NAVUG Summit 2016 Preview: Dynamics NAV Roadmap, Microsoft Tech in Focus As Event Grows

"Every year, I say it's going to be the biggest and best yet, but this year I really feel that," says Mark Rhodes. As program director of NAVUG since 2014, he coordinates educational programs and meetings for the NAVUG community, including NAVUG Summit 2016, which runs October 11-14 in Tampa, Fla.

Rhodes talked to MSDynamicsWorld.com about what he is looking forward to at this year's NAVUG Summit.

MSDW: What is your overall outlook for NAVUG Summit 2016?

Mark Rhodes: I know it is going to be bigger - we're doing 30 percent to 40 percent growth every year. But this year, especially with what's going on in the market, with what's going on with Microsoft, including changing their focus from Convergence to Envision and their release of Dynamics 365, and Project Maderia and all the supplements that go around that, it really is going to be the biggest and best yet. I'm really excited to see what actually unfolds. We're looking to increase from 725 attendees last year to over 1,000 this year.

This year we have a NAV 2017 track to see the new product. Microsoft is going to do six in-depth demos of the new product. Also with Microsoft's increased involvement - they're going to have 11 speakers, in addition to the other Microsoft team members who will be there - there's no better time to connect with Microsoft and understand what's happening with the product, get support and hear directly from them.

Why is it important for NAV users to attend Summit?

A couple years ...