

First up, Kelly Frazier takes over the helm at the Colorado SolidWorks User Group tonight in Boulder, CO. Next in the list - Jeff Arthur with the Greater Cincinnati SolidWorks User Group (formerly the Tri-State group) next Tuesday the 14th. Finally, on Wednesday the 15th, the brand new Louisville SolidWorks User Group gets going under the direction of Paul McCrorey.

I'll be lucky enough to be at the two latter meetings.

There are currently 30 SolidWorks User Group meetings on the calendar for October and November. Wow!

What do You do on Your Birthday?

2008-10-07T11:14:21-04:00

Gabi Jack blogs and "Twitters".

Happy Birthday Gabi!

SolidWorks 2009 "Reigns" in Spain?

2008-10-03T16:07:44-04:00

Jeff Rowe is one of my favorite CAD journalists (and people), but the title of his report on the SolidWorks 2009 Launch Event in Barcelona left me wondering about him.

Read it here.

SWUGN Summit - Salt Lake City

2008-10-01T11:14:41-04:00

Part of the criteria when deciding SWUGN Summit cities is the presence or lack of a local SolidWorks User Group. In cities where a group exists, good attendance is almost assured. When an area lacks a local user group, there's a good chance for getting one started because of the event.

Such was the case with Salt Lake City, an area full of SolidWorks users but without a local chapter. That changed well ahead of this months event. Chad Clarke and Colin Heald put together the Northern Utah SolidWorks User Group, which held it's inaugural meeting in August. 45 SolidWorks users showed up to see some great technical sessions, eat some good food, and have a chance to win some fabulous prizes. By all accounts, a really great first meeting.

So I guess that means that the SWUGN Summit - Salt Lake City will also be a success. Based on the great lineup of presenters, I have little doubt. Registration is open here.

Where in the World is Gerald Davis?

2008-09-30T12:12:48-04:00

I've gotten used to hearing from Gerald Davis on a regular basis, whether to share user group related information, or even calling me out for a lousy idea on occasion. SolidWorks users that frequent the SolidWorks discussion forums also know him as an expert SolidWorks user offering well though-out ideas and help for all manner of problems. If you've attended a SWUGN Summit event or SolidWorks World, you know him as a highly rated presenter that really knows his stuff. So I was a bit concerned when Gerald suddenly "fell of the map" so to speak.

In addition to relinquishing his duties as President of COSUG, Gerald had all but disappeared from the forums. I contacted Gerald last week to ask him what was going on. Turns out, it's not a sinister as it appears - he's just been REALLY busy with his business.

Stepping down as COSUG President was a decision he made earlier this year. Infusing some new blood into the group leadership was his explanation. Like Rocky Marciano, Pete Sampras, and Sandy Koufax, Gerald "retired" at the top, having been named SWUGN's Group Leader of the Year for 2007. Long-time COSUG board member Kelly Frazier takes over the top spot, and COSUG is in great shape for the future.

You can count on getting a healthy dose of Gerald over the next few months. With his projects nearing completions, he has promised a return to the forums. Gerald will also be one of the featured presenters at the SWUGN Summit - Salt Lake City next month, and already has two sessions accepted for SolidWorks World 2009 in Orlando next February.

See you soon Gerald!