What happens in Vegas, won’t be staying there!

We’ve all heard the expression “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” but don’t expect any secrets at this year’s PlanetPTC Live. That’s because the event, which takes place in Las Vegas in June, coincides with the release of Creo 1.0. Working together with the independent organization PTC/USER, we’ve created an even more worthwhile and memorable experience—something you can go home and talk about whether you’re a CEO or PTC product user.

The PTCLive crew anticipates more than 2,300 people at the four-day event, and they’re working full steam to get ready. Among the crew is Pino Soro, Senior Marketing Director for all PlanetPTC Live events around the globe. I was able to stop him for just a few minutes to tell us more about how Creo 1.0 will rock PTCLive Las Vegas.

GH: For those unfamiliar with the PlanetPTC Live events, can you introduce them?

Soro: PlanetPTC Live is a series of face-to-face events we conduct across globe. In the past year, we’ve already run events in Paris, Stuttgart, Shanghai, and Tokyo. And coming this June we’ll host one in the US—in Las Vegas.

The events are for discrete manufacturers, and provide a unique combination of education, training and access to other manufacturers and PTC executives. This year’s series of events has set an all-time record, with more than 6,000 expected to attend all the five events.

GH: How will the release of Creo 1.0 during PlanetPTC Live define the Las Vegas event?

Soro. Well let me first point out that this event isn’t just about releasing Creo 1.0. The event  is the premier PTC in-person educational and networking event for product engineers, developers, managers and educators who use PTC technology solutions.

GH: But PTC is releasing Creo 1.0 during the event?

Soro. Yes, but can we look at the broader picture?

GH: Okay. Who attends the PlanetPTC Live events?

Soro: As you would expect the majority of  the attendees are existing customers, but not necessarily users of all PTC solutions. So we have good representation from prospects who there to hear how companies are using all of PTC’s solutions, to understand the PTC product roadmap, and to meet PTC executives. From a role point of view, we have executives, directors, managers, and PTC product users all in attendance

GH: That’s quite a diverse audience, how do you make it interesting for all those different types of attendees?

Soro: Good question! A lot of thought and effort goes into exactly that challenge. We work closely with the PTC/USER organization and PTC leaders to find a successful balance.

We typically have one main session were we present topics of interest to all audiences, for example, our product roadmap,  latest PTC news, etc. We typically then have a number of tracks and breakout sessions, focusing on different products, perhaps industries, customer successes, detailed product updates, training, hands-on sessions, usability labs,  and so on.

The goal is to make sure that, for users, the event provides everything you need to do your job better. No matter the product you use or your discipline, you’ll find user-focused educational sessions and in-depth training opportunities. In fact, PTC customers and partners will lead more than 65 presentations.

There are also some great networking opportunities and a diverse Solutions Expo, where PTC and its partners are available to discuss and demonstrate all the solutions in the PTC ecosystem.

Plus, we’ve got quite a few surprises in store to ensure this is an exciting and inspirational event.

GH: And what’s planned at the event with respect to Creo 1.0?

Soro: Did I say the event isn’t just about Creo 1.0? But, yeah, for those that are coming along to the event to find out more about Creo 1.0, we have lots of great content. Here are some highlights:

• Dedicated introduction to Creo 1.0 as part of the first day group presentations
• For users, Hands-on Learning Labs that includes hands-on opportunities to use Creo 1.0
• PTC and partners demonstating Creo 1.0 at their booths in the Solutions Expo
• Access to PTC’s product management group, ready to discuss the Creo 1.0 release, etc.
• Dedicated booths to answer questions about migrating, upgrading, maintenance changes, and so on.

GH: Sounds like a great Creo 1.0 Release event!

Soro: [Sigh of despair].

GH: How can people find out more about PlanetPTC Live in Las Vegas?

Soro: We’ve a dedicated area on the web where everyone can find out a lot more about the four-day event, including location, schedules, agendas, registration, pricing, etc.

GH: For the cost conscious—any special rates?

Soro: We’re offering a number of special rates - for those registering early – before April 8^th, for groups (3 or more employees from the same organization), and for those employed by the Government or Higher Education.

So this year, at PlanetPTC Live, we’re really hoping that “What happens in Vegas, you tell everyone!” [Ed – especially about Creo 1.0!]