The bar had been raised, and expectations were high. Netchex’s second annual client conference had arrived, and it had to surpass its predecessor – held last year to rave reviews. On June 6, hundreds of Netchex clients converged in downtown New Orleans prepared to be blown away at Netconnect 2013. They were not disappointed.
Months of intense planning culminated in a conference like none other – hours of in-depth Netchex training, a critical Health Care Reform update, an inspiring Keynote Speaker, a full Mardi Gras Parade and an awesome concert celebration made Netconnect 2013 a truly unforgettable experience.
“It was the best conference I’ve ever attended,” said Michelle Arseneaux, of Juge, Napolitano, Guilbeau, Ruli & Frieman. “It was informative, the breakout classes were great, we had amazing opportunity for networking and the entire staff that I met at Netchex, from the owners to the sales reps, was incredible. On top of that, you guys really know how to throw a party! We had a blast!”
The day kicked off with a high-energy registration hour that was abuzz with attendees making new friends, learning about our partners and meeting the Netchex team who has helped them process their payroll for years. From there, New Orleans’ infamous Mardi Gras Indians put on a beautiful and rhythmic performance that had the entire audience on their feet.
Netchex CEO Will Boudreaux opened Netconnect 2013 with an overview of where Netchex has been and where it’s heading in the coming months, including the releases of our NetHire, Publisher 2.0 and Health Care Reform portal. Guest speaker Stacy Barrow took it from there with a crucial Health Care Reform update, giving our attendees an expert-led session on how to plan for the upcoming changes.
Attendees then broke off into their chosen training sessions, getting extensive insight into how to maximize the Netchex system.
“It was wonderful,” said Dorris Harrell, of St. Timothy United Methodist Church. “I learned a lot, and have already been able to use the information. I’m so glad we have Netchex – they know their stuff! I was also able to connect with my rep in so many ways. I felt like I was part of something really good.”
Netchex CEO Will Boudreaux puts those connections with our valued clients as one of his highest priorities. For Boudreaux, the highlight of Netconnect was the faces he saw.
“Netconnect 2013 not only allowed us to showcase our new technology solutions with the release of Netchex 2.0 and its complimentary HR and reporting tool, but more importantly, share a great day with our clients,” Boudreaux said. “We were able to get first-hand feedback, as well as allow our entire staff to spend quality time with the very clients they support – for that alone Netconnect 2013 was a tremendous success!”
The day didn’t stop there, though. Adrian Gostick, our Keynote Speaker, gave a genuinely motivating, uplifting and inspirational speech on changing the culture of your company through your personal, daily actions. This speech had attendees laughing, crying, thinking, and feverishly taking notes.
“This was the first conference that has so perfectly selected a keynote speaker,” said J. Lacey Dugas, of Metairie Bank. “Adrian Gostick’s keynote address was relevant to today’s workplace issues, and was something every company in attendance, no matter how large or small, could take something positive from.”
While the education, inspiration, and personal relationships formed were the value of Netconnect, it wouldn’t be a Netchex event without an awesome party!
mardi gras paradeAfter happy hour, all of our attendees loaded up onto authentic Mardi Gras floats for an extraordinary parade ride through the streets of downtown New Orleans. The Krewe of Netconnect drew a crowd with seven Orpheus floats being led by a full marching band from O. Perry Walker High School, and the riders had a blast dancing, tossing beads and enjoying the view from above.
The party continued when the floats pulled into the float den of Mardi Gras World, and the guests disembarked for a concert that brought down the house. Rockin’ Dopsie put on a phenomenal show that had attendees line dancing, Cajun dancing and second lining amongst the scenic decorations and “star-lit” sky of the Grand Oaks Mansion room.
When Rockin’ Dopsie took his final bow, and the day came to a close, Netconnect 2013 was declared a success by all those in attendance.
“We had a great time at the conference,” said Jane Manuel, of Pool Corp. “We loved the keynote speaker, the variety of different breakout sessions, and seeing so many Netchex people. The float ride and after party were AWESOME!!!! You really out did yourselves. I don’t know how you will be able to top this year’s conference, but looking forward to next year.”
The bar has been raised again, and everyone here at Netchex looks forward to topping it at Netconnect 2014!