Back in 2005, the first Excel User Conference was held in Fort Worth, Texas. This was an offshoot of the Excel-G and Excel-L mailing list communities, and was organized by Microsoft Excel MVP Damon Longworth. It was a great success with attendees coming from around the country and around the world. On my way to Fort Worth from Boston, Continental Airlines stranded me overnight in Houston, so I arrived just in time to give a presentation with a whole hour of sleep.

Since then, the conferences have become a regular event. They have been held in the US on the East Coast (Atlantic City several times), Midwest (Fort Worth, St Louis), West Coast (LA), and overseas in London and just this spring Down Under in Sydney. An esteemed collection of MVPs and other experts have shared their knowledge and wisdom, and everyone gathers for the classes, seminars, shared meals, and late evening bull sessions. Pictures and summaries from past events can be viewed on the Conference web site.

The next Excel User Conference is scheduled for September 24-26, 2008, in Atlantic City. Sign ups have opened for this event, and the schedule has been posted. There are the usual variety of experts and MVPs giving talks and classes (including yours truly). Check it out.