As humans, we strive for face-to-face engagement, making investments in quality conversations worthwhile in order to build meaningful connections. While the pandemic taught us that interactions can be impactful when virtual, there is no substitute for in-person events for networking, discovering new products and solutions up close, and building engaging relationships.

Here are three statistics to show meeting in person is more important than ever:

• In-person teams generate 15 to 20% more ideas than virtual ones (Stanford)
• 95% of people say face-to-face meetings are key to successful long-term relationships (Harvard Business Review)
• 80% of attendees say in-person events are the most trusted way to discover new products and services (Freeman)

With constant challenges and uncertainty and change continuously impacting business, QAD recognizes that now is the time to enable our customers to gather in person with fellow manufacturing and supply chain leaders and engage on the necessity of business transformation. That’s why we launched QAD Transform and made it complimentary for current and future customers to attend, with different locations and dates to fit their schedule and interests:

QAD Transform Europe
September 24 – 25, 2024
Cardo Hotel
Brussels Belgium

QAD Transform Americas
November 4 – 6, 2024
Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
Chicago, Illinois

Below are some helpful resources to justify the investment and enable you to make the business case for attending QAD Transform.

Your QAD Transform Checklist for Success

✅ Build your agenda wishlist

Review the schedule for each event to understand which keynotes and sessions align best with your company’s goals and strategic objectives. 

Each complimentary conference has a great lineup of industry thought leaders from global brands on the necessity of transformation and important topics like ESG and sustainability mandates, disruptions in global trade and logistics, worker shortages and productivity, and technologies such as AI and process intelligence. With more than 20 breakout sessions, you can tailor your agenda to your interests and gain actionable insights and expert advice on challenges specific to your business.

Be ready to note which sessions you’ll attend at either QAD Transform Europe or QAD Transform Americas and highlight the value of the topics to your role in an email justification letter template to your manager.

✅ Use the email justification letter template

To help you make the case to your business on why you should attend, we’ve created this customizable email template. The template highlights the benefits of your attendance and sets out the costs expected from travel and lodging. Copy, personalize and hit send on this email justification template to share with your manager.

✅ Start planning now

While the event is complimentary, the longer you wait, the more expensive travel will be. Book early to rest easy. Begin making your trip plans by looking into and planning for details regarding travel to Brussels or Chicago and hotel accommodations. We have discounted rates at the venues for each conference: the new Cardo Brussels and the sophisticated Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. Find the details on hotel prices and other FAQs for QAD Transform Europe or QAD Transform Americas when you register.

⭐ Bonus: Dream up your travel bucket list for Brussels or Chicago

Did you know that Brussels has more cultural events per capita than New York? Or that Chicago’s motto is urbs in horto or “city in a garden” for its impressive and historic park system? While QAD Transform Europe and QAD Transform Americas are sure to leave you feeling enriched professionally, don’t miss out on the chance to experience the must-see and must-eat highlights of each exciting destination. 

With the Cardo Brussels located just minutes from the historic city center and the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park set in the heart of the Windy City, you’ll be just steps away from activities and attractions. As so many teams still work remote or are hybrid, our conferences offer an excellent opportunity to gather in person with your colleagues for work as well as fun in two great cities.

Don’t Take It From Us; Hear Directly From Your Peers

Need more? Hear from QAD customers on why QAD Transform is a key event they’re investing in this year.

Refer a Colleague for a Chance to Win Prizes

Fancy winning a Carhatt backpack? How about a €1,000/$1,000 travel voucher or a donation in the same amount to the charity of your choice?

More fun than attending QAD Transform by yourself is traveling and participating in the conference with your colleagues! Attending the event as a team allows you to cover more sessions and share what you learn, gain different perspectives and spark creativity to take back to your organization. Plus, you could win a prize for referring someone!

We are giving three companies the chance to win a Carhartt backpack (value of $100) by joining in the following competition: 

• Refer three colleagues from at least two different departments to register for QAD Transform Europe or QAD Transform Americas.
• You and your colleagues will now be entered as a team.
• The draw will take place during lunch on the last day of the conference.

We also have a special prize for the person with the most colleague referrals. This lucky attendee will win a €1,000/$1,000 travel voucher or a donation in the same amount to the charity of their choice.

Register Now

Register now for QAD Transform Europe or QAD Transform Americas and engage with us on social media using #QADTransform.