ProModel’s 2011 Predictive Analytics with Simulation Conference a Huge Success!

ProModel hosted its 2011 Predictive Analytics with Simulation Conference October 30th through November 3rd at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in beautiful Orlando, Florida.  Close to 150 industry decision makers gathered together for a remarkable week of informative presentations and networking receptions that showcased how simulation technology can drastically improve productivity.

The Conference kicked off with a Welcome Reception on Sunday evening where professionals across all industries were able to network and enjoy an outstanding dinner in the beautiful Grand Cypress Portico.

Right from the start on Monday morning, the PAWS Conference began highlighting simulation success stories with a presentation form keynote speaker Henry T. Glisson, Lt Gen, U.S. Army Retired and Managing Director of True North Logistics, LLC. Mr. Glisson talked about the complexity of the Army’s logistics system and how the use of decision support tools can facilitate better decision-making and management across the enterprise as it performs the equipping function of the recurring Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) process.

Tuesday’s keynote speaker, Mark W. Shafer, Sr. Vice President of Revenue Management and Analytics at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, gave an inspiring presentation on game changing analytics from a Disney perspective. Shafer explored some of the ways one of the most creative companies in the world thinks about analytical-based decision making and how it integrates technology and analytical innovation into delivering world-class experiences to its fans and guests across multiple platforms.

Presenters and Attendees represented the following organizations:

The conference provided a chance for decision makers to learn from other professionals who are currently using ProModel tools, and allowed for those clients to showcase how simulation technology has improved their operations.  Speakers from various industries including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, Department of Defense, and academia gave presentations highlighting the value gained from specific projects for which simulation was the correct technology.

Take a minute to review some of the outstanding presentations offered at the 2011 conference!

A ProModel student simulation competition was also held in conjunction with the conference where students received the opportunity to demonstrate their process improvement skills using ProModel’s state-of-the-art simulation technology.  Each finalist in the competition received a free 20-user commercial license of a ProModel software product for their university lab and a professor version, and first place winners received a $2,000 cash prize!  First place for the MedModel competition went to 3 very talented students from the University of Western Michigan, Anna C. Kamphaus, Kyle Naumann & Kim Harms.  The ProModel competition first place winner was Amanda Smith of California Polytechnic State University for her outstanding simulation modeling.  Following the competition, students were invited to a roundtable discussion led by ProModel Corporation Founder and Director Dr. Charles Harrell and Dr. Farhad Moeeni, Professor of Computer and Information Technology at Arkansas State University.

Following the incredibly informative sessions portion, the two remaining days of the conference allowed guests to get involved in ProModel simulation training courses.  A few of the many courses available included: Simulation Essentials, Lean Six Sigma for Manufacturing/Logistics and Healthcare, Real World Simulation Case Studies, and Simulation for Managers and Decision Makers. 

The results are in… ProModel’s 2011 Predictive Analytics with Simulation Conference was a huge success and a great learning opportunity for all involved!  Many in attendance agreed that the conference was highly interactive and informative, as well as useful towards building a business simulator community. 

ProModel would like to make a special thank you to keynote speakers Henry T. Glisson and Mark W. Shafer and to everyone else who presented their simulation success stories!  And thank you to all who attended the conference… we look forward to continue providing practical simulation solutions for you and your organization!