Are Your Technology Systems Failing You? And… Just How Much Does That Failure Cost Your Business?

Could It Be Costing You Thousands Of Dollars?
Even Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars!!?

Are you paying more for tech support than you should be because your staff doesn't interact with other system users for free?   Do you want to see the exact steps other companies have taken to go from virtually no automation to fully integrated systems?   Do you feel like you're not getting everything you paid for out of your existing technology?   Does your technology spending feel like a bottomless pit with no ROI accountability?

Most marketers express frustration with their tech systems-

They either aren't getting what they need or don't see enough efficiency gains for the investment. Whether it's networking/communication problems, lack of data or systems integration, or even tax or inventory challenges, it's hard to find practical solutions… Even when you think you've found solutions, getting them actually working at your shop can be a nightmare

An amazing team of speakers will give you answers to your technology questions:

Create workable systems on a shoe-string budget   Understand back office systems with most popular petro software on the market   Leverage technology to optimize fuel management operations

Look at this Line Up of 2008
Top Notch Marketers/Speakers!

Bill Meek, Comptroller, Martin Eagle Oil Company, Inc., Denton, TX
One of the founders of this event, Bill oversees operations for a diversified wholesale and retail distributor. With tankwagon delivery, lubes, dealers, company operated stores, Bill knows the challenges of diversified operations, tight budgets, and figuring out how to get things done!

Jenny Bullard, Chief Information Officer, The Jones Company and Flash Foods, Waycross, GA
As a 30 year veteran, Jenny joined the small company as CFO. Being at the helm during growth from only 15 stores to now 180 as well as wholesale fuels, Jenny knows your pain and will talk specifically about growth, scanning and loyalty initiatives.

Greg Cushard, Owner and President, Rubicon, Inc., Sacramento, CA
AS a first generation marketer, Greg is building his business from scratch and will share what he did to get his dispatch piece done. Currently using a system built by UPS, Greg is now focused on the wet-hosing market. You'll enjoy hearing his story!

Kerry Oliver, CFO, CarterEnergy, Overland Park, KS
Learn how Kerry spearheaded this growing organization's successful switch in software programs, including a killer RFP and implementation process so they actually got what they needed and were promised! If you are in the midst of changing, or thinking about changing GL software, don't miss this!

Jason Callison, General Manager, RM Parks, Porterville, CA
Jason runs one of the largest dealer supply and trucking operations on the West coast. Similar to most marketers, he knew that dispatch efficiency would be key to profitability in the next decade so allowed his company to be the beta test for a powerful new software program. He'll share with you where they were before and after!

Cathy Duncan, VP Wholesale, DTN
Formerly a petroleum CFO, Cathy brings a wealth of experience in both refiner and marketer systems. DTN is the data powerhouse behind most major refiner's fuel pricing, working actively with terminals, refiners and marketers. Cathy's goal is to help you maximize your margin and efficiency.

Gary Bevers, Editor, NPN
Gary has worked both upstream and downstream and is considered one of the absolute experts in the fuel industry. Gary will give an overview of changes in the fuel industry and a sneak peek into his forecast for 2008, including the impact of eco-friendly fuels and their impact on current systems.

Rick Martin, President, SmartLogix
As a former Exxon engineer, Rick became a petroleum owner in 1999 when he purchased Culp Petroleum. Frustrated with dispatch and the fuel distribution system, he went to work on creating what are now SMARTTank, SMARTTruck, and SMARTLogix. If you've ever wondered what your true tankwagon margin is, Rick can show you how to get the answer!

Nique Leili, software consultant, M & N Communications, Lawrenceville, GA
Coming from a petroleum family and having worked in petroleum, Nique is an expert at matching existing petro software to company needs and getting your existing software to function the way you want it to! Nique knows the intricacies of petroleum systems from working with marketers across the country and will share valuable tips.

Betsi Bixby, President, Meridian Associates, Weatherford, TX
Assisting over 2,500 petroleum marketers gain efficiencies and cash flow since founding Meridian in 1991, Betsi will serve as moderator and host of this event. 

This annual event is two days packed with tips and information from speakers and your peers. A must not miss event for your technical guru's.

Key Take-Aways

Difference between tech needs and tech wants   Most common tech failures and how to prevent them   Simple yet effective ROI analysis method   Practical methods to analyze your existing systems   Multiple Q & A sessions with speakers

Focus on Practical Technology will be held January 21-22, 2009 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel, conveniently located near the DFW International Airport and including complimentary hotel airport shuttle service. Each day the event will begin at 8:00 am. Day 1 will end at 5:30 pm with complimentary cocktails and dinner following, and Day 2 will end at 3:30 pm.

Meridian Associates Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Web site: www.nasba.org